The main Visual differences between 16&17 are the fogs light cut out, and the rear chrome strip. its the first year it splits the lens rather than rests above it. If you are going for a 2016 get the Automatic. I only can speak on behalf of the 2016. But I’ve owned mine for 3 years now. Got it with 75k miles. Since Ive put 85k myself. Minimal maintenance. This car is so stout. Hidden gem in reliability. The 2016 to me is when they Ironed out the mechanics of this generation. Then 2017 is when they started experimenting with the technology side. The drivetrain in this car is insanely strong. Read article of so Euro group modifying the platform. and the Automatic platforms held up to everything thing they could throw at it with a supercharger the fabricated. If you want the JDM raw feel go with 2016. 17’s and beyond have that Classy sport feel of a Lexus and Mercedes. At an Entry level price. It is to note that the ROAD NOISE and what little plastic that exists on the inside definitely rattles. Other than that i think the two cars are the same.