Best Cars of the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show: Motor Trend Favorites

From $20,000 subcompact crossovers to convertibles with $200,000 price tags, the 2016 Los Angeles auto show has proved diverse, just like the opinions of the Motor Trend staff. Don’t miss all our 2016 L.A. auto show content RIGHT HERE, whether you’re looking for info on the Alfa Romeo Stelvio crossover or the Star-Wars-themed Nissan Rogue special-edition model. But if you want to know what intrigued the editors who brought you the 2017 Motor Trend Awards and Best Driver’s Car, read on.


Jaguar I-Pace Concept

Jaguar I Pace concept with electric signage

“If this were the Tesla Model X, the electric-SUV conversation would be over,” Mark Rechtin said. “Jaguar designers are showing what cool things you can do with the hoodline when you don’t have to worry about cooling an engine. The interior has ‘next-gen Jaguar’ written all over it. Whereas Tesla is playing it safe with EV design (except the falcon doors) and shapes to make it not stand out too much, Jaguar looks to create something that leaps (heh) right off the road and into your soul.”

From Frank Markus: “Yes please! A slinky Jaguar electric SUV with F-Pace moves and a 90 kW-hr battery good for 220 miles? Sounds like it oughta be as fun to drive as a Tesla Model X, but with normal doors and seats that allow me to carry long stuff inside or on the roof.”

From Erick Ayapana: “Jaguar’s design boss Ian Callum is seriously on a roll. The I-Pace concept is stunning inside and out, and it’s one of the few cars at the show I’ve come back to look at more than once (the other being the Audi A5/S5 Sportback).”

The I-Pace’s impressive 220-mile range, styling, seating for five, quick charging time, and performance could make the production version of the SUV hard to beat. Michael Cantu

Jaguar I Pace concept side view Jaguar I Pace concept side view 1 Jaguar I Pace concept rear side view lights on Jaguar I Pace concept side rear view Jaguar I Pace concept interior sitting in backseat Jaguar I Pace concept interior screen Jaguar I Pace concept interior rear door open Jaguar I Pace concept interior with tray Jaguar I Pace concept vent lights Jaguar I Pace Concept seat detail 02 Jaguar I Pace concept tire with Jaguar name Jaguar I Pace Concept steering column selection switch

2017 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2

2017 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 front three quarters

When I first saw the Chevrolet Colorado Z71 during our 2016 Truck of the Year (TOTY) program, I quickly fell in love. In black, it looked like an updated version of Marty McFly’s dream truck in Back to the Future. The lust faded quickly though–it seemed a little overwrought for real four-wheeling’ and I couldn’t stand the tubular side steps, especially after living with them with a long-termer of 2015 Truck of the Year.  This “baby Raptor” ZR2? Badass! I dig the pure functionality and stripped-down execution. No roll bar needed, just Mulitmatic DSSV double reservoir shocks and bumpers that help with approach and departure angles. And it comes in a diesel? Sign me up! –Ed Loh

Amid a pretty lackluster showing at the 2016 Los Angeles auto show, the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 was hands-down my favorite debut. GM hasn’t made a real off-roader since Hummer was shuttered during the Great Recession, and yet with the Colorado ZR2 the company has shown that there wasn’t a brain drain from losing its off-road brand. Chevy really got it right—the Multimatic shocks look to be an engineering marvel, there are real locking rear and front differentials, and the ground clearance has been significantly improved by ditching the non-ZR2 truck’s stupid air dam and fitting new front and rear bumpers. The best part? Offering up the new 3.6-liter gas V-6 and the Duramax 2.8-liter turbodiesel I-4. Most probably would’ve forgiven GM for making the V-6 the only available engine, but offering up the turbodiesel-four shows that Chevy is taking the new ZR2 seriously. –Christian Seabaugh

The Colorado ZR2’s Multimatic Dynamic Suspensions Spool Valve suspension on a production truck for the first time should give this rugged off-roader an advantage against its Tacoma TRD Pro rival. –Michael Cantu

2017 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 front end 2017 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 rear three quarters 2017 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 DSSV shocks 04 2017 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 DSSV shocks 03 2017 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 front three quarter 02 2017 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 front end 1 2017 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 rear three quarter 1 2017 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 front three quarter 03 2017 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 rear three quarter up ramp 2017 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 front three quarter up ramp 02 2017 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 front three quarter hops 2017 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 front three quarter 04

