Best Crossover SUVs of 2024 and 2025
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Finding the best crossover SUV for your needs can be a challenge. Crossovers are popular, and auto manufacturers have met that demand with a long list of makes, models, trims, sizes and options to choose from. So, where to begin? NerdWallet has done some of the work for you, by assessing top crossovers and selecting those we think stand out.
Our ratings are based on safety, comfort, technology, functionality, fuel efficiency and — most importantly — cost and value.
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Best Subcompact Crossover SUVs
Our top picks for the smallest of the group, sometimes called extra-small crossovers.
5.0
NerdWallet rating
on CarsDirect's website
Gasoline Fuel
Engine Type
122 @ 6300 hp
Horsepower
33
Combined MPG
Front Wheel Drive
Drivetrain
25.3 cu ft
Cargo Capacity
5 passengers
Seating Capacity
3 / 36,000
Basic Warranty
Gasoline Fuel
Engine Type
122 @ 6300 hp
Horsepower
33
Combined MPG
🏆 Award winner: Vincentric Best Certified Pre-Owned Value in America.
Our verdict: The Nissan Kicks is one of the most fuel efficient subcompact SUVs on the market. Compared to other vehicles in this category, it has a low starting price and cost of ownership. One area where it is lacking is in overall cargo capacity.
💸 5-year cost of ownership
$42,616. This is on the low end.
AAA and Vincentric automotive data company. Includes financing, fees, fuel, insurance, maintenance and depreciation.
🔄 Resale value
Great. (84/100)
J.D. Power's assessment based on the vehicle's expected depreciation over the next three years.
4.5
NerdWallet rating
on CarsDirect's website
Gasoline Fuel
Engine Type
147 @ 6200 hp
Horsepower
31
Combined MPG
Front Wheel Drive
Drivetrain
25.5 cu ft
Cargo Capacity
5 passengers
Seating Capacity
5 / 60,000
Basic Warranty
Gasoline Fuel
Engine Type
147 @ 6200 hp
Horsepower
31
Combined MPG
🏆 Award winner: Kelley Blue Book Best Buy.
🦺 Safety winner: IIHS Top Safety Pick+.
Our verdict: The Hyundai Kona comes packed with advanced safety features — such as driver monitoring, front collision mitigation and blind spot monitor — and an above-average drivetrain warranty of 10-years/100,000-miles. The Kona also scores high for fuel efficiency.
💸 5-year cost of ownership
$48,341. This is middle of the range.
AAA and Vincentric automotive data company. Includes financing, fees, fuel, insurance, maintenance and depreciation.
🔄 Resale value
Great. (84/100)
J.D. Power's assessment based on the vehicle's expected depreciation over the next three years.
4.5
NerdWallet rating
on CarsDirect's website
Gasoline Fuel
Engine Type
147 @ 6200 hp
Horsepower
31
Combined MPG
Front Wheel Drive
Drivetrain
24.2 cu ft
Cargo Capacity
5 passengers
Seating Capacity
5 / 60,000
Basic Warranty
Gasoline Fuel
Engine Type
147 @ 6200 hp
Horsepower
31
Combined MPG
Our verdict: The Kia Soul has one of the lowest starting MSRPs and among the highest cargo capacities in its category. It also stands out for a low cost of ownership, 10-year/100,000-mile drivetrain warranty and above average, EPA-estimated gas mileage.
💸 5-year cost of ownership
$42,654. This is on the low end.
AAA and Vincentric automotive data company. Includes financing, fees, fuel, insurance, maintenance and depreciation.
🔄 Resale value
Great. (84/100)
J.D. Power's assessment based on the vehicle's expected depreciation over the next three years.
4.0
NerdWallet rating
on CarsDirect's website
Gasoline Fuel
Engine Type
152 @ 6000 hp
Horsepower
29
Combined MPG
All Wheel Drive
Drivetrain
19.9 cu ft
Cargo Capacity
5 passengers
Seating Capacity
3 / 36,000
Basic Warranty
Gasoline Fuel
Engine Type
152 @ 6000 hp
Horsepower
29
Combined MPG
🏆 Award winner: Consumer Reports Top Picks and Kelley Blue Book Best Resale Value.
🦺 Safety winner: IIHS Top Safety Pick.
Our verdict: Subaru's Crosstrek scores high for safety and has received numerous awards. It earned a Consumer Reports “above average” designation for reliability and J.D. Power “best” ranking for resale value. Among subcompact SUVs, the Crosstrek offers greater off-road capability with standard AWD and higher ground clearance.
💸 5-year cost of ownership
$44,047. This is on the low end.
AAA and Vincentric automotive data company. Includes financing, fees, fuel, insurance, maintenance and depreciation.
🔄 Resale value
Best. (92/100)
J.D. Power's assessment based on the vehicle's expected depreciation over the next three years.
