7 Most Improved Cars of 2016

Automakers typically redesign their models every five years or so. Sometimes these redesigns are a hit with the automotive press and consumers…and sometimes they flop. These recently redesigned vehicles have hit the right notes with car reviewers and car buyers, as they’ve moved up significantly in our rankings, and based on data from Automotive News, have seen a notable uptick in sales over the last year (December 2014 through November 2015). If you’re in the market for a new vehicle, you owe it to yourself to check out these critically-acclaimed and increasingly popular new models.

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Kia Sedona

The Kia Sedona was redesigned for 2015, and its sales have grown a whopping 210 percent over the last year. Test drivers reported that the old model had a dated interior design and low-rent materials when it was new, but the redesigned Sedona impresses critics with an upscale interior, good build quality, attractive design and plenty of high-tech features. Although test drivers say the new Sedona’s performance is lackluster, the improvements inside, as well as a higher safety rating, have bumped up the Kia from seventh to third place in our minivan rankings.

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Volvo XC90

If you’re in the market for a luxury midsize SUV, you’ll want to test drive the redesigned Volvo XC90, which currently occupies the top spot in our rankings. The previous version of the XC90 ranked near the bottom of the class, as auto writers were unimpressed with its underpowered engine, cramped rear seats and confusing navigation system. The all-new 2016 XC90 eliminates these shortcomings with a potent new turbocharged engine, a new easy-to-use infotainment system and an adult-friendly third row, auto writers report. The makeover for the 2016 model year has paid dividends over the last year, as sales are up 112 percent from 2014.

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• Read the 2016 Volvo XC90 Full Review
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Mazda MX-5 Miata

Like the XC90, a redesign for 2016 has vaulted the Mazda MX-5 Miata to the top spot in its class. The new model retains the exceptionally fun-to-drive character that has defined all previous Miatas, but it adds several new modern tech features, and test drivers report that the front seats are spacious enough for people under 6 feet 6 inches tall. They’re also generally pleased with the high-quality cabin materials. The changes have moved the Miata from fifth to the top spot in our affordable sports car rankings. Consumers have also received the new Miata well, as sales have increased 78 percent year over year.

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• Read the 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Full Review
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Ford Mustang

The Ford Mustang is another affordable sports car that was recently redesigned. Similar to the Miata, the all-new 2015 Mustang saw several improvements to its interior, according to the automotive press. The new Mustang has more upscale cabin materials and, for 2016, a more intuitive infotainment system than older models, reviewers report. They also say the Mustang’s new suspension results in better handling than before. The Mustang currently ranks third among affordable sports cars, three spots better than its standing prior to the redesign. Sales of the Mustang have increased 56 percent over the past year.

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• Read the 2016 Ford Mustang Full Review
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Nissan Murano

If you’re looking for an affordable midsize SUV, the redesigned Nissan Murano is a very strong pick, auto writers say. The new Murano retains the outgoing model’s smooth ride and composed handling, and it improves on what was already a comfortable, premium cabin, critics report. Test drivers are especially impressed with the comfort provided by Nissan’s Zero Gravity seats, which are inspired by NASA and designed to reduce passenger fatigue and discomfort on long drives. The Murano has moved up from fifth to second among affordable midsize SUVs, and it was named the 2015 Best 2-Row SUV for the Money and the Best 2-Row SUV for Families by U.S. News. Sales of the Murano have jumped 26 percent in the past twelve months.

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• Read the 2016 Nissan Murano Full Review
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• See Midsize SUVs Rankings

Honda Pilot

Sales of the Honda Pilot have also increased by 26 percent in the last year, as the latest model is a full redesign. The previous Pilot suffered from an underpowered engine, ponderous handling and a low-budget interior, critics said, but the new model has a more powerful V6 engine, composed handling, and a luxurious cabin with an adult-friendly third-row seat. These improvements, along with higher crash test scores, have launched the Pilot from worst to first in our affordable midsize SUV rankings.

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• Read the 2016 Honda Pilot Full Review
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Hyundai Tucson

The Hyundai Tucson is also redesigned for the 2016 model year, boasting improved fuel efficiency, a smoother and quieter ride, more spacious rear seats, a larger cargo area and improved tech features, test drivers report. These changes, along with higher safety ratings, have helped the Tucson move from mid-pack to the top spot among affordable compact SUVs. The new and improved model has also kick started sales to the tune of a 22 percent spike this year compared to 2014.

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• Read the 2016 Hyundai Tucson Full Review
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