What exactly is the criteria for the best crossover SUVs in 2018?
Performance, interior amenities, and safety features certainly have to be considered. Whether they have two rows or three rows, such vehicles must have a family-oriented design with contemporary features.
For 2018, Kelley Blue Book has honored several crossover SUVs with prestigious annual awards that are based on value and other factors. When looking for the safest crossover SUVs, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is certainly a reliable authority. The Top Safety Picks for 2018 have been carefully selected after rigorous testing.
Read on to learn more about the acclaimed features that are available in the 10 top crossover SUVs of 2018.
2018 Honda Pilot
Starting at just under $31,000, the 2018 Honda Pilot has a mid-size platform with seating for eight people. Rated at 280 horsepower, a V6 engine with the i-VTEC technology propels this family-friendly model. When the Eco Assist and Variable Cylinder Management work in sync, the 2018 Pilot achieves a maximum fuel economy of 27 mpg on the highway and 23 mpg in the city. Most of the vehicle’s active safety features are powered by the Honda Sensing technology. The Collision Mitigation Braking and Road Departure Mitigation provide superb accident-avoidance assistance.
Therefore, the 2018 Pilot earned the Top Safety Pick by the IIHS. KBB has also named this model as one of the “Best 3-Row SUVs for Families” in 2018.
2018 Honda CR-V
Compact and agile, the 2018 Honda CR-V has five standard seats. This sleek model has a starting price tag of slightly over $24,000. Producing up to 190 hp, a turbocharged engine block is standard in three of the four trims. With a fuel economy of 34 mpg on the highway and 28 mpg in the city, this small crossover SUV offers a good driving range for lengthy trips. For its low-price tag, the 2018 CR-V flaunts sophisticated active safety features that carry the Honda Sensing label. Some of the vehicle’s top driving aides include the Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keeping Assist.
The 2018 CR-V is also considered one of the “Best 2-Row SUVs for Families” by KBB.
2018 Ford Expedition
Available in six editions, the 2018 Ford Expedition was designed with powerful performance as a top priority. The 3.5 L V6 engine combines the Ti-VCT function with the turbocharged EcoBoost technology. This muscular powertrain yields 375 hp and 470 lb-ft. You’ll get up to 23 mpg on the highway and 17 mpg on urban roads. A 10-speed gearbox also makes the 2018 Expedition one of the easiest crossover SUVs to handle. Boasting a towing capacity of more than 9,000 pounds, this Ford model allows families to haul lots of bulky items for road trips. A rear entertainment system and the 12 B&O Play Harman Kardon speakers also give this vehicle some major bragging rights in digital technology.
2018 Chevrolet Equinox
Compact and capable are perhaps the best adjectives for the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. Featuring five seats, this vehicle offers 1.5 L and 2.0 L turbocharged engines that run on gasoline. A 1.6 L turbo engine that operates on diesel fuel is also available for this versatile Chevy crossover SUV. The EPA gives the diesel powertrain an impressive highway fuel economy of 39 mpg. Such efficiency is almost comparable to the capabilities of hybrid sedans and crossover SUVs. An infotainment system with 4G Wi-Fi, Android Auto, and SiriusXM also makes the 2018 Chevy Equinox a winner in digital technology. The Chevrolet MyLink software controls most of the connectivity features in the cockpit.
2018 Subaru Outback
Made for adventures, the 2018 Subaru Outback is available in six durable models. Under the hood, this car offers two engine blocks with the patented BOXER badge. The Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, X-MODE and Hill Descent Control keep this Subaru crossover SUV rolling through tough conditions. With a highway fuel economy of 32 mpg, this car is suitable for exciting trips to remote areas.
In addition to having superb off-road capabilities, the 2018 Outback carries cutting-edge safety features that are controlled by the EyeSight Driver Assist technology. Ready to respond to an imminent threat of an accident, the Pre-Collision Braking and Adaptive Cruise Control let you relax behind the steering wheel.
2018 Toyota Highlander
The powertrain options for the 2018 Toyota Highlander include 2.7 L and 3.5 L gas engines. You can also select a hybrid system for better efficiency in suburbs and cities. In fact, the hybrid editions offer just less than 30 mpg on the highway. The 2018 Highlander is praised for its abundance of interior amenities, such as a tri-zone automatic climate control system. Most of the vehicle’s technological services are accessible in the 8.0-inch Entune infotainment console. A 9.0-inch display with a Blu-ray player and the 12 JBL GreenEdge speakers deliver great entertainment for kids in this Toyota crossover SUV.
2018 Hyundai Santa Fe
Priced at slightly over $27,000, the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe has tremendous strengths in active safety. This mid-size crossover SUV was given the “Top Safety Pick Plus” award by the IIHS. The Lane Change Assist, Automatic Emergency Braking and Blind Spot Detection are some of features that have helped the vehicle earn such a great accolade. In the mechanical department, the 2018 Santa Fe is driven by a 3.3 V6 engine that produces up to 290 hp. This reliable Hyundai crossover SUV gets a maximum of 25 mpg on the highway.
2018 Mazda CX-9
Sporty and smart, the 2018 Mazda CX-9 runs on the signature SKYACTIV powertrain. This mid-size crossover SUV gets up to 250 hp from a 2.5 L gas engine, which is rated at 26 mpg on the highway. The i-ACTIV AWD and SKYACTIV-DRIVE automatic transmission system give you good leverage for controlling this versatile Mazda. An infotainment by MAZDA CONNECT is available in the 2018 CX-9. From Aha and Pandora to Stitcher and SiriusXM, you have tens of thousands of radio channels at your fingertips.
2018 Kia Sportage
Having a lineup of three editions, the 2018 Kia Sportage is a compact crossover SUV that offers a 2.4 L naturally aspirated engine and 2.0 L turbocharged engine. Accommodating up to five people, this lightweight vehicle rolls for up to 30 miles on the highway from a single gallon of gas. You won’t have to spend more than $26,500 to enjoy high-tech amenities in the 2018 Kia Sportage. The UVO infotainment system, Android Auto, and Harman Kardon sound system are some of the features that you’ll get for such a relatively small price tag.
2018 Audi Q5
If you’re looking for great value in the luxury class, the 2018 Audi Q5 is an excellent option. This compact model is equipped with the 2.0 L TFSI engine that spits out more than 250 hp. Audi’s iconic Quattro AWD gives this agile model class-leading capabilities. The EPA fuel economy for the 2018 Q5 is 27 mpg on the highway and 23 mpg in the city. In the technology category, KBB has the given the 2018 Audi Q5 the “Best Auto Tech” award.
Here are some of the vehicle’s top highlights in the cockpit:
- MMI Navigation System
- 19 Bang & Olufsen Speakers
- SiriusXM Satellite Radio
- INRIX XD Traffic
- 3-Inch Audi Virtual Cockpit
- Head-Up Display
Ed Aldridge / Shutterstock
Loading ...