The EPA is taking a closer look at every diesel sold in the U.S. Mercedes-Benz has delayed the C300d's market launch in the wake of the Dieselgate scandal. The diesel-powered C-Class was scheduled to go on sale earlier this year but it hasn't arrived on dealer lots yet. The Stuttgart-based company explains that the delay is caused by the EPA, which is taking a closer look at every diesel-powered model to ensure that none are equipped with an illegal defeat device. Mercedes-Benz spokesman Rob Moran told industry trade journal Automotive News that we should see the C300d arrive in the United States halfway through next year but nothing is set in stone yet. The diesel-powered GLC that was set to go on sale before the end of the year has also been delayed, though executives haven't revealed when it's now scheduled to arrive. Mercedes stresses that the delay is simply the result of a routine check, not an implication that its diesel-powered models are equipped with illegal software. Other carmakers -- including arch rival BMW -- are facing the same delay for the same reason. Moran affirmed that Mercedes isn't about to give up on diesel technology in the United States. The 2017 variant of the GLE300d will go on sale before the end of the year, and the company's oil-burning lineup will grow with the addition of a new variant dubbed GLS350d.

Two trim levels, Sport and Latitude, will continue to be offered. Look For: A replacement riding on a stretched version of the platform used in the Jeep Renegade and Fiat 500X to arrive sometime next year. Sum Up: The cheap Jeep is exactly that. Minor: All 2017 Jeep Renegades gain passive entry as standard, and Keyless Enter-N-Go will be added later in the production run. HID headlights will also be included as a late availability option and will come with automatic high-beams. The Latitude trim now receives a 7.0-inch display in between the gauge cluster as part of the Uconnect 6.5N package. Active safety features such as forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking remain available only on select trim levels. Cool Fact The Renegade is built in Melfi, Italy. Sum Up: The Jeep with a slight Italian accent. Minor: The standard Jeep Wrangler and the four-door Wrangler Unlimited receive full LED headlights and foglights as standard on the Sahara and Rubicon trims for 2017. On lower grades, the LED headlights and foglights are optional.

A new package called the Cold Weather group is now available on the Sport S and Rubicon trims; they include an engine-block heater, heated front seats, remote start, and all-weather slushmats. Sum Up: Jeep鈥檚 icon is still one of the best off-roaders on sale. Minor:For 2017, it鈥檚 possible that the Kia Sedona could receive additional active safety features, such as automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control with a stop-and-go function. Kia is rolling out Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration across the entire Kia lineup as vehicles receive the newest version of the UVO multimedia interface, so that may also be included. Cool Fact: The second-row captain鈥檚 chairs in the SXL trim were inspired by first-class seats on transpacific flights. Sum Up: More of a personal luxury van than a family hauler. Minor: New active safety features have been added to the 2017 Kia Sorento, including automatic emergency braking, which is available as part of an optional package in lower trim levels and standard on the SX Limited model. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration have also been added as standard on EX and higher trims or as an option on the LX grade.

The 2.0-liter, turbo I-4 is now only available in the EX grade. Avoid: Trying to fit two adults in the third row; there鈥檚 barely enough room for kids back there. Sum Up: Pushing upscale one step at a time. All-New: The Kia Sportage has been redesigned for the 2017 model year, and it gets an exterior design that鈥檚 much more polarizing, allowing it to stand out in the crowd. A new infotainment system with Android Auto and CarPlay compatibility has been added along with available active safety features such as automatic emergency braking. Both the 2.4-liter I-4 and 2.0-liter, turbo I-4 carry over, but they have been retuned for better fuel economy and improved low-end torque. Look For: Class-above features that gives the Sportage a premium feel. Sum Up: More polarizing and refined than before. All-New: A new generation of the Land Rover Discovery is arriving sometime in 2018, and it will replace the outgoing Discovery, which is sold as the LR4 in North America.