Other SUVs

Land Rover Range Rover Evoque

MSRP: $42,795

The Evoque is nothing if not a head-turner, but its visual drama compromises practicality. The styling comes at a cost to both cargo space and outward visibility; it’s offered as a traditional four-door SUV and also, curiously enough, a two-door convertible. A 237-hp turbo four with a nine-speed automatic and a firm suspension give it the moves to match its sporting character, but the ride is often harsh and raucous. The lavish cabin impresses, with high-quality materials and luxury features.

Lexus NX

MSRP: $36,980

The NX wants to be a sports car — you can tell by its chiseled body and angle-eyed glare — but don't be fooled: underneath it’s a softy. F Sport models get a stiffer suspension, but that fails to truly sharpen the handling. A 235-hp turbo 2.0-liter inline-four and six-speed automatic are standard; the available hybrid returned just 27 mpg in our testing. Front-wheel drive is standard on both models; all-wheel drive is optional. A well-appointed cabin and comfy seats keep the NX in the hunt.

Volvo XC40

MSRP: $34,195

The smallest XC’s exterior styling retains the Volvo DNA, with plastic-clad wheel arches that say “crossover” in today’s design language. But a kicked-up beltline and an optional white roof with matching white wheels add some youthful flair. The uplevel T5, with all-wheel drive and a 248-hp turbo four, boasts quick steering and lively acceleration; the front-drive 187-hp T4 arrives by mid-2018. A 9.0-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and active safety tech are all standard.

BMW X2

MSRP: $37,395

Boldly styled on the outside, the X2 shares its underpinnings with the already excellent X1. A 228-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four mates to an eight-speed automatic transmission with front- or all-wheel drive. The fun-to-drive X2 went from 0-60 in 6.4 seconds in our testing. Connectivity options include a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot and Apple CarPlay. Available safety tech includes lane-departure warning, automatic high-beams, forward-collision warning, and low-speed automated emergency braking.