#Best crossover cars to buy drivers

The better hybrid models return over 30 mpg combined in CR’s testing.

Fuel economy is typically 25 to 28 mpg overall. Most have back seats that can comfortably accommodate a couple of adults. Small SUVs-like a few of the more recent examples such as the Ford Bronco Sport, Hyundai Tucson, and Kia Sportage-offer flexible cargo space and a higher driving position than cars provide.

#Best crossover cars to buy drivers

These are well-suited for drivers who are looking for more room than a small sedan can provide. What you’ll spend: While you should expect to spend at least mid-$20,000 for even a basic subcompact SUV, most climb well into the upper $30s with popular features, such as all-wheel drive, hybrid powertrains, and key active safety systems. Fresh models include the redesigned Honda HR-V and all-new Toyota Corolla Cross.Īlthough technically not subcompacts, there is a steady flow of smallish SUVs from luxury brands such as Audi, BMW, Buick, Infiniti, Genesis, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, and Mini that offer upscale interiors and strong performance, but these models can cost as much as a midsized SUV from a mainstream brand. Buyers shouldn’t expect huge cargo volume or serious off-road capability. Their small footprint makes them easy to park and maneuver. These offer an elevated ride height, upright seating, and available all-wheel drive. One of the fastest growing categories, subcompact SUVs, offers a slightly taller alternative to similarly sized subcompact cars, with which they typically share their underpinnings. We group SUVs by size in our comparisons and ratings. Indeed, some of the more recent truck-based redesigns, like the Chevrolet Tahoe and Jeep Wagoneer, have dramatically improved rides.

Body-on-frame SUVs often use a solid rear axle, as pickup trucks do, but independent rear suspension is becoming more popular, which gives them a more comfortable ride and more responsive handling characteristics. But their on-road handling is usually cumbersome, the ride can be bouncy and unsettled, and fuel economy suffers. They typically can carry and tow more than a similar-sized car-based model, and when fitted with four-wheel drive and adequate ground clearance, they’re better equipped to tackle more serious off-road terrain. The Toyota Tacoma pickup truck shares its basic platform with the Toyota 4Runner, for example. These body-on-frame vehicles often share components with the automaker’s pickup trucks. They are all somewhat limited when it comes to towing capacity and off-road toughness, however.įor those looking to do more serious off-roading or towing, there are still a few truck-based SUVs left. These EVs tend to be quiet, quick, and offer a wide scale of cruising ranges. A few that did well in our testing include the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Kia EV6. Some of the newer models to consider include the Audi Q4 E-Tron, Cadillac Lyriq, Genesis GV60, Nissan Ariya, Subaru Solterra, Toyota bZ4X, and Volkswagen ID.4. There is a growing list of electric-only SUVs available. Most car-based SUVs have modest towing capacity. Usually, they offer all-wheel drive and can handle moderate off-road situations, but they aren’t typically designed for more challenging off-road conditions, such as rocks, deep water, deep sand, or steep inclines. As such, expect better handling and ride comfort in crossovers than in truck-based models. Cars and SUVs within a brand may even share their basic platform. The majority of modern SUVs, sometimes called crossovers or crossover utility vehicles (CUVs), utilize a structure that resembles a typical car more closely than it does a body-on-frame truck, as was more common in the past.