SUVs are more popular than ever before, and the best crossover SUVs are among the top sellers from every brand. Buyers prefer crossovers because they combine the passenger and cargo space of an SUV with the ride and handling of a passenger car. To help you shop wisely, here are our top five choices for the best crossovers available this year.
Hyundai Kona
The Hyundai Kona combines the nimble handling of a sporty hatchback with the general utility of an SUV. The standard Kona comes with a strong 2.0-liter engine, but you can also get the Kona as a completely electric vehicle if you live in a state where that model is sold. The basic Kona offers front-wheel-drive, but all-wheel-drive is available if you want it. The Kona seats up to 5 passengers, but it’s small enough to function as an urban crossover.
Toyota C-HR
Toyota’s subcompact C-HR crossover doesn’t get attention like the larger Toyota SUVs, but it’s a great bargain on a useful and fun vehicle. The Toyota C-HR only comes with front-wheel-drive, so it’s more popular in urban environments. The bold styling may not please more conservative buyers, but the C-HR offers a great value for the youth market. Take a look and see if you agree with us that the C-HR is one of the best crossover SUVs.
Subaru Crosstrek
Every Subaru Crosstrek comes with all-wheel-drive. That’s a huge selling point, and it’s Subaru’s claim to fame. Subaru outfits the five-passenger Crosstrek with a capable 2.0-liter engine, or buyers can choose the available plug-in hybrid version. Unlike most small crossovers, the Crosstrek offers substantial off-road capabilities using Subaru’s X-Mode electronic traction and stability control, plus 8.7 inches of ground clearance. This is truly a go-anywhere crossover.
Ford Escape
Ford has announced an all-new Escape crossover for the 2020 model year, but the 2019 is also a compelling small SUV. The Ford Escape is less car-like than some crossovers, and that’s appealing to many buyers, and it’s what earned this vehicle a place on our list of best crossover SUVs. Shoppers can choose from a basic 2.5-liter engine, or a more powerful 1.5-liter or 2.0-liter turbocharged options. 2020 models also include both hybrid and plug-in hybrid options, so buyers can go green with a fun and useful crossover.
Nissan Kicks
The Nissan Kicks is a new vehicle that combines the best features of an SUV and a hatchback car. The only engine offered is a peppy 1.6-liter rated at 122 horsepower. The engine is matched to a continuously variable transmission with front-wheel-drive. The Kicks is fun to drive and offers more cargo capacity than a hatchback car. The Kicks also offers a great price point for first-time buyers, and that’s a good reason to have it on our list.
Kia Niro
The Kia Niro is closely related to the Hyundai Kona, but they’re decidedly different vehicles. For one thing, you can get the Niro as a plug-in hybrid. That’s not available in the Hyundai version. In this trim, the Niro will travel up to 26 miles on electric power before kicking in the gasoline engine. That’s a great feature for one of our best crossover SUVs. Simply put, a plug-in hybrid allows you to get the benefit of an EV in your daily commute, but you’ll never have a moment of range anxiety. That’s why the Kia Niro made our list.
Ford EcoSport
The latest crossover with an interesting twist is the Ford EcoSport. This model makes our list of best crossover SUVs because of its design. The rear door is really a door, not a hatch. It opens like a regular door on the side of the car. By itself, that wouldn’t be enough, but the EcoSport also offers thrifty transportation. Buyers can choose front-wheel or all-wheel-drive, and your choice of a 1.0-liter or 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine.
Conclusion
Buying one of the best crossover SUVs is a great way to get a fun, useful vehicle at an affordable price.