Crossovers have become the slayers of SUVs and hatchbacks in the modern market, they give off a hatchback feel but provide room on the inside that cannot be matched by smaller vehicles. More compact and less capable, the best crossover vehicles appeal to those with small families that need space, but don’t want the cumbersome dimensions that come with an SUV. One of the main reasons they are so successful is that they’re affordable, they’re also some of the safest cars around. A new crossover is easier to buy, which brings us back to value for the money being so important. The lines between these types of high-riders and larger propositions are sometimes blurred, that’s why they’re sometimes referred to as a crossover SUV.
The best faux-by-fours of 2022 will deliver excellent roominess for their external size and admirable handling dynamics. 2022 crossovers will also feel like a hatchback behind the wheel. Another reason the CUV has become so popular is that most of them offer excellent fuel economy. It’s clear to see that these high-riders are here to stay long past 2023.
Compact dimensions - They have an SUV-like design and a roomier interior without the large exterior dimensions. You get the sport-utility without the full-size commitment, and they are usually small-scale in comparison.
Excellent fuel economy - A new one from 2021 onwards will undoubtedly be economical in terms of fuel and return impressive mpg figures from the EPA. You can generally get quite a bit of mileage from a full tank.
Affordable price - Many new crossovers from top-tier brands cost less than the more sizable options, making them very attractive to the US market where buyers are constantly on the hunt for a better deal.
Better options - The lineups of top crossovers comprise many different configurations, all of which feature varying levels of convenience and luxury. The best ones will garner their high scores because they host a range of features from its list of models, like foldable seats and modern technology at an accessible fee.
Safety - Some of the best crossover ratings in the USA come as a result of the excellent safety features provided by the typical automobile in this segment. Automakers like Honda and Hyundai have one derivative or more that has been given the Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS.
Advantages and Disadvantages of CUVs
They are of the best passenger cars of all time, but that doesn’t mean they’re without their flaws. While their compact dimensions are praised, this can negatively affect interior real estate sometimes. Every vehicle comes with its advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of them:
Pros
They generally have great handling dynamics for their size
More economical than bigger machines in terms of fuel economy
Affordably priced
Extra capacity without bulky exterior measurements
Delightfully easy ingress and egress
Crossover models have many standard features
Cons
Not as capable for towing
Not as powerful as their larger counterparts
Discounted interiors to maintain attractive asking price
Lesser size can sometimes mean less utility
Not as stylish as wagons
FAQs
What are the best crossover brands on the market?
The best ones on the market include products from Kia, Tesla, Mercedes-Benz and Mazda. All of them have a rating of 9 or above out of ten on the BuzzScore scoring system. This means they excel at being versatile and punchy, and have a good level of practicality.
What are the top-rated 2022 crossovers?
It takes a lot for one automaker to hold on to the first two spots for 2020 and Kia has managed to do that with the Seltos in first place and the Soul in second. The third in line is the Tesla Model Y, and both the fourth and the fifth spots are claimed by Mercedes-Benz, with the former belonging to the GLA-Class and the latter to the AMG GLA 35.
See our full reviews for in-depth opinions and pictures of individual CUVs.