Crossover cars are gaining popularity, but how do you pick one that is right for you? We’ll provide a highly curated list of the best crossover models, including a mix of budget-friendly, fuel-efficient, luxury, and family-friendly options.
What is a Crossover?
A crossover blends the features of an SUV (sports utility vehicle) with a traditional car. Crossovers are built on a car platform, leading to better fuel efficiency, handling and a smoother ride than larger SUVs. Meanwhile, SUVs are built on a heavier truck chassis.
Crossovers share some of SUV characteristics, like a spacious interior, high ground clearance and the availability of all-wheel drive (AWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD), which gives better traction.
As they are built on lighter-car platforms, crossovers are popular for those looking for the versatility of an SUV without the fuel consumption or bulk of a truck-based SUV. Crossovers are usually more compact and efficient too, making them an attractive choice.
Why Choose a Crossover?
There are many reasons why you might choose a crossover as your next car:
- Fuel efficiency: Being a lighter car than most SUVs, crossovers have good fuel efficiency. They also tend to have better aerodynamics which improves fuel efficiency.
- Versatility and cargo space: The trunk of a crossover is considerably bigger than SUVs. They also often have folding rear seats which can increase space.
- Safety features: Many crossovers have AWD which increases stability on slippery roads. They often also have other features like adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist.
- Comfort and technology: Crossovers tend to have plenty of legroom for your passengers, especially when compared to sedans. Some models even have third-row seating and they usually come with up-to-date technology and infotainment systems equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Best Crossovers in Different Categories
Budget-Friendly Crossovers
- Kia Soul: This crossover is known for its compactness together with its fuel efficiency. For its size, it also has impressive interior space. You can get a 2024 model for under $20,000.
- Nissan Kicks: Running costs for the Nissan Kicks are noted to be low as it can go 36 MPG in the city. It also has good cargo space and impressive safety features including blind-spot monitoring and automatic emergency braking. 2024 models can be purchased for under $20,000.
- Hyundai Kona: This crossover has plenty of cargo space and great gas mileage. It has a 2.0-liter inline-four engine at the base level, with many other options. A 2024 model will cost you around $22,000.
- Honda HR-V: This car has a modern interior with great cargo space. It has also won many high safety awards thanks to its integrated safety features. A 2024 model could be yours for under $30,000.
Best Fuel-Efficient Crossovers
The most fuel-efficient crossovers tend to be hybrids because they do not rely so much on the gas engine:
- Toyota RAV4 Hybrid: Toyota is renowned for reliability and the RAV4 Hybrid is no different. It balances performance, practicality and efficiency with advanced safety features and spacious interior. The hybrid powertrain promises great fuel economy and it has around 40 MPG while city driving.
- Honda CR-V Hybrid: This hybrid has impressive cargo space with a smooth and responsive hybrid powertrain. It is an extremely comfortable ride and can get to 40 MPG while city driving.
- Ford Escape Hybrid: The Ford Escape Hybrid is known for its fuel efficiency, with the ability to go up to 44 MPG while city driving. It’s a comfortable ride with good driving dynamics and also has a user-friendly infotainment system.
- Hyundai Tucson Hybrid: This crossover hybrid has a comfortable interior and sleek design. As well as great fuel efficiency at 38 MPG while city driving, it also has up-to-date tech features like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Luxury Crossovers
If you are looking for luxury, here are some premium crossovers for you:
- BMW X7: This crossover is quiet, comfortable and spacious with a great infotainment system. This seven-seater has a luxury interior complete with BMW’s iDrive infotainment controller.
- Range Rover Spot: This crossover has great off-road abilities and the plug-in hybrid model has fantastic range. It has a high driving position for a good view of the road and is known for its agility despite its size.
- Audi Q7: The Audi Q7 has space for seven passengers, as well as a smooth and powerful engine. It is particularly praised for its comfort, with great suspension. It also has a modern infotainment system and a luxury interior.
- Land Rover Defender: This spacious crossover is made from premium materials and is great on and off-road. It has a luxurious interior with advanced suspension with four available powertrains.
Best Crossovers for Families
- Kia Telluride: This three-row crossover is great for big families, which have ample legroom for children and adults in each row. It is quiet and comfortable, and also has a number of safety features including blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, automated emergency braking and forward-collision warning as standard.
- Toyota Grand Highlander: The Toyota Grand Highlander has three rows of seats comfortable for the whole family. It comes with an all-wheel drive option and impressive tech and safety features. This includes adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning and automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection as standard.
- Hyundai Palisade: This crossover is practical and sophisticated. It seats up to eight and has all-wheel drive as standard. In addition, it has many safety features to keep your family feeling safe. These include automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning with lane keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control with semi-autonomous driving mode as standard.
- BMW X5: This crossover is credited as combining luxury with a tech-forward experience. It has a modern infotainment system. It has a premium interior with massaging seats. Its safety features include automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection and lane-departure warning as standard. There is also the availability of adaptive cruise control with hands-free driving mode.
Tips for Buying a Used Crossover
What to check before purchasing
Before purchasing a crossover, you should check the following:
- Exterior: Check for any signs of rust or previous repairs. You should also inspect the tires for signs of uneven wear as this may signal suspension or alignment issues.
- Interior: Inspect the car’s interior for any excessive wear and tear. Also note if it has a strange smell as this may suggest a leak.
- Engine and mechanics: Check that everything seems to be working properly. Any smells, leaks or noises may indicate a problem.
- Electronics: Make sure that the car’s infotainment system is working too.
In addition to the above, it is essential that you test drive the car for yourself to make sure that it is driving smoothly. It is also recommended that you check the car’s Vehicle History Report which will alert you to any issues with title or accident history. Most importantly, before making an offer, it is a good idea to have the car checked by an independent mechanic, who can let you know if there is anything to be concerned about that you may not have noticed.
Reliability ratings and maintenance costs
It’s a good idea to research the brand and model on websites like J.D. Power and Consumer Reports to see if the car has received good reviews or not. You can also find out valuable insights from car owner forums.
You should also have an idea about the car’s maintenance costs too before committing to the purchase. These websites may give you an insight into this as some hybrid or luxury models may have higher maintenance costs due to complex engines.
Certified pre-owned vs. regular used crossovers
You could consider purchasing a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) crossover as opposed to a regularly used crossover. CPOs have extended manufacturer-backed warranties after passing rigorous inspections and refurbishments. They have a lower risk of issues and major repairs but are usually more expensive than regularly used crossovers and there is generally lower availability.
While regular used crossovers have a higher risk of need for repair and no warranties, there are generally more options to choose from.
Crossovers vs. Other Vehicle Types
Crossovers are generally most often compared to SUVs and sedans, so let’s compare them to each other.
Crossovers vs. SUVs
On the plus side, crossovers tend to have better fuel efficiency than SUVs as they are built on a lighter platform, with hybrid crossovers offering even better fuel efficiency. Their smaller size usually also leads to better handling and ride comfort, as well as easier maneuverability. In addition, crossovers are normally more affordable than larger SUVs.
On the downside, full-size SUVs usually have more cargo space, with more third-row seating and legroom for additional passengers. SUV off-road performance is generally better than that of crossovers too. SUVs usually have better towing capacity and are better at handling extreme weather and road conditions.
Crossovers vs. Sedans
Crossovers come up top compared to sedans when it comes to interior space as they usually have more cargo areas with the ability to fold down seats for extra room. They also have a more elevated seating position which can offer a clearer view of the road, this can also make them appear more safe. Moreover, most crossovers offer all-wheel drive, whereas most sedans have front-wheel drive. The all-wheel drive feature makes crossovers a better drive in snowy and rainy weather.
That said, because sedans are lighter and smaller, they are usually more fuel efficient than crossovers. Their smaller size means sedans are more agile and better at turning sharp turns. In addition, crossovers are usually more expensive than sedans for both maintenance and upfront costs.