Crossovers have quickly become the most popular cars of all time, pushing out hatchbacks and sedans, and even encroaching on the territory of their larger siblings - SUVs. They may not be as practical as a larger car, but their smaller size makes them ideal for the tighter streets of the city. A crossover SUV, or CUV, is a nice compromise for shoppers who want to maximize practicality without sacrificing mobility. In the USA, buyers want the best of everything, so vehicles that embody this philosophy are bound to sell. This explains the fierce competition as brands flood the US market with more models in various configurations. Thanks to our in-depth reviews and comprehensive scoring system, we have rated all the best crossovers of 2024 for you.
Characteristics of Top-Rated Crossovers
Even as new crossovers hit the market in greater numbers, the differences between each model are not as big as you may think. These are vehicles designed to fill a specific niche, so they naturally need to tick certain boxes. As such, you can expect to see a lot of similarities in any comparison between the top crossovers. The qualities you will most likely see extolled, or criticized, in our ratings include:
What to Consider Before Buying a Crossover
Despite their popularity, crossovers are not perfect. Just like any other body style, they have certain strengths and flaws that you should be aware of. Even models at the top of our crossover ratings share many of these qualities. So, before you commit yourself to five to seven years behind the wheel of one, carefully weigh the pros and cons:
Pros
Cons
FAQs about CUVs
What is the difference between a crossover and an SUV?
It all comes down to the frame. Traditional SUVs are built on pickup truck platforms, which explains their ruggedness, high weight, and ability to go just about anywhere. Crossovers, on the other hand, make use of sedan platforms, which means they have a much smaller footprint and handle far more dextrously. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses to impart.
What are the best crossover brands on the market?
There are plenty of great options out there to be sure. However, our personal opinions draw us more towards brands like Kia and Mazda for value and dependability or Mercedes-Benz and Tesla for luxury and comfort.
What are the top-rated 2022 crossovers?
Everyone has their own take on which car comes out on top, and even we have a hard time picking a winner in this segment. The Kia Soul is impossible to dismiss for its extremely low asking price, great warranty, and great fuel economy, but it lacks features at base level as its looks are not for everyone. The Telsa Model Y is more modern and has the added benefit of being all-electric. However, it is one of the most expensive crossovers out there.