2017 New Car Awards Winners: Top Highlights And Key Trends

In 2017, the automotive world buzzed with recognition for vehicles that pushed boundaries in design, technology, performance, and everyday usability. Major awards from outlets like Kelley Blue Book, World Car Awards, and others spotlighted models excelling in categories from compact cars to luxury SUVs. These honors, based on expert testing, owner feedback, and jury votes, highlighted trends toward efficiency, safety, and fun-to-drive dynamics.

Standout Compact and Midsize Sedans

Compact and midsize sedans dominated many lists for their balance of affordability, features, and reliability. The 2017 Honda Civic emerged as a repeat champion, securing Kelley Blue Book’s Small Car Best Buy and Overall Best Buy awards. Its versatile body styles—sedan, coupe, and hatchback—catered to diverse buyers, earning praise for tech integration and family-friendly appeal. Similarly, MotorWeek named it the Best Small Car, noting its energetic coupe variant.

The 2017 Honda Accord topped Kelley Blue Book’s accolades, winning Midsize Car Best Buy, a spot in the 10 Best Sedans Under $25,000, and recognition for comfort and resale value. Its hybrid version shone in the 10 Best Hybrid Cars Under $40,000 category. Challengers like the Hyundai Sonata impressed with comfort and value, landing on lists for Best Sedans Under $25,000 and Most Comfortable Cars Under $30,000. The Kia Optima, post-redesign, joined as a Best Family Sedan and excelled in hybrid trims.

• Honda Civic: Versatile, tech-savvy compact with broad appeal.
• Honda Accord: Midsize leader in value and hybrid efficiency.
• Hyundai Sonata: Comfort-focused alternative to Japanese rivals.
• Kia Optima: Stylish redesign with strong hybrid options.

Performance and Sports Cars That Thrilled

Performance vehicles captured imaginations with raw power and handling. The Honda Civic Type R clinched Drive Car of the Year’s Best Performance Car under $60,000, lauded for its turbocharged fun despite a boy-racer exterior. In luxury performance, Alfa Romeo’s Giulia proved Italian engineering’s resurgence, making finalist cuts against BMW and Mercedes.

The 2017 Audi R8 Plus claimed Digital Trends’ Car of the Year, dominating five categories with supercar prowess. Roadsters like the Mazda MX-5 RF earned Auto Express nods for retractable fastback design. These winners emphasized driver engagement without sacrificing daily drivability.

SUVs and Crossovers: Versatility Kings

SUVs swept awards for practicality and adventure readiness. The 2017 Jeep Wrangler excelled in Kelley Blue Book’s 10 Most Fun SUVs and Coolest Cars Under $25,000, bolstered by resale value awards. Its trail capability paired with modern comforts made it iconic.

The 2017 Honda CR-V, redesigned for efficiency, joined 12 Best Family Cars, 10 Best SUVs Under $25,000, and All-Wheel-Drive honors. Kia Sportage took Small SUV Best Buy for style, warranty, and value. Globally, the Audi Q5 dominated World Car Awards with top scores in World Car of the Year (7.8/10 from jurors). Volvo XC60 turned heads with safety tech in luxury SUV categories.

Hybrids, EVs, and Efficiency Leaders

Fuel efficiency gained traction amid environmental concerns. Toyota’s Prius and Prius Prime led Kelley Blue Book’s Best Hybrids and Plug-ins Under $40,000, plus cost-to-own awards. The Chevrolet Impala impressed as a road-trip sedan with family and comfort accolades. Subaru Impreza stood out with standard AWD, resale value, and cool factor.

J.D. Power’s 2017 Quality Awards highlighted reliability, with GMC Terrain in Compact SUV, Porsche Macan in Premium Compact SUV, and Kia Forte in Compact Car. These underscored long-term owner satisfaction.

Global Award Highlights and Trends

International competitions revealed broader insights. Drive Car of the Year’s overall winner, Hyundai i30 SR, beat 52 contenders over 5,000 km of testing with its 1.6L turbo (150kW), safety, and value. World Car Awards surprised with Jaguar F-Pace, Mercedes S-Class Cabriolet, and Toyota C-HR in design, plus Audi Q5 overall. MotorWeek’s Drivers’ Choice echoed Honda dominance.

Trends included redesigns boosting appeal (Civic, CR-V, Sportage), hybrid proliferation, and SUVs’ rise. Safety tech, like Volvo’s, and warranties (Kia) were pivotal. J.D. Power data showed fewer problems correlating to higher durability.

Why These Winners Mattered

2017 awards reflected a maturing market prioritizing versatility. Japanese reliability (Honda, Toyota) met Korean value (Hyundai, Kia), European luxury (Audi, Alfa), and American ruggedness (Jeep). Owners valued low ownership costs, tech, and fun—qualities these models delivered.

FAQs

What was the most awarded car of 2017?

The 2017 Honda Accord won the most Kelley Blue Book awards, including Best Buy and hybrid honors.

Which SUV dominated global awards?

Audi Q5 topped World Car of the Year with strong jury scores.

Did any hot hatches win big?

Honda Civic Type R took Drive’s performance category.

How reliable were 2017 winners per J.D. Power?

Models like GMC Terrain and Porsche Macan scored high on 90-day owner feedback.

What trends emerged in 2017 awards?

Redesigns, hybrids, and SUVs emphasized efficiency and safety.