Must See Crossovers & SUVs at the 2017 New York Auto Show

The trend was clear at the New York International Auto Show: SUVs and crossovers are capturing an increasing percentage of the new vehicle market, and auto manufacturers are feeding the frenzy with a never-ending array of new models at all price levels. This year's NYIAS saw the debut of a number of important production models, along with a smattering of impressive concepts.

Safety and Scandinavian design are hallmarks of the Volvo brand, and the second generation XC60 raises the bar with cutting-edge safety technology and a spectacular cabin. Safety features are enhanced with a new oncoming lane mitigation safety system, large animal detection, and steer assist incorporated into the blind spot indication system. The XC60’s interior is both exquisite and ergonomic, featuring high-end materials and unparalleled design. The XC60 is scheduled to go on sale this fall.

Buick takes aim at the 3-row luxury midsize import competition with the fully revised Enclave’s stunning Avenir variant. A longer wheelbase, lower stance, and completely new body structure allow for a sleeker exterior while providing enhanced third-row legroom, and a weight reduction of 350 pounds for improved efficiency. Towing capacity has been upped to 5,000 pounds and a complete suite of safety technologies will be offered. The 2018 Enclave will go on sale this fall. Pricing information is not yet available.

The Crosstrek undergoes a complete revision for the 2018 model year, from stem to stern, inside and out. Subaru’s rugged compact crossover now rides on the Subaru Global Platform for enhanced ride comfort and agility. Active torque vectoring improves handling. The 2.0-liter horizontally opposed 4-cylinder engine adds direct injection to produce an additional four horsepower. The infotainment system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 2018 Crosstrek will go on sale this summer. Stay tuned for pricing information.

Subaru rockets into the future with the 3-row Ascent SUV concept. The spacious 7-passenger cabin features second-row captain's chairs, a futuristic flowing design, and a ginormous panoramic roof. A new turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer engine will provide propulsion for the climb to the clouds. The Ascent is designed exclusively for North America and will be built at Subaru’s plant in Lafayette, Indiana. Production will commence in 2018, most likely as a 2019 model.

Lincoln’s flagship is lighter, quieter, and more powerful for 2018, with high-strength aluminum sheet metal shaving 200 pounds and laminated glass hushing the cabin. The Navigator’s 450-horsepower twin-turbocharged V6 engine is matched up with a 10-speed automatic transmission for improved efficiency and performance. Everyone stays connected and charged up in the ultra-luxurious cabin, with a half dozen USB ports, four 12-volt outlets, and an 110-volt outlet. Pricing and availability have not been announced.

The Range Rover Velar fills a key spot in Land Rover’s lineup with a stunning new take on design. An elegantly sculpted exterior and a sanctuary-like cabin with a dual 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system provide presence and ensure connectivity. Three engines will be available, starting with the base 247-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four at launch. A 380-hp supercharged 3.0-liter V6 and a fuel-efficient 2.0-liter turbodiesel will follow. The Velar goes on sale later this year, starting at $49,900.

How much is too much? Unlike the off-road-focused Grand Cherokee Trailhawk, the Trackhawk tears up the asphalt with a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 that churns out 707 horsepower. (Does that number sound familiar?) With an 11.6-second quarter-mile and 0-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds (with standard launch control), the Trackhawk stands second to none. If you long for the fastest SUV on the planet, there’s a Jeep in your future. Pricing and availability have not been announced.

While Lincoln wowed the crowd at last year’s New York Auto Show with the gullwing Navigator concept. 2017 marked Infiniti’s turn at the luxury barge flight of fancy. The Infiniti QX80 Monograph Concept presents a thought-provoking design, with a smoothed and aggressive fascia that will likely see production. The massive 24-inch alloy wheels and exterior rearview cameras, however, are likely to stay on the show floor.

Hankering for a little more sport in your Chevy sport utility? The new Rally Sport Truck (RST) trim level ditches the Tahoe’s standard chrome for body color and blacked-out trim pieces. A 5.3-liter V8 and 6-speed automatic is standard. The performance option package is fitted with a 420-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 and 10-speed combo and Magnetic Ride Control suspension. The RST rolls on 22-inch alloys. An optional Brembo brake package and Borla performance exhaust will be offered.

Ford has refreshed their highly popular Explorer for 2018 with exterior design and technology updates. The front and rear fascias have been spiffed up and the available 4G embedded modem is equipped with a Wi-Fi hotspot that accommodates up to ten devices simultaneously. Owners can locate, lock, unlock and start their vehicles remotely via the FordPass app and SYNC Connect. The new Safe and Smart option package includes blind spot mirrors, cross-traffic alert, active lane keep, adaptive cruise with collision warning and brake support, automatic high beams, and rain sensing wipers.

