Best Used Crossovers: Top 10
Crossovers are some of the most popular modern urban vehicles. Both consumers and automakers often use the terms "crossover" and "SUV" interchangeably due to design similarities, but key differences between the two do exist. In brief, a crossover is lighter and based on a passenger car platform, while a traditional SUV is more massive and uses a truck chassis. There are other features that will help you clearly distinguish between these two unique types of vehicles. What are the main differences between crossovers and our top used crossovers that are the most popular you will learn from this article.
Features of crossover cars
The crossover is based on a "one-piece" or unitary structure, in which the body and frame are combined into one complete structure. This design is lightweight and provides optimal space distribution between the cab and the luggage compartment. In the case of off-road vehicles (SUVs), body-on-frame construction is used. This involves separate fabrication of the frame and body, which are then joined together during the manufacturing process. SUVs are considered more durable and are suitable for carrying large loads. However, this does not mean that crossovers are not capable of towing. One of the advantages of crossovers is that despite the design differences, they can compete with SUVs in terms of off-road capability and towing capacity.
So, crossovers, compared to SUVs, are smaller in size, lighter in weight and oriented towards urban driving. They can fall into different size categories, from compact to full-size. At the same time, crossovers are more fuel efficient than SUVs, can successfully cope with a variety of driving conditions, including city streets, suburban routes, off-roading, and can surprise the driver on the highway.
The advantage of crossovers: ample space in the cabin and for luggage. Even small cars meet the needs of a family of four. Full-size crossovers can accommodate up to seven passengers, and thanks to the ability to fold down the second and third rows of seats, they provide more luggage space.
Best Used Crossovers
Our ranking of the best aftermarket crossovers includes premium, budget, and mid-range models like these:
- Land Rover Discovery
- Nissan Juke
- Subaru Forester
- Nissan X-Trail
- Chevrolet Tahoe
- Toyota Highlander
- Audi Q7
- Porsche Cayenne
- BMW X5
- Toyota RAV4
Each of these models can be bought profitably at auction in the United States with shipping to the country.
Land Rover Discovery
Land Rover Discovery all-wheel drive full-size crossovers are in high demand in the aftermarket.
Characteristics:
- Popular engine choices include the supercharged gasoline V6 with 340 hp, as well as the TDV6 3.0 diesel units with 211 hp and SDV6 3.0 with 249 hp.
- The base "S" includes the following options: 18-inch alloy wheels, halogen headlights with daytime running lights (DRL), electrically adjustable side mirrors with folding function and heating, heated rear window with rear wiper, heated windshield, luggage compartment curtain, audio system with eight speakers and climate control. SE includes 19-inch diameter disks, air suspension, leather interior, heated steering wheel, audio system with eleven speakers and subwoofer. The HSE version offers improved exterior and interior trim, xenon headlights, fog lights, folding second-row seats, power front seats and steering column with memory function, and Bluetooth technology. The top-of-the-line HSE LUXURY trim offers 20-inch wheels and a panoramic sunroof in addition to the aforementioned equipment.
Among the undeniable advantages of the car Land Rover Discovery are high level of comfort, economy, excellent cross-country ability and excellent driving qualities. But even with such excellent reviews, Land Rover Discovery stands on the tenth position of our rating. The best crossovers are ahead.
View Used Land Rover Discovery
Nissan Juke
The original Nissan Juke caused quite a stir many years ago, attracting attention with its unique appearance. This car immediately became popular due to its unusual aesthetics and was sold out like hotcakes. Not surprisingly, in 2019, Nissan introduced the second generation, completely redesigned Juke. The new Juke impresses with its sophisticated design and high-tech interior.
Characteristics:
- Engine: in the equipment offered - 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline engine 94-218 hp.
- Front-wheel drive modifications and off-road-appropriate cars with all-wheel drive are available.
- Fuel consumption averages 6 liters per 100 km.
- Base equipment: multimedia with AUX line-in audio input. Braking system includes ABS, Nissan Brake Assist and EBD. Vehicle stabilization system ESP (can be deactivated if necessary). Full package of passive safety systems: front and side airbags, deactivatable front passenger airbag, active front seat head restraints, front seat belts with pretensioners, shoulder height adjustment and load limiters.
For overall value for money, the Juke is an excellent choice in the compact crossover segment.
Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester is a four-door, compact crossover with all-wheel drive that is ideal for family travel because it can seat five people and provides plenty of luggage space. This vehicle has been rated by Consumer Reports as one of the best vehicles for families due to its reliability and high safety ratings.
