Automobile enthusiasts seeking a small car that doesn’t compromise on driving experience, is easy to maneuver, and is fuel-efficient will find what they are looking for in crossover vehicles. These vehicles combine the features of two different types of automobiles. In recent years, crossover SUVs have become one of the most popular car segments worldwide, blending a hatchback’s practicality with an SUV’s rugged appeal. There are a few crossover SUVs that buyers can consider.
Top 4 crossover SUVs
Crossover SUVs are smaller than the traditional ones but offer a similar practicality and comfort for everyday use. These automobiles are engineered to handle city roads with ease while offering better fuel efficiency than traditional SUVs.
1. Volkswagen Taos ($23,995 – $33,515)
This is the brand’s smallest SUV and one of its most affordable offerings. Engineered with plenty of safety and modern technology features, it has excellent cargo and passenger space despite its small size. Its 1.5-liter, high-strung, four-cylinder turbocharged engine helps the vehicle from 0 to 60 mph in merely 7.8 seconds. This speed is achievable only because of its launch control, a feature often reserved for sports cars.Â
This compact crossover SUV is confident and stable in all terrains. Moreover, it takes a smooth stop even under hard panic braking. The vehicle handles well around the corners with accurate steering and controlled body roll. In terms of cabin comfort, Taos does not disappoint. The seats in the front row have a sporty look and offer great support. Its climate control functionality is easy to use and effective. It can seamlessly distribute the airflow across the cabin. The ventilated front seats work wonders during the warmer days. The automobile records fuel efficiency figures of 28 mpg on city roads, 36 mpg on the highways, and 31 mpg combined.
2. Chevrolet Trailblazer ($23,100 – $28,700)
The Chevy Trailblazer is an incredibly comfortable crossover vehicle with superior fuel economy. It offers ample space for cargo and occupants. Some of its standard features include lane-keeping assistance, Android and Apple CarPlay integration for wireless connectivity, and flat-folding front seats to accommodate bigger items.
The latest model of the vehicle features a newly installed screen up front. This 8.0-inch display nestles behind the steering wheel and has an easily configurable digital gauge. At the dash’s center is a newly installed 11.0-inch widescreen infotainment system. This bigger touchscreen is a welcome change from the standard 7-inch screen available in previous versions.
Chevy offers a push-button start for easy convenience in each Trailblazer trim. The base turbocharged 1.2-liter 3-cylinder engine yields 137 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque. When one opts for all-wheel drive, one can avail of a more powerful 1.3-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder engine that yields 155 hp and 174 pound-feet of torque.
3. BMW X1 (40,500 – $49,900)
The BMW X1 is fun to drive and spacious for its size. A host of advanced technology features in this SUV add to its appeal. The vehicle sprints from 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds, which is an impressive figure for an automobile in its segment. Its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine provides ample power, making the ride solid. X1 offers great acceleration and stays controlled and balanced in twisty turns.
The adaptive suspension and the summer tires one gets when opting for the M Sport package are a huge plus. With the Sport mode, the steering feels firm, enhancing the driving experience even on congested roads. The smooth-halting brakes and the light-effort steering are other key highlights. With the M Sport package, one can enjoy firm and supportive seats that are capable of holding the occupants in the right places even when traversing sudden corners.
Even though the X1 is an entry-level crossover from a luxe brand, when looking at the interior, one won’t feel as if one is missing out on much. The vehicle has ample space for its class, primarily because of its boxy proportions. There is also ample headroom and legroom for all the occupants. The car is tall enough to make getting in and out of the door openings feel like a breeze for people regardless of height. There are no blind-spot issues once the driver sits in their seat.
When it comes to technology, the BMW X1 offers many impressive standard features, such as the iDrive infotainment system. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay wireless integration comes standard and works just as well as the wired connection. Additionally, safety attributes such as blind spot monitoring, lane departure alerts, and automatic emergency braking help drivers confidently navigate challenging terrains.
4. Hyundai Tucson Hybrid ($32,575 – $39,715)
It is a popular family SUV crossover with an efficient powertrain and a modern, refreshed design. The hybrid variant of the automobile offers a combined fuel economy of 38 mpg.
Its interior looks premium with tons of plush, soft-touch materials. Beyond this, Hyundai includes two displays with an infotainment system that wirelessly integrates with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The Hybrid lineup comprises a 1.6-liter, turbocharged, four-cylinder engine that generates 226 hp and 258 pound-feet of torque. However, for the plug-in hybrid model, the output is 261 hp. While it is not a sports car, Tucson promises crisp steering, an aggregable ride, and smooth handling.
