Traditional SUVs are often based on truck platforms, whereas crossovers are built on car chassis. This implies that crossovers have a unibody structure, which means that the frame and body are made of the same material.
To produce a vehicle that is really family-friendly, a crossover SUV combines the best features of SUVs with the best features of minivans and sedans.
With its car-like driving, spacious interior, and great visibility, the crossover appeals to families. While conventional SUVs began as nothing more than glorified pickup trucks, the crossover is based on a car chassis and appeals to a wide range of consumers, which is one of the reasons they’ve become the top-selling vehicle class in the United States.
Crossovers[i] have a specific look as well as technical characteristics that distinguish them. They generally sit high, similar to an SUV, and have four doors and a rear hatch. The increased ride height may be complemented with a four-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive; however, many crossovers are equipped with a two-wheel-drive as standard. SUVs have rougher truck-like rides, whereas crossovers have a more comfortable car-like ride. SUVs are generally heavier and less fuel-efficient than crossovers. The crossover idea is focused on combining the best qualities of cars with the best features of SUVs.
Despite the fact that the crossover is more practical than the SUV, the utility has nothing to do with its success. Crossovers are also less costly than traditional SUVs while keeping the same look and road presence. This, contrary to popular belief, is the only thing that matters.
Top rated[ii]
Mazda CX-5
With smart ergonomics and engaging driving qualities, Mazda has proven that its attention to detail extends beyond the surface. The CX-5 is extremely athletic and equally refined in comparison to its fairly dull competitors. While the standard four-cylinder engine lacks the punch of the optional turbo-four, both are equipped with a competent automatic transmission and are more fuel-efficient than their EPA ratings suggest.
When pulling away from stoplights or dashing about town, the basic 187-hp four-cylinder engine offers excellent throttle response, making it feel faster than it is. It seems underpowered at higher speeds, such as while passing or merging onto the highway.
Pros
- Perfectly shaped body type
- Incredibly sporty and equally elegant
- Significantly more premium than competitors
Cons
- The non-turbo engine requires more power
- It can only pull up to 2000 pounds
- A small load capacity
Price: Starting at $28,000
Kia Sorento
With the redesigned version of its mid-size crossover, Kia turns the 2021 Sorento from minivan-esque to muscular. The new generation looks very different from the one it replaces, with a squarer profile and more aggressive external features. The cabin design is also an upgrade over the previous model, with slicker digital interfaces and snazzier aesthetics throughout. Among the powertrain options for the three-row SUV are a 281-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a hybrid variant that delivers 39 mpg in the city.
The Sorento is available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, as well as a range of powertrain options. A 191-horsepower 2.5-liter inline-four-cylinder engine is standard, with a 281-horsepower turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine available as an option. Both feature an eight-speed automatic transmission, except for the hybrid, which has a six-speed automatic.
Pros
- Inside and out, it looks sleek and tough
- Engine options are available
- It’s fun to drive and comfortable to travel in
Cons
- The bigger touchscreen does not support wireless smartphone mirroring
- Baggage space may be limited
Price: Starting at $30,665
Hyundai Kona
This crossover is more than just a fashion statement; it also has sharp handling and a powerful optional turbocharged four-cylinder engine. If you can’t afford the 175-hp turbo engine, the standard nonturbo model is slower but still a lot of fun to drive. Although rear-seat headroom and storage capacity aren’t as vast as in somewhat bigger rivals, the Kona’s cabin is well furnished and comfortable for four passengers.
The Kona is offered with two powertrains: SE and SEL versions include a 147-hp four-cylinder engine and a six-speed automated transmission. This arrangement might use more coffee; an all-wheel-drive SEL model took 9.2 seconds to reach 60 mph in our tests. The Limited and Ultimate versions are powered by a 175-hp turbocharged four-cylinder mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Pros
Stylish appearance
A powerful turbo engine as an option
There are several typical features
Cons
Not very cargo-friendly
A shaky driving feels
uncomfortable basic engine
Price: Starting at $21,685
GMC Acadia
For the 2020 model year, the GMC Acadia received a mid-life update that was much more than a mid-life refresh. The front end has been updated and now has C-shaped LED lights as standard. It also receives a new and improved cabin. The most significant modifications, though, are to the engine. Along with the 2.5-liter and 3.6-liter powertrains, the Acadia now has a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 230 horsepower. A new nine-speed automatic transmission is also now standard throughout the whole Acadia series. An AT4 grade with off-road capabilities is also now available.
Pros
- A stylish design upgrade
- V6 engine with a 9-speed transmission that is smooth and powerful
- Extremely lavish than you imagine
Cons
- There is still a lot of hard, cheap plastic around.
- When options are added, the price increase
Price: Start from $30,995
Subaru Outback
For the 2020 model year, Subaru added a new engine to the Outback range. The 2.4-liter turbo-four was added to the Outback as part of the new XT grades, which are more off-road focused than the regular Outback. The new 2.4-liter engine produces 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque and is only available with a CVT transmission. Aside from the engine, the equipment changes between the 2.5-equipped trims are minor. The moonroof though comes standard with the Limited and Touring XT trims.
Pros
- Attractive design
- Huge navigation display
- The All-Wheel-Drive Advantage
Cons
- Unusual Apple CarPlay sizing
- A few important functionalities are missing
Price: Start from $27,655
