2017 New Ford Escape Review

Ford Escape On the horsepower front, 2017 brings the arrival of the turbocharged 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine, as well as a revised version of the 2.0-liter EcoBoost. The 1.5-liter EcoBoost will be standard in the SE and Titanium trim levels, and although the numbers aren’t yet set in stone, it is projected to produce 180 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque. The optional twin-scroll 2.0-liter EcoBoost has received new pistons and a redesigned exhaust manifold for improved efficiency and refinement; it is rated at 245 horsepower and an impressive 275 lb-ft. Returning for duty basically unchanged is the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder, which will be available only in the base S trim. All three engines are mated to a six-speed automatic.

Style-Tech

Trapezoidal grille aside, the 2017 Escape could easily be mistaken for the previous model, but plenty of fresh sheetmetal has been applied to the familiar shape. Essentially new from the A-pillars forward, the 2017 model's fascia, fenders, and headlamps have been redone, as has the aluminum hood. In an effort to quiet the interior, Ford beefed up the acoustic insulation in the A-pillars, front doors, and fender liners; engineers also reworked the windshield seal and switched to laminated acoustic glass in the doors. The tailgate and standard LED taillamps are new, and Ford even messed a bit with the suspension, replacing the rear progressive springs with linear units and fitting firmer dampers.

To free up some room and create additional storage in the console area, Ford ditched the manual parking-brake lever (time to develop a new winter-driving technique), replacing it with an electronically activated parking-brake button. The shifter has been moved to the spot where the brake lever was, to permit easier access to the climate controls, and the center armrest has been lengthened slightly. A new steering wheel offers redesigned controls, and the amperage of the USB ports has been upped to provide for faster charging. Ford says a wholesale upgrade of the interior materials was ordered, but without a 2016 Escape on hand for direct comparison, it’s hard to tell the difference.

The S, SE, and Titanium trim levels return, and a new Sport Appearance package will be available for the SE and Titanium. Three additional exterior colors—Canyon Ridge, White Gold, and Lightning Blue—join the order sheet, as do six new wheel designs in sizes up to 19 inches.

The Escape has been a runaway success for Ford, the maker selling more than 300,000 units in 2014 alone. With numbers like that, it’s easy to understand why Ford decided to tread lightly with this update to its popular compact crossover.

2017 Audi A4 Test Drive

2017 Audi A4 Fully redesigned this year, it's bigger (and roomier) yet lighter than last year's model. A multitude of engineering and technological improvements also result in a luxury sedan that is more enjoyable to drive, more comfortable to spend time in and more capable of keeping up with today's ever-advancing automotive world. What may be a little surprising, though, is that you may not be able to notice any of this just by looking at it.

A quick side-by-side view of A4s old and new may reveal the new, more trapezoidal grille and the generally straighter and more angular lines that replace the previously curved ones. But still, the resemblance to its predecessor and other Audi models is unmistakable. Instead, the biggest aesthetic changes can be found inside, where an all-new design maintains Audi's reputation for creating innovative cabins of impeccable quality. The revised MMI infotainment system, with its updated controller, new dash-top screen and available Virtual Cockpit gauges represent a step forward both aesthetically and functionally.

Under the A4's hood, a new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine brings 32 more horses to the show. With 258 hp sent to either the front or all four wheels (Quattro) through a newly standard seven-speed automated manual transmission, the A4 is a full second quicker from zero to 60 mph than before, matching the current segment track star, the BMW 328i.

The 2017 Audi A4 is a small luxury sedan available in three trim levels: Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige.

The A4 Premium comes standard with 17-inch wheels, automatic xenon headlights, LED running lights and taillights, a frontal collision mitigation system with automatic braking, adjustable drive settings (Audi's Drive Select), automatic wipers, a sunroof, heated mirrors, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, LED interior ambient lighting, leather upholstery, eight-way power front seats (with four-way driver power lumbar), tri-zone climate control and 40/20/40-split folding rear seatbacks.

Standard technology features include a rearview camera, Audi's MMI infotainment system with a 7-inch central display, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration and a 10-speaker audio system with a CD player, two USB ports and two SD-card slots.

The 2017 Audi A4 is motivated by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 252 hp and 273 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive (Quattro) optional. The transmission is a seven-speed automated manual that essentially works like a regular automatic.

