Buying a new vehicle can be a daunting task. The average automaker has 15 different models available for purchase on any given lot. Multiply that by 23 major foreign and domestic brands selling in the United States and well… you get the idea. Simply put, it’s a lot to choose from (over 300 in-fact).
Thankfully, Kelley Blue Book wants to make the buying process easier. The Trusted Resource® recently announced their annual Best Buy Awards – cherry picking the best new and newly redesigned vehicles to hit the U.S. market. Just how did this list come to fruition you ask? The seasoned professionals at Kelley Blue Book spent the last twelve months compiling the industry’s most accurate transaction, cost to own (depreciation, insurance, maintenance, financing, fuel, taxes), and consumer review data. Mix that with thousands of hours behind the wheel and you have a short-list designed to save you time and money!
Our lifestyle editor, Armando, recently had a chance to test drive three of the twelve award winning vehicles through Fort Forth, Texas. With his vehicles selected and itinerary set he was ready to hit the Texas road! Without further adieu, here are a few of this year’s winners.
Full-Size SUV/Crossover Winner: Chevrolet Tahoe
The 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe confidently takes the throne as this year’s best full-size SUV. A longtime favorite of suburban families, this year’s rendition seats up to nine passengers; thanks to the presence of a traditional column-mount gearshift lever. The 5.3-liter V8 and 6-speed automatic transmission delivers enough muscle to tow a boat, but does come at a cost in terms of fuel efficiency (16/23 mpg for 2WD, 16/22 mpg for 4WD). Additional highlights include a fold flat third row and new teen driver assist. MSRP: $48,400
Truck Winner: Ford F-150
Ford’s iconic F-150 leads the pack as 2017’s best truck. With its class-exclusive aluminum body (shaving nearly 500 pounds) and new 10-speed transmission, the F-150 is pound for pound one of the best hauling trucks out. Complete with a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine drivers can expect respectable fuel economy (18/25 mpg for 2WD, 17/23 mpg for 4WD) without sacrificing strength. Additional highlights include Pro Trailer Backup Assist and a Sync 3 infotainment system that reads out text messages while you drive. MSRP: $27,600
Overall Best Buy & Small Car Winner: Honda Civic
Safe, comfortable, and tech-ready, the 2017 Honda Civic proudly takes the crown as Kelley Blue Book’s Best Buy “Overall Winner” for the second year in a row. The automaker leaves no stone unturned, ushering in the perfect marriage of affordability and fuel efficiency (31/40 mpg for their sedan). Powered by a 158 horsepower (2.0-liter 4-cylinder) engine, the Civic proves to be nimble and sporty. Then there’s the technology, which includes available anti-collision features, active cruise control, and blind spot detection. MSRP: $19,575
Want more? Click here to “get new car smart” and see the entire list of 2017 winners. Also make sure to read about our experience shadowing Kelley Blue Book driver, Chase Elliott.
