Crossover SUVs have become the go-to vehicle for many drivers, and for good reason. They blend the easy-to-drive nature and comfort of a sedan with the practicality of a traditional SUV, offering more cargo space, a higher seating position, and often the availability of all-wheel drive (AWD). This versatility makes them a great fit for a wide range of needs, from daily commuting and family errands to weekend road trips and navigating tricky weather conditions. Whether you're looking for a compact model that's easy to park or a spacious three-row vehicle to haul the whole family, the crossover market has an option for you.
The sheer variety in the crossover segment means there's a vehicle to suit nearly any priority. Some, like the Mazda CX-30, focus on providing a fun-to-drive experience and a premium interior feel. Others, such as the Toyota Grand Highlander and Kia Telluride, are designed with families in mind, maximizing passenger and cargo room. For those interested in efficiency or electrification, there are numerous hybrid, plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and fully electric (EV) models, including the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Hyundai Palisade Hybrid. And if your adventures take you off the pavement, models like the Subaru Forester Wilderness and Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe offer genuine off-road capability without sacrificing everyday usability.
The Best Crossover SUVs
- Mazda CX-30
- Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Kia Telluride
- Dodge Durango
- Hyundai Ioniq 5
- Kia Sportage
- Subaru Forester
- Toyota Grand Highlander
- Honda Pilot
- Hyundai Palisade Hybrid
FAQs What Makes CarGurus Best Cars Guides Different Shopping Tools Related Topics
1. Mazda CX-30
CarGurus expert rating: 7.7 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 33.3%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.6 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Stylish design | Poor fuel economy (Turbo) |
| Fun to drive | Cramped back seat |
| Great safety ratings | Not much cargo space |
For crossover shoppers who want a small SUV that feels more premium than its price suggests, the Mazda CX-30 delivers a near-luxury cabin design, clear gauges, and thoughtfully placed controls, with standard AWD across the lineup. You can stick with the 191-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder for balanced everyday power, or step up to the turbo 2.5-liter for up to 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque for stronger passing and a sportier feel. Newer infotainment updates, including available wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and an available 10.25-inch display, help modernize the experience, even if the screen’s distance from the driver and Mazda’s command-style interface take some acclimating.
Practicality is the CX-30’s main trade-off versus roomier crossovers: the rear seat is tight, and cargo space measures 20.2 cubic feet behind the back seat (45.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded). Turbo models also come with a real-world fuel-economy penalty, and the small 12.7-gallon tank can mean more frequent fill-ups. Where the CX-30 reassures families is safety, with newly standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, plus strong crash-test results (including an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award), making it an appealing daily-driver crossover if your priority list leans toward style, driving enjoyment, and safety over maximum interior volume.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Sticking to its corporate traditions with the 2024 CX-30, Mazda delivers style, refinement, safety, and rewarding driving dynamics in the small crossover SUV segment. As expected, rear-seat room and cargo space are tight, but otherwise, the Mazda CX-30 is a delightful little SUV." - Christian Wardlaw
Read our most recent Mazda CX-30 review
2. Jeep Grand Cherokee
CarGurus expert rating: 6.8 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.4 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 32.4%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.5 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Stylish design | Middling fuel economy |
| Small-but-mighty Hurricane 4 Turbo engine | Poor value for money |
| It’s a towing and off-road champ |
The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee gets a meaningful refresh that makes a compelling case for its place among the best crossover SUVs. The big news is under the hood: a new Hurricane 4 Turbo engine — available on most trims — produces 324 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque on regular gasoline, besting the outgoing V6 by a significant margin and delivering genuinely quick, confident power across a broad rpm range. That engine also enables up to 6,200 pounds of towing capacity, the highest in the midsize segment. Pair that capability with Jeep's suite of available 4WD systems and Selec-Terrain drive modes — which add dedicated settings for snow, mud, and sand — and the Grand Cherokee is one of the most versatile crossovers on the market.
Inside, the Grand Cherokee backs up its rugged reputation with a genuinely well-appointed cabin. A 12.3-inch touchscreen comes standard on most trims, running the user-friendly Uconnect 5 system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Trim levels range from the cloth-upholstered Laredo to the leather-appointed Summit, with options like heated and ventilated seats, a panoramic sunroof, a 19-speaker McIntosh audio system, and even massaging front seats available up the lineup. Standard driver-assistance features — including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitors, and rear cross-traffic alert — round out the package. Whether you're after everyday practicality, weekend capability, or a bit of both, the Grand Cherokee delivers.
