Here's a thing or two about crossover shopping—it's become downright embarrassing. Last month, I stopped by a Toyota dealership just to check out the new RAV4 and two hours later, I had been pitched everything from a $25,000 Corolla Cross to a $55,000 Highlander Hybrid. The sales person appeared puzzled when I told them I just wanted to see one model. That's the crossover market for you these days.

Here's what nobody tells you when you start crossover shopping: every single one claims to be the "best in class" at something. Best fuel economy, best cargo space, best technology, best value—the marketing departments have run completely wild. But after driving practically every crossover sold in America and talking to hundreds of actual owners, I can tell you which ones actually live up to the hype.

This ranking comes from real experience, not press releases. I've hauled kids to soccer practice in these things, loaded them down with camping gear, and driven them through everything from Arizona heat waves to Minnesota blizzards. Some impressed me. Others left me wondering how they ever made it to market. Here's what I learned.

What Actually Matters When You're Living With a Crossover

Forget the spec sheets for a minute. The crossovers that work best in real life share some common traits that have nothing to do with horsepower figures or fancy dashboard screens.

They Don't Break

I know this sounds obvious, but reliability has become the single most important factor in crossover satisfaction. When your vehicle spends half its time at the dealer getting warranty work done, all those advanced features become pretty meaningless. These brands have cracked the code—especially Toyota, Honda, and more recently Hyundai—they all shine in our top rankings for a reason.

Gas Station Visits Matter

With gas prices fluctuating between $3 and $5 per gallon depending on where you live, fuel economy is no longer just an environmental issue, it's a line item. The crossovers that provide real world mileage near their EPA ratings save their owners thousands of dollars in gas per year. Pro tip: hybrid versions nearly always get real world mileage much above what their EPA estimates claim.

Space that Works in Reality

Cargo capacity numbers are worthless. I have loaded identical amounts of gear into crossovers with similar cargo space numbers and some will accommodate everything with ease while others required Tetris-like packing skills. The best ones will maximize useable space with sensible designs—lower load floors, bigger openings and seats that truly fold flat and don't leave odd humps or gaps.

Technology That Doesn't Drive You Crazy

Every crossover comes with a touchscreen these days, but most of them operate like they were designed by engineers who never actually drive cars. The best systems let you adjust the climate, change radio stations, and navigate to your destination without pulling over to figure out which menu hides the function you need.

How I Ranked These 15 Crossovers

Rather than creating some complex scoring algorithm, I focused on the factors that actually matter to families spending their own money on these vehicles. Reliability was our number one priority, because nothing makes for a more miserable ownership experience than having to take your crossover to the repair shop every other week.

Safety was second on our list, because we are talking about a family vehicle here. I weighted fuel economy, interior space and driving experience equally, since families value those characteristics differently. For example a retired couple may value a comfortable seat and smooth ride quality more than a young family with three kids, who needs every cubic foot of cargo space available.

All of the crossovers were driven for at least a week in normal conditions, and not at some perfect test track. I drove in real traffic, in real parking lots and with real cargo loads. I also considered feedback from owners over time because first impressions are rarely indicative of a long-term ownership experience.

The Rankings: Actual Results Matter

1. Toyota RAV4 Hybrid - Still the Champion

I know, I get tired of recommending Toyotas over and over again - it gets a bit unoriginal. But the RAV4 Hybrid is undisputedly our number one because it does virtually everything well - with no major deficiencies. After testing dozens of crossovers, we realize how rare that is.

And the fuel economy is just ridiculously good. I averaged 42 mpg driving the RAV4 for a week that included highway driving, city stop-and-go and one trip to the mountains loaded with camping gear. Overall, the hybrid system has become so smooth that I don't even notice any transition between using electric or gas power. It just works.

What really sets the RAV4 apart is how it maximizes space within its footprint. Toyota's packaging team deserves serious credit here. The cargo area swallows an impressive amount of stuff, and the rear seats actually provide decent room for adults. I'm 6'2" and fit comfortably back there, which isn't something I can say about most compact crossovers.

The all-wheel drive system provides genuine capability without killing fuel economy. I have pushed this through muddy trails and snowy parking lots but it never felt like we were on the limits of the vehicle. Most crossovers all wheel drive systems are meant for aesthetics, and not necessarily function, but Toyota's is functional when it is challenged.

