Other crossovers
Hyundai Tucson
MSRP: $23,530 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.
Mazda CX-5
MSRP: $25,125 Mazda blends sports-car know-how into every model, and the 10Best-winning CX-5 is no exception. Sharp steering and a poised chassis make it an enthusiast’s pick; the quiet interior imparts a feel of luxury. A 187-hp 2.5-liter inline-four with a six-speed automatic and front-wheel drive are standard; all-wheel drive is optional. The 7.0-inch touchscreen is easy to use, and the optional safety tech — adaptive cruise, automated emergency braking, and more — make the CX-5 a great all-rounder.
Chevrolet Equinox
MSRP: $24,575 A quiet, practical cabin makes the Equinox a smart buy, but a well-tuned chassis makes it a desirable one. Three turbo fours are offered; the 170-hp 1.5-liter and the 137-hp 1.6-liter diesel come with a six-speed automatic, and the gutsy 252-hp 2.0-liter has a nine-speed. A 7.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard; an 8.0-inch screen is optional. Active safety features, such as automated emergency braking and lane-keeping assist, are also available.
Ford Escape
MSRP: $24,845 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.