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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.