You are looking for all that an SUV offers but on a smaller scale. Price is also a consideration, and a used vehicle will help you to achieve that goal. A compact crossover SUV may fit the bill for you. With their truck wheelbase build, compact crossovers offer a smaller footprint that can give you increased maneuverability for your driving needs.
You may have a particular type of compact crossover SUV in mind and what features you absolutely must have as opposed to what you can live without. Read on to learn about the top compact crossovers available and their features.
Hyundai Kona
This gem is attractive and sturdy as well as roomy enough for your small family and all your accompanying gear. The name Kona may bring warm tropical weather to mind, but this vehicle can operate just as well in snowy climes.
The Hyundai Kona averages 27 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. The Hyundai Kona offers a variety of options even when purchased used, so check for those that are important to you when looking at used models. Interiors for this sporty crossover include hound’s tooth, faux leather and others. Whether you’re in the market for AWD, turbo or conventional drive, the Kona can fit your transportation needs.
Mitsubishi Outlander
This crossover might be smaller than the normal SUV, but it offers a roomier inside than most, and it is large enough for your group of family and friends without the cumbersome drive of some full-size SUVs. It has three rows of seats providing ample comfort. More good news on this one is that it is not well-known to the masses, so you can probably get a used one for a reasonable price.
The Mitsubishi Outlander is relatively economical with an average combined city and highway mpg of 26. Infotainment and connectivity have historically been more than adequate with many standard safety features. Mitsubishi will be adding a hybrid model of the Outlander in 2022, so look out for used inventory in a year or so.
Lexus NX
The Lexus NX is one of the most luxurious small crossovers on the market. It can be said that it’s more beauty than brawn, in that it does not rate as high performance-wise as some of the other crossovers, but it looks outstanding. The name Lexus stands for dependability just as its parent company, Toyota, has produced for decades.
Your ride in a Lexus NX is one of the smoothest you will find with a roomy backseat and ample legroom. Some of the options include heated seats and AWD along with multiple safety features. Conventional gas mileage averages 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. The environmentally conservative hybrid model averages 30 mpg/city and 33/highway.
Acura RDX
The Acura RDX is a pleasing combination of being magnificent to gaze upon at an affordable price as well as having good performance ratings for a small crossover. The interior choices are rare for such a reasonably priced smaller car, with some models offering two-tone seats and real leather. Resale value has been acceptable, but you might want to keep this vehicle for a long time to come as few problems have been reported.
Safety-wise, the Acura RDX has you covered with standard air bags all around in six locations that include front, front side and side curtain on both sides. Acura presents an exceptional exterior color palette for the RDX that includes Apex Blue Pearl, Platinum White Pearl and the unique Thermal Orange Pearl.
Chevrolet Equinox
The Chevrolet Equinox carries one of the most well-known names in cars. Drivers who might be taking their first foray into SUV adventure might trust this brand more than others. The overall grades received for the Equinox have been remarkable, especially since Chevrolet has not historically been most known for its sports vehicles.
The Equinox has rated as one of the most comfortable rides in the compact crossover market. You have an option of the 1.5-liter turbo four-cylinder engine as well as AWD. Gas mileage averages 22-26 mpg in the city and 28-31 mpg on the highway, depending on your model.
Subaru Crosstrek
Subaru has become a top name in vehicles for getting out on the road, whatever type of road that might be. The Crosstrek promotes the feeling of being away from the city and back to nature. The AWD feature is constant, which allows for adventuring without a second thought. Subaru offers a long list of safety features depending on the used model you choose. Possible features include Eyesight Driver Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring and Reverse Automatic Braking, all to aid in safe driving.
Consumer Reports has rated the Subaru Crosstrek one of the highest in an SUV category. Braking and usability rated 5/5 when road tested with most road test scores being 4/5. Acceleration did rate a moderate 3/5, but when you’re driving the Crosstrek, you will want to take your time and enjoy the journey.
Mazda CX-5
Mazda has always put a little bit of sports car in their vehicles, possibly because of the low ground clearance of many models. The Mazda CX-5 is no exception while holding its place in the list of popular compact crossovers. Look for a standard automatic drive or choose a 6-speed. AWD is a frequent choice of Mazda CX-5 drivers to allow easy driving to most all the places you want to go.
The Mazda CX-5 is remarkably affordable considering all of the benefits it offers. The luxurious seating and the attractive lines of the body are just two of the ways you will feel that you have arrived when you choose this ride.
Nissan Rogue Sport
The Nissan Rogue Sport is stylish and available in some bold colors to match. This little crossover has seen successes on many levels, including smoothness and a relatively quiet ride. Size being relative, you will find few other small crossovers with as much interior room. The cargo compartment as well will accommodate quite a bit of life’s necessities with a shelf above for covering up trunk contents or for placing more delicate items.
The Rogue is not a race car by any means, but you will get from point A to point B with nearly seamless transmission interchanges as needed. You will find you your money is well-spent on this reasonably priced small crossover with more passenger room than most SUVs this size. Color availability is extensive and includes Scarlett Ember Tintcoat, Caspian Blue Metallic, Glacier White and two-tones for some models. You’ll be looking at combined city and highway mpg of approximately 30 with FWD and 29 with AWD.
Take some time as you compare the vehicles you like to choose the one that meets your needs and preferences. There is a future of exciting adventures waiting for your family in your new pre-owned compact crossover.
