Crossover SUVs are a perfect blend of business in the front and party in the back.
They have enough space to store everything you need whether you’re going camping, grocery shopping, or carting kids around. Their smaller size also prevents them from becoming the gas-guzzlers of their larger brethren. These are the best crossover SUVs of 2018, and they’re hard to pass up.
1. 2018 Mazda CX-5
Having an MSRP of only $24,150, the Mazda CX-5 is a budget-conscious SUV with the soul of a sports car. Car enthusiasts consistently praise the vehicle for its drivability, on par with luxury sedans that cost thousands of dollars more. You don't have to be a professional car reviewer to appreciate the features the CX-5 offers at this price point, however.
With room for five passengers and 47.1 cubic feet of cargo space (when the rear seat is folded), the CX-5 has plenty of space for hauling kids or cargo from your errands. It also features a Bose Surround Sound System with nine speakers, so you can rock out while cruising around town. It's the total package, winning the top spot on many magazine and industry listings for best SUV overall (not just in the crossover segment)!
2. 2018 Honda CR-V
One of America's best-selling SUVs every year, the Honda CR-V underwent measured refinements for the 2018 update. It's easy to see why the crossover sells so well. Its class-leading 75.8 cubic feet of cargo space is 61% larger than the Mazda CX-5 at the same starting price point: $24,150. Space alone, though, isn't why it won Motor Trend's SUV of the Year honor.
The 2018 Honda CR-V features an abundance of legroom, as well as heated seats for the parents up front and a dual-zone climate control system. No matter where you're sitting inside the cabin, front or back, you're sure to be comfortable. The EPA-rated gas economy of 28 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway will also save families at the gas pump.
3. 2018 Ford Escape
Although this generation of Ford Escape is winding down (with the 2019 version rumored to be all-new), there is still plenty to love about this well-selling compact crossover. All but the top trim level have starting prices under $30,000.
Included at those under-$30K prices are 10-way power driver seating options, infotainment screen, leather seats, and a power liftgate. Plus, passengers are well protected despite the smaller vehicle dimensions. It received a five-star crash test rating from the NHTSA.
4. 2018 Kia Sportage
We think the front facade is cute with high-set, angular headlights (the eyes) and a widely grinning grill (mouth). But we can also understand if the quirkiness is an acquired taste. Looks alone don't land it at #4 on our top five list, however. Good driveability and a laundry list of features make the 2018 Kia Sportage a good buy.
With a base MSRP of $23,600, the Sportage is one of the most affordable options on this list. Even a mid-level trim that comes complete with Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, heating and cooled seats, panoramic sunroof, and automated safety features sits comfortably below the $30,000 threshold. They only drawback is that the fuel economy doesn't approach the levels of the Honda CR-V. In fact, the Kia's 25 MPG highway rating is lower than the Honda's city rating.
5. 2018 Hyundai Tucson
The least expensive crossover SUV offering sneaks onto the list at #5. The 2018 Hyundai Tucson has an MSRP of $22,550 and was a 2018 Top Safety Pick from the IIHS based on crash test ratings. It may not have the class-leading specs as the other crossovers on this list, but it's still a great deal for the price point.
Hyundai is known for packing their cars with features, but if you want the latest and greatest technology, you'll have to fork out for the top trim level. That Ultimate package on the Limited trim comes with responsive headlights, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warnings, and rear parking sensors. Even if you can't splurge for the most expensive features, buyers can still appreciate the ample (though not cavernous) 31 cubic feet of cargo space (with seats up), as well as the quiet, comfortable ride.
(Featured image via Facebook.)
