San Francisco Chronicle

Other crossovers

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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.

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

MSRP: $24,290 Beneath the Eclipse Cross’s striking wedge-shaped body lies a perfectly average crossover. While it’s one of the best-built Mitsubishi­s in ages, its disappoint­ing driving dynamics and middling infotainme­nt system are drawbacks. Still, the Eclipse Cross has a comfortabl­e back seat and a responsive turbocharg­ed engine. The ride is smooth if not very sporty, and Mitsubishi’s warranty provides coverage for up to 10 years. Unfortunat­ely, this compact crossover is eclipsed by superior alternativ­es.

Honda CR-V

MSRP: $25,245 Versatilit­y, competency, and reliabilit­y are the tenets on which the CR-V hangs its hat, hence its 2017 10Best award. Supportive seats and a firm but supple ride make it easy to live with. The interior is quiet, handsome, and roomy. The base engine is a 184-hp 2.4-liter four, while a 190-hp 1.5-liter turbo four is optional. A CVT (one of the best available) and front-wheel drive are standard; all-wheel drive is optional. The Touring gets automated emergency braking and other safety gear.

Mazda CX-5

MSRP: $25,145 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.

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