Chevrolet is GM’s mainstream brand. Cadillac is its luxury brand. And Buick sits all by itself somewhere right in between. Brand positioning aside, the new-for-2017 Buick LaCrosse is a roomy, comfortable and uncannily quiet full-size sedan that appeals with contemporary styling, driving dynamics and technology.
9. 2017 Audi Q3
Audi’s smallest, most affordable SUV is an Audi to the core, as touched upon in our full review: “One of the reasons people gravitate to Audi vehicles is the way they're put together. The gaps are tiny, the plastics sturdy, and the materials feel first-rate. It's called ‘fit and finish,’ and it imparts an almost subliminal sense of quality to everything inside the Audi Q3."
8. 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA
The styling is bold, the price is right and it wears the same three-pointed star long associated with dignitaries and billionaires. The current Mercedes-Benz lineup is the best in many years, and it all started with the launch of the CLA.
7. 2017 Acura RDX
With an unmatched mix of attractive pricing, superior resale value and a well-established reputation for trouble-free ownership, Acura’s small SUV outsells heavy hitters like the Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC.
6. 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA
Mercedes’ entry SUV has the driving dynamics to back up its sporty stance, as noted in our full review: “In the GLA250, a 208-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder provides brisk acceleration and passing power, enough to produce a 7-second zero-to-60-mph run. Adding to the fun are a taut suspension and a low-sprung body that allow the GLA to hug corners without feeling like it’s about to tip over.”
5. 2017 Cadillac ATS
The Cadillac CTS laid the groundwork by showing that America’s premier luxury brand could build a sport sedan to compete with Germany’s best. The smaller ATS proves the CTS wasn’t a lucky shot. An attractive exterior, rich interior and world-class driving dynamics combine to give the Cadillac ATS a presence bigger than its footprint.
4. 2017 Infiniti Q50
The Infiniti Q50 doesn’t stir all the same emotions as competitors like the BMW 3 Series or Mercedes-Benz C-Class, but it delivers just about everything else most buyers want in a small luxury sedan. And with Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Prices that reflect real-world transaction prices thousands under its already advantageous sticker prices, the Q50 is arguably the segment's bang-for-the-buck champ.
3. 2017 Audi A3
The Audi A3 outranks the Mercedes-Benz CLA on this list thanks in part to a more accommodating back seat (Mercedes calls the 4-door CLA a coupe, after all) and a slightly more grown-up demeanor. Indeed, the A3 doesn't feel like a lesser Audi, just a smaller one.
2. 2017 Infiniti QX30
The all-new QX30 is Infiniti’s entry in the burgeoning subcompact luxury SUV segment. Sharing a platform and even some interior components with the Mercedes-Benz GLA, we give the QX30 extra points here for its freshness and gorgeous sheetmetal.
1. 2017 Lexus NX
Topping this year’s list is one of the newest entries in one of the industry’s hottest segments. The Lexus NX brings bold styling and legendary reliability to the compact luxury SUV group, offering shoppers a hard-to-resist mix of SUV practicality and Lexus value.
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