Best Crossovers of 2023
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 2023 for you.
Discontinued
Discontinued
Characteristics of Top-Rated Crossovers
- Maneuverability: Naturally, due to their smaller dimensions in comparison to SUVs or pickup trucks, crossover vehicles are highly adept at weaving through traffic. They also don’t struggle to find a parking spot or fit into just about any parking garage. However, they still benefit from a higher riding position that gives the driver a great view of the road.
- Affordability: While there are many luxury names, especially among the best crossover vehicles, the fact is that the majority of these cars have a very low starting price. Mean to support small families or young professionals, it is essential that they offer great value at an affordable starting point. Further supporting their value proposition is their excellent gas mileage figures. This comes from their lower overall weight and reliance on small-capacity turbocharged engines. The cost of ownership, therefore, remains low throughout their lifespan.
- Customization: As one of the fastest-growing segments in the world, it should come as no surprise that there are numerous crossover models on offer. This gives buyers a great deal of choice when it comes to customizing their purchases. Furthermore, most automakers aim to hit as many different demographics as possible, so they present each model in a wide array of trims. Especially higher up in the lines, these trims can be further altered via packages and optional extras.
- Safety: High-riding sport utility vehicles are among the safest cars on the road, and while they may not be as bulky, crossovers inherit much of this peace of mind. They do still suffer from slightly lower rollover scores, due to their height, but their added weight over sedans ensures that crossovers keep their footing and their crumple zones are top-notch. Furthermore, since these are vehicles are largely targeted at families, almost all new models come equipped with a whole slew of advanced driver-assistance features as standard.
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
- Highly affordable
- Better-than-average mpg figures
- Nimble around town
- More practical than a sedan
- Comfortable, featureful cabins that are easy to live with
Cons
- Generally not very powerful
- Limited towing capacities
- Low price often means low-quality materials
- Lack the utility and versatility of larger SUVs
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.