The car has been around since 1997, and now the fifth generation of the model has been released. The 2018 version of the Forester offers a number of advantages, including permanent all-wheel drive, reliable atmospheric motors, a variator, an all-new platform, and excellent handling. Third- and fourth-generation examples are widely available on the used car market.
Characteristics:
- A variety of variants of this model are available - equipped with gasoline engines of 1.8, 2.0 or 2.5 liters, as well as a hybrid installation FB20D e-BOXE.
- The traction control system prevents wheelspin when accelerating or braking in mud or snow, so Subaru Forester is a great companion for long trips, driving in conditions with difficult terrain, off-road.
Nissan X-Trail
Nissan X-Trail is a Japanese crossover with a number of advantages over its competitors. The most popular for purchase configuration - with a 1.6-liter diesel engine (130 hp) This car combines economy, reliability, comfort and increased cross-country ability, which makes it an attractive choice for drivers seeking to find harmony between urban maneuverability and the need to drive outside the city.
Characteristics:
- Many equipment variations are available - a wide range of engines, both diesel and gasoline, as well as hybrid versions.
- The engine is paired with a six-speed manual transmission, providing smooth gear changes.
- The interior of the crossover is spacious and comfortable for 5 people. High-quality materials and technologies are used in the equipment, good air conditioning system.
Nissan X-Trail is one of the most reliable in its class. It will suit those who appreciate comfort, reliability and economy, and also want to buy a car with enhanced off-road performance for reasonable money.
Mazda CX-5
The CX-5 is the vehicle with the most powerful engine in its class - a 2.5-liter turbocharged four delivering 227 hp and 420 N∙m of torque. And while the Mazda CX-5 may be inferior to the competition in some aspects, the brand emphasizes the driver, so this is definitely the best used crossovers in terms of driving emotion and enjoyment. After a trip, this vehicle leaves a vivid and pleasant impression.
In the world of compact SUVs, the Mazda CX-5 stands out. Like a real athlete, it feels confidently on winding roads, demonstrating excellent body control and minimal roll in corners. The steering is as close to a sports car as possible - precise, responsive and informative.
Characteristics and Benefits:
- Fans of dynamic driving will like the turbocharged engine, which allows the CX-5 to accelerate to 97 km/h in 6.8 seconds.
- Excellent brakes add confidence to your driving experience with the strongest initial braking effect among SUVs.
- Despite the stylish look of the CX-5's interior, it seems rather plain due to the lack of expressive accents. The entire interior is in black color with chrome inserts. At the back, there are two USB sockets for passengers. There is a possibility of folding the rear row of seats.
- From a technical standpoint, the Mazda CX-5 stands out from the competition. It has an analog dashboard, and it is the only small SUV where the multimedia system display does not support touch input.
The current-generation CX-5 is equipped with an impressive array of on-board technologies, while keeping the price very reasonable. For example, all trims are equipped with climate control, front and rear parking sensors, and cruise control.
Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander is a 5-passenger AWD midsize crossover.
Characteristics:
- Motor: 3.3-liter V6, 270 hp, paired to a 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shift option.
- The main options of the basic equipment: cruise control, stabilization system, traction control, 4-Wheel ABS, emergency brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, child locks on the rear doors, dual front side airbags, airbags for driver and front passenger, as well as side and curtain airbags for rear passengers.
- Fuel consumption: from 6.5 to 14.4 l/100 km (depending on the mode and driving conditions).
The Toyota Highlander is popular among midsize crossovers, and is considered one of the most reliable vehicles with carefully crafted features. It has earned a high reliability rating from J.D. Power, which is one of the highest in its class, thanks to its advanced safety technologies, excellent fuel economy, comfortable ride and spacious, well-built and well-insulated interior, making it a top seller in the category.
The car offers 2 rows of seating for 5 seats, but if you want, you can choose more expensive configurations with a third row, for 7 seats.
Audi Q7
The Q7 is the most family-friendly of all Audi SUVs and the undoubted leader in its class. Available in gasoline and diesel variants, this model comes standard with seven seats and outperforms the competition with its impressive size (over 5 meters in length). The Q7's last major redesign took place in 2019, giving the crossover styling cues from the Q8, a hybrid powertrain and an innovative dual-screen infotainment system.
