Crossover vehicles: combining the best of cars and SUVs

Crossover vehicles offer the size of a car with the comfort, room and ruggedness of a sport utility vehicle. Made popular in 2001 and 2001, the crossover vehicle is rooted in the creation of small SUVs and cars known as sport-utility wagons. Crossovers are built in the same framing style as cars, but they contain extra vertical room, high point seats, higher ground clearance, larger wheels and other features of light trucks and sport utility vehicles. Many crossover SUVs also include more storage space.

There are many reasons to consider buying a new crossover vehicle instead of a sport utility vehicle, with the most obvious reasons being price and efficiency. Crossover vehicles are cheaper than full-sized SUVs, which are built to withstand extremely rugged and off-road conditions. Most vehicle owners never drive on roads that truly necessitate a SUV. Crossover vehicles are great commuter cars for traveling to and from work or school, and they're also rugged enough to carry your family to the mountains for a weekend of camping or skiing. If you buy a crossover SUV, you will likely spend less money to get just as much as you'd ever want from a vehicle.

Crossover vehicles vs. cars

Today's automotive market is filled with small coupes and sedans with astonishing mpg ratings. However, many of these cars are so small that they can't regularly be used for anything other than commuting. Crossover vehicles can also be found with excellent mpg ratings; in addition, they are more durable and have far more interior storage space than smaller economy cars. The best part about owning a crossover instead of an economy car is you won't need to apologize whenever passengers climb into your back seat.

Crossover vehicles come in various styles, each typically denoted by size. Compact CUVs are among the most common, with top-selling brands such as the Toyota RAV4 and the Honda CRV. Midsized CUVs include the Nissan Murano and the Toyota Highlander, and full-sized CUVs include the Ford Flex and the Saturn Outlook. The full-size CUV has nearly the same dimensions as a mid-sized SUV. However, the price tag tends to be lower across most auto manufacturers.

Crossover vehicles and hybrids

Hybrid vehicle technology is revolutionizing the automotive market. Hybrid vehicles tend to be more expensive, but people who buy hybrids save money on gas over the lifespan of their vehicles. Hybrid crossovers combine amazing fuel efficiency with the interior room, ruggedness and other features that are found in sport utility vehicles. Buying a hybrid crossover gets you a SUV, a car and a hybrid all in one elegant machine.

Crossover vehicle costs

Crossover SUVs combine the efficiency of cars with the interior space and ruggedness of sport utility vehicles, and they do this without breaking the bank. Several of the most popular crossover SUVs can be purchased in the United States for less than $35,000, and financing plans are available for buyers who need a little bit of help. Bargain seekers can find brand new crossover SUVs for as low as $21,000, and high-end crossovers can also be purchased for more than $40,000. The bottom line is that crossover SUVs are available for a large percentage of American auto buyers.

Some of the cheapest crossover SUVs are among the hottest selling lines of vehicles in the United States. Leading the way is the Honda CR-V, an affordable crossover vehicle that excels in fuel efficiency, power, cargo room and more. The Subaru Outback, once regarded as a sport wagon, is another longtime staple of the crossover SUV industry. Both of these vehicles can purchased new for as low as $22,000, although expect that price to climb as options and features are added.

More expensive crossover SUVs contain options normally found in sport or luxury vehicles. Most new crossovers can be customized with the specific options you want. Crossover SUV options and features include GPS navigation systems, premium sound systems, performance tires, leather interiors, cargo racks, interior flat screens and more. The best time to have these components installed is at the point of purchase. Remember to consider these additional options carefully when choosing a crossover SUV.