Crossover SUVs are shorter versions of conventional SUVs which are basically set up on a car platform, combining the features of SUVs as well as passenger cars. In this article, you will come across the basic features and technical specs appropriate for crossover SUV comparison…
A fun fact to know: At present, the owner of Volvo Car Corporation is Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, and not AB Volvo, as commonly considered by most people.
In the automobile market of the world, you will find a wide range of vehicles such as cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, and so on. These vehicles are further sub-divided into classes as per size, technology, and usability. A somewhat newer concept that has come up in the car market is that of Crossover SUVs or Crossover Utility Vehicles (CUVs). These vehicles are a blend of cars, SUVs, and sometimes even minivans; with regards to their body and features. They are a perfect combination of sleek style, stability, safety, luxury, passenger and cargo space, and in some cases mileage as well.
The Concept of Crossover SUVs
Simply put, crossovers are most suitable for those who are confused whether to go in for a full-fledged SUV or a sedan. Factors like a muscular appearance, elegant styling, acceptable mileage, the feel of a smooth drive are reasons why CUVs have become more desirable than cars.
A majority of CUVs have a lower height than that of standard SUVs, but their roof is higher than that of station wagons. Just like SUVs, crossovers too have all possible safety and luxury features for passengers. Their exterior is built on a platform that consists of a steel cage and pillars. Due to their lower height, there are lesser chances of rollovers though. It is said that these type of vehicles have low off-road driving capabilities.
Since many car brands produce CUVs, a potential buyer can get confused. Just like cars, these luxury and performance vehicles are classified as per the size such as compact, mid-size, and large. In the following part of the article, we have simply sorted out the best models, which will help make comparison better.
Crossover SUV Comparison
Volvo XC60
Every car from Volvo has the best on-road safety features. After extensive crash testing, this crossover has obtained a 5-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There are four variants offered in this category, viz. 3.2, 3.2 R-Design, T6 AWD, and T6 AWD R-Design. The base 3.2 variant starts at approximately $33,000; whereas the T6 AWDs are priced from $39,000. Volvo also excels in AWD and traction management systems, to add to the reliability of the brand.
Subaru Tribeca
Any vehicle from the world-famous Japanese automaker, ought to be good for terrain and snow driving. Subaru’s Tribeca sports a stylish exterior, with a powerful 256-hp 6-cylinder 3.6-liter DOHC SUBARU BOXER machine incorporated. The base 3.6R Premium model is offered at a starting price of about $30,500. If you want the top-end model of this SUV, you will have to pay a base price of around $36,500 for ‘Tribeca Touring’.
Lexus RX 350
Owing to the sedan and SUV combination of the RX 350, it is believed to be a true Lexus crossover. This crossover is thought of being one of the most secure and luxurious crossovers. The FWD variant is priced at about $39,500; whereas the cost of the AWD model starts at $40,500 approximately. A 3.5-liter V6 VVT-i engine powering 275 hp, combined with a fuel economy of 18/25 MPG in city/highway is what makes it a package of power and efficiency.
BMW X6 xDrive35i
At just one glance, the X6 gives out an appearance of a typical BMW machine. The xDrive35i is the base trim level of the X6, and comes with a 3.0-liter 6-cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine, rendering a whopping 300 hp. This vehicle does not come cheap, as you would need to shell out around $57,000. Other trim variants are xDrive50i (400-hp 4.4-liter 32-valve V8 engine and TwinPower Turbo) and ActiveHybrid (480-hp ActiveHybrid Advanced Turbo V8); available for about $68,000 and $89,000 respectively.
Hyundai Santa Fe
If you want to buy a decently performing crossover with an affordable price as well; the Santa Fe can come in your list. In the base GLS model, you get a 2.4-liter DOHC 16-valve engine, generating 175 hp. Whereas the SE variant is fitted with a 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve engine that gives out 276 hp. The Limited variant is available in any of the two engine configurations. Coming to the base price, the GLS is available from $22,000; SE from $26,000; and the Limited from $27,000.
Porsche Cayenne
The Cayenne is the only Crossover SUV from Porsche, and probably one of the best in the auto market. The performance given by the 300-hp 3.6-liter six cylinder engine is exceptional. The Porsche Traction Management (PTM) active AWD system and the Porsche Stability Management (PSM) technology operate simultaneously to help the driver maintain maximum control on all kinds of surfaces. Porsche has this model priced from approximately $48,000. You can even go in for other models like the Cayenne S, Cayenne S Hybrid, and Cayenne Turbo.
Acura ZDX
The ZDX has an appearance much like that of sedans and SUVs from Acura. This crossover is available with a 3.7-liter VTEC V6 engine which provides 300 hp. It is embedded with the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) for optimum traction and safety on challenging driving surfaces. The technologically-advanced Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) implemented within is quite impressive. When the radar situated in the front senses a possible collision, it first gives an audio-visual warning to the driver. If the driver is unresponsive, it applies the brakes and makes necessary changes to the front seats and tightens seat belts for handling impact.
These are just the basic technical specs and major functions of some of the best crossover SUVs available in the market. Hopefully, the information provided above would help you to narrow down your choices to find out the most suitable CUV as per your driving needs. Models like the BMW X6, Hyundai Santa Fe, and Subaru Tribeca are most popular as performance CUVs.