Crossover SUVs have risen to become one of the most popular kinds of vehicles on the road. The reasons for this vary, but most people want the blend of comfort, security, and utility that these part-car SUVs provide. Over the past few decades, they have become so popular that many car makers have more than one model in the category, each with a different focus.
What Makes a Crossover SUV Stand Out
Crossover SUVs blend categories between a traditional car and a full-size SUV. This blending looks different depending on the maker of the model, but ultimately will result in an SUV that’s lower to the ground and provides a more car-like driving experience. At the same time, crossover SUVs often have luxurious amounts of interior space and creature comforts compared to regular cars.
The best Crossover SUVs are those that are more efficient than full-size SUVs, but retain the passenger and cargo capacity of their larger cousins. Additionally, these vehicles should have good safety ratings, plenty of optional accessories, and still rest in a reasonable price range.
8 High-Quality Crossover SUVs
Considering the sheer number of crossover SUVs on the market, it was difficult to narrow the field to eight of the best models. Here are eight models that each highlight a different aspect of what it means to be a great crossover SUV.
- Best Overall: Hyundai Tucson Hybrid – With an option between hybrid and pure electric, the Tucson Hybrid gives drivers the option to switch between a sportier pickup and a more efficient ride overall. While it’s not the most spacious, this model boasts an upscale design with seating for five people and a smooth ride.
- Best for Families: Kia EV6 – Despite being an electric vehicle, the EV6 has an impressive range per charge and plenty of roomy seating for up to seven people. It’s not a budget option, but its high safety scores and advanced amenities make it feel well worth the price tag.
- Best Value: Mazda CX-5 -Expect a smooth, sporty ride in the CX-5, which is built to comfortably seat five people with moderate fuel efficiency. It loses some points for an underwhelming infotainment system and a lack of cargo space, but works well as a daily vehicle for carting kids around from afterschool activities or out to dinner.
- Most Well-Rounded: Hyundai Ioniq 5 – Although it’s not the top model in terms of safety, efficiency, or luxury, it’s easily within the top 5 in every category. By being less specialized, the Ioniq 5 offers more overall and is a solid performer in every consideration. Efficient, zippy, spacious, and with intuitive onboard controls, this model has a bit of everything.
- Most Efficient: Ford Mustang Mach-E – Ford’s electric crossover SUV features an impressive range, good handling, and a spacious interior both for passengers and cargo. It’s one of the more expensive offerings, but based on the combination of driving performance and upscale interior, this design works in many ways.
- Best Sport-and-Luxury: Mazda CX-9 – The crossover style of SUV often sacrifices the “S” in “SUV” in favor of luxury, but the Mazda CX-9 maintains focus on the “Sport” and “Utility” that define the style. Nevertheless, the luxury features that come standard in this model belie the excellent handling both in on-road and off-road conditions. The tradeoff comes in the lack of space for cargo and some cramped space for the maximum of seven passengers in the vehicle.
- Safest for Families: Jeep Grand Cherokee L – This model is very sturdy, featuring numerous safety features to keep all members of the family safe. It trades away fuel efficiency for a greater heft that makes for a smooth ride no matter what the road conditions are. It is also rather spacious, allowing plenty of room for cargo and ample leg room for up to six passengers.
- Most Comfortable: Chevrolet Traverse – As one of the largest crossover SUVs, it’s no surprise that the Chevrolet Traverse features exceptional cargo and passenger space despite allowing for up to eight passengers, the highest number in class. Like the Grand Cherokee L, it trades away efficiency for a stronger engine to move this massive crossover. The interior features are cozy and inviting, though the material quality is noticeably lower than other models, such as the Mazda CX-9 and Hyundai Tucson Hybrid.
Each of these vehicles highlights the different qualities of what it means to be a crossover SUV. There are few better designs when it comes to blending utility with comfort, so these models are well-suited for families, young professionals, and those who want to explore the open road.