My only complaint with the RAV4 is highway road noise. Toyota has made improvements in newer models, but needs to catch up to quiet competitors like Honda CR-V. However, for many buyers, the noise is a small price to pay for reliability and good fuel economy.

Price: $35,000
Real-World MPG: 42
Cargo: 37.6 cubic feet
Verdict: Buy it. You won't regret it.

2. Mazda CX-50 - For People Who Still Like Driving

Mazda refuses to build boring cars, and the CX-50 proves that crossovers don't have to drive like refrigerators on wheels. This is what happens when engineers prioritize handling and steering feel over maximum cup holder capacity.

The turbocharged engine really does feel lively and energetic, not a laggard like the engines in most crossovers. Mazda tuned the suspension to provide real feedback, and take those highway bumps effectively. I did find myself taking the long way home, because the CX-50 made driving enjoyable again.

The materials used inside the cabin are fairly impressive for the price. Everything feels solid and substantial, there's real metal trim, and leather that doesn't look like it came from a vinyl factory. The infotainment system relies heavily on the rotary controller rather than touchscreen commands, which works better than it sounds once you get used to it.

The downside? Cargo space and rear seat room trail competitors. If you need maximum utility, look elsewhere. But if you want a crossover that doesn't completely eliminate driving enjoyment, the CX-50 stands alone in its segment.

Price: $28,500
Real-World MPG: 28
Cargo: 31.4 cubic feet
Verdict: Buy it if you miss actually enjoying your commute.

3. Honda CR-V - The Space Maximizer

Honda has turned interior packaging into an art form with the CR-V. I've never figured out how they extract so much usable space from such a compact exterior, but they've been doing it for decades now. The current generation perfects the formula.

Rear seat space genuinely rivals midsize crossovers. I loaded three car seats back there without major gymnastics, which eliminated the need to consider larger, less efficient alternatives. The cargo space is not only the lowest load floor in the class, the wide opening is sufficient to fit your furniture and appliances.

The reputation for reliability is entirely appropriate. Honda solved the oil dilution issues of earlier turbocharged models, and modern day CR-Vs consistently provide all of the durability that launched Honda. It continues to trend around reasonable maintenance costs, and the dealer network price, convenience and national reach for service.

Again, the driving dynamics are fine, but not overly thrilling. The CR-V handles bumps really well, and runs quietly down the highway. The CVT has advanced quite a bit and you don't get a similar 'rubber-band' effect that existed in some previous versions of Honda CVTs.

The Honda Sensing is standard and works considerably better than the majority of luxury competitors. The adaptive cruise control maintains respectful distances and keeps the variations in speed to a minimum, and the lane-keeping assists in a smooth transition instead of a harsh one.

Price: $29,200
Real-World MPG: 33
Cargo: 39.2 cubic feet
Verdict: Great for families that need maximum space with the least affected footprint.

4. Subaru Forester - The Transparent Workhorse

The Forester is an appropriate looking tool to move all of your stuff, wherever you need to go. Other manufacturers have chosen to showcase awards related to styling, Subaru chose awards around capabilities and durability. This brand has always delivered vehicles which are high functioning in terms of total practicality.

Standard all-wheel drive is what differentiates the Forester from its fair-weather competitors. This isn't some reactive system that kicks in after you're already sliding—Subaru sends power to all four wheels continuously. I tested it extensively in Colorado mountain conditions, and the traction advantage over front-wheel drive crossovers was dramatic.

Ground clearance of 8.7 inches enables adventures that would scrape the air dams off most crossovers. With reasonable approach and departure angles, the Forester can tackle moderate off-road scenarios that would send some other crossovers into a panic and straight back to the pavement.

Interior space feels spacious despite the boxy exterior. Subaru clearly prioritized headroom and rear seat space over swoopy designs, which allows for headroom and accommodations that would work well for those taller passengers. The upright position of the driver's seat allows for excellent visibility in all directions, which is especially important during city driving.

The engine isn't anything to write home about, but it doesn't attempt to do something unnecessary with a turbocharger either. It's not exhilarating, but it gets the job done, and for a guy who drives a crossover, running on regular gasoline, and as a full-time motorboat enthusiast, a dependable engine is preferred over perhaps faster acceleration times with a turbo. It is easily understood that for buyers that value durability over acceleration times, ease-of-use with the Forester's simple powertrain makes reasonable sense.

Price: $28,000
Real-World MPG: 31
Cargo: 35.4 cubic feet
Verdict: Buy it, if you actually use your crossover for adventure, legit adventure of course.

5. Hyundai Tucson Hybrid - The Overachiever

Hyundai has completely reinvented the Tucson from what some might call a forgettable economy box to one with some of the most appeal in our segment. The new platform as presently conceived looks like it would sell for $10,000 more than its actual price point, and the sheer detailed level of feature content backs that up impressively.

Sure, the exterior design isn't for everyone (but who cares), although it is definitely unique and has a solid appeal to design. You won't mistake a Tucson for anything else, as most crossovers in parking lots all look alike. Hyundai's parametric grille and angular body create a purposeful appearance that appears less focus-grouped than many others. Regardless, there is nothing forgettable about the Tucson, and you can actually see it.

Honestly, where Hyundai hit the jackpot was on the interior quality. It is on par with a luxury rival, while still being priced in the mainstream vicinity. The dual-screen layout on the dashboard looks handsome, is modern looking, alive and responsive immediately to touch/inputs. There are still physical climate controls, meaning Hyundai understands how annoying it is when every automaker goes minimal with touchscreens, which can be horrible for simply adjusting temperature - good for you Hyundai for thinking of your consumers.

The hybrid is driven from the same platform, but the hybrid really defies what's previously presented as merely "efficient". Real-world fuel economy test data findings show impressively between 35-38 mpg which puts Tucson Hybrid amongst its segment leaders of efficiency of late. The electric motor has instant torque for urban and city driving, while the gas engine with a few RPMs will ultimately just ease you on and fill you with confidence in highway merging or squeezing ahead of some impatient competitor.

The best part about the Tucson Hybrid is Hyundai's 10 year powertrain warranty that few competitors can match. And the other best part which virtually no manufacturer is willing to offer, does transfer to the second set of owners. That makes sense, and would actually create decent resale value! Long-term ownership anxiety is less worrisome when you are completely aware of warranty coverage period.

Price: $34,000
Real-World MPG: 38
Cargo: 38.7 cubic feet
Verdict: Great value and with proven, very competitively priced warranty coverage.

6. Kia Sorento Hybrid - The Three Row Bang for Buck

Practical mid-size 3-row crossovers under $40,000 used to be nearly impossible to even consider. Welcome to Kia's Sorento Hybrid. It is practical 3 row utility for the price and doesn't cost you a premium for value.

This is what happens when manufacturers actually think about how families use three-row vehicles. The third row provides real space for humans, not just insurance liability. I transported six adults on a 200-mile road trip, and the third-row passengers didn't stage a revolt. Access requires some flexibility, but the space itself works for children and occasional adult use.

Interior quality exceeds expectations across all three rows. Kia has really put a lot of money into building quality materials and assembly quality, and the Sorento makes use of soft surface materials and nice touch points throughout the cabin. The infotainment system is easy to use, and doesn't succumb to the sort of convoluted programming that often plagues three-row vehicles riddled with features.

The hybrid powertrain offers decent power, while also yielding stellar efficiency for a three-row vehicle. The combined system power feels more than adequate for highway merging or climbing with a full load of passengers, but the fuel economy does remain respectable considering the added length and weight.

Cargo flexibility is one of the Sorento's best attributes. With the third row stowed, the cargo capacity rivals that of many two-row crossovers. Additionally, it has a sliding second row of seating that allows for further optimization for either maximum passenger comfort or maximum cargo capacity - whatever you need right now!

Price: $37,000
Real-World MPG: 37
Cargo: Variable
Verdict: Best value three-row in market.

7. Nissan Rogue - The Comfort Specialist

Nissan has established the Rogue as the crossover for those who spend a lot of time driving. While it may not win any performance accolades, the Rogue is designed for comfort and refinement, making both long commutes and road trips much more enjoyable.

Those Zero Gravity seats are not simply marketing bull—we find it even provides decent support for long, uninterrupted travel. It fully embraces spaciousness and comfort while completely disregarding any sporting pretensions. Rear passengers are treated to expansive accommodations, and the driver can feel comfortable and efficient cabinets each appointment and glass on the road.

