The SUVs that earned the most recognition in 2017
The most awarded SUVs in 2017 were the Honda CR-V, Toyota Highlander, and Mazda CX-5. These three vehicles dominated awards from major automotive publications and organizations that year. The CR-V and Highlander each won multiple category awards, while the CX-5 gained recognition for design and driving dynamics.
Awards in 2017 came from sources like Motor Trend, Car and Driver, J.D. Power, and the North American International Auto Show. Different publications weighted different qualities — some prioritized reliability data, others emphasized performance or value, and still others focused on interior design and technology features. No single vehicle won every award, but these three appeared most frequently across the major lists.
Key Takeaways
- The Honda CR-V, Toyota Highlander, and Mazda CX-5 received the most awards from major automotive sources in 2017.
- Different award organizations measured different things: reliability, performance, design, safety features, and value for the price.
- Motor Trend, Car and Driver, J.D. Power, and industry shows like NAIAS were the primary sources of 2017 SUV awards.
- Award recognition in 2017 reflected what buyers were looking for that year — fuel efficiency, cargo space, and advanced safety technology.
Honda CR-V performance and recognition
The Honda CR-V won awards for reliability, resale value, and overall practicality in 2017. J.D. Power ranked it highly for dependability, and it appeared on multiple "best value" lists because owners reported fewer problems and lower maintenance costs than competitors. The CR-V's appeal was straightforward: it held its value well, started reliably, and had a straightforward interior that owners found straightforward to use.
Motor Trend and other publications noted that the CR-V offered more cargo space than sedan alternatives while still delivering good fuel economy. The 2017 model year included updated safety features like automatic emergency braking on most trim levels, which factored into awards from safety-focused organizations. The CR-V's awards reflected its position as the practical choice for families who prioritized dependability over luxury or performance.
Toyota Highlander awards and three-row capability
The Toyota Highlander won recognition for being one of the few three-row SUVs that could seat up to eight people without sacrificing reliability. In 2017, the Highlander appeared on lists for best family vehicles and best three-row SUVs from Car and Driver and other major outlets. Its awards centered on the fact that it could handle a full passenger load while still delivering the durability Toyota owners expected.
The Highlander's 2017 awards also reflected strong safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Publications valued that the Highlander came standard with multiple airbags and stability control across all trim levels. For buyers who needed to transport multiple passengers regularly, the Highlander's awards signaled that it was a proven option with a track record of lasting through years of family use.
Mazda CX-5 design and driving experience
The Mazda CX-5 stood out in 2017 awards for its design and how it handled on the road, rather than for raw practicality or reliability data. Design-focused publications praised its interior materials and the way Mazda arranged controls so drivers could reach everything without taking their eyes off the road. The CX-5 won awards for being an SUV that didn't feel like driving a truck — it was responsive and felt lighter than its actual weight.
Car and Driver and similar performance-oriented outlets recognized the CX-5 for its steering precision and suspension tuning. While it didn't have the cargo space of the CR-V or the seating capacity of the Highlander, it appealed to buyers who wanted an SUV that was pleasant to drive on daily commutes. The CX-5's 2017 awards reflected a growing segment of buyers who saw the SUV as a lifestyle choice rather than purely a practical vehicle.
What different award sources measured
Award organizations in 2017 measured different qualities, which is why no single SUV won everything. J.D. Power focused on owner satisfaction and long-term reliability based on surveys of actual owners. Motor Trend tested vehicles on tracks and roads to evaluate performance and handling. Car and Driver combined real-world testing with owner feedback. Safety organizations like NHTSA and IIHS ran crash tests and evaluated braking performance.
Publications also weighted price differently. Some awards went to vehicles that offered the most features for the money, while others recognized vehicles that held their value best over time. A vehicle that won "best value" might not win "best performance," and a vehicle that won for safety features might not appear on a list focused on luxury or interior comfort. Reading the criteria behind each award helped buyers understand which recognition mattered for their own priorities.
Why these three SUVs dominated 2017
The CR-V, Highlander, and CX-5 won the most awards in 2017 because they represented three different approaches to what an SUV could be. The CR-V was the practical compact choice. The Highlander was the family hauler. The CX-5 was the driving-focused option. Together, they covered most of what buyers were looking for that year — reliability, space, and driving enjoyment.
All three also benefited from being in their second or third generation by 2017, meaning manufacturers had refined them based on years of owner feedback. They had proven track records, which made them safer bets for award organizations to recognize. Newer SUVs with less history on the road were less likely to win major awards, even if they had innovative features, because there wasn't enough long-term data yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did any 2017 SUV win awards from every major publication?
No. Different publications measured different things — reliability, performance, design, safety, and value. A vehicle might win for reliability but not for driving dynamics, or win for interior design but not for cargo space. The CR-V, Highlander, and CX-5 each won multiple awards, but each also lost awards to other vehicles in different categories.
Are 2017 award winners still good choices today?
Award recognition from 2017 tells you what those vehicles were like that year, but vehicle quality, features, and competition change. If you're shopping used, a 2017 award winner is a reasonable starting point for research, but you should also check current owner reviews and reliability data for that specific model year and trim level.
What does "best value" mean in SUV awards?
Best value usually means the vehicle offered the most features and capability for the price, or held its resale value best over time. It doesn't mean cheapest — it means you got more for your money compared to competitors at a similar price point. Publications calculated this by comparing features, reliability ratings, and long-term ownership costs.
Why didn't luxury SUVs like the Lexus RX win more awards in 2017?
Luxury SUVs did win awards in their own categories, but they competed against fewer vehicles and appealed to a smaller group of buyers. Most major award lists focused on mainstream SUVs that sold in higher volumes. Luxury vehicles were often recognized separately or in specialized publications focused on premium brands.