The CarGurus Verdict: “The turbo-four engine is impressive, but it can’t account for the lack of a hybrid powertrain, or the price tag for the best version of this grand dame of SUVs.” - Stephen Edelstein
Read our most recent Jeep Grand Cherokee review
3. Kia Telluride
CarGurus expert rating: 8.2 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 30.5%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.5 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Stylish design | Outdated technology |
| Comfortable | Irritating lane-assist system |
| Great safety ratings | Sticky brakes in thick traffic |
The 2025 Kia Telluride remains a smart pick for crossover-SUV shoppers who need three rows without jumping to a full-size SUV. It’s a comfortable, family-friendly package with an upscale vibe in higher trims, plus the kind of thoughtful cabin details that matter on real trips—like available heated and ventilated second-row seats, lots of charging points (including USB-C ports in the seatbacks), and useful storage throughout. Cargo room is sized for typical family life, with 21 cubic feet behind the third row, 46 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 87 cubic feet with both rear rows down.
On the road, every Telluride uses a 3.8-liter V6 making 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic, and it’s tuned to feel smooth and relaxed for highway miles. Available AWD models add capability features like a center locking differential, and X-Line/X-Pro versions bump ground clearance to 8.4 inches, though most drivers will prefer the road manners of more street-focused tires. Safety is a strong suit, backed by a five-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, and Kia’s long warranties (including a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty) help the Telluride’s value case—just be prepared for some tech frustrations, including no wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and a lane-centering system that can be more annoying than helpful.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Aging technology caused some irritation during a five-day road trip in the 2025 Kia Telluride. Otherwise, the Telluride was perfectly suited to long-distance travel–whether rolling down an Interstate, roaming a major city, or romping down trails near a national park." - Christian Wardlaw
Read our most recent Kia Telluride review
4. Dodge Durango
CarGurus expert rating: 7.2 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.4 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 35.6%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.4 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Stunning performance | Unquenchable thirst for fuel |
| Roomy, comfortable, and practical interior | Basic package of safety features |
| Modern infotainment system | Unimpressive crash-test ratings |
As a three-row crossover-style SUV with a long-running platform, the 2025 Dodge Durango brings a mix of old-school attitude and real family usefulness, and it’s heading into its final year of production. Dodge trims the lineup to GT, R/T, and SRT Hellcat, with special editions planned (including a 20th Anniversary R/T and “Last Call” Hellcats), so shoppers who want a new one shouldn’t wait too long. For everyday needs, the Durango’s cabin is genuinely roomy and thoughtfully laid out, with available second-row captain’s chairs, easy access to the third row, and strong cargo utility: 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 43.3 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 85.1 cubic feet max.
Powertrains range from a 295-hp V6 in the GT to a 360-hp V8 in the R/T, while the SRT Hellcat goes all-in with a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 making 710 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque, plus standard AWD; Dodge also quotes up to 8,700 pounds of towing when properly equipped. Every Durango gets a 10.1-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, built-in navigation, and connected features like a Wi-Fi hotspot, which helps it feel current where it counts day to day. The tradeoffs are also clear: fuel economy can be punishing on the high-performance models, and the Durango’s safety story is dated, with a short list of standard driver aids and middling crash-test results compared with newer rivals.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Though the Durango is now 15 years old, it has aged remarkably well and remains a likable if flawed midsize three-row SUV. However, time waits for no vehicle, and the Dodge Durango has reached the end of its road. For now." - Christian Wardlaw
Read our most recent Dodge Durango review
5. Hyundai Ioniq 5
CarGurus expert rating: 8.7 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 23.0%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.4 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Broad public charging network | Competitors have more storage space |
| Standard advanced safety features | Real leather not available |
| Stylish design |
For crossover SUV shoppers, the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 nails the day-to-day basics while adding a few smart fixes and upgrades. The big news is practical: the refresh finally brings a standard rear windshield wiper, and the revised center console improves usability with more intuitive cupholders and easy-to-reach controls. Passenger space remains a strong point (up to 41.7 inches of front legroom and 39.4 inches in back), while cargo room checks the compact SUV box at 26.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 58.5 cubic feet with them folded, plus a small 0.85-cubic-foot frunk for charge cables.