Cargo space tops the compact crossover category, thanks to effective design features like a low load floor and wide opening for easy loading of larger items. The underfloor storage compartments creates dry and secure space for valuable items and the rear seats fold flat, creating a large area to haul stuff in.

The CVT has improved in leaps and bounds since Nissan first used it. While driving enthusiasts might still prefer their auto transmissions, the CVT performs adequately during casual everyday driving and even better when it comes to fuel economy!

ProPILOT Assist is one of the more advanced driver assistance technologies mainstream crossovers offer. When driving on the highway, with little hesitation, it can enable semi-autonomous driving by maintaining a lane position and following distance, which can help reduce fatigue on long road trips.

Price: $27,500
Real-World MPG: 32
Cargo: 39.3 cubic feet
Verdict: Best for commuters that want a little comfort on the highway.

8. Ford Escape Hybrid - The All-American Efficiency Play

Ford's electrification plan is best exemplified in the Escape Hybrid. This is a great example of American engineering: good efficiency without compromising many of the things people love about crossovers for their families. In fact, in every day driving, the hybrid powertrain exceeds EPA estimates!

During the test period, I was averaging over 40 mpg, including much highway driving and some stop-and-go in urban traffic conditions. After a few hard stops, I forgot I was in a hybrid SUV because the systems were so smooth going from electric to gasoline and back without any of the early hybrid stumbling.

The design inside is utilitarian rather than flashy. The important controls are within easy access, and the infotainment system with mobile device integration can be understood and operated without even looking at a manual! Cargo space is also very respectable for a compact crossover, while the battery pack is inconspicuous and only minimally impacts passenger space.

Not to mention, the load floor in the back is low and flat as well as plenty of in-cabin storage cubbies for all the stuff we need to have with us on a daily basis. The rear seats are fold flat and if you need to haul something, you can load it from the back without worrying about whether or not it will fit behind the seats.

Finally, Co-Pilot360 is a great safety suite. The automatic emergency braking can apply itself and prevent multiple front-end collisions during my test period. The blind spot monitoring also does a great job of providing warnings without constantly annoying false positives.

Price: $35,000
Real-World MPG: 41
Cargo: 33.5 cubic feet
Verdict: Good option for American families looking for efficiency.

9. Chevrolet Equinox - The Spacious Budget Choice

General Motors has finally learned to create a competitive mainstream crossover with the Equinox. The current generation of Equinox has more interior space than most compact competitors, while remaining nice and affordable, economical to drive and operate.

Interior space is the Equinox's secret weapon. Plenty of interior passenger space for front and rear passengers, and the cargo area is genuinely useful. The rear seats fold flat to make significant space for bag haulers that can compete with midsize crossovers. Loading heavy things is also made easier for jobs and big bags of stuff by the low flat load floor.

The turbocharged engine provides adequate power in most situations with decent mpg. The nine-speed automatic hunts at times for gears with moderate acceleration, noticeably better than GM crossovers of the past, and much more refined than historically.

Chevrolet's infotainment system finally makes sense. The touchscreen is accurately responsive and smartphone connectivity is reliable, with a logical structure in the menu system. Wireless charging is great when equipped for managing the phone's battery.

The build quality reflects GM's new obsession with build quality. Panel gaps were nearly consistent, interior materials seemed pretty durable, and assembly quality has gotten much closer to that of our Asian rivals. Okay, not yet to premium, but noticeably improved.

Price: $26,500
Real-World MPG: 30
Cargo: 29.9 cubic feet
Verdict: Great space and features for the price.

10. Acura RDX - The Performance Luxury Choice

Acura has somehow made a special car in the RDX, a luxury crossover that actually provides the fun driving dynamics of a car, and still feels refined. This is what you get when engineers are permitted to prioritize performance along with luxury features.

The turbocharged V6 engine turns ordinary driving into an entertaining experience. Power delivery is smooth, immediate and without fuss, making highway merging or mountain climbing seem trivial. The 10-speed automatic transmission intuitively seems to always choose the right gear, and manual control with paddle shifters was satisfying (although we didn't take full advantage).

The quality of the interior has genuine luxury levels with the judgment of "no pretense", as is sometimes evident in rival German brands. The parts felt solid, the assembly quality is excellent, and a driver-focus approach embraces ergonomics over bling. The option of a panoramic sunroof creates a pleasant feeling of space, and the premium branded sound system produces concert quality audio.