Lexus Sriracha IS

2017 Lexus Sriracha IS front three quarter

Lexus had some fun with the custom-built IS featuring Sriracha Red paint with chili pepper-like flakes and green accents, a steering wheel designed to look like it was made of sauce, climate controls with a “Sriracha hot” setting, a trunk stocked with 43 bottles of Sriracha and a key fob dispensing Sriracha at the press of the emergency chili button. No production plans, just good fun. –Alisa Priddle

Some might say the Sriracha IS is out of place at a luxury-automaker’s show stand, but I love this whimsical show car. Lexus really paid attention to the details with this one, and that’s very much a trait you want associated with your brand. The seats with multi-color accents and awesome paint job are two highlights, as is the “SRIRACHA” badge on the trunk lid in the font Lexus uses for all of its badges. Thanks Lexus, for giving jaded automotive journalists (and L.A. auto show public day visitors) something cool and surprising to check out. –Zach Gale

2017 Lexus Sriracha IS front end 2017 Lexus Sriracha IS rear end 2017 Lexus Sriracha IS rear three quarter 1 2017 Lexus Sriracha IS side 2017 Lexus Sriracha IS wheels 2017 Lexus Sriracha IS taillight 02 2017 Lexus Sriracha IS badge 2017 Lexus Sriracha IS front grille 2017 Lexus Sriracha IS interior 2017 Lexus Sriracha IS driver side 2017 Lexus Sriracha IS center console 2017 Lexus Sriracha IS badge 02 1

2017 Volvo V90 Cross Country

2017 Volvo V90 Cross Country front three quarters

The Volvo V90 Cross Country is the lifted, more rugged-looking variant of the S90 sedan and V90 wagon, cars we already like. Markus commented that the car featured “gorgeous styling inside and out, with the promise of all the driving excellence I’ve come to appreciate in the #MTGarage XC90, but with a lower center of gravity. Of course, I’m not sure I wouldn’t prefer the normal (cross-city?) V90 without the SUV pretensions…”

2017 Volvo V90 Cross Country front end 2017 Volvo V90 Cross Country rear end 2017 Volvo V90 Cross Country rear three quarter 02 1 2017 Volvo V90 Cross Country rear three quarter 2017 Volvo V90 Cross Country interior 2017 Volvo V90 Cross Country front interior seats 2017 Volvo V90 Cross Country rear interior seats 2017 Volvo V90 Cross Country center stack 2017 Volvo V90 Cross Country cargo 2017 Volvo V90 Cross Country engine 2017 Volvo V90 Cross Country wheels 02 2017 Volvo V90 Cross Country headlamp 02

Honda Civic Si Prototype

Honda Civic Si Prototype front three quarter

Although unfortunately only in coupe and sedan versions (no hatch) the Si will come with a six-speed manual, good mesh and bolstering in the front seats for those twisty roads, and an engine that will have north of 205 hp from a 1.5-liter turbo-four. To help the driver out, the new Si comes with a limited-slip differential, as well as adaptive steering and suspension systems. The car should arrive in mid 2017. If that’s still not enough performance, the Civic Type R will arrive later in the year, with even more performance and body cladding so wild, it looks straight out of the SEMA show catalog. –Mark Rechtin

Honda Civic Si Prototype front three quarter 02 Honda Civic Si Prototype front end Honda Civic Si Prototype rear three quarter 02 Honda Civic Si Prototype rear three quarter Honda Civic Si Prototype rear end 04 Honda Civic Si Prototype side mirror Honda Civic Si Prototype front grille Honda Civic Si Prototype wheels 04 Honda Civic Si Prototype interior 02 Honda Civic Si Prototype steering wheel 02 Honda Civic Si Prototype interior Honda Civic Si Prototype shift knob

2017 Mazda CX-5

2017 Mazda CX 5 front side view on stage

“The midsize crossover has matured for 2017,” said Alisa Priddle, “with a more upscale face and a side profile accentuated by a crisp line that fades as it near the rear of the car.” Although some Motor Trend editors would have liked a manual transmission option, a diesel option could make for an interesting Equinox diesel alternative once the CX-5’s new engine variant arrives in the second half of 2017.

