Top 5 car reviews of 2017

SUVs make a clean sweep as popularity topples regular cars for the first time.

2017 has seen some pretty exciting new models hit the market, like the Kia Stinger, Alfa Romeo Giulia, Lexus LC 500 and the Nissan GT-R Nismo, but CarsGuide readers get a lot hotter under the collar for SUVs.

All five of our top reviews for the year feature SUVs, which matches the sentiment of the rest of Australia, with SUV sales overtaking passenger cars for the first time ever. Our top list is a decent cross-section too, representing mid-size, off-road and small SUVs among the litany we have to choose from these days.

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5. Subaru XV 2017 range review

Rounding off our top five is our range review of the Subaru XV, which reappeared in second-generation form in June.

The new model may look a lot like the old one, which is no bad thing, but it’s actually all new underneath, and brings the same off-road ability that made the previous model stand out from the rest of the small SUV brigade. You can find everything relating to the XV on our index page.

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4. Nissan Qashqai 2018 review

Another SUV defeating the sands of time is the Nissan Qashqai. Our range review of the pre-facelift model was actually the fourth most popular review in 2017, but the updated version that arrived in December is catching up fast.

The Qashqai is a bit like the upcoming Jeep Compass in the small SUV segment, in that it sits above the even smaller Juke to offer a sightly larger choice before forcing you to go with a proper mid-sizer like the X-Trail.

This is one element that keeps it among our top five picks in our small SUV Buying Guide. You can find everything relating to the Qashqai on our index page.

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3. Hyundai Kona 2018 review

Our review of the new Hyundai Kona range has managed to climb to the third most popular ranking, despite the car only arriving in local showrooms in October.

Hyundai’s first small SUV also became our second best pick on our small SUV Buying Guide, with a far more practical interior than the Mazda CX-3, but still not quite pipping the Honda HR-V as our number one choice. You can find everything Kona related on our index page.

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2. Isuzu MU-X 2017 review

The MU-X range review’s Number 2 position reinforces the Isuzu SUV’s enduring popularity with Australians. It’s not just off-road fans looking for the MU-X either, with plenty of two-wheel drive models being chosen for towing or just general ruggedness.

The MU-X scored an update with a new engine and transmission this year, which has no doubt helped the popularity of our stories continue to outstrip that of newer rivals like the Toyota Fortuner and Mitsubishi Pajero. You can find everything MU-X related on our index page.

The Tucson is a terrific-looking car.

1. Hyundai Tucson 2017 review 

Our Hyundai Tucson range review took out overall honours, which is a close fit with its number three ranking in our mid-size SUV Buying Guide.

The Tucson may not be the newest in its class, but its great looks, packaging, and overall value proposition clearly keep it front of mind for our readers. You can find everything Tucson related on our index page.

Which was your favourite review in 2017? Tell us in the comments below.