The True Touchpad Interface will take some learning, but ultimately provides much more precision than any touchscreen while better eliminating driver distraction. Once learned, it's much more intuitive than most luxury infotainment systems.

Cargo space is less than the mass-market rivals, but not enough difference that most families would be eliminated. The rear seats fold flat and the shape of the cargo area provides a useful carrying area for typical hauling duties.

Price: $42,000
Real-World MPG: 27
Cargo: 26.1 cu ft
Verdict: Best choice for a luxury buyer who's still serious about enjoying driving.

11. Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport - Your German Engineering Option

Volkswagen brings European perspective to American expectations with the Atlas Cross Sport. This is not your typical mass-market crossover with questionable build quality and driving ability, this SUV is constructed with build quality and driving refinement at the expense of maximum cargo or budget pricing, a refreshing note in a utility only segment.

Interior quality is instantly evident as premium. The materials used in the dashboard feel substantial. The controls work with precision that has a satisfying feel to it, and little to no ambient lights. The overall feel is that of understated elegance. Combined with ambient lights and premium audio system, the feeling is of a true high-end environment without any gaudy impressions.

Unlike many turbocharged crossover engines, the turbocharged engine provides smooth, linear power delivery and seems more refined overall. The eight-speed automatic transmission effortlessly shifts in a normal drive mode, or shifts when used manually in a crisp way. When at highway speeds, there is no unsettled sensation which is also refined and stable.

Driving on the highway feels substantial and secure with almost no wind noise with good ride quality, making it ideal for long trips.

In total, the sloping roofline reduces cargo since it departs from some of the more traditional crossover profile, although the cargo area accommodates most family needs overall. The power liftgate also comes with a setable memory position that can accommodate varied user heights, which showed attention to detail for something used regularly.

Price: $36,000
Real-World MPG: 27
Cargo: 27.7 cubic feet
Verdict: If you want a vehicle with great European refinement and build quality, get it.

12. Lexus NX Hybrid - Luxury Done Right

Lexus has reached the hybrid sweet spot of marrying luxury refinement with hybrid efficiency with the NX. It provides the quiet and smooth experience that its customers expect while enjoying a lowered fuel economy footprint that rivals many more mainstream hybrid competitors.

The interior is Lexus workmanship at its best. Everything feels expensive and durable, with good quality leather, genuine wood trim and metal accents that warrant premium prices. With the Mark Levinson audio system, you will enjoy concert hall sound quality that creates an acoustic experience each drive.

The hybrid powertrain operates with refined seamlessness that makes the switch between power sources unnoticed. The electric motor assists with instant torque for city driving and the gas engine provides smoothness when driving on the expressway. This example serves as how hybrid systems should be incorporated into luxury vehicles.

The Lexus Safety System+ provides all of the driver assists and works smoother than many competitors. The adaptive cruise control maintains appropriate distance between vehicles in any traffic while the lane-keeping system provides gentle steering instead of some of the corrections that can be jarring.

The cargo space is congruent with luxury segment expectations that reflect passenger comfort as opposed to max utility. The cargo area is large enough for most family use, although families needing maximum cargo space should stick with the mainstream alternatives.

Price: $45,000
Real-World MPG: 39
Cargo: 22.7 cubic feet
Verdict: Perfect for luxury buyers that want hybrid efficiency.

13. Genesis GV70 - The Luxury Disruptor

Genesis is a contender against luxury brands and undercuts the German competition, but has equivalent features and performance options. The GV70 shows that you do not have to give up value, and without compromising on any of the key areas.

The quality of the interior is on par with anything else found in luxury, while also maintaining a unique design character. The Nappa leather seats are some of the most comfortable if not the most comfortable, and the overall cabin design leverages clean lines and superb materials to reflect modern luxury.

Driving the turbocharged engine is such an incredibly smooth and responsive performance that the GV70 is just plain fun to drive. The eight-speed automatic transmission always shifts smoothly and offers paddle-shifters if someone wants to shift manually. All wheel drive instills confidence for all driving conditions and has an acceptable efficiency.

Genesis is one of the few luxury automotive brands where customer service is more than just the transaction of a car purchase. Complimentary maintenance and concierge services are unique for auto manufacturers that pick up at customer workplaces or home for service appointments as Genesis does. This level of service is useful in reaffirming its luxury messages while minimizing ownership distractions.