Every 2017 Audi A4 features antilock brakes, stability and traction control, front side airbags and side curtain airbags. Rear side airbags are optional. Also standard is a frontal collision mitigation system with automatic braking, while rear collision mitigation and blind-spot monitoring are included in the Technology package (standard on Prestige, optional on Premium Plus). Lane departure warning and intervention is available only on the Prestige via the optional Driver Assistance package.

2017 Ford Explorer

2017 Ford Explorer is one of the most well-rounded

The new model year sees the introduction of a package available on XLT model Explorers called the Sport Appearance package. Added features include dark gray accents on the 20-inch wheels, grille, mirror caps and rear bumper appliqué along with black side moldings, roof rails and an Explorer hood badge. The package gives buyers the look of a Sport model without having to make the jump to the large turbocharged engine and Sport-level hardware. Inside, the package adds two-tone seats and door trim done up in dark gray leather and suede, as well as logo floor mats.

Additionally, XLT and higher grade models have the option to upgrade to Ford’s new Sync 3 infotainment system, which is more intuitive and quicker responding than the previous MyFord Touch system. The touchscreen uses swipe and pinch gestures and enhanced voice recognition with Siri integration. And when updates are available, the system will automatically update over Wi-Fi.

Standard equipment includes 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights, LED taillights, rear privacy glass, roof rails, a rearview camera, cruise control, air-conditioning, rear climate controls, a 60/40-split second-row seat, 50/50-split third-row seat, an eight-way power driver seat (manual recline), a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a 4.2-inch dashboard display screen, Sync (Ford's voice-activated phone/entertainment interface), Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player and USB/auxiliary audio inputs.

Standard on the base and XLT trim levels is a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 290 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque. With this engine, you have your choice of standard front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive. The latter gets hill descent control, hill start assist and Ford's Terrain Management System, which is a driver-selectable system that optimizes traction for a variety of driving situations.

According to the EPA, a front-wheel-drive 2017 Explorer with the V6 will deliver 20 mpg combined (17 city/24 highway). With all-wheel drive, the V6 drops slightly to 19 mpg combined (16 city/23 highway). In Edmunds testing, an AWD Explorer Limited with the base V6 went from zero to 60 mph in 8.4 seconds, which is about average for this size of vehicle.

Standard safety equipment for the 2017 Ford Explorer includes stability and traction control, trailer sway control, front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags, a front-passenger knee airbag and MyKey, which allows parents to specify limits for vehicle speed and stereo volume. The Explorer's stability control system also includes Ford's Curve Control, which can monitor speed carried into a corner and decelerate if necessary.

A rearview camera is standard on the Explorer, while a 180-degree front camera is optional. Rear parking sensors are also standard on all but the base Explorer. Optional on the Limited and Sport but standard on the Platinum is a forward collision warning system with brake priming (bundled with the adaptive cruise control), lane departure warning and lane-keeping assist (Limited only), a blind-spot monitoring system (with rear-cross traffic alert) and inflatable seat belts for second-row outboard passengers. You can now get blind-spot monitoring with rear-cross traffic in the XLT this year as well.

The Explorer's seating could be a bit disappointing for families looking for maximum space. Second-row comfort is decent, but overall it's not as roomy (particularly for installing rear-facing child safety seats) as you’d expect for a vehicle of this size. The third-row accommodations, meanwhile, very much depend on the second-row design. If you get the standard fixed bench, there's not much third-row legroom, allowing only small children to fit comfortably. Opting for the sliding second-row captain's chairs opens up considerably more legroom; however, we’d note the Explorer is reduced to six seat belts in that configuration. Cargo space in the Explorer is great with the seats in place but less competitive when all the seats are folded.

2017 Acura TLX Detailed Review

The 2017 Acura TLX is a midsize luxury sedan offered in three main trim levels: base, Technology and Advance. Technology and Advance are essentially options packages that are available on both front- and all-wheel-drive TLX models, though Advance requires the V6 engine.

The base TLX comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, all-wheel steering, LED headlights and taillights, a sunroof, heated side mirrors, keyless ignition and entry, ambient interior lighting, dual-zone automatic climate control, simulated leather upholstery, heated front seats, an eight-way power driver seat (with power lumbar), driver memory settings, a four-way power front passenger seat (eight-way with the V6), 60/40-split folding rear seatbacks and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Also standard are Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a rearview camera, two display screens (an upper 8-inch display and a lower 7-inch touchscreen) and a seven-speaker audio system with a CD player, satellite radio, smartphone app integration (Aha and Pandora), an auxiliary input jack and a USB interface.

