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Year's Best: 5 of our favorite crossovers of 2016

Here's a look back at 5 crossovers that made an impression on us in 2016.

Jon Wong
Jon Wong was a reviews editor for CNET Cars. He test drove and wrote about new cars and oversaw coverage of automotive accessories and garage gear. In his spare time, he enjoys track days, caring for his fleet of old Japanese cars and searching for the next one to add to his garage.
Jon Wong
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1 of 15 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

The 2016 Honda Pilot received a complete makeover ditching its previous boxy exterior for rounder sheetmetal, but it was the crossover's focus on becoming a more family-friendly vehicle that really sticks out.

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2 of 15 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

A longer wheelbase provides a roomier cabin, while a redesigned folding and sliding second row of seats provides easier access to the third row. To keeps the kids in back entertained, a Blu-ray rear-seat entertainment system is available featuring an HDMI input and RCA analog video inputs allowing for the hook-up of video game system.

2016 Honda Pilot
2016 Honda Pilot
6:33
3 of 15 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

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4 of 15 Tim Stevens/Roadshow

When we drove the 2016 Tesla Model X earlier this year we walked away thinking that it was the most amazing crossover SUV on the road.

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5 of 15 Tim Stevens/Roadshow

While the "falcon-wing" doors are showy, they are a bit impractical. However, the cabin is loaded with toys to play with, and the darn thing is amazingly quick sprinting to 60 mph in just 3.2 seconds.

2016 Tesla Model S (20 of 43)
2016 Tesla Model S (20 of 43)
6:15
6 of 15 Tim Stevens/Roadshow

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7 of 15 Chris Paukert/Roadshow

The 2017 Jaguar F-Pace marks the British luxury brand's dive into the crossover SUV market, and we certainly didn't walk away from it disappointed.

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8 of 15 Chris Paukert/Roadshow

Jag's first crossover delivers style, competent road manners and sharp handling reflexes at a price that can be seen at great value compared to entries from Porsche and BMW.

2017 Jaguar F-Pace First Edition
2017 Jaguar F-Pace First Edition
8:59
9 of 15 Chris Paukert/Roadshow

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10 of 15 Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow

Driving the 2016 Mazda CX-9 was an eye-opening experience because the experience behind the wheel was more fun than any seven-seater crossover should be.

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11 of 15 Mazda

A punchy turbocharged 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivered sufficient power in the CX-9, while the responsive chassis had us believing the seven-passenger crossover was indeed cut from the same cloth as the Mazda6, and even the MX-5 Miata.

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12 of 15 Mazda

The cabin of the new Mazda CX-9 is also quieter and more premium feeling thanks to the use of more sound deadening, acoustic glass, available real aluminum trim and nappa leather.

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13 of 15 Jon Wong/Roadshow

The 2018 Audi Q5 won't hit dealers until next spring, but after driving the new compact crossover in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, waiting for it may be a good idea.

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14 of 15 Jon Wong/Roadshow

A lighter curb weight and the adoption of a dual-clutch transmission help up the Q5's performance, while the Audi-grade interior is a fantastic environment to spend time in.

2018 Audi Q5 11
2018 Audi Q5 11
2:27
15 of 15 Jon Wong/Roadshow

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