Other compact crossovers, SUVs
Ford Escape
MSRP: $24,645 With athletic looks and a quiet, stylish interior, the Escape distinguishes itself in a crowd of small crossovers. The base engine is a 168-hp four-cylinder, but we recommend the 179-hp turbo four or the 245-hp turbo four. All have front-wheel drive; allwheel drive is optional on turbos. Handling is precise and predictable, but the steering feels rubbery. Ford’s Sync 3 is controlled by an 8.0-inch touchscreen with voice recognition. A properly equipped Escape can tow 3500 pounds.
Hyundai Tucson
MSRP: $23,595 Named after an American desert town, styled in Germany, and built in South Korea, the Tucson is a globe-trotting go-getter. It’s value packed, too — touchscreen infotainment with satellite radio is standard. Limited models have nav and leather seats. A 164-hp 2.0-liter four, a six-speed automatic, and front-drive are standard; a 175-hp 1.6-liter turbo four, seven-speed automatic, and all-wheel drive are optional. The Eco model got 25 mpg in our testing, only 1 mpg better than a turbo we tested.
Nissan Rogue
MSRP: $24,760 Relying on good looks will only get you so far, but for the Rogue that may be OK. Attractive inside and out, it has comfy seats, nice materials, and many connectivity features. Regrettably, the Rogue suffers from vague steering and body roll. A 170-hp four with a CVT power the gas model; a 2.0-liter four and electric motor pair with the hybrid. Both offer front- or all-wheel-drive setups. Safety options are intelligent cruise control and automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection.
Subaru Forester
MSRP: $23,470 The Forester is a genuinely useful crossover with room, a view, and — most important — utility. A 170-hp 2.5-liter flat-four is standard, with a six-speed manual or continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT); XT models get a zippier 250-hp 2.0-liter turbo flat-four and a CVT. A 6.2-inch or optional 7.0-inch touchscreen gives phone and audio connectivity; Subaru’s optional EyeSight system includes automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning.