Due to the growing popularity of compact utility vehicles, the crew at Cars.com has started to comparison test them on an annual basis. This is the first year in which the publication has used a champions versus challengers approach, in which they compared last year’s winner and the segment sales leader against compact SUVs that have been remodeled since May 2015.

SUVs tested include the Honda CR-V, which was last year’s winner; the Toyota RAV4, which is the segment sales leader; and newly remodeled additions including the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage and Ford Escape.

When the five contenders were pitted against each other, the one SUV that earned the overall top score was the new 2017 Ford Escape. Judges were impressed by the remodeled SUV, especially when it came to the following:

Modern, easy-to-use infotainment.

“[It’s the] best multimedia system in the group; that it has Apple CarPlay makes it even better. A clear win for Ford," said judge Bill Jackson.

10 out of 10 for its kid-friendly LATCH system.

“The backseat's exposed Latch anchors take the struggle out of car-seat installation,” said judge Jennifer Geiger.

It’s refined, powerful performance.

“[The] powertrain is pleasant. Power builds steadily and smoothly, and never feels strained,” said judge Jennifer Geiger.

All SUVs were driven on a 160-mile real-world mileage course, and according to the Cars.com site, the models were driven “back-to-back-to-back” in order to accurately compare their acceleration, driving dynamics and other attributes.

If you’re shopping for a compact SUV on sale in Phoenix, the 2017 Ford Escape is an excellent option. Stop by Camelback Ford today to see why it was named this year’s Cars.com compact SUV challenge winner!