Genesis has also made technology easy-to-use with a heavy focus on functionality as opposed to confusion. The infotainment system operates flawlessly in person and has wireless charging that works. Voice recognition is available to recognize natural commands. The available head-up display eliminates distractions while providing clear information to the driver.

Price: $44,000
Real-World MPG: 27
Cargo: 28.9 cubic feet
Verdict: Fantastic luxury value and service.

14. BMW X3 - The Benchmark for Driving

BMW continues to define driving dynamics with a luxury crossover with the X3. While priced for the luxury category, the X3 clearly provides a driving experience that justifies the sticker price, especially when you consider the target buyer is likely from the performance and refinement end of the driving spectrum.

The optional six-cylinder engine completely changes the driving of a crossover with a smooth power structure that makes a daily commuting experience a heck of a lot more fun. The base four-cylinder option is good enough, but while the six lifts the experience into sports sedan territory, the four-cylinder version also offers a terrific experience, especially for urban commuters.

The automatic transmission is responsive to every driving style shift, and I never noticed any shifting out of line in any kind of adjacent weather conditions or scenarios.

Interior quality is consistent with what you expect from BMW in the luxury category, both in materials and ergonomics. The cockpit design is focused on an intuitive driver experience, evident by clearly positioning mirrors, control buttons, and clear sightlines. The materials create an authentic luxury environment, with the optional ventilated seats and the four-zone climate control positioned for passenger comfort.

iDrive has transitioned to be one of the most intuitive luxury infotainment systems in the market. The rotary controller allows you to navigate the menus accurately, and the system reacts right away to inputs. The wireless smartphone integration is seamless, and the audio quality from the premium system is exceptional.

Driver assistance technology is used with finesse that reflects the quality of BMW engineering. The adaptive cruise seamlessly handles smooth follow distances regardless of speed and the parking assist will deftly maneuver into the tightest of situations with minimal input from the driver.

Price: $48,000
Real-World MPG: 28
Cargo: 28.7 cubic feet
Verdict: Well worth the price premium for ultimate driving refinement.

15. Jeep Grand Cherokee - The Capability King

The Grand Cherokee retains the off-road character that Jeep is famous for while providing the refinement of a more modern crossover. The blend of capability and sophistication appeals to buyers who want a crossover to serve their daily purpose but does not want to abandon or sacrifice adventure for the practicality.

The engine line-up provides everything from efficient V6s to impressively powerful V8s that allow for effortless towing when needed or the power to really accelerate. The air suspension provides you the driveability that is perfect for your conditions and eases suspension height when going highway speeds for efficiency and then raises height for off-road clearance.

Compared to previous Jeep products, the Grand Cherokee has provided a vastly improved interior quality. The materials are lastly "leathery" and seem to be of quality and build that captures what feels substantial and durable, but the interior design also attains a decent balance of style without foregoing function.

The Uconnect infotainment system uses a distinct menu that is intuitive for everyone and responds extremely quickly.

Off-road capability in the Grand Cherokee is competitive and genuine, not just a badge on a vehicle for marketing. Selectable four-wheel-drive systems offer legitimate capability off-road, and even allows for potentially hazardous experiences, like hill descent control, in ways that too many crossovers would never attempt. The Grand Cherokee is capable - and creates truly extraordinary off-road situations - while also managing civilized handling again when you go back to pavement.

The cargo area is functional and provides enough utilization for most families, even though the spare tire storage location does not benefit them in cargo from competitors that use temporary spares. The power liftgate works well and handsfree operation can also be performed when equipped.

Price: $37,000
Real-World MPG: 27
Cargo: 37.7 cubic feet
Verdict: Pick it for real off-road capacity with crossover capability.

What Where You Live Means for Crossover Selection

The place you live in America influences which crossover you choose more than you believe. I have been lucky enough to experience these vehicles all across the country and where you live can mean more than a magazine test.

Snow Country Truths

If you deal with real winters, no-brainer all-wheel drive is no longer optional; it's survival gear. The full-time AWD system in the Subaru Forester offers the most confidence, while the intelligent RAV4 AWD option offers excellent application with almost no efficiency penalty. Ground clearance is also important when snow is piled on the back lot.

