It has become impossible to deny the automotive industry's seismic shift towards the crossover SUV. It's one of the hottest automotive classes right now, and every automaker is trying their hardest to pump out model after model to fit into this segment and steal some sales.
Sales of conventional sedans, compacts, and subcompacts are on a downward slope, as more and more people are swapping them out for crossovers. They have bold styling, decent space inside, the latest tech, and some of them are very, very cheap. Most of them are good, but some are simply the best.
10 Mercedes-Benz GLA
The original Mercedes-Benz GLA arrived in 2013, and it was pretty average. Still, the fact that it was a small crossover with a Mercedes badge meant that sales were off to a good start. In late 2019, the second generation GLA debuted, and the improvements were obvious.
For starters, the new GLA was much better to look at. The older model could be described as fussy in a lot of ways, but the new one cleaned up the styling and the result was a very distinctive small crossover. It's also built on a brand-new platform that underpins the A-Class and CLA as well. As long as the price tag is right for you, and the smaller engines are avoided, this is a great luxury crossover.
9 Mazda CX-30
Mazda has made it very clear that they want to take their models to the next level, including some brand-new models to save the brand. The new CX-30 is not gunning for the Honda HR-V or VW T-Roc, but rather the BMW X2 and the aforementioned Mercedes GLA. However, in a lot of ways, the Mazda trumps them both.
Essentially, the CX-30 is just a regular Mazda 3 hatchback with a bit of a growth spurt. Even though it's classified as a crossover, it's not that high off the ground. The minuscule ground clearance increase hasn't affected the handling, and the CX-30 is widely considered to be the best-handling car in its class. A new Turbo model is also on the way with even more power, and the interior is a great place to be. Shame about the slightly cramped rear seat.
8 Kia Seltos
Many would agree that Kia has managed to crack the code when it comes to crossovers, and the Seltos is very much proof. It's designed to sit below the Sportage in the lineup, meaning it slots above the even smaller Stonic in some markets.
The new Seltos looks great on the outside. Even though it's a small crossover, it's one of the few in the segment that's available with AWD. The engines are pretty strong, it has tons of character, and as befits a new Kia, the interior is incredibly well-thought-out, while also being pretty plush, especially for the price.
7 Mini Countryman
The Countryman has been a subject of some controversy since it first appeared a decade ago. One of the biggest criticisms it endures is that it isn't really all that "mini." It's marketed as a more mature alternative to the proper Mini, and in that regard, the Countryman performs its job brilliantly.
Needless to say, the Countryman is way more practical than the regular Mini Hatch. It's a 5-door only, and it has a fairly big trunk. It's also available with some pretty serious body cladding as well as AWD. Just like every other Mini, the interior of the Countryman is well-made and full of personality. If only the price wasn't that steep. What's more, the newest special edition should be popular with beach-goers.
6 Nissan Kicks
The original Nissan Juke wasn't really the sales success that Nissan hoped it would be. Mostly because it was terrible. While Nissan introduced a much-improved Juke to carry on crossover duties in Europe, North America got something a little different; the Kicks.
This tiny crossover, recently facelifted for the 2021 model year, is everything that the Juke should have been. While it's nothing especially remarkable or crazy, it's very good at what it does. Thanks to the attractive price tag, standard tech and safety features, and ample interior room, the Kicks has all the necessary traits to be a sales success.
5 Hyundai Venue
Joining the range as Hyundai's smallest crossover, the Venue made its debut back in 2019, and has done exceptionally well with sales figures, especially in emerging markets. The Venue definitely challenges the term "crossover," but it's definitely a cool-looking vehicle.
Despite being tiny, the space inside is pretty good. It also oozes style, both inside and out, especially the models equipped with the optional denim-like interior trim. Material quality may not be the greatest, but it's all pardoned once the MSRP is factored in. Moreover, Hyundai will soon offer a very interesting clutchless manual transmission on the Venue.
4 Subaru Crosstrek
A few years ago, when the Crosstrek was still called the XV Crosstrek, it was languishing somewhere in the deep ends of the crossover segment, with dealers struggling to shift units due to how unavoidably average it was. The latest Crosstrek is much, much better.
In every conceivable way, this is basically what Subaru stands for. Aside from being available with a compelling PHEV powertrain, the Crosstrek is good to drive due to its hatchback origins, and while the interior won't blow anyone's socks off, it's functional and well put-together. Combined with the attractive price, it's definitely worth considering.
3 Audi Q3
Back to the luxury crossover segment. Much like the Crosstrek, the Audi Q3 wasn't exactly loved by many when it arrived a decade ago. With the introduction of the second generation in 2019, everything was much more like it.
For starters, the styling was actually distinctive and quite brave, especially by Audi standards. Interior design, quality, and tech were also improved a fair bit, as was the driving experience, with the Q3 striking a perfect balance between engagement and comfort. What's more, it's also available with a fastback roofline for some added style points.
2 Volvo XC40
It would seem as though the Geely acquisition back in 2010 is the best thing to ever happen to Volvo. The cash injection allowed Volvo to engineer just about everything in-house, and it's very, very difficult to fault just about all of their models. This extends to the XC40.
The XC40 makes no apologies for being a Volvo, as it's very difficult to spot the brand's signature elements, but they're infused with a top-notch overall design, befitting of this segment. The XC40 is great to drive, plenty spacious, great on fuel, and has possibly the best infotainment and safety tech in the industry right now. Not to mention, an electric version is coming very soon.
1 Lexus UX
Lexus is often seen as the Saab equivalent of the modern automotive industry. Their contributions to each segment are seen as more left-field, and their boldness and design choices won't exactly appeal to everybody. With the UX, they finally cracked the code.
The UX is the brand's smallest SUV offering, and it does its signature design language justice surprisingly well. Like every other Lexus model, the UX is available with a frugal hybrid powertrain. Interior quality and design are top-notch, and the same applies to the exterior. It's decent to drive, spacious, and pretty soon it should be getting Lexus' improved infotainment system.