Characteristics:
- Audi offers three engine options for the Q7: two diesel and one gasoline. All are equipped with quattro all-wheel drive and an eight-speed tiptronic automatic transmission. Among the diesel variants are the 45 TDI and 50 TDI with a 3.0-liter turbo engine producing 228 hp and 282 hp, respectively. For gasoline engine connoisseurs, only the 55 TFSI is available, offering 335 hp and offering better performance than the diesels.
- Features include LED lighting, state-of-the-art displays - the HD touchscreen, which is part of Audi's system, includes 3D city models in satellite navigation, and a customizable Audi Virtual Cockpit digital instrument cluster.\
Porsche Cayenne
Some Porsche supporters, being cynics, do not take the Cayenne crossover seriously, seeing it more as a marketing tool for the brand. However, this does not detract from the merits of this practical, versatile, economical car with excellent off-road performance, handling and rich equipment.
- The second generation model (Mk2) offers different engine options including two types of diesel engines, high-performance turbocharged petrol engines and even a plug-in hybrid with CO2 emissions on par with the Toyota Yaris Hybrid. Available from the outset are the standard Cayenne with a 3.6-liter V6 gasoline engine with 296 hp and the Cayenne S with a 4.8-liter V8 gasoline engine with 395 hp. The Cayenne Turbo has the same V8 as the S, but with twin turbochargers boosting power to 493 hp and the Cayenne Turbo S to 540 hp (it was the fastest SUV in the world for a while). For 2014, the Cayenne S gets a 3.6-liter twin-turbo V6 with 410 hp, the Turbo and Turbo S get more power, and the standard diesel Cayenne has lower emissions.
- Prior to the facelift, the base gasoline-powered Cayenne could be purchased with a six-speed manual transmission, while all other models were equipped with either a six-speed or eight-speed Tiptronic automatic. After 2014, all cars are equipped with an eight-speed Tiptronic transmission.
BMW X5
The BMW X5 is practical but worth its money. It has confidently competed with other premium and sporty SUVs. In its fourth generation, released in late 2018, the X5 received a more aggressive design and an expanded set of technologies. BMW's SUV lineup includes the compact X1 and X2 models, as well as the luxurious X7.
Characteristics:
- Engines: 4.4 liter 449 hp V8 gasoline, 2.0 liter 231 hp diesel, and 3.0 liter 258 hp, 313 hp and 381 hp diesel. Regardless of the type of engine selected - gasoline, diesel or hybrid - each is turbocharged for increased power and efficiency.
- BMW has equipped the car with a host of intelligent solutions, including a suspension stiffness adjustment system that can be adjusted at the touch of a button, and Parking Assistant, which finds suitable spaces and parks the car by controlling not only the steering wheel but also the gas pedal and brake pedals. An optional Head-up Display (HUD) is also available, and the Concierge Services system allows you to contact the Call Center for data and download routes using satellite navigation.
- Inside, the focus is on luxury. Various interior trim packages, comfort or sport seats, and a variety of options are available for the comfort and entertainment of rear-row passengers.
Toyota RAV4
Leading our rankings is the RAV4, Japanese manufacturer Toyota's all-wheel-drive, 5-seat FWD compact crossover (a Prime plug-in hybrid model is also available for 2021).
Characteristics:
- Engine: 2.5-liter four-cylinder motor with an output of 203 hp (in the hybrid model - 2.5-liter four-cylinder motor with an output of 219 hp) There are also other gasoline and diesel modifications.
- You can choose from front-wheel drive RAV4s and rear-wheel drive.
- Base equipment: adaptive cruise control, dynamic full-range radar cruise control (DRCC), 4-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS), transmission traction control, electronic stability control, lane-keeping assist steering, lane-keeping assist, traffic sign recognition assist, driver fatigue monitoring, rear child safety lock, 8 airbags, seat-mounted side airbags, front and rear passenger curtains, driver knee airbag.
- Basic equipment options: blind spot warning system, rear cross traffic alert
- EPA fuel consumption: 5.1 liters per 100 km.
The RAV4 has a spacious interior and a trunk compartment large enough for all the necessities on a weekend trip or a vacation with a child. Although it is not as sporty and aggressive as some competitors in the compact crossover class, the RAV4 for family use is the best crossovers due to its comfortable driving, moderate fuel consumption, and many standard driver assistance features.
The advantages of a car are its equipment. You don't need to look for an expensive equipment to get a decent equipment of safety systems and electronic assistants.
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