Stefan Ogbac is looking forward to the diesel option, and suggests that “the styling, while evolutionary, is a step in the right direction and the interior puts it in line with the rest of the Mazda lineup. The Soul Red Crystal exterior paint glimmers and is even better in person, and adds to that class above feel of the overall design.”

2017 Mazda CX 5 front three quarter view on stage 2017 Mazda CX 5 front view 2017 Mazda CX 5 rear side view on stage 2017 Mazda CX 5 side view on stage 2017 Mazda CX 5 interior from passenger seat 2017 Mazda CX 5 interior from back seat 2017 Mazda CX 5 interior center stack 2017 Mazda CX 5 interior instrument cluster 2017 Mazda CX 5 taillight closeup 2017 Mazda CX 5 headlight 2017 Mazda CX 5 rear view lights on 2017 Mazda CX 5 grille

2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid front three quarter

Now that EVs can go way more than 200 miles, the best reason to bother lugging along an engine and gas tank is because you plan to take loooong trips, and there’s just NO BETTER VEHICLE in which to lug the family on a long trip than a minivan. The world is way overdue for a PHEV minivan. –Frank Markus

2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid rear side 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid rear end 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid rear end 02 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid front end 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid front three quarter in motion 06 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid front end in motion 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid rear three quarter in motion 02 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid side

Subaru VIZIV-7 SUV concept

Subaru VIZIV 7 SUV concept front three quarter 02

Subaru is about to fill the gap left by the Tribeca when it was discontinued in 2014, and the replacement three-row crossover will be significantly larger. The VIZIV-7 previews the size of Subaru’s upcoming seven-seater, and at 204.7 inches long the concept indicates that the new product will be Subaru’s largest ever. Though Subaru makes no promises about the concept’s design influencing the vehicle planned for early 2018, we hope some elements of this handsome show car make it to production. –Alex Nishimoto

We’re not supposed to read too much into the styling of Subaru’s new large three-row SUV concept, but still, what a massive if traditional step forward from the Subaru’s last attempt in this space, the quirky Tribeca. Unlike that short-lived, unloved model, the VIZIV-7 concept is a true large SUV that will be made for America, in America. Subaru of America president Tom Doll said the company has already completed expansion plans at its Indiana plant to accommodate the production of this model when it comes online in 2018. The rear seat should be able to comfortable seat two normal sized adults or three children–the question is what engine would power it… More answers coming at the New York International Auto Show.

Subaru VIZIV 7 SUV concept front end Subaru VIZIV 7 SUV concept rear end Subaru VIZIV 7 SUV concept rear three quarter Subaru VIZIV 7 SUV concept rear three quarters Subaru VIZIV 7 SUV concept wheels Subaru VIZIV 7 SUV concept headlight Subaru VIZIV 7 SUV concept light Subaru VIZIV 7 SUV concept grille

2018 Volkswagen Atlas

2018 Volkswagen Atlas front three quarter

It’s not easy for a large crossover to pull off a golden yellow paint job, but it certainly works on the Atlas. The crossover’s chiseled corners and commanding stance is a welcome change from other softer-looking three row crossovers on the market. Look inside, and the interior is refreshingly simple: a large touchscreen dominates the dashboard. –Kelly Pleskot

2018 Volkswagen Atlas front three quarter 03 2018 Volkswagen Atlas side 2018 Volkswagen Atlas rear end 2018 Volkswagen Atlas rear three quarters 2018 Volkswagen Atlas badge 2018 Volkswagen Atlas taillight 2018 Volkswagen Atlas wheels 2018 Volkswagen Atlas driver side interior 2018 Volkswagen Atlas interior 2018 Volkswagen Atlas rear interior seats 02 2018 Volkswagen Atlas engine 2018 Volkswagen Atlas cargo

2018 Audi A5/S5 Sportback

2018 Audi S5 Sportback front three quarter 1

The A5/S5 Sportback made its U.S. debut in L.A., where Audi confirmed the four-door hatch will go on sale in the U.S. My first car was a liftback, which probably explains why I’m so drawn to this thing. Not only is it more functional and roomy than the A5/S5 coupe, but it looks better, too, especially from the rear three-quarter angle.