With just a pair of sedans in their portfolio, Genesis has been at a disadvantage as SUV and crossover sales capture an increasing share of the market. The GV80 Concept SUV takes a huge leap, with a stunning design and cutting-edge hydrogen fuel cell architecture evolved from the Hyundai Tuscon Fuel Cell. The cabin is both exquisite and technologically advanced, with a marvelous use of materials and an ultra-wide 22-inch curved display controlled via a highly-innovative capacitive touch controller.

The 2017 Nissan Rogue Sport may be late to the lineup, but it's destined for success. Nissan looks to build on the Rogue’s huge market share and awareness with a smaller, less-expensive, and yes, sportier version of the Rogue. The Rogue Sport seats five and is about a foot shorter than the Rogue, making it well-suited for city driving. It’s perfect for shopping adventures, as well, with 61.1 cubic feet of space behind the front seats. A full suite of advanced safety technology is offered, including Nissan’s fabulous Around View Monitor. Sales start in May.

The 3-row Volkswagen Atlas brings something never before seen on a VW SUV at the New York Auto Show: a name that’s easy to pronounce. But better than that, this is a 3-row SUV that can actually fit adults in the third-row seats and it’s relatively affordable, with a starting MSRP of $33,500. That’s a whopping amount less than the Touareg, which starts at $49,495 (and offers far less room in the third row). Need to haul cargo, rather than crew? The Atlas accommodates 96.8 cubic feet of cargo.

The Toyota FT-4X Concept is one of those love-it-or-hate-it crossovers. If you’re a fan of the legendary Toyota FJ, it’s a let-down, because this is not the hardcore off-roader you were hoping for. If you love the Jeep Renegade and Kia Soul, however, you just might be swooning because this little critter is cute enough to earn a spot in the Easter Basket. While the press has not been kind, this one just might find its market. There’s innovation throughout. Beef up the underpinnings and it could please all.

The hybrid subcompact crossover 2017 Kia Niro treads new ground and uses very little gasoline. The 1.6-liter gasoline engine and hybrid electric drivetrain produces 139 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. A 6-speed dual-clutch transmission is employed, in lieu of the more common CVT. Kia’s known for high value and the Niro offers a slew of goodies, including ventilated seats and rear seat connectivity. While it lacks all-wheel drive, most crossovers will never leave the beaten path. A plug-in hybrid and full electric version are in the works.

The Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC 63 SUV packs plenty of punch, with a 4.0-liter biturbo V8 engine beneath the hood, cranking out 469 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. The monster motor is mated to an AMG 9-speed MCT transmission with 4MATIC+ handling the all-wheel drive chores with fully variable torque distribution. All that technology is put to good use, with the AMG GLC 63 covering the 0-60 MPH sprint in a scant 3.9 seconds.

If you love the AMG GLC 63’s mighty powertrain and exquisite cabin, but want something a wee bit different in the exterior department, the sleek 4-door AMG GLC 63 coupe just might be the e-ticket. For the ultimate performance, opt for the GLC63 S Coupe. Its 0-60 mph time drops to a sizzling 3.7 seconds, thanks to the 503 horsepower version of the 4.0-liter biturbo V8.

The Jeep Compass has been fully revised for the 2017 model year. The second generation Compass is offered in four levels of trim: Sport, Latitude, Limited, and Trailhawk. The new exterior design is much sleeker than its ho-hum predecessor, blending elements of the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee. All trim levels are offered with front-wheel- or all-wheel drive, with the exception of the off-road-focused Trailhawk, which is equipped with Jeep’s full-time Selec-Terrain 4-wheel drive system.

The 2018 Sienna sees changes to the front fascia and a standard set of safety technology throughout the line. While other manufacturers charge extra for these important features, there's no extra charge with Sienna. The Toyota Safety Sense-P suite includes active lane keep, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, and automatic high beams.

The Honda Odyssey enters its fifth generation in 2018 with a thorough revision. The 2018 Odyssey’s body and chassis are completely new, with weight savings and increased rigidity. The 3.5-liter V6 is mated to either a 9- or 10-speed transmission for fuel efficiency. Highly configurable Magic Slide second-row seating eases access to the third row, while an extensive array of cutting-edge technology keeps the family safe, occupied, and happy out on the road.