Desert and Heat Issues

When it comes to high desert climates, high temps are a challenge for your vehicle's cooling systems and the materials in the cabin. When it comes to luxury alternatives such as the Lexus NX, their climate control is better equipped for your worst fears and the materials have a better chance of withstanding the most variable of extremes. A dark interior in an Arizona summer can put you in an uncomfortable position; lighter colors are your best option.

Mountain State Needs

Everybody knows that driving in the mountains affects naturally aspirated engine performance, but are you familiar with how much improved turbocharged motors perform at higher elevations? A turbocharged engine like the CX-50 and the Atlas Cross Sport will maintain more of the power output, while the naturally aspirated engines feel a bit lethargic after crossing that 5,000-foot elevation mark.

Coastal Efficiency Focus

The mild coastal climate provides an opportunity to also prioritize fuel economy over all-weather capability. I would choose the RAV4 Hybrid or the Escape Hybrid for best fuel economy without sacrificing mechanical capacity. Front-wheel drive configurations generally do a good job of balancing usability and fuel efficiency.

Size: Know Your Zone

The term "crossover" has become segmented into different size categories with each type serving different family needs and usage patterns. Understanding the segments allows better focus during your search on vehicles that will actually fit your needs.

Compact Crossover: Urban Living

Compact sizes like the RAV4, CR-V, and Escape, work well for couples and small families who want crossover capability without full-size crossover problems. They offer manageability in parking constrained situations, fuel costs stay reasonable, and most offer better than adequate space for most ordinary family activities.

Midsize Crossover: Growing Families

Midsize options like the Grand Cherokee offer more available space and capability without crossing the full-size crossover line. Midsize vehicles usually provide more power and towing capacity and still get decent fuel economy overall.

Three Row Crossover: Expanded Family Options

Three row options like the Sorento are available to suit more family needs without the large size of a traditional SUV. The third row offers authentic capability for children and adult passengers but comfort and access vary considerably from make to make.

Technology: That Actually Adds To Ownership Value

New crossovers have more technology than is reasonable, but not all features add equal value. The best technologies enhance everyday use as opposed to just putting on a show at the local dealership.

Smartphone Integration Reality Check

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto have become standard instead of luxuries. The best of these systems connect automatically and stay connected throughout drive times, but we often find wired versions to be more stable than wireless ones in various vehicles we used.

Driver Assistance That Works

Adaptive cruise control has gone from a luxury or convenience feature to a must have in today's automotive market. The best implementations provide a smooth following distance under different traffic conditions and are easy to use and intuitive in their controls. Be aware that there can be significant differences in performance across manufacturers, so be sure to test these systems thoroughly before making a purchase.

Factory Audio Systems Worth the Money

Factory premium audio systems continue to get better with factory audio systems that often produce sound better than aftermarket systems costing significantly more. We have not found that the speaker count is necessarily indicative of sound quality in a vehicle audio system. Placement and tuning are considerably more important than the number of speakers and total wattage as used to be discussed as indicators of quality sound.

Powertrains: What Matters Most to You?

It is worthwhile to have a good understanding of the powertrain options available for the type of crossover you are interested in to help narrow the choices based on usage and performance priorities. Each option has its specific pros and cons depending on your driving preferences or required performance outcomes.

Naturally Aspirated Engines

Conventional powertrains, like in CR-V and Forester, will still have reliability along with less cost and headache of maintenance if repairs are needed. Naturally aspirated powertrains typically use regular gasoline and require less servicing than their turbocharged cousins while having lower initial purchase prices.

Turbocharged Engines

Turbo powered engines provide improved performance, turbo engines are in vehicles like the CX-50 and RDX often with great fuel economy. More speculation exists around these powertrains that typically use premium fuel, have increased long-term maintenance costs and previous positions will vary for each maker. The performance benefits often justify these considerations for many buyers.

Hybrid Efficiency

Hybrid systems have matured into seamless, reliable powertrains that deliver exceptional fuel economy. The RAV4 and NX hybrids operate so smoothly that most drivers forget they're driving hybrid vehicles. Initial purchase premiums often pay for themselves through reduced fuel costs.

Making the Right Choice for Your Family

Choosing the perfect crossover requires honest assessment of actual needs rather than aspirational requirements. Many buyers overestimate their space and capability needs while underestimating the importance of daily driving comfort and convenience.

