Top Crossover SUVs Under $30,000
Our top picks for economic Crossover SUVs under $30,000.
Crossover SUVs just can't be beat for economy and flexibility. Here are our top picks for the best models in the under $30,000 category.
The Chrysler Pacifica takes the top spot for best overall Crossover SUV under $30,000. The Pacific has everything: lots of seating, an interior full of generous amenities, kick ass acceleration, smooth handling and a GPS navigation system complete with back up camera.
The exterior looks more and more like a European-styled SUV with a fancy grille and side windows that slope down to almost a point in the back. There’s definitely a wagon-like look, but there’s also more of a classic design to the 2007 model.
Inside, the Pacifica does a good job meshing modern technologies along with some more luxurious touches like wood on the steering wheel, dash, stick shift and side door panels. The rounded dash perfectly molds around the wheel and the driver’s gauges. In the back, the seats are comfortable and positioned just right with lots of extra amenities like cup holders and fold-flat possibilities.
But it’s the engine that really got us excited about the Pacifica. This 4.0 liter V6 has got some true power behind it and was a pleasure to drive both around town, in traffic and at Autobahn-like speeds down empty freeways.
We weren’t as thrilled about the gas mileage, though. At 16 mpg city and 24 mpg highway, the Chrysler Pacific was one of the worst gas guzzlers in this category.
Ford’s Edge was surprisingly dynamic ride at No. 2 on our list and a good choice for a more masculine Crossover SUV. Yes, if you are looking for a Crossover SUV with some built-in testosterone, then go try out the Ford Edge.
We were surprisingly pleased with the 3.5 liter V6 engine and its ability to zoom when hitting the accelerator. The sporty handling is superior and gives the driver a very pleasurable ride.
Outside, the Ford Edge is rather beefy, but we were enamored with its bold design. The aesthetic here says: “Watch out boys, here we come!” The car does turn heads, especially in the muted orange (Ford calls it blazing copper) color.
The interior seems a bit over design for the guys, as well, but it all works – especially the big ass sunroof. Gauges, controls and even the navigation/entertainment screen are positioned well for both comfort and ease. The seats are truly comfortable and can be positioned easily for many passengers or for hauling large objects.
We’d like to see better fuel efficiency at just 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway.
The Hyundai Santa Fe definitely deserves the No. 3 spot as a well-crafted vehicle with good speed, exceptional handling and satisfying style. Once known as the "poor man's Toyota," Hyundai has come along way, giving drivers a good deal and a superior vehicle at the same time.
The Santa Fe’s 3.3 liter V6 engine delivers superior acceleration and handling with its stability and traction control systems.
The exterior, unfortunately, is a bit ho-hum as it looks like most any Japanese vehicle on the road. We’d like to see the Santa Fe designed with way more European panache, along with some American grit befitting the artsy New Mexico town from whence this car is named.
Inside, a Japanese minimalist design aesthetic reigns, although it works well for both comfort and ease of use. The “limited” model’s use of plastic, wood and chrome seems as luxurious as some doubly expensive Crossover SUVs.
The Honda CR-V is a great all-around choice for a Crossover SUV. Although the car feels a bit more like a family sedan rather than an SUV, the CR-V is definitely a contender in this category, especially with its super fuel economy (23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway).
The 2.4 liter, 4-cylinder engine zips around quite handily as most Honda’s do. And while you won’t be dazzled by the engine, there’s more than enough power and handling for any kind of driving.
Honda always seems to pull of making a superior family vehicle and the CR-V brings it. Yes, the exterior is rather boring and boxy and the interior is pure minimalism, but it all works rather well. Plus, Honda’s famed reliability and fuel economy always wins out in the long run.
Another beefy-looking ride in the Saturn Outlook. We tested it out recently with some mixed results. This beast felt more like an SUV and less like your mother's minivan. However, the engine didn't seem quite powerful enough to pull the load. We found the not-so-impressive drive to be disappointing at best. The interior also fell flat with semi-comfortable seats and uninspiring controls.
The Dodge Caliber looks cool on the outside, but has perhaps one of the worst engines for any Crossover SUV. The engine moans and whines almost like a hybrid and isn’t at all suitable for heavy traffic on the highway. And while the exterior is modern, the inside is all GenX with its tech-savvy, flip-down arm rest and iPod connections.