2018 Audi S5 Sportback front end 2018 Audi S5 Sportback rear end 2018 Audi S5 Sportback rear three quarter 02 2018 Audi S5 Sportback side 1 2018 Audi S5 Sportback wheels 2018 Audi S5 Sportback headlamp 2018 Audi S5 Sportback taillight 2018 Audi S5 Sportback rear cargo 2018 Audi S5 Sportback interior 2018 Audi S5 Sportback center console 2018 Audi S5 Sportback front interior 2018 Audi S5 Sportback engine 02

2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio

2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio rear three quarter

Stelvio vs I-Pace: Two compelling crossovers, but the Stelvio gets the nod in my book. First of all, it snatched the name of one of Europe’s most iconic mountain passes (can’t believe nobody locked that one down before) and it really does look the business, although the styling team need to look into more sidewall for the tires. As Mark Rechtin mentioned to me, he’s not sure about the rear end, but I think it’s been executed better than that of the I-Pace concept. I love the stance and angles of the Jaguar–particularly the rear flanks, but as another industry sage whispered to me, “Yes, it looks good–but does it look like a Jaguar?” And he’s right–I see a lot of Infiniti in the proportion and front three-quarter angle, and that’s not a dis, by the way. Infiniti styling has looked pretty sharp as of late. –Ed Loh

The fenders of the Giulia-sedan-based Stelvio are muscular yet elegant. With rear-biased all-wheel drive standard, I would pick the Stelvio over the Giulia just because of the extra traction it offers, meaning you can drive enthusiastically in this car regardless of the weather conditions. –Stefan Ogbac

Now that more automakers are putting the “sport” into SUV, it’s nice to see Alfa Romeo’s take on the segment with the new Stelvio. If the Alfa’s gorgeous looks don’t do it for you, the claimed 177 mph top speed sure should. –Christian Seabaugh

Consider this an Italian Porsche Macan. It’s clearly sitting on its rear haunches, to identify it as a rear-drive-based vehicle. It has the unmistakable face of an Alfa. Inside, the giant sunken instrument cluster binnacles and gunsight vent openings give loads of character. The historical circular-pattern wheels are vaguely reminiscent of a biohazard symbol, but I can look past that. –Mark Rechtin

2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio front end 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio rear cargo 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio wheels 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio headlamp 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio interior view 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio interior seats 02 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio climate controls 02 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio climate controls 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio engine 02 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio steering wheel 02 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio interior view 03 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio rear interior seats

2017 Jeep Compass

2017 Jeep Compass Trailhawk front three quarter 02 1

The new Compass isn’t sporty, but it looks awesome. The crossover brings a lot of personality into the compact CUV segment—you’ll never mistake it for anything else. –Stefan Ogbac

2017 Jeep Compass Trailhawk front end 1 2017 Jeep Compass Trailhawk rear end 2017 Jeep Compass Trailhawk rear three quarter 2017 Jeep Compass Trailhawk side 2017 Jeep Compass Trailhawk interior 2017 Jeep Compass Trailhawk cockpit 02 2017 Jeep Compass Trailhawk center stack 2017 Jeep Compass Trailhawk front interior seats 2017 Jeep Compass Trailhawk wheels 2017 Jeep Compass Trailhawk grille 02 2017 Jeep Compass Trailhawk badge 04 2017 Jeep Compass Trailhawk taillight

2017 Porsche Panamera Executive

2017 Porsche Panamera 4 E Hybrid Executive front three quarters

The new Panamera looks and feels special enough in standard form, and the stretched Executive body style elevates that feeling of exclusivity to new levels. Rear legroom is massive, as are the available 10.1-inch rear entertainment screens. –Alex Nishimoto

2017 Porsche Panamera 4 E Hybrid Executive front three quarter 2017 Porsche Panamera 4 E Hybrid Executive rear end 2017 Porsche Panamera 4 E Hybrid Executive rear three quarter 2017 Porsche Panamera 4 E Hybrid Executive side 2017 Porsche Panamera 4 E Hybrid Executive driver side 2017 Porsche Panamera 4 E Hybrid Executive center console 2017 Porsche Panamera 4 E Hybrid Executive center console 03 2017 Porsche Panamera 4 E Hybrid Executive front interior seats 2017 Porsche Panamera 4 E Hybrid Executive headlamp 2017 Porsche Panamera 4 E Hybrid Executive badge 02 2017 Porsche Panamera 4 E Hybrid Executive badge 2017 Porsche Panamera 4 E Hybrid Executive wheels

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