Prioritize Daily Realities

Consider how you actually use your vehicle 90% of the time. If that's commuting and grocery runs, prioritize comfort, fuel economy, and reliability over maximum towing capacity or off-road capability. The crossover that excels at your most common usage scenarios will provide greater satisfaction than one optimized for occasional special needs.

Test Drive Fully

Brief dealer test drives rarely expose usability problems that develop in the course of extended ownership. However, many dealers now offer an overnight loaner or a longer-term test drive for better insight into daily usability. Your goal here is to identify deal-breakers before signing on to the purchase agreement.

Think About Total Ownership Costs

Monthly payments are only part of the total ownership costs. Think also about gas consumption, oil change frequency, and insurance rates. For example, a more expensive vehicle is often better on fuel, maintenance cycles, or insurance, so that over five years it could cost less in total than the lower-priced vehicles with higher operating costs.

Regional Values

The price and availability for crossovers vary significantly across American markets given local sales demand patterns, climate-dependent requirements for vehicles, and dealer stocking strategies. Being aware of these trends can help you make better decisions regarding when to make a purchase and your negotiating strategy.

Winter vs. Summer Pricing or Availability

In markets with harsh winter climates, all-wheel drive models are likely to be in higher demand than other markets, and will very likely only come in limited combinations which may also affect pricing or availability. Local dealers in these regions usually approach stocking higher percentages of AWD vehicles, while still likely running low on certain popular combinations.

Urban-Rural Market Habits

Most urban markets will feature compact two and three-row crossovers with limited larger vehicle options given that urban customers have less parking space and are generally more concerned with fuel efficiency. Most rural markets will more likely feature larger vehicles that offer a higher capability, and more towing capacity options. These factors are likely to play a big part in both the sell price, and resale pricing for consumers in different parts of the country.

Future-proofing Your Crossover Decision

The automotive industry is changing quickly, and advances in electrification, advanced driver assistance, and connectivity are changing what crossovers can do. Embracing the context of these changes allows buyers to understand where they fit into the current context and what capabilities they may need in the future.

Electrification Timeline

Hybrid powertrains are becoming the norm in many crossover lineups, and some manufacturers will be hybrid-only in a few short years. Among current hybrid offerings, models overall typically have advantages in efficiency, performance, and infrastructure use across the board.

Technology Evolution

Driver assistance systems are advancing with an end goal of greater capability and automation. The current generation of systems provide meaningful safety and convenience but expect to see future iterations expand motorist capability in more complex situations. Through over-the-air updates, manufacturers will continue to improve their systems without drivers having to purchase a new vehicle.

The Bottom Line

After extensive comparison testing and evaluations, we confidently recommend the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid to most American buyers. The RAV4 Hybrid differentiates itself by delivering proven reliability, amazing efficiency, and practical capability, and it is difficult to suggest a competitor without a significant weakness.

But perhaps your priorities differ, so check out the Mazda CX-50, which will be quite appealing to the driver who desires engagement behind the wheel; or the Honda CR-V, which provides the most space efficiency within compact dimensions.

For buyers seeking a luxury experience, put the Genesis GV70 in the consider bin, as it gives you unrivaled value; or step out in a Lexus NX based on its impeccable refinement and long dedication to reliability.

Budget-conscious families will find Chevrolet Equinox provides them with a considerable amount of space and features at a price point likely competitive to similar-performing vehicles; the Kia Sorento Hybrid provides the most practical three-row crossover solution you can purchase for less than $40,000.

The fundamental premise of crossover satisfaction is matching the vehicle's capabilities to how the typical situations played out in regard to actual needs, not worst case situations. The ideal crossover performs at an excellent level for your day-to-day driving capabilities, while possessing sufficient capabilities so as trying to own on one or two occasions doesn't result in buyer's remorse.

As long as you focus on the options which meet excellence for your most important needs to your lifestyle, then you certainly will find a crossover that meets your needs as a convenience for transportation, not just another basic utility.

Remember, crossover satisfaction really depends on daily usability much faster than it does on impressive specs. The crossover which gives you convenience with an ease to your commute, the type of use, provides comfortable accommodation to your family, and showing up reliably through the years, is going to provide you with better satisfaction than the one that looks good on-paper because it has good specs but perhaps worse usability.

Plan your decision-making wisely; test your options carefully; and enjoy the hunt - the perfect crossover for your needs does exist in today's diverse market!