There are great cars and trucks out there for everyone in the new year.
Henry Ford once famously told customers that his Model T came in any color they wanted, so long as that color was black. That was over 100 years ago. Today, the vehicles available to us come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, with a profusion of available options and features.
Whether you're shopping for a quality used vehicle, or you want to take the plunge with a new car, 2017 is a great time to see what's available.
With so many makes and models to choose from, it's hard to keep track of everything that’s out there. We want to help! Read on to learn about 40 cars and trucks that are new or updated for 2017. To make things easier, these vehicles are grouped under four headings: frugal but fun, enthusiast-oriented, comfort and style, and practicality first. Read all the way through to see some models that will be retired for the 2017 model year (and this might mean you could get them for a good price).
We're not saying these are the best cars 2017 has to offer, although some are very good indeed. To find out how good they are, you'll need to check them out yourself!
Frugal But Fun
2017 BMW i3
While not cheap to buy, the i3 should be pretty cheap to run, as it's a purely electric vehicle (though a range-extending two cylinder gasoline engine is available as an option). For 2017, the tiny i3 gains a bigger battery pack, so with an EPA-rated 118-MPGe, it has a range of 114 miles. That makes it a lot more usable. The i3 first went on sale in 2013, and while it hasn't sold very strongly, there are used BMW i3s around.
2017 Chevrolet Bolt
Rated at 119 MPGe, Chevy's new all-electric hatchback goes up to 238 miles on a single charge. While not quite the range you can get in a gasoline-powered vehicle, the Bolt’s technology is quickly approaching the point where it could be your only car. Availability will be limited in 2017 as Chevy rolls it out state-by-state.
2017 Chevrolet Sonic
For those after an inexpensive city car, the Sonic could fit the bill. Restyled for 2017, the new model loses the circular headlights in favor of a more Chevy family look, and gains some additional features. A rearview camera will come as standard equipment, plus there's Apple CarPlay, Android Auto compatibility, and LED lighting accents.
2017 Hyundai Ioniq
The 2017 Hyundai Ioniq is the Korean automaker's attempt to crack the hybrid, electric, and plug-in hybrid market. As a five-door hatchback, expect it to deliver good fuel efficiency (58 mpg combined for the hybrid). Attractive styling, a quality interior, and features like a rearview camera, touchscreen, and Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ integration should draw in buyers.
2017 Kia Forte
Available as a compact sedan, a hatchback, and a coupe, the Forte is refreshed for 2017. A 2.0L engine replaces the outgoing Kia Forte’s 1.8L engine, while a new front fascia gives it a more current look. Also new is an S trim package that slots it between the base LX and the top-spec EX model.
2017 Kia Soul
The funky, upright Soul receives an additional engine option—a peppy 1.6L turbo—plus some revisions to the trim. The new engine makes 201 horsepower—more than the 2.0L in the Plus trim Soul or the base model’s 1.6L engine. When mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, it returns an average of 28 mpg in mixed city and highway driving.
2017 Mazda 3
The popular small sedan and hatchback from Mazda reappears for 2017 with subtly refreshed styling and the addition of G-Vectoring Control®. This improves steering feel and responsiveness by reducing engine torque as the driver starts to turn in to a corner. That shifts weight toward the front of the car to help tighten the line and reduce the need for steering corrections. It makes the 2017 Mazda 3 even more fun to drive.
2017 Mitsubishi Mirage
For 2017, Mitsubishi’s little Mirage hatchback gains a makeover and a sedan big brother. The restyled front and rear make for a sleeker appearance, while the Mirage G4 provides a trunk for drivers who don’t dig hatchbacks.
Enthusiast Oriented
2017 BMW 2 Series
As the 3 Series has grown, the 2 Series has replaced it as the car for the enthusiastic driver seeking a fun-to-drive two-door coupe or convertible. For 2017, the news is two new engines and the long-awaited M2 performance variant. The entry-level 2 is now the 230i, and it’s equipped with a 248-horsepower, 2.0L four-cylinder engine. Meanwhile, the popular M235i is replaced by the M240i, which packs a 335 horsepower, 3.0L, straight-six turbo. Finally, the M2 will delight enthusiasts everywhere with its 3.0L, turbocharged six-cylinder engine, which puts out 365 horsepower. A six-speed manual is standard.
