Find out what separates the latest SUVs and how those features could be perfect for you.

2017 Nissan Rogue SL

Without a doubt, I know the 2017 Nissan Rogue’s bold new look has definitely caught your eye on the road. From safety, to comfort, to looks, this vehicle is a top contender for anyone who is in the market for a new vehicle. It confidently stands out in the compact SUV crowd not only because of its fresh face, but also because of affordability. However, do not let the affordable price bracket (starts at $25,248) deter you; these new updates put the Rogue at the top of its class. The safety alone is quite impressive; when equipped with Forward Emergency Braking and LED low-beam headlights, it got the 2017 IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) Top Safety Pick award, and adding those features to your package will not break the bank. Obvious changes have been made to the exterior, but the interior’s basic package now has a very upscale feel — from the sportier steering wheel to the small details in the stitching on the seats. The backseat passengers have the option to move their seats back and forth, allowing for more comfort and customized trunk space, if needed. One drawback that the Nissan Rogue does have is its lack of compatibility with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. However, this probably isn’t a deal-breaker, as mobile phones are still compatible with the vehicle’s system in other ways. Overall, the bold new Rogue is a great choice for young families, or anyone who enjoys style and great pricing.

www.nissan.ca

General Specs

• 4 doors
• 5-7 passengers
• all-wheel drive
• 9.6/7.4-Litre/100 kilometres city/hwy
• 2.5-Litre DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine
• 170 horsepower
• 175 lb-ft torque

Infiniti Qx60

The 2017 QX60 aims to please parents who drive in various weather conditions with their kids in the backseat — i.e., the Canadian Parent. For the second consecutive year, Infiniti decided to make substantial changes to its midsize luxury crossover, and a lot of those changes revolve around making the driving experience as comfortable and safe as possible. Stealing the limelight on the list of the QX60’s alterations is the newly offered 3.5-L V-6 engine. This engine rejuvenation comes with 295 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque driving the front wheels, giving the QX60 a dominant yet velvety ride. In addition, the dial on the centre console offers four driving modes: Standard, Eco, Sport and Snow (important for Canadian winters). Eco mode engages the Eco Pedal, which works by giving resistance to the throttle — this should help you save on gas when you are driving your kids around. Not a bad idea with gas prices these days. Inside, the comfortable seven-seater comes with an easy-access third row for your kids’ friends to hitch a ride to soccer practice. They will get a kick out of the eight-inch standard touchscreen, rear-seat entertainment and onboard Wi-Fi option. What mom and dad will love is the adaptive cruise control and automated emergency braking, which is beneficial for all driving conditions, further affirming a safe and comfortable drive in the QX60.

www.infiniti.ca

General Specs

• 4 doors
• 7 passengers
• front-wheel drive
• 12.5/9.1-L/100 km city/hwy
• 3.5-L V-6 engine
• 295 horsepower
• 270 lb-ft torque

Stealing the limelight on the list of the QX60’s alterations is the newly offered 3.5 litre V6 engine

Lincoln MKC

The best way to describe the new Lincoln MKC is to quote Matthew McConaughey himself from its commercial: “Sometimes you gotta go back to actually move forward.” Lincoln did just that with the 2017 model of the MKC — they kept a lot of the same features from its predecessor, but moved forward with new upgrades. Since the MKC came on the market back in 2014 it has maintained its sumptuous demeanour, and the newest version upholds that reputation with a base model starting at around $41,000, to the fully loaded model costing over $60,000. That lavish price does come with some luxuries: standard features include heated seats, those distinct xenon headlights and a notably dapper interior. The MKC is what you would consider your deluxe ride up to the cottage as it offers an optional trailering package. Carry the kayaks up to your home away from home while still enjoying the easy-to-use Sync 3 infotainment system that last year’s model donned. The most prominent move forward Lincoln made was strengthening the vehicle’s steering and handling. It now offers the option to control your driving experience — you can switch to a more responsive drive or to a softer experience for when the kids fall asleep in the back. Also forward-thinking, the MKC does not have a V-6 engine option. The new 2.3-L, 4-cylinder ecoboost turbocharged engine is so powerful it compares to the average V-6. So just like McConaughey said, Lincoln preserved what worked for the past MKC model but made changes to accelerate it forward.

www.lincolncanada.com

General Specs

• 4 doors
• 5 passengers
• front-wheel drive
• 12.1/9.3-L/100 km city/hwy
• 2-L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine
• 240 horsepower
• 270 lb-ft torque