The Best New Cars from the 2017 New York International Auto Show

Aside from the SRT Demon, this year’s NYIAS seems understated. But there are still plenty of new cars to get excited about.

By Bryan Campbell

Published April 13, 2017

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Updated June 1, 2021

Aside from the pyrotechnic-burnout-wheelie-filled unveiling of the Dodge SRT Demon last night, the New York International Auto Show is pretty understated this year. That’s not to say there aren’t any cars worth getting excited about. Lincoln and Buick finally look like they’ll be able to give Cadillac a run for its money in the American-luxury segment; from Japan, Toyota brought a concept aimed at replacing the FJ-Cruiser, and Honda officially pulled the covers off the Clarity, which actually looks pretty damn stately for a hybrid car. All this and more, below.

Acura

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Acura is starting to dip its toes back into the performance-minded waters, in regards to its regular non-NSX cars. I say “dip” because, for 2018, the TLX will get the new A-Spec treatment of sporty bodywork and sport-tuned suspension. No word on a power pump. It’s been too long since we’ve seen a regular Acura that could really move the needle. Here’s hoping it’s not far off.

Learn More: Here

Buick

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Since Buick’s Anivir and Avista concepts debuted and made it clear the direction Buick might take, it’s good to see the design language finally disseminating to the production cars. The Regal Sport back looks sleek, modern — nothing like what you’re used to seeing with a Buick badge — and the Regal TourX seems to be another welcome addition to the growing off-road wagon segment.

Learn More: Here

Dodge

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The SRT Demon is a numbers car and certifiably insane: 840 horsepower, 770 lb-ft of torque, 0-60 in 2.3 seconds, 0-100 in 5 seconds, 1.8 Gs in acceleration and a quarter-mile in 9.65 seconds.

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Ford

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The 2018 Ford Explorer was, admittedly and regrettably, a letdown when it turned out to be just a mild refresh. The Ford Fusion police cruiser, on the other hand, looked menacing. And also, now you know what to look out for on the highways.

Learn More: Here

Honda

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Hybrids, in general, tend to have on an air of self-righteousness drawn into their design, as if every hybrid has to let the world know it’s environment-friendly. The Honda Clarity bucks that trend with a design call-back to the original Honda Insight, plus couple design cues adapted from Acura.

Learn More: Here

Jaguar

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V8s are great, and all but sometimes a smaller, lighter engine will do the trick. It’s just that smaller engines generally come bolted in less attractive cars. Now, you can have the always stunning F-Type, but with an optional 2.0-liter four-cylinder that puts out 295 horsepower. It’s an absolute bargain at $59,900.

Learn More: Here

Lincoln

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Besides the missing gullwing doors and cascading steps from the concept, the production Lincoln Navigator thankfully bears an incredible resemblance to the concept we fell in love with at last year’s NYIAS. Nonetheless, it’s the SUV Lincoln needs right now.

Learn More: Here

Mercedes

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Because Wagons don’t sell all that great in the States, the U.S. won’t see the AMG C63 Estate. Instead, we get the AMG GLC63 performance-focused cross-over. Yeah, we’re not too happy about it either.

Learn More: Here

Toyota

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Toyota has been missing a serious, dedicated overlander since the FJ Cruiser bowed out of service. The FT-4X concept is here to stir thoughts of a new overlander for the company. It’s much smaller than the FJ Cruiser — it’s about the size of a Jeep Renegade, which is worrying. Fingers crossed Toyota gets it right.

Learn More: Here

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