2017 BWM 3 Series
The iconic German sedan gains a 330i model for 2017. Replacing the BMW 328i, this new sedan has a 2.0L, four-cylinder engine equipped with BMW's TwinPower, twin-scroll turbocharger to put 248 horsepower to the ground via an eight-speed transmission.
2017 BMW Z5
More than a little mystery surrounds this replacement for the Z4, but magazine spy photographs suggest it will likely arrive later in 2017. If or when it does, fans of open top motoring will rejoice, as the BMW Z4 sits high on the list of two-seat convertible sports cars.
2017 Chevrolet Camaro
For aggressive, muscle-car styling and great performance at a reasonable price, it's hard to beat the Camaro. For 2017 there's a new 1LE option that tightens up the handling. Diehard Chevy fans will recognize that package designation from the 1980s and as before, this increases stiffness and steering damping to make the Camaro even more fun on the track. For hardcore racers, the ZL1 returns with a supercharged V8 that’s rated at 640 horsepower. That would make the new ZL1 the most powerful Camaro ever.
2017 Chevrolet Corvette
Big news for fans of the enduring 'Vette is the arrival of the Grand Sport model in 2017. Slotted between the entry-level Corvette Stingray and the track-focused Z06, the Grand Sport incorporates magnetic ride control, wider wheels, and bigger brakes. The result is track-style grip and handling in a package that's still useable as a daily driver.
2017 Ford Focus
If you're surprised to find the 2017 Focus under the enthusiast-oriented heading, here's the reason: the Focus RS. With a six-speed manual transmission channeling 350 horsepower to all four wheels, this car is nothing like the more run-of-the-mill hatchback or sedan. It's quite fast, and its agile handling makes it a blast to drive on the track. Prices starting at a shade under $40,000 might be a bit rich for many potential buyers, but remember that a used Ford Focus ST offers unexpected fun in everyday driving.
2017 Infiniti Q60
Derived from the Infiniti Q50 sedan, the new 2017 Q60 is a gorgeous coupe. Razor-sharp creases adorn the flanks, and angled headlights give it an aggressive “out-of-my-way” glare. Engine choices are a 2.0L four-cylinder or a 3.0L V6, both sporting turbochargers. All-wheel drive is available as an option, as it was with the Infiniti G37 coupe.
2017 Lexus IS
The Lexus IS gets a refresh for 2017, with a new front fascia plus LED headlights and taillights and some minor changes to the interior trim. As in previous years, the IS is available with a 2.0L turbocharged engine in 200t trim and a 3.5L V6 in the 300AWD and 350 trims.
2017 Subaru BRZ
If you're seeking an affordable coupe that's fun to drive, the BRZ should be at the top of your list. For 2017, it gains LED headlights and a small boost in power for the 2.0L, four-cylinder engine. Other improvements include suspension tweaks, manual transmission changes, and subtle styling enhancements. The BRZ launched in 2012, so there are some good used ones around if you like your cars both enjoyable and inexpensive.
2017 Toyota 86
Not familiar with the Toyota 86? It's the sports car formerly known as the Scion FR-S. Virtually identical under the skin to the Subaru BRZ, the 86 provides rear-wheel-drive fun in an affordable package. If you’re searching for a good used one, remember to look under the Scion brand.
2017 Mazda MX-5
For many motoring enthusiasts, the Miata MX-5 Miata encapsulates what top-down driving is all about—simplicity, responsive handling, and the feel of the wind in your hair. Until now, though, covering your head from the elements meant either raising the fabric roof or securing a detachable hardtop. With the 2017 MX-5 RF, there's a new option—a retractable, solid roof that slides back and folds behind the seats. It's a nice feature for sure, but many motoring aficionados can also get a great bang for their buck by tracking down a gently-used MX-5 Miata.
Comfort and Style
2017 Audi A4/S4
Discreet yet quite smart-looking, the A4 is a top choice among drivers who seek a distinctive sedan that doesn't draw too much attention. Redesigned for 2017, the A4 and its performance variant, the S4, retain the crisp lines of earlier models while gaining an updated interior, a revised transmission, and a power boost for the 2.0L TFSI engine. Also new for 2017 is an entry-level Ultra model with a less powerful but more efficient 2.0L engine. Quattro all-wheel drive is always a popular option on the A4, and it's something to look for if buying a used version of this popular sedan.
2017 Buick LaCrosse
New for 2017, the Buick LaCrosse is a full-size luxury sedan. Longer and wider than its predecessor, it comes with a new 3.6L V6 engine that delivers 310 horsepower through a new eight-speed transmission to the front wheels. Smooth, comfortable, and very refined, the LaCrosse is a great choice for those who seek a solid highway cruiser. Older models of this car offer similar levels of refinement for value-seeking used car buyers.
2017 Genesis G80
Formerly the Hyundai Genesis, the 2017 Genesis G80 represents the birth of a new brand (and eliminates confusion with the Hyundai Genesis Coupe). As before, it's a big, luxurious sedan available with either a 3.8L V6 or a 5.0L V8 engine. Occupants enjoy lavish levels of equipment and a ride that's hushed and smooth, yet there's still plenty of get-up-and-go should the occasion demand. For something bigger and more luxurious still, look for the G90, which replaces the Hyundai Equus.
2017 Kia Cadenza
Redesigned for 2017, the Cadenza is a large car with upscale equipment and features, and performance and comfort to match. Offered in three trim levels, a 3.3L V6 engine delivers 290 horsepower while achieving EPA numbers of 20 mpg, on average, in the city and up to 28 mpg on the highway, thanks in part to a new eight-speed transmission.
2017 Lincoln Continental
A familiar sight on American highways since 1939, the Continental disappeared at the end of 2002. Now it's back for 2017 as a full-sized sedan that combines elegant styling with a 400 horsepower, twin-turbo V6 engine. Inside it gives occupants seats that offer 30 different adjustments, which should be enough for everyone to get plenty comfortable.
2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
The current and much-acclaimed C-Class arrived in 2014 as a sedan only. For 2017 the C-Class range grows to include an elegant coupe and a stylish convertible. Available in C300 trim, these models are powered by a 2.0L, turbo four-cylinder that sends 241 horsepower through a seven-speed automatic to the rear wheels. Performance junkies will be pleased to learn there are also highly-tuned AMG variants.
2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
The E-Class sedan is entirely new for 2017, as is the much rarer wagon version. However, the coupe and convertible continued on as 2016 cars. Considered a technological tour-de-force, the new E-Class is comfortable, quiet, quick, and built to an extremely high standard. Rattles and squeaks are verboten, and that applies to older models too. Even a few years old, they're not cheap but they are among the most impressive used cars you can buy.
2017 Mercedes-Benz SLC
Succeeding the folding-hardtop CLK roadster, the new-for-2017 SLC offers top-down motoring with an extra helping of power and performance. It's small but big enough for two, and has enough space for a weekend’s worth of luggage. In 300 trim, a turbocharged 2.0L gets it to 60 in under six seconds. The AMG SLC 43 covers the same sprint in less than five, thanks to a 362-horsepower, turbocharged 3.0L V6.
2017 Volvo S60/V60
In Volvo nomenclature, “S” signifies sedan while “V” means wagon. For 2017, the big news with these cars is their move to a 2.0L, four-cylinder engine, dropping the 2.5L and 3.0L options. In T5 trim, the engine is turbocharged and makes 240 horsepower. The T6’s engine is also supercharged, (that's right, it's turbocharged and supercharged,) and output is goosed to 302 horsepower.
2017 Volvo S90/V90
This sedan and wagon pair are new for 2017. Larger than the S60 and V60 models, these are also equipped with the 2.0L turbocharged engine, but tweaked for an extra 10 horsepower in T5 trim and 14 more horsepower in the T6. If you hanker for the big Volvo wagons of the 1980s and 1990s, the V90 might be just the Volvo for you.
Practicality First
2017 Chevrolet Cruze
For 2017, Chevrolet's entry-level sedan gains a hatchback model. While this may not appeal to everyone, there's no denying the additional versatility. With back seats raised, there's 18.5 cubic feet of storage space (up from 13.9 in the sedan). Fold the seats down for an SUV-like 47.2 cubes. Powered by a 1.5L turbocharged engine, the Cruze gets EPA mileage numbers of around 30 mpg in the city and up to 40 on the highway.
2017 Chevrolet Volt
Now in its second generation, the range-extended Volt gets new paint options for 2017, as well as additional features like automatic braking and adaptive cruise control. Gas mileage is rated at 106 MPGe, but what you'll get depends on how far you drive and how often you re-tether for recharging.
2017 Honda Civic
If you’re a Civic fan, three items should be newsworthy to you for 2017. First, you’ll see a Civic hatchback. Second, there's now a performance-oriented Si model available in sedan, coupe, and hatchback body styles. Also slated for 2017 is the high-horsepower Civic Type R, expected later in the year to compete with the Ford Focus RS.
2017 Hyundai Elantra
The Elantra sedan is all-new for 2017, with the 2016 Elantra hatchback continuing until the '17 model arrives later in the year. Previously known for its fluid styling, the 2017 Elantra adopts a more conservative look with fewer complex curves. As in previous models, it mixes adequate space for four adults with reasonable performance and fuel economy, making it a great choice for those who count practicality as a top priority. A Sport version, also on the way, should provide even more flair to this model.
2017 Infiniti QX30
Described by Infiniti as a premium active crossover, the all-new-for-2016 QX30 went pretty much under the radar. And that's a pity, because it offers a very well-balanced combination of luxury, practicality, and affordability. This QX30, available in 2017 trim, comes with a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine that pushes 208 horsepower to the front wheels through a seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission. All-wheel drive is also available as an option.
2017 Kia Niro
All-new for 2017, the Niro is a hybrid wagon/SUV that goes head to head with both the Hyundai Ioniq and the Prius Prime. Capable of 50 mpg or more in city driving, the Niro should offer an appealing combination of practicality and sporty flair. The nearest used car equivalent is probably Ford C-Max.
2017 Mazda 6
Known as a sedan for those who enjoy driving, the mid-sized 2017 Mazda 6 has some appealing updates. The most notable is the addition of G-Vectoring Control®, which improves steering feel and response by imperceptibly reducing engine torque as the car enters a corner. The effect is that weight is shifted forward, helping the driver keep a smooth line through twists and turns in the road. Whether this plus minor cosmetic changes could convince owners of older Mazda 6s to trade up remains to be seen.
2017 Subaru Impreza
The all-new 2017 Subaru Impreza sedan and hatchback are both slightly larger than previous Imprezas, as well as being stiffer underneath and wearing more elegant sheetmetal. The 2.0L, flat-four engine carries over from 2016 but gains an extra 4 ponies for a total of 152 horsepower. Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive® is standard on all trim levels. If you need an affordable and practical AWD car, as opposed to an SUV, it's hard to do better than a new or used Subaru Impreza.
2017 Toyota Corolla
For 2017, Toyota's best-selling compact sedan received a facelift and a 50th anniversary special edition badge. The redesigned front fascia features a new grille, which together with the narrow slanted headlights, gives the car an aggressive look. Known for their resale values, used Toyota Corollas are generally considered a solid purchase.
2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack
The enduring Volkswagen Golf is available both as a hatchback and a wagon. For the 2017 model year, it’ll also be possible to buy a Golf Alltrack. Essentially a wagon with extra ground clearance and all-wheel drive (VW calls their system FourMotion), this Golf has the ability to traverse dirt roads, rough tracks, and even shallow streams. It's a solid and affordable choice for drivers who don’t like the idea of having to stay on the road all the time, but who also don’t want an SUV.
Departing Models
As manufacturers introduce new models and update the cars and trucks that prove popular with buyers, others are trimmed from their product lineups. Enthusiasts might lament the passing of exotics like the Dodge Viper, but this can also mean opportunities for shrewd buyers of new and used cars. Performance models might turn out to be appreciating classics, and you could find good bargains on more mainstream models. Cars that won't be around as new models in 2017 include:
THERE ARE GOOD CARS OUT THERE FOR EVERYONE
The auto industry is a constantly changing business, and that's good for anyone interested buying a new or used car. New models are introduced each and every year, while other models get updates to keep them competitive in the marketplace. Whether you're interested in 2017 cars, 2016 cars, or models that are older, there's a huge selection for you to choose from.
