Before the SUVs ruled the car market, especially family car market, there was a brief period when crossovers were a big hit. For most buyers, SUVs and crossovers look the same, have the same purpose and appeal to the same type of customers and that is basically true, but there are few significant differences. The SUVs were derived from actual off-roaders and retained the rugged looks and some off-road capabilities in favor of comfort and luxury. The crossovers, on the other hand, originated from minivans and when the designers and market grew tired of boxy and ugly minivans, the manufacturers started producing more rounded shapes and aggressive designs. The minivans thus became crossovers and retained the practicality and usability, but gained the looks and capability of all-wheel-drive cars which were always an option on most models. The basic purpose of a crossover is to carry as many people as possible, have a powerful engine, cruise effortlessly and provide luxury and comfort. That is quite similar to modern SUVs but crossovers excel in highway driving and refinement. That is why they are still the kings of cross country road trips and still hold their own in a world that is obsessed with SUV models. Like SUVs, crossovers come in all sizes from compact to full size. An inexperienced enthusiast might have a hard time recognizing and distinguishing a true crossover from a regular SUV but we are here to help. That is why we have compiled a list of 18 best crossovers currently on sale.
- Dodge Journey
Dodge Journey is a standard crossover with features typical for the segment. It is spacious, has third-row seating and can accommodate up to 7 passengers, and it also has powerful engines. You can choose between 173 hp and 283 hp units mated to automatic transmission. The list of options is very long and despite the fact that the Journey is not the newest car on the market, it still is very popular due to low base the price of just $22,000.
- Subaru Crosstrek
Subaru’s main selling points for Crosstrek are signature all-wheel-drive, higher ground clearance, and good baseline equipment. The power comes from 148 hp, 2.0-liter flat four engine, and the performance is not that great. But, low price and nice handling make this Subaru worth considering. The base model is available from $23,000.
- Kia Niro
The Niro is a very interesting model, not only because it is one of the newest crossovers on the market, but because it comes only as a hybrid. With the combined power of 139 hp, you can’t expect big performance, but you will get great fuel economy. It also comes with good equipment and an affordable price of $24,000 which is not much for this good looking and reasonably spacious crossover.
- Chevrolet Equinox
Chevrolet has entered the crossover game in a big way with Equinox. It has good chassis, lots of space, wide arrange of engines including a diesel unit, two automatic transmissions, and power ranging from 137 hp to 252 hp. The advanced infotainment system is standard and there is a long list of optional extras. The base price is $24,000.
- Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
Cool-looking Hyundai crossover is an elegant and spacious proposition with many qualities like good equipment, 184 hp or 240 hp engines and quick shifting automatic transmission. Of course, front-wheel drive is standard and AWD is optional, and there is a big trunk but no third-row seating. Prices start at $26,000.
- Kia Sorento
The Sorento started as an SUV but in the latest incarnation, it is a proper crossover. It comes with optional third-row seating, engines ranging from 185 hp base four-cylinder to 290 hp V6. It also has great comfort, rugged looks, and stance, and with a list of optional equipment and big towing capacity, this is a pretty universal car. Prices start at $26,000 which is affordable considering all the advantages of the Sorento.
- Nissan Murano
With a design that’s almost exotic, great interior which comes with leather upholstery as standard and 260 hp V6, theMurano is a typical modern crossover cruiser. Lots of space for passengers, luggage along with nice driving dynamics, make Murano upscale and very pleasant car to be in. The prices start at $30,000 and a hybrid version is also available.
- Chevrolet Traverse
Although this Chevy looks like a proper SUV it is, in fact, a true crossover with minivan-like space inside, comfort and place for up to 8 people. The power comes from 281 hp V6 and front-wheel drive is standard although AWD is optional. With the base price of $30,000, a long list of options and plenty of interior space the Traverse is an interesting proposition.
- Ford Flex
For those buyers who grew up in big American station wagons, Ford has introduced Flex, a modern take on the classic theme. It looks like a station wagon but it is really a true modern crossover with cool styling, lots of space and powerful engines. You can choose between 287 hp or 365 hp engines, front or all-wheel drive and a lot of other options. There is space for 7 passengers and quite a lot of luggage, and all that at the base price of $30,000.
- Nissan Pathfinder
The Pathfinder was a rugged SUV in previous incarnations, but the current model had settled down with family and concentrated on highway duties rather than off-road driving. Bigger and more spacious than before, Pathfinder has easy access to all three rows and a big trunk. Power comes from a 284 hp V6 engine and FWD is standard. It is a big and comfy family cruiser that can be yours for $31,000 base price.
- Toyota Highlander
Despite pretty dull styling, Highlander is a good crossover with a place for 8 people, decent engines, and comfort. It also has a lot of usable space inside and a long list of optional extras. You can choose between 187 hp and 270 hp engines and hybrid versions are also available. The prices start from $31,000 and a new model should debut later this year.
- Honda Pilot
Another typical crossover in form of Honda Pilot is a big, spacious and elegant looking people carrier with nice interior, room for 8 people and good equipment. Driving dynamics are provided by a 280 hp V6 which powers the front wheels, which is pretty much the same layout as other vehicles in the class. However, the Pilot is very good at active and passive safety with numerous interesting and possibly life-saving systems. The prices start at $31,000.
- Mazda CX-9
Signature Mazda`s design is present in the new CX-9 crossover, making this model one of the best-looking people carriers on the market. However, beauty is not only skin-deep and CX-9 has a great interior, room for 8 passengers and luggage and great driving dynamics. Steering is very precise and a 250 hp turbocharged engine makes moving easy. The prices start at $32,000 and there is a long list of optional equipment.
- Buick Envision
Buick is slowly becoming one of the key players in crossover segment with two models. The first is Envision, a comfortable and pretty spacious vehicle filled with numerous luxury items, infotainment system, and safety features. The base engine is a little bit anemic 197 hp four cylinder but the 252 hp is available for those who want a bit more power. Our recommendation is to opt for higher trim levels because you will not only get more power and luxury but standard all-wheel drive. The prices start at $35,000.
- Lincoln MKX
Luxurious crossover from Lincoln is, in fact, a Ford Edge in a tuxedo, which is not a bad thing at all. In Lincoln’s version, this platform gets more interior space, a higher level of luxury and more power. The base engine is a 303 hp V6, but you can opt for a 335 hp unit. The interior is very luxurious with standard leather upholstery and premium audio system. Of course, luxury is costly and MKX starts at $39,000.
- Buick Enclave
The second Buick`s luxury crossover is the big and plush Enclave with room for 8 people, powerful engines and premium features that can rival much costlier models. The power comes from a 288 hp V6 engine mated to the 6-speed automatic transmission which delivers power to the front or all wheels. With the new model coming soon, now is the time to make a good deal on the current Enclave and the prices start at $40,000.
- Infiniti QX60
The big Infiniti QX60 is a quintessential luxury crossover with elegant styling, spacious and well-appointed leather interior, nice power from the 295 hp 3.5-liter V6. As usual, power is delivered to the front wheels but AWD is optional. With the basic layout covered, Infiniti concentrated to equipment and QX60 has practically everything including sunroof and onboard Wi-Fi as an option. The prices start at $44,000.
- Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class
This Mercedes is basically the S-Class in crossover body and with room for 7 passengers. It is the epitome of luxury with almost everything you can imagine. Wood, leather and even air-ionization system on top of regular air conditioning are available. The engine choices start from a diesel V6 with 255 hp and are continued with 362 hp and 449 hp gasoline units. Of course, you can get the mighty AMG-powered version with 577 hp. The prices start at $67,000 for the regular model and whopping $125,000 for the AMG version.