GOOD HOUSEKEEPING REPORTS What to look for in a crossover vehicle

Larger and higher off the ground than sedans and less heavy-duty than traditional SUVs, crossover vehicles are now one of the fastestgrowing categories of cars in the United States. With their gas efficiency and generous interiors (they carry five to seven passengers), it’s easy to see what’s driving this trend: familyfriendliness. Good Housekeeping Research Institute engineers gave 19 of these cute “utes” (utility vehicles) a hoodto-trunk examination to arrive at these top performers.

GHRI assessed 41 different performance measurements, plus Car and Driver Magazine weighed in with track results.

Best Overall

Ford Escape: This popular car has had a gorgeous makeover: The 2013 model is sleeker and less trucklike, and it uses eco-conscious material like recycled denim.

Price: $23,295 base ($34,735, as tested) MPG: 22/30/25 Pros: Near the top for performance, with superior braking, cornering and interiornoise level. Handling is nimble; parking is no sweat. Other pulses: fuel economy that’s among the highest, a roomy feel and easy-fold rear seats. The spacious trunk’s optional auto liftgate is great when hands are full.

Cons: Its transmission doesn’t shift as quickly as some, and blind spots may make the optional back-up camera and side-mirror blind-spot indicators worth the expense. With many small, redundant buttons and a lagging touchscreen, the infotainment system is initially confusing.

Most Fuel-Efficient

Mazda CX-5: Mazda’s first true crossover has great sporty styling. The 2013 2WD version gets the best highway fuel economy of any SUV crossover.

Price: $21,490 base ($30,415 as tested) MPG: 25/31/28 Pros: Its fuel economy beats all others tested, and its braking distance is on par with the Escape’s. Its base price belies bells and whistles, like thoughtfully designed controls and displays. The infotainment system is simple to use. Car seats attach easily.

Cons: Has the slowest acceleration of our winners and shifts haltingly between gears. Visibility isn’t perfect, though side-mirror turn signals let others see you coming. Seat belts may need to be pushed aside to lay the rear seat totally flat. A lip on the trunk hinders sliding things directly out of it.