17) 2020 Subaru Ascent (tie)
$31,995 | U.S. News Score: 8.0/10
The 2020 Subaru Ascent is a solid midsize crossover SUV thanks to its high safety scores, good gas mileage, and impressive overall performance. It features a lively V6 engine and comes standard with all-wheel drive, which is uncommon among rivals. The Ascent seats up to eight people, and although the third-row has more legroom than most rivals in the class, it is best left to small children.
17) 2020 Subaru Ascent (tie)
The Ascent has a sizable cargo area and a worthy complement of standard niceties, like a 6.5 touch-screen interface with four USB ports and smartphone app integration. A number of high-tech safety systems come standard, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, a head-up display, and a rear-seat reminder. The Ascent’s cabin is quite large and is constructed of primarily high-quality materials, though some competitors’ interiors are more luxurious.
17) 2020 Kia Sorento (tie)
$26,690 | U.S. News Score: 8.0/10
The Kia Sorento underwent a refresh for the 2019 model year, and received a reshuffling of trims for 2020. This midsize SUV lands a spot in the middle of the competitive class. The Sorento isn’t very agile and it’s short on cargo space compared to classmates, but it’s reasonably priced, fuel-efficient, and easy to drive.
17) 2020 Kia Sorento (tie)
The Sorento features an attractive interior. Its first two rows are comfortable, but its third row is only adequate for children. Standard features include a first-rate 7-inch touch screen, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), this Kia is a coveted Top Safety Pick+, which is the highest award the agency gives out. A rearview camera is the only standard safety feature, but several others are available.
11) 2020 Chevrolet Traverse (tie)
$29,800 | U.S. News Score: 8.1/10
The 2020 Chevrolet Traverse is a comfortable family cruiser that features a spacious cabin and sufficient power. It’s not as upscale as some competing models and its driving dynamics are uninspiring. Still, it comes with a good set of niceties, including the new for 2020 Infotainment 3 system with a 7-inch touch screen, smartphone app integration, and a Wi-Fi hot spot.
11) 2020 Chevrolet Traverse (tie)
The Traverse has room for up to eight passengers, and its third row offers enough space for adults. Moreover, it provides greater cargo volume than almost all other midsize SUVs. This Chevy earns an above-average predicted reliability rating and comes standard with GM’s Teen Driver safety technology, which now includes a reminder to buckle up before driving. While we haven’t released our newest awards, the mostly similar 2019 Traverse won our 2019 Best 3-Row SUV for Families award.
11) 2019 Honda Passport (tie)
$31,990 | U.S. News Score: 8.1/10
Following a long hiatus, the Honda Passport returns as an all-new midsize SUV for the 2019 model year. It earns good scores in crash tests and receives an above-average predicted reliability rating. It includes a full suite of advanced driver assistance aids as standard. The Passport’s V6 engine delivers eager acceleration, it can tow up to 5,000 pounds, and it provides respectable off-roading capability. Overall, it’s enjoyable to drive, though it favors ride comfort over agility.
11) 2019 Honda Passport (tie)
The Passport features a handsome cabin, expansive seating for five people, and a large cargo hold. Its infotainment system lacks standard smartphone connectivity, and some critics call the touch screen finicky, but it offers a simple layout and physical controls for ease of use.
11) 2019 Volkswagen Atlas (tie)
$30,895 | U.S. News Score: 8.1/10
The 2019 Volkswagen Atlas is one of the few three-row crossover SUVs with adult-friendly accommodations in every row and a spacious cargo. Its cabin is nice, though it lacks the high-quality materials found in some rivals.
The Atlas may be a midsize SUV, but it still drives like a smaller car and remains composed on the road. It provides a coddling ride and delivers satisfactory power for trips around town.
11) 2019 Volkswagen Atlas (tie)
The Atlas performs well in crash tests and comes equipped with standard safety features, such as rear cross traffic alert, blind spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Standard features include a 6.5-inch touch-screen infotainment system with smartphone app integration.
8) 2019 Toyota Highlander (tie)
$31,830 | U.S. News Score: 8.2/10
The 2019 Toyota Highlander boasts a top-notch predicted reliability rating, positive crash test scores, and a comprehensive suite of standard active safety aids. It offers stable handling and a serene ride. The Highlander’s 185-horsepower four-cylinder base engine lacks power, but all trims above the base model come with a lively and fuel-efficient V6.
8) 2019 Toyota Highlander (tie)
The Highlander seats up to eight people in three rows. The first two rows are especially comfortable, though the third row is best left for small children. This Toyota’s cabin delivers a superior fit and finish, as well as premium materials. Unfortunately, the Highlander doesn’t have as much cargo space as many three-row SUVs. A responsive 8-inch touch screen, five USB ports, and voice recognition come standard.
8) 2020 Hyundai Kona (tie)
$20,100 | U.S. News Score: 8.2/10
The 2020 Kona receives no significant changes apart from the addition of available adaptive cruise control and renaming of trims. Thanks to its stylish cabin, agile handling, and first-rate crash test ratings, the 2020 Hyundai Kona finishes near the top of our subcompact SUV rankings. Despite its affordable price tag, the Kona delivers with a good list of standard features, a quality cabin, and an easy-to-use infotainment system.
6) 2020 Kia Sportage (tie)
$23,990 | U.S. News Score: 8.3/10
The Sportage features a high-class cabin with roomy seating for five passengers. However, many competing models offer more cargo capacity and better fuel economy. This compact crossover SUV is powered by a capable four-cylinder engine. If you desire significantly stronger acceleration, the top-of-the-line SX Turbo model comes with a 240-horsepower turbo-four.
6) 2020 Kia Sportage (tie)
Kia made several features standard in the 2020 Sportage, including a driver condition monitor, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and an 8-inch touch screen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The Sportage offers a premium cabin with quality materials. Its cabin is spacious and has enough room for taller riders in the back.
8) 2020 Hyundai Kona (tie)
The Kona has less overall cargo space than some rivals, though the space behind its second-row seats is decent. It offers lane keep assist, forward collision warning, a driver-attention monitor, and a user-friendly infotainment interface with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Kona’s base engine is adequate for daily commuting, but it’s available turbocharged engine delivers more pep.
The Kona also comes as an all-electric model that offers an outstanding 258-mile range.
6) 2020 Subaru Forester (tie)
$24,495 | U.S. News Score: 8.3/10
Like nearly every Subaru vehicle, the 2020 Forester comes standard with all-wheel drive. This well-rounded vehicle holds a spot near the top of our compact SUV rankings. It features good gas mileage, a cushioned ride, and superb crash test scores. Its lone four-cylinder engine doesn’t deliver strong acceleration, but it’s adequate for most daily driving. In addition, the Forester provides confident handling and lively steering.
6) 2020 Subaru Forester (tie)
The Forester offers a high-quality cabin with spacious seats and abundant cargo capacity. Standard features in this Subaru include a 6.5-inch touch screen with smartphone connectivity and the EyeSight driver assistance suite with lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. The 2020 model includes an all-new rear-seat reminder and the newly available lane-centering system.
5) 2020 Toyota RAV4 (tie)
$25,950 | U.S. News Score: 8.4/10
The RAV4 ranks near the top of our compact SUV rankings. New for the 2020 model, Toyota introduced the TRD Off-Road model to the lineup. It features a distinctive design and a trim-specific off-road suspension. In addition, the 2020 RAV4 introduces standard satellite radio and Android Auto. This compact SUV has excellent ratings for safety and predicted reliability.
5) 2020 Toyota RAV4 (tie)
The RAV4 offers an agreeable ride. It’s powered by a 203-horsepower four-cylinder engine, which is sufficient for most driving situations. While some rivals are more athletic, this Toyota delivers respectably poised handling and precise steering.
The RAV4’s interior is impressive and is adorned with quality materials. Seating space and cargo room are spacious and above average for the class. It offers supportive seats in both rows. The RAV4 comes standard with a 7-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hot spot.
5) 2020 Hyundai Palisade (tie)
$31,550 | U.S. News Score: 8.4/10
The Hyundai Palisade is an all-new midsize crossover SUV for the 2020 model year, replacing the 3-row version of the Hyundai Santa Fe. It debuts with generous cargo volume, three rows of comfortable seats, and a sleek and feature-filled cabin.
The Palisade comes with a responsive 291-horsepower V6 engine and delivers driving dynamics like that of a smaller crossover. Still, some classmates offer stronger acceleration and better handling. The Palisade gets average fuel efficiency numbers for the class. The Hyundai earns an above-average predicted reliability rating and is covered by a long warranty.
5) 2020 Hyundai Palisade (tie)
The Palisade comes with an admirable selection of standard advanced driver assistance technologies and some optional safety aids that aren’t common among non-luxury SUVs, such as an ultrasonic rear occupant alert, a blind spot camera, and a semiautonomous driving system with lane centering and adaptive cruise control.
Families will especially love how spacious the Palisades three-rows of seats are. It also has an above average cargo area, with a total of 86.4 cubic feet of space.
5) 2019 Mazda CX-9 (tie)
$32,280 | U.S. News Score: 8.4/10
The 2019 Mazda CX-9 is arguably the sportiest midsize crossover SUV available today. It delivers eager acceleration, athletic handling, and a smooth ride. The CX-9 is powered by a 227-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder. This midsize SUV doesn’t just deliver a lively ride, but it also returns some of the best fuel economy estimates in its class. Additionally, it earns an above-average predicted reliability rating and laudable crash test scores.
5) 2019 Mazda CX-9 (tie)
The CX-9’s handsome interior seats seven passengers and is teeming with high-quality materials. Its third row offers ample room for most adults, especially on shorter trips. However, this Mazda’s cargo volume is not as impressive as some three-row SUVs’.
Standard features include a 7-inch touch-screen infotainment interface, rear cross traffic alert, blind spot monitoring, and low-speed automatic emergency braking as standard. The Mazda Connect interface is deemed as one of the best by professional automotive journalists, with a straightforward menu and easy to use buttons and knobs. A wealth of convenience and safety features are available.
4) 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe (tie)
$25,900 | U.S. News Score: 8.5/10
The Hyundai Santa Fe’s history of high crash test ratings, good gas mileage, and class-leading warranty help it finish near the top of our midsize SUV rankings. It boasts a pleasant ride and a spacious, quality cabin with seating for five people. However, it doesn’t have as much cargo volume as some rivals, and its base engine feels underpowered.
4) 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe (tie)
Hyundai made a few subtractions to the 2020 Santa Fe. The new Santa Fe comes with fewer standard features, the SEL Plus and Ultimate trims have been discontinued, and the three-row Santa Fe XL has also disappeared. Still, it offers good gas mileage, a smooth ride, comfortable seats, and a quiet, quality cabin.
The Santa Fe is powered by a 185-horsepower engine, which is fine for daily commuting. The available turbo-four 235-horsepower engine is more energetic and noticeably quicker.
2) 2020 Kia Soul (tie)
$17,490 | U.S. News Score: 8.5/10
If you’re on a tight budget, the completely redesigned 2020 Kia Soul may be the crossover SUV for you. It’s significantly less expensive than any other vehicle on our list and holds the top spot in its class. The Soul is easy to drive due to its relaxed ride, composed handling, and superb outward visibility. It’s new base engine has 17 more horsepower and better fuel economy than the previous 2019 model.
For a more fuel-efficient model, there’s the Soul EV which features a 201-horsepower electric motor and a 243 mile range on a single charge.
2) 2020 Kia Soul (tie)
The Soul comes with a larger 7-inch touch screen (up from 5-inches in 2019) with smartphone app integration. Features like navigation, wireless device charging, and a healthy assortment of active safety aids are available.
For its relatively low price, the Soul’s overall interior is nice. The seats are spacious and comfortable in both rows despite being a subcompact SUV. In addition, it has an outstanding amount of cargo room behind the rear seats, with a total of 62.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.
1) 2019 Mazda CX-5 (tie)
$24,350 | U.S. News Score: 8.6/10
The 2019 Mazda CX-5 is one of the best compact crossover SUVs on the market today, holding the top spot in our compact SUV class. It shines thanks to its athletic handling, classy cabin, and fantastic crash test ratings, receiving a Top Safety Pick+ designation by the IIHS. The CX-5 provides a relaxed ride and offers energetic powertrains. Its newly available 227-horsepower turbo-four engine is one of the most powerful in the class, and the optional turbodiesel can tow an impressive 3,500 pounds when properly equipped.
1) 2019 Mazda CX-5 (tie)
The CX-5 offers two supportive rows of seats with room for five passengers, though only two adults will comfortably fit in the rear seats. If having a spacious cargo area is a requirement on your list, the CX-5 may disappoint, as it holds one of the smallest in its class.
The CX-5 comes standard with a 7-inch touch screen, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and low-speed automatic braking. Available features include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, ventilated front seats, and a 360-degree parking camera.
1) 2020 Kia Telluride (tie)
$31,690 | U.S. News Score: 8.6/10
The Kia Telluride is an all-new midsize crossover SUV for the 2020 model year. Its premium interior, excellent cargo volume, and top-notch safety and predicted reliability ratings drive it to the top of our midsize SUV rankings.
The Telluride isn’t an agile SUV, but it provides a coddling ride, plenty of power, good towing capacity, and decent off-road capability. It’s powered by a 291-horsepower V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
1) 2020 Kia Telluride (tie)
The Telluride offers two adult-friendly rows and a third row that’s ideal for children. Inside, you’ll find a premium cabin full of top-notch materials. The Telluride comes packed with standard features, including synthetic leather seats, an 8-inch touch screen with smartphone connectivity, and a long list of advanced driver assistance technologies.
1) 2020 Honda CR-V (tie)
$25,050 | U.S. News Score: 8.6/10
If you’re in the market for a compact crossover SUV, there are few choices that fare as well as the 2020 Honda CR-V. For this new model year, Honda tweaked the exterior styling and discontinued the 184-horsepower engine from the lineup. In addition, the Honda Sensing suite of safety features is now standard. The CR-V returns good fuel economy and provides a comfortable ride.
1) 2020 Honda CR-V (tie)
The CR-V boasts an attractive cabin with two roomy rows of seats and a cavernous cargo hold. Its seats are spacious enough to seat adults in both rows. Standard features include a 5-inch infotainment display, a USB port, Bluetooth, a four-speaker stereo, and automatic climate control.
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Loads of Versatility at Reasonable Prices
Crossover SUVs are hugely popular these days. What’s not to like? Successfully blend the driving manners and fuel economy of a car with the utility and cargo capacity of a small truck, price it affordably, and you’ve got a vehicle that appeals to many American families.
For people who don’t need the brute of a full-size pickup truck, but can’t get by with a traditional sedan due to the lack of overall spaciousness, there are a few options. Hatchbacks are a good choice for buyers simply needing more cargo capacity, but they don’t necessarily provide notable capability or increased passenger space.
If overall roominess and passenger volume are an issue, a wagon or minivan may be a better choice. While this was especially true in the past, neither vehicle configuration is very popular these days, and most automakers don’t even offer them now that crossover SUVs are more marketable. In addition, there are better options than minivans and station wagons when it comes to off-roading and towing.
Crossover SUVs offer an ideal mix of all of the above, making them a stellar vehicle choice for many car shoppers. However, since crossovers come in various sizes and excel in different areas, choosing the right one is a difficult task. We’ve ranked the best crossovers available today to help you decide which is the best choice for you.
Note that our scores and rankings are constantly changing as we receive updated data and new expert research. For this reason, the scores in this article may not match up with the scores in our new car rankings.
Continue reading to learn about how today’s best crossover SUVs stack up.