For the forward-thinking buyer, 2017 is a landmark year because of the . While Tesla has long held the spotlight, the Bolt is the first "affordable" electric vehicle to break the 200-mile range barrier. It signals a shift: electric cars are no longer just toys for the wealthy or commuters with short drives; they are becoming viable primary vehicles for the average person. The Last Stand of the Enthusiast

If you value the soul of the machine, 2017 offers some of the last "pure" experiences before hybridization and digital steering take over entirely. The has finally arrived on North American shores, bringing track-ready performance to a hatchback. Meanwhile, the Alfa Romeo Giulia has re-entered the market, offering a reminder that a car can be a temperamental, beautiful, and visceral piece of art rather than just an appliance. Safety as the New Standard

The Honda CR-V . It is simply too well-rounded to ignore.

The Mazda MX-5 Miata (RF) . It’s a celebration of the joy of driving before the robots take over.

Ultimately, 2017 is a year where you can't really go wrong. The gap between the "best" and "worst" cars has never been smaller, making it a golden era for the consumer.

The automotive landscape of 2017 is defined by a fascinating "middle child" energy. It stands as a bridge between the analog driving experiences of the past and the high-tech, semi-autonomous future. If you are standing in a dealership in 2017, you aren't just buying a car; you’re choosing which side of the technological revolution you want to live on. The Rise of the Practical "Everything" Car

Perhaps the most "interesting" thing about a 2017 model is what comes standard. This is the year where advanced safety tech—like automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist—moved from the "luxury option" list to the "standard equipment" list on many Toyotas and Hondas. You are buying a car that is actively trying to prevent you from crashing it. Conclusion: Which One? The "best" car of 2017 depends on your philosophy: