As I slid behind the wheel of the 2017 Adventure GLS Sport for the first time, I immediately understood why this vehicle had created such buzz in the automotive community. Having tested numerous SUVs throughout my career as an automotive journalist, I can confidently say this model stands apart in ways that genuinely surprised me. The moment you grasp the leather-wrapped steering wheel and feel the perfectly calibrated resistance, there's an immediate connection that forms between driver and machine—something I find increasingly rare in modern vehicles.
The heart of this adventure-ready vehicle is its 2.4-liter turbocharged diesel engine that delivers 181 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. Now, those numbers might not seem extraordinary on paper, but where this powerplant truly shines is in its real-world performance. During my testing along winding mountain roads, the power delivery felt remarkably linear, with torque available across a surprisingly broad rev range. The eight-speed automatic transmission shifts with a sophistication I'd typically expect from European luxury brands, yet here it is in a vehicle priced significantly lower. What impressed me most was how the transmission seemed to anticipate my needs, holding gears during uphill climbs and downshifting smoothly during deceleration.
Stepping inside, the cabin reveals thoughtful touches that demonstrate how deeply the engineers understood their target audience. The seats offer both heating and ventilation—a feature I particularly appreciated during my week-long test that included both chilly morning drives and scorching afternoon commutes. The infotainment system features an 8-inch touchscreen that responds to inputs with smartphone-like immediacy, while Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration worked flawlessly throughout my testing. What many reviewers overlook is the exceptional sound deadening material that makes highway driving remarkably quiet, allowing conversations to flow naturally even at 70 miles per hour.
The Adventure GLS Sport's safety suite deserves special mention, featuring forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning. During an unexpected situation where a deer suddenly crossed my path during evening driving, the automatic emergency braking system reacted faster than I could, potentially preventing what could have been a serious incident. The adaptive cruise control maintained perfect following distance during heavy traffic on I-5, reducing driver fatigue significantly on my three-hour coastal drive. These aren't just checkboxes on a features list—they're genuinely well-executed systems that inspire confidence.
Off-road capability often gets compromised in modern SUVs, but not here. The electronically controlled four-wheel-drive system provides impressive traction across varied surfaces, from loose gravel to muddy trails. I took it through conditions that would make most crossover owners nervous, and it handled everything with composure that bordered on remarkable. The 8.7 inches of ground clearance proved sufficient for the moderate rock crawling I attempted, while the hill descent control worked seamlessly on steep declines. This is one of those vehicles that feels equally at home in urban environments and wilderness settings—a rare quality indeed.
Looking at the bigger picture, the 2017 Adventure GLS Sport represents what I consider a sweet spot in the automotive market—blending capability, comfort, and technology in a package that remains accessible. While some manufacturers chase extreme performance or luxury at astronomical prices, this vehicle focuses on delivering genuine value across multiple dimensions. Having driven everything from basic economy SUVs to six-figure luxury models, I can say with confidence that the Adventure GLS Sport gets the important things right without unnecessary extravagance. It's the kind of vehicle that grows on you, revealing its thoughtful engineering through daily use rather than flashy specifications. For adventure seekers and practical families alike, this might just be the perfect balance of capability and refinement in its class.