Best Compact Crossover SUVs
Compared to subcompacts, compact crossovers have more cargo and interior space, while still being fuel-efficient and easy to drive.
5.0
NerdWallet rating
on CarsDirect's website
Gasoline Fuel
Engine Type
182 @ 5800 hp
Horsepower
29
Combined MPG
All Wheel Drive
Drivetrain
28.9 cu ft
Cargo Capacity
5 passengers
Seating Capacity
3 / 36,000
Basic Warranty
Gasoline Fuel
Engine Type
182 @ 5800 hp
Horsepower
29
Combined MPG
🏆 Award winner: Consumer Reports Top Picks.
🦺 Safety winner: IIHS Top Safety Pick+.
Our verdict: The Subaru Forester stands out for affordability and value. On top of a low starting MSRP below $30,000, the Forester’s cost of ownership is lower than many similar SUVs. Consumer Reports also recognizes it for “well above average” reliability, with a score of 98 out of 100.
💸 5-year cost of ownership
$49,354. This is on the low end.
AAA and Vincentric automotive data company. Includes financing, fees, fuel, insurance, maintenance and depreciation.
🔄 Resale value
Great. (85/100)
J.D. Power's assessment based on the vehicle's expected depreciation over the next three years.
5.0
NerdWallet rating
on CarsDirect's website
Gasoline Fuel
Engine Type
190 @ 6000 hp
Horsepower
30
Combined MPG
Front Wheel Drive
Drivetrain
39.3 cu ft
Cargo Capacity
5 passengers
Seating Capacity
3 / 36,000
Basic Warranty
Gasoline Fuel
Engine Type
190 @ 6000 hp
Horsepower
30
Combined MPG
🏆 Award winner: Kelley Blue Book Best Buy and Best Resale Value.
🦺 Safety winner: IIHS Top Safety Pick+, Top Safety Pick.
Our verdict: The Honda CR-V has received numerous industry awards and rates high for safety. It comes with advanced safety features including driver monitoring and adaptive cruise control. The CR-V also earned a Consumer Reports “above average” designation for reliability.
💸 5-year cost of ownership
$48,343. This is on the low end.
AAA and Vincentric automotive data company. Includes financing, fees, fuel, insurance, maintenance and depreciation.
🔄 Resale value
Great. (85/100)
J.D. Power's assessment based on the vehicle's expected depreciation over the next three years.
4.5
NerdWallet rating
on CarsDirect's website
Gasoline Fuel
Engine Type
187 @ 6100 hp
Horsepower
28
Combined MPG
Front Wheel Drive
Drivetrain
39.6 cu ft
Cargo Capacity
5 passengers
Seating Capacity
5 / 60,000
Basic Warranty
Gasoline Fuel
Engine Type
187 @ 6100 hp
Horsepower
28
Combined MPG
🦺 Safety winner: IIHS Top Safety Pick+, Top Safety Pick.
Our verdict: The Kia Sportage offers a combination of affordability, safety and reliability. With a starting MSRP below $30,000, it also has a lower cost of ownership than many similar SUVs. It’s backed by a 10-year/100,000-mile drivetrain warranty and is recognized for “above average” re
💸 5-year cost of ownership
$48,357. This is on the low end.
AAA and Vincentric automotive data company. Includes financing, fees, fuel, insurance, maintenance and depreciation.
🔄 Resale value
Great. (86/100)
J.D. Power's assessment based on the vehicle's expected depreciation over the next three years.
4.5
NerdWallet rating
on CarsDirect's website
Gasoline Fuel
Engine Type
203 @ 6600 hp
Horsepower
30
Combined MPG
Front Wheel Drive
Drivetrain
37.6 cu ft
Cargo Capacity
5 passengers
Seating Capacity
3 / 36,000
Basic Warranty
Gasoline Fuel
Engine Type
203 @ 6600 hp
Horsepower
30
Combined MPG
Our verdict: The Toyota RAV4 stands out for cost and value and above average fuel efficiency. The RAV4 also earned a Consumer Reports “well above average” designation for reliability, which is the highest rating as determined through surveys of actual RAV4 owners.
💸 5-year cost of ownership
$46,740. This is on the low end.
AAA and Vincentric automotive data company. Includes financing, fees, fuel, insurance, maintenance and depreciation.
🔄 Resale value
Great. (85/100)
J.D. Power's assessment based on the vehicle's expected depreciation over the next three years.
Best Midsize Crossover SUVs
Midsize crossovers meet the need for extra space, but with higher ownership costs. We’ve chosen both two- and three-row models that are feature-packed with a competitive MSRP.
5.0
NerdWallet rating
on CarsDirect's website
Gasoline Fuel
Engine Type
182 @ 5800 hp
Horsepower
28
Combined MPG
All Wheel Drive
Drivetrain
32.6 cu ft
Cargo Capacity
5 passengers
Seating Capacity
3 / 36,000
Basic Warranty
Gasoline Fuel
Engine Type
182 @ 5800 hp
Horsepower
28
Combined MPG
🏆 Award winner: Vincentric Best Certified Pre-Owned Value in America.
🦺 Safety winner: IIHS Top Safety Pick.
Our verdict: The Subaru Outback is among the most fuel-efficient midsize SUVs. It also stands out with a low starting MSRP and cost of ownership, when compared to other SUVs in its category. The Outback also earned a Consumer Reports “above average” designation for reliability.
💸 5-year cost of ownership
$48,608. This is on the low end.
AAA and Vincentric automotive data company. Includes financing, fees, fuel, insurance, maintenance and depreciation.
🔄 Resale value
Great. (84/100)
J.D. Power's assessment based on the vehicle's expected depreciation over the next three years.
4.5
NerdWallet rating
on CarsDirect's website
Gasoline Fuel
Engine Type
291 @ 6000 hp
Horsepower
22
Combined MPG
Front Wheel Drive
Drivetrain
21 cu ft
Cargo Capacity
8 passengers
Seating Capacity
5 / 60,000
Basic Warranty
Gasoline Fuel
Engine Type
291 @ 6000 hp
Horsepower
22
Combined MPG
🏆 Award winner: Kelley Blue Book Best Buy.
🦺 Safety winner: IIHS Top Safety Pick+.
Our verdict: The Kia Telluride is a family-friendly SUV that offers third-row seating and a large cargo area. Known for holding its value, it has received a top J.D. Power Resale Value Award. The Telluride also comes with Kia’s top drivetrain warranty of 10 years/100,000 miles. It does score lower for fuel efficiency.
💸 5-year cost of ownership
$59,003. This is middle of the range.
AAA and Vincentric automotive data company. Includes financing, fees, fuel, insurance, maintenance and depreciation.
🔄 Resale value
Best. (92/100)
J.D. Power's assessment based on the vehicle's expected depreciation over the next three years.
4.5
NerdWallet rating
on CarsDirect's website
Gasoline Fuel
Engine Type
291 @ 6000 hp
Horsepower
22
Combined MPG
Front Wheel Drive
Drivetrain
18 cu ft
Cargo Capacity
8 passengers
Seating Capacity
5 / 60,000
Basic Warranty
Gasoline Fuel
Engine Type
291 @ 6000 hp
Horsepower
22
Combined MPG
🏆 Award winner: Kelley Blue Book Best Resale Value.
🦺 Safety winner: IIHS Top Safety Pick.
Our verdict: With third-row seating and a spacious cargo area, the Palisade is an excellent option for families. If family adventures include hauling, the Palisade has a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. It’s also covered by Hyundai’s 10-year/100,000-mile drivetrain warranty. It does score below average for fuel efficiency.
💸 5-year cost of ownership
$60,844. This is middle of the range.
AAA and Vincentric automotive data company. Includes financing, fees, fuel, insurance, maintenance and depreciation.
🔄 Resale value
Great. (86/100)
J.D. Power's assessment based on the vehicle's expected depreciation over the next three years.
on CarsDirect's website
Gasoline Fuel
Engine Type
281 @ 5800 hp
Horsepower
23
Combined MPG
Front Wheel Drive
Drivetrain
12.6 cu ft
Cargo Capacity
6 passengers
Seating Capacity
5 / 60,000
Basic Warranty
Gasoline Fuel
Engine Type
281 @ 5800 hp
Horsepower
23
Combined MPG
🦺 Safety winner: IIHS Top Safety Pick.
Our verdict: The Kia Sorento has one of the lowest starting MSRPs in its category and above average fuel efficiency. It’s also covered by Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile drivetrain warranty. For families, it has third-row seating, but its cargo area is slightly smaller than other midsize SUVs.
💸 5-year cost of ownership
$59,081. This is middle of the range.
AAA and Vincentric automotive data company. Includes financing, fees, fuel, insurance, maintenance and depreciation.
🔄 Resale value
Great. (88/100)
J.D. Power's assessment based on the vehicle's expected depreciation over the next three years.
What to look for when shopping for a crossover SUV
Crossovers, or CUVs, are built on a car platform, called a unibody frame, making them lighter with more car-like handling. In comparison, traditional SUVs use a body-on-frame design, making them heavier and more durable like trucks.
Technical definition aside, crossovers blend passenger car driveability with the functionality and appearance of traditional SUVs. You may hear people use the words “crossover” and “SUV” interchangeably, but not all SUVs are crossovers.
You’ll also want to be aware of the four SUV categories when you’re shopping for a crossover. Subcompacts are the smallest SUVs, followed by compact SUVs. Midsize SUVs typically provide more cargo and passenger space, and full-size SUVs are the largest. You will find crossover SUVs in each of these categories.
How to know what crossover SUV is best for you
Think about your specific needs to ensure the SUV you buy is a good match. Here are some aspects to think about:
Seating capacity. Will a compact SUV that seats five be sufficient or would three rows be better?
Cargo area. Will you be hauling large items and how much space will you need?
Fuel economy. Is most of your driving done in the city, on the highway or a combination, and what is the fuel economy rating of each SUV you’re considering?
Safety ratings and features. Which crossovers have the highest safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)? Which SUV safety features are important to you?
Towing and hauling. Will you be pulling a trailer, boat or camper, and how much towing capacity will you need?
Performance. How will you be driving your crossover, and will you need a more powerful engine or AWD or 4WD?
Technology. Do you want just the basics or a vehicle loaded with the latest technology?
To narrow your crossover choices and ensure you pay a fair price, take advantage of the usual car-buying resources: online buying guides and valuation tools (like Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds), owner reviews and test drives.
Financing your purchase ...
Even the most affordable SUVs come with a big price tag, so you’ll want to take certain cost-cutting measures up front.
Don’t just take dealer financing without shopping other lenders and comparing interest rates.
Take time to get a preapproved auto loan, so you have an idea of the rate and maximum loan amount you can qualify for. If you're buying from a car dealer, ask if they can beat your preapproved rate.
Use an auto loan calculator to see the estimated monthly payment and total loan cost for different interest rates and loan terms.
Look into auto deals and incentives offered by car manufacturers and dealerships to help you save.
If eventually owning the crossover isn’t important to you, look into auto leasing for a lower monthly payment.
.. and don’t forget insurance and maintenance
When shopping for your new crossover, think in terms of balancing your needs with your budget. If you don’t need the largest crossover available, it doesn’t make sense to pay for it. Also, consider your budget beyond the vehicle’s MSRP or sticker price. Factor in long-term expenses like fuel, insurance and maintenance. Using a total cost of ownership calculator, you can see which crossovers fit your monthly budget before you buy.
How we rate and rank vehicles
Our car rankings are based on a thorough review of more than 3,400 makes and models, with upwards of 500 data points for each, as well as inputs from respected third-party automotive resources. Within specific vehicle segments, we select 60 or more data points that matter most to buyers and owners of those vehicles. We then score the vehicle with the heaviest emphasis on helping you make a smart financial decision.
Review and rating process
NerdWallet’s overall car ratings are weighted averages in seven categories.
Cost and value includes metrics like starting MSRP, warranties, five-year cost of ownership and resale value.
Safety includes safety features and industry safety awards.
Fuel efficiency includes combined, city and highway MPG for gas vehicles and MPGe for electric vehicles.
Driving features and functionality combines data points such as horsepower and drivetrain options, along with cargo and towing capacity. Cars can also lose points in this category for the number of recalls.
Comfort and interior covers metrics related to head and leg room, seating and temperature control.
Tech and convenience includes things like smartphone integration, wireless phone charging and infotainment. We get that these are must-haves for some people, but our methodology focuses most on cost and value factors.
Awards includes industry awards from Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book, Consumer Reports and Vincentric.
Subcategories within each of these categories vary slightly based on vehicle segments and what’s important to drivers in that group.
About outside-award winners
Consumer Reports and Kelley Blue Book each have a history of evaluating vehicles and delivering useful information to consumers. Their awards reflect well-rounded assessments and, we think, are worth noting.
About safety winners
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is a nonprofit group with decades of experience performing crash tests and other safety evaluations on vehicles. Top performers are issued one or both of two designations: Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+. To earn a TSP+ rating, vehicles must meet additional criteria for a higher level of safety performance related to front and side crash tests, headlight performance and pedestrian front crash prevention.
About the five-year cost of ownership
Our five-year cost of ownership estimate is based on information from AAA and Vincentric and includes the categories of financing, fees, fuel, insurance, maintenance and depreciation. For comparison purposes, our cost of ownership estimate is based on the national average for a new, base-model vehicle driven 15,000 miles annually, with equal amounts of city and highway driving, and a gas price of 3.097 cents per gallon.
About resale value
We base resale value on J.D. Power's forecast of a vehicle’s depreciation over the next three years. J.D. Power uses their industry-leading valuations data for this assessment and ranks each vehicle on a 100-point scale: Best (91-100), Great (81-90), Average (70-80) and Fair (0-69).
Who we are
Our autos team is made up of writers and editors who cover a wide range of auto industry and financial topics. We have more than 30 years of combined experience in finance and autos. Each team member adheres to NerdWallet’s strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
Our writers’ bylines have appeared in Nasdaq, MSN, MarketWatch, Yahoo! Finance and other national and regional media outlets.