It’s also a more convincing all-around EV crossover thanks to range variety and better connectivity. In RWD form, most trims are rated for up to 318 miles, while AWD versions trade some range for extra traction (down to 290 miles for SE/SEL AWD, 269 miles for Limited AWD, and 259 miles for the adventure-themed XRT). AWD models make 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, and the XRT adds Terrain modes (Snow/Mud/Sand) that adjust throttle response, regen, and lock power distribution 50/50 for loose surfaces. Tech gets a real-world boost with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and for charging convenience Hyundai’s move to the Tesla-style NACS port expands fast-charging options, while an included CCS adapter helps keep road-trip flexibility high. On the safety front, the Ioniq 5 continues its strong record with a five-star NHTSA rating and a long-running IIHS Top Safety Pick+ track record.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Hyundai makes minor but welcome changes and avoids tweaking the many things that were working well, successfully making a good thing better." - Natalie Harrington
Read our most recent Hyundai Ioniq 5 review
6. Kia Sportage
CarGurus expert rating: 7.3 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.3 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 22.6%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.4 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Stylish design | Fairly pedestrian performance |
| Great safety ratings | X-Pro’s underwhelming value proposition |
| Impressive technology |
Kia’s long-running Sportage gets another update for 2026, with refreshed front-end styling that leans more rugged and truck-like while keeping the compact footprint that works well for daily life. It’s offered with gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid powertrains, which makes it easier to match the crossover to your commute: the standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder makes 187 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque, while the hybrid system bumps output to 232 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque (the plug-in hybrid is rated at 268 hp). Buyers considering the X-Pro model should know its all-terrain tires can add road noise and reduce on-road crispness, even though ground clearance stays a useful 8.3 inches across the lineup.
For families and Costco runs, the Sportage’s cabin and cargo layout are a strong part of the package. Cargo volume is 36.6 cu ft behind the second row and 69.3 cu ft with the rear seats folded, and the available dual-level cargo floor can expand that to 39.6 cu ft and 74.1 cu ft, respectively. Tech is modern and plentiful, with standard 12.3-inch digital gauges and a 12.3-inch touchscreen plus wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though the screen-heavy interface can mean extra swipes and the dual-purpose climate/audio panel requires attention. Safety is a major highlight: the Sportage comes standard with a long list of driver assists, and it earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award along with a five-star overall NHTSA rating; on the value front, pricing starts at $30,135 including destination, and Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty remains a key ownership perk even as upper trims can push into territory where hybrid rivals look like better buys.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The refreshed Sportage arrives with the competent execution we’ve come to expect from Kia, but the X-Pro Prestige model doesn’t live up to the brand’s reputation for value." - Stephen Edelstein
Read our most recent Kia Sportage review
7. Subaru Forester
CarGurus expert rating: 7.5 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.4 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 29.9%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.3 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Impressive off-road capability | Potentially polarizing design |
| Lots of utility | Sluggish performance |
| Good safety ratings | Dissatisfying infotainment system |
The redesigned 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness is aimed at crossover shoppers who want real trail insurance rather than just rugged-looking trim. Along with standard AWD and dual-mode X-Mode, it adds all-terrain tires, increased ground clearance (9.3 inches), improved approach/breakover/departure angles, extra underbody protection, and even a full-size all-terrain spare—practical upgrades if your weekends include rough access roads, sand, snow, or rutted trailheads. It keeps the Forester’s easy-to-live-with packaging, too, including tall glass for great visibility and useful cargo room: 27.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 69.1 cubic feet with them folded, even with that full-size spare under the load floor.
Power comes from a 2.5-liter four-cylinder making 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT; it’s responsive enough for everyday driving, but it won’t feel quick when merging or climbing grades. The payoff is capability and control: a shorter final-drive ratio for low-speed off-road work and a 3,500-pound towing capacity thanks to improved transmission cooling. Inside, Subaru leans into adventure usability with water-resistant artificial leather and easy-clean mats, while available upgrades include a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, navigation, a Harman Kardon audio system, and a power liftgate; the 11.6-inch portrait touchscreen has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto but can feel cluttered. Safety is a major strength, with EyeSight driver assists plus features like Automatic Emergency Steering and Emergency Stop Assist, and the Forester also earns strong NHTSA crash-test results.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Push the new 2026 Forester Wilderness to its limits, and you’ll be impressed by its off-roading capability. But, even if you’re not planning to traverse challenging terrain, it is comforting to know that the Wilderness offers more competence than a typical crossover SUV when confronted with unexpected situations." - Christian Wardlaw
Read our most recent Subaru Forester review
8. Toyota Grand Highlander
CarGurus expert rating: 7.7 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 30.7%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.3 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Spacious third row | Uninspired styling |
| Standard advanced safety features | Some technology only available with a subscription |
| Multiple powertrain options |
If you want a crossover SUV that can genuinely handle a growing family, the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander makes a strong case with adult-friendly third-row space and smart day-to-day practicality. Cargo room is a big part of the appeal: there’s 21 cubic feet behind the third row for grocery runs, 58 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and nearly 98 cubic feet with the second row stowed. Inside, it leans more functional than flashy, but details like three-zone climate controls with real buttons and knobs, lots of storage nooks, and family-friendly touches (including easy-to-find third-row anchors and available second-row sunshades) make it easier to live with than many rivals.
Toyota also gives shoppers a wide spread of powertrain choices depending on budget and priorities: a 265-hp turbo 2.4-liter gas four-cylinder, a 245-hp 2.5-liter hybrid aimed at maximum efficiency, and a 362-hp Hybrid Max that pairs quick acceleration with standard AWD and up to a 5,000-pound tow rating (the standard hybrid is rated for 3,500 pounds). Tech is modern and mostly easy to use thanks to a standard 12.3-inch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though some features—like voice assistant, navigation, and phone-as-key—can require a subscription. Safety is a clear strength, with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 standard on every trim and a five-star overall NHTSA rating, plus mostly “Good” IIHS scores.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Despite a few small foibles, the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander is perfect for active families who need a bit of extra space and comfort." - Emme Hall
Read our most recent Toyota Grand Highlander review
9. Honda Pilot
CarGurus expert rating: 7 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.5 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 49%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.2 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comfortable | No hybrid option |
| Plenty of cargo space | |
| Plenty of passenger space |
For shoppers who need a do-it-all family crossover, the 2026 Honda Pilot is a straightforward midsize three-row SUV with a more truck-like face and standard roof rails across the lineup. Power comes from a 3.5-liter V6 making 285 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque paired with a 10-speed automatic, with FWD standard on the Sport and EX-L (AWD optional) and AWD standard on the rest. It’s tuned for confident, easy driving rather than sporty responses, and Honda’s 2026 steering revisions help it feel less vague on the highway—useful for long road trips and daily commuting alike.
Inside, the Pilot’s biggest strengths are space and flexibility. An available removable second-row center seat lets you switch between a bench and a more open, captain’s-chair-like layout, and cargo room is a family-friendly 22.4 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding up to 112.4 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. Tech is upgraded for 2026 with a standard 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster, plus wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while safety gear includes the full Honda Sensing suite on every trim; crash-test results weren’t available at writing, but the structurally similar 2025 model earned a 5-star overall NHTSA rating. The main trade-off versus some rivals is efficiency, with estimates up to 22 mpg combined (FWD) or 21 mpg combined (AWD) and no hybrid option for shoppers prioritizing fuel economy.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Clever features help the Pilot stand out from other three-row SUVs. Our only major complaint is the lack of a more fuel-efficient model." - Mark Takahashi
Read our most recent Honda Pilot review
10. Hyundai Palisade Hybrid
CarGurus expert rating: 8.3 out of 10
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 23.1%
Overall CarGurus rating: 3.7 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent fuel economy | Not as spacious as segment leaders |
| Powerful engine | Engine sounds unrefined at times |
| Comfortable interior |
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid takes a family-favorite three-row crossover SUV and fixes one of its biggest everyday drawbacks: fuel stops. With a hybrid powertrain designed for road-trip range of more than 600 miles per tank, it’s an easy fit for commuters and long-haul families alike, and it doesn’t ask you to accept “hybrid slow” in exchange. The system pairs a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with two electric motors for a combined 329 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque, and it backs that output with a notably quiet cabin most of the time—though the engine can sound a bit unrefined when you really lean on it.
Inside, the Palisade Hybrid leans into comfort and convenience in the ways crossover shoppers care about day to day: supportive seats, a calm ride, and lots of small-item storage, plus standard three-zone climate control and six USB-C outlets spread across all three rows. Cargo room is a competitive 86.7 cubic feet total, even if it trails a few segment leaders, and the tech suite is strong with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, a matching 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Available upgrades like a 14-speaker Bose system, a factory dashcam, and “Stay Mode” (to run climate and infotainment while parked with the gas engine off, provided battery charge is sufficient) add real usability, and every Palisade Hybrid includes a robust set of driver-assistance features with blind-view monitor standard from SEL Premium on up.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Simply put, Hyundai currently sells the best mass-market three-row crossover SUV in the United States. The 2026 Hyundai Palisade looks good, drives well, and feels special–and it will keep you away from the gas station, too. " - Matt Smith
Read our most recent Hyundai Palisade Hybrid review
The Best Crossover SUVs FAQs
What is a crossover SUV? A crossover SUV, or CUV, is a vehicle built on a car's platform that combines attributes of a passenger car with features from a sport-utility vehicle. This typically results in better fuel economy and a more comfortable ride than a traditional body-on-frame SUV, while still offering a higher driving position, more interior space, and available all-wheel drive.
Which crossover on this list is best for off-roading? For shoppers who need true off-road capability, the Subaru Forester Wilderness and the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe in Trailhawk trim are the top choices. The Forester Wilderness comes with 9.3 inches of ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and a full-size spare. The Grand Cherokee 4xe Trailhawk offers a plug-in hybrid powertrain, a two-speed transfer case, and an adjustable air suspension for tackling difficult terrain.
Are there any good electric or hybrid crossover options on this list? Yes, this list includes several excellent electrified options. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a fully electric crossover with impressive range and technology. For plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe and Kia Sportage offer the ability to drive on electric power for shorter trips. Conventional hybrid options include the Kia Sportage Hybrid, Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid, and the new Hyundai Palisade Hybrid, all of which provide improved fuel economy without needing to be plugged in.
I need a crossover with three rows for my family. What are the best options? Several crossovers on this list are designed for larger families. The Kia Telluride, Dodge Durango, Toyota Grand Highlander, and Hyundai Palisade Hybrid all offer three rows of seating. The Grand Highlander is particularly noteworthy for its adult-friendly third row and generous cargo space, making it a top choice for those who frequently use all three rows.
Which crossover is the most fun to drive? If driving enjoyment is a priority, the Mazda CX-30 stands out. It's praised for its stylish design, premium-feeling interior, and engaging driving dynamics, especially with the optional turbocharged engine. For those seeking pure power, the Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat delivers stunning performance with its 710-horsepower supercharged V8, though it comes with a significant fuel economy penalty.
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Most car-shopping websites publish lists of the best cars across a variety of categories, with recommendations generally driven by editorial expertise. Here's what makes ours different: In addition to the insights and verdicts of our team of car-testing experts, our best cars guides take into account other factors that we know matter to buyers-real owner experiences and current market value.
Our expert reviewers are among this country's most trusted automotive journalists, also writing for publications including US News and World Report, Edmunds, Digital Trends, J.D. Power, and Car & Driver. They put each car through real-world testing and create detailed reviews of performance in a range of categories, from practicality and driving manners to cost-effectiveness and safety.
We also analyze hundreds of thousands of used car listings on CarGurus.com to track which models consistently offer the highest percentage of best deals relative to how many are listed for sale. Then we factor in reviews from owners-people who actually live with these cars every day. Our proprietary Best Cars algorithm then creates a final Overall CarGurus rating combining expert scores, user reviews, and the percentage of listings that have earned the Good or Great Deal rating. This multi-pronged approach reveals not just which cars excel on paper, but which ones deliver satisfaction and value when you're ready to buy.
The CarGurus market data used in this guide was last updated in March 2026. Values were accurate at time of publication and should be used as a guide only.