If you're shopping the V6 Acura TLX, you're going to be within striking distance of popular German small luxury sedans such as the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. All are highly rated by Edmunds. There are also some impressive sedans with more accessible pricing, including the powerful Infiniti Q50, the sharp-looking Lexus IS and the newly revitalized Lincoln MKZ. Overall, the Acura TLX isn't a dramatic standout among this group. But if you're mostly interested in a sensible and roomy sedan backed up by appealing value, a V6-equipped TLX is definitely worth considering.

The 2017 Acura TLX gives you a choice of two engines: a 2.4-liter four-cylinder or a 3.5-liter V6. The 2.4-liter engine generates 206 hp and 182 pound-feet of torque and is offered with an eight-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the front wheels. The transmission is a specialized gearbox that combines a quick-shifting dual-clutch automated manual with a more traditional torque converter found in standard automatic transmissions for a balance of smooth low-speed engagement with sporty gear changes.

2017 New BMW 740i Review

The 2017 BMW 7 Series is a full-size luxury sedan. It comes in a single long-wheelbase body style.

The base 740i comes standard with 18-inch wheels and run-flat tires, adaptive LED headlights with automatic high beams, automatic windshield wipers, LED foglights, a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, auto-dimming, power-folding heated side mirrors, an adaptive air suspension, adjustable drive and suspension settings, front and rear parking sensors, power-closing doors, keyless entry and ignition (including a touchscreen-equipped Display Key and a hands-free power trunk lid), a power-adjustable steering wheel, wood trim, four-zone climate control, leather upholstery, 10-way power-adjustable heated front seats (with four-way power lumbar), driver memory settings and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

he Executive package adds a head-up display, power rear sunshades, ceramic-trimmed controls and multicontour front seats with additional power adjustments. The Luxury Seating package adds heated armrests and ventilated massaging rear seats that slide and recline. The M Sport package introduces a number of sport-themed aesthetic upgrades, including an aerodynamic body kit and special wheels and trim.

Stand-alone options include some of the above items plus 20-inch wheels, summer tires, a cabin perfume diffuser, a wood and leather steering wheel, a large dual-pane sunroof with LED accents in a handful of selectable colors, a night-vision camera system and a 16-speaker Bowers & Wilkins surround-sound audio system.

The 750i includes a few additional standard luxuries relative to the 740i, while the 740e will have its own roster of hybrid-oriented features. Check back for complete information as BMW rolls out the full 2017 7 Series lineup.

The 2017 BMW 740i is motivated by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 engine rated at 320 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. The 2017 740e xDrive pairs a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an electric motor backed by a lithium-ion battery, with an expected total output of around 325 hp, while the 750i upgrades to a turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine (445 hp, 480 lb-ft).

The 2017 BMW 7 Series comes standard with antilock brakes, traction and stability control, front side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, front knee airbags and active front head restraints. Also standard is the BMW Assist emergency communications system, which includes automatic crash notification, an emergency response button, remote door unlock and stolen vehicle recovery. The available surround-view camera system includes a wide panoramic view, a top view and a 3D view that features a computer-generated landscape of the car and its surroundings

2017 Audi Q3 Car Review

The 2017 Audi Q3 has the qualities you'd hope to get from any Audi. You'll be quite comfortable driving it, and the cabin is quiet and crafted in high-quality materials. You get plenty of features for your money, too, at least relative to the more expensive Q5. But whether the Q3 is the best subcompact luxury crossover for you might depend on a few other factors.

The 2017 Audi Q3 is a subcompact luxury crossover available in three trim levels: the new entry-level Premium, the midrange Premium Plus and the top-of-the-line Prestige. All three are offered with a choice of front- or all-wheel drive (a.k.a. Quattro in Audi-speak).

Standard features on the debuting Premium base model include 18-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights and taillights, automatic headlights and wipers, a panoramic sunroof, roof rails, rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, eight-way power and heated front seats (with four-way lumbar), a 60/40-split folding rear seat, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a USB charging port, and a 10-speaker sound system with satellite radio and a CD player.

Every 2017 Audi Q3 comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine rated at 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. It's matched to a six-speed automatic transmission and either front- or all-wheel drive.

EPA-estimated fuel economy for the 2017 Audi Q3 checks in at 23 mpg combined (20 city/28 highway), which is below average for this class of vehicle.

Standard safety equipment for the 2017 Audi Q3 includes stability and traction control, front side airbags, side curtain airbags, front and rear parking sensors, and a rearview camera. The Technology package adds a blind-spot monitoring system.