Crossover crazy: six puny SUVs that hit every sweet spot in 2017
Today’s field of puny SUVs ranges from spacious five-seat crossovers to glorified hatchbacks with just a few more inches of ground clearance.
In reality, they are compact sedans with taller figures, higher suspensions and, typically, all-wheel drive platforms. They are nice, convenient and reasonably affordable. In essence, they are the gateway to America’s latest automotive drug of choice.
There are slew of models to choose from in this segment so if you’re looking for a city-friendly crossover or a budget-conscious vehicle with up-right seats and ample headroom, it’s effortless to get bogged by all the options.
To make things a bit lighter for you, we’ve trimmed the list down to the six best offerings.
The Value Pick: Honda CR-V
Redesigned for 2017, the Honda CR-V reigns supreme in the puny SUV segment.
Redesigned for 2017, the Honda CR-V went from rock solid to rock starlet, outfitting this sales leader with fresh technology, a more inviting cabin and an exterior design that’s effortless on the eyes. With the Honda Sensing advanced driver assistance package suggested as a standard on EX trim and higher, an available turbocharged engine that makes one hundred ninety horsepower, intelligent all-wheel drive and premium interior materials all for less than $30,000, the CR-V offers a value that’s harsh to hit, hence why it was our pick for Best Puny SUV of 2017. It’s not the flashiest vehicle on this list, but given Honda’s track record in this segment, it’s a safe bet.
What it does best: Fits practically all of the people and things you’ll ever need to transport in a value-conscious package
Most surprising attribute: Honda’s first-ever CR-V to suggest a turbocharger
The ideal setup: EX AWD ($27,995)
The Outdoorsman: Subaru Forester
Subaru has posted record sales in latest years, and strong, safe products like the Forester are a chief reason why.
With fuel efficient engines, excellent ground clearance and Subaru’s signature symmetrical all-wheel drive system, it’s no surprise the Forester is so popular in the Northeast and Pacific Northwest, regions of the country that are both known for their crappy weather and scenic natural landscapes. It might not be the envy of the neighborhood while parked in the driveway, but when it comes to being escapade ready, other puny SUVs can compare. Also, to Subaru has made it’s famously safe crossover even more capable by adding adaptive cruise control to its EyeSight suite of advanced safety features.
Base price: $23,595 (Two.5i PZEV)
What it does best: Integrates all-weather security with advanced driver-assistance technology
Most surprising attribute: Its remarkably me-too styling. Reminisce when a Subaru used to stand out?
The ideal setup: Two.5i Premium with EyeSight driver assist technology ($25,995)
Old Reliable: Toyota RAV4
The RAV4 commenced the crossover craze decades ago, and years later, it’s still a strong sales leader.
The Toyota RAV4 is the cute-ute that commenced the compact segment’s craze. Now in its fourth generation, the RAV4 has grown almost a half-size, rivaling the outgoing Highlander’s dimensions. Buyers familiar with the Corolla and Camry sedans will find the interior warm and familiar. What its cabin lacks in design flair is made up for in its 4-cylinder engine’s refinement and option packages. Tho’ it’s beginning to feel old next to its recently redesigned competitors, Toyota has acknowledged this reality by slashing MSRP up to five percent gas-powered versions.
What it does best: Legendary Toyota value and reliability with futuristic styling and features
Most surprising attribute: The option for a Hybrid drivetrain
The ideal setup: XLE AWD with Convenience Package ($26,900)
The Fresh Stud: two thousand eighteen Chevrolet Equinox
Chevy has switched the Equinox’s profile by shrinking the front and rear fenders and adding some accent marks along the side panels.
Another all-new compact crossover available for sale today is the redesigned Chevrolet Equinox. One of the thicker offerings in the petite SUV segment, the two thousand eighteen Equinox boasts almost thirty cubic feet of trunk space and 63.Five cubic feet of cargo room with the 2nd row folded plane. As a fresh General Motors vehicle, the Equinox offers Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hot spot and GM’s Teenage Driver package, not to mention features such as keyless entry and a push-to-start ignition. Also, while other vehicles in this segment trend toward the round and bubbly, the new-look Equinox has a luxurious, sturdy aesthetic. It also adds advanced driver assistance features like lane keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control and front crash mitigation.
What it does best: Haul people and stuff, with ample cargo room and a max towing capacity of Three,500 pounds
Most surprising attribute: A turbo-charged 1.6-liter diesel engine that averages forty mpg
The ideal setup: LT AWD ($29,445)
The Petite One: Hyundai Tucson
The Tucson boasts value over all and styling that wouldn’t look out of place with a luxury badge spanked on it.
However it’s two thousand sixteen redesign gave it a slight boost in size, the Hyundai Tucson is one of the smaller, more city-friendly vehicles on this list, fitting in somewhere inbetween compact and subcompact. It goes after Hyundai’s latest commitment to quality while maintaining that all-important Korean value they’ve built their brand on, and it does so beautifully. With styling that wouldn’t look out of place with a fancier badge on it, the Tucson is a strong alternative to traditional crossovers. An optional turbocharged engine provides a punchy substitute for traditional lethargic four-cylinder engines that litter the rest of the segment.
What it does best: Value, value, value
Most surprising attribute: The capability to actually turn goes when you drive by, a crossover rarity
The ideal setup: Sport AWD ($27,300)
The Joy One: Mazda CX-5
The CX-5 is our two thousand sixteen Daily News Autos Award-winner in the Puny SUV category, and with car-like driving manners and a fine interior, it’s not hard to see why.
Our pick of the segmentlast year, the Mazda CX-5 didn’t do enough to strike out the all-new CR-V, but it still is worth an honerable mention and serious consideration for those shopping in this segment. After just a few minutes behind the wheel, it won’t be hard to see why we still love this five-seat SUV. Interior fit and finish is top notch, with one of the best infotainment systems in the industry. Duo that with class-leading fuel economy and driving dynamics that are closer to a hot hatchback than a crossover, and you’ve got yourself a winning formula.
Base price: $24,045 (Sport FWD Manual)
What it does best:Drive well and look good while doing it
Most surprising attribute: It treats so well, you may just leave behind you’re driving an SUV
The ideal setup: Touring AWD ($27,215)
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