SUV Rankings: Affordable Crossover SUVs

Ranking of Crossover SUVs, generally priced under $35,000

Honda CR-V Image
  • MSRP: $21,545 - $29,745
  • Invoice: $20,056 - $27,661
  • Avg. Paid: $21,761 - $29,780
  • MPG: 21 City / 28 Hwy

#1
2010 Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V provides one of the best combinations of safety, utility and affordability in its class. And with increased fuel economy, more power and a more ...

U.S.News Scores
Overall:8.7
Performance:8.3
Exterior:7.5
Interior:8.4
Safety:NA
Reliability:9.0
Subaru Outback Image
  • MSRP: $22,995 - $30,995
  • Invoice: $21,663 - $29,024
  • Avg. Paid: $22,416 - $29,993
  • MPG: 19 City / 27 Hwy

#1
2010 Subaru Outback

If you're looking for the practicality of an SUV without all the negative associations, you should consider the newly-redesigned 2010 Subaru Outback. It features all-wheel-drive, an excellent ...

U.S.News Scores
Overall:8.7
Performance:8.6
Exterior:NA
Interior:8.8
Safety:10.0
Reliability:6.0
Buick Enclave Image
  • MSRP: $35,165 - $43,695
  • Invoice: $33,407 - $41,510
  • Avg. Paid: $34,514 - $42,742
  • MPG: 17 City / 24 Hwy

#3
2010 Buick Enclave

The Buick Enclave's upscale appointments, smooth ride and stylish exterior put it near the top of its class -- and nearly on par with some luxury SUVs. ...

U.S.News Scores
Overall:8.5
Performance:8.2
Exterior:8.4
Interior:8.5
Safety:9.9
Reliability:7.0
Chevrolet Equinox Image
  • MSRP: $22,440 - $29,795
  • Invoice: $21,318 - $28,305
  • Avg. Paid: $22,716 - $29,931
  • MPG: 22 City / 32 Hwy

#4
2010 Chevrolet Equinox

Previously a good - but not great - entry within its class, the Equinox gets a much-needed makeover for 2010. With more power, a revamped interior and ...

U.S.News Scores
Overall:8.4
Performance:7.8
Exterior:9.1
Interior:9.1
Safety:10.0
Reliability:5.0
Chevrolet Traverse Image
  • MSRP: $29,224 - $39,985
  • Invoice: $27,763 - $37,986
  • Avg. Paid: $29,112 - $39,549
  • MPG: 17 City / 24 Hwy

#4
2010 Chevrolet Traverse

Reviewers say the Traverse is an affordable, stylish and versatile minivan alternative. Since it was just introduced last year, it remains unchanged for 2010. As Chevy's first ...

U.S.News Scores
Overall:8.4
Performance:8.4
Exterior:NA
Interior:8.7
Safety:9.9
Reliability:6.0
Lincoln MKT Image
  • MSRP: $44,200 - $49,200
  • Invoice: $40,745 - $45,245
  • Avg. Paid: $42,160 - $46,662
  • MPG: 17 City / 23 Hwy

#4
2010 Lincoln MKT

The MKT is an all-new crossover SUV that many reviewers say is Lincoln's best vehicle in many years. Test drivers appreciate its sedan-like performance, spacious three-row interior ...

U.S.News Scores
Overall:8.4
Performance:8.9
Exterior:7.3
Interior:8.1
Safety:NA
Reliability:8.0
Ford Taurus X Image
  • MSRP: $28,270 - $34,175
  • Invoice: $25,958 - $31,272
  • Avg. Paid: $27,478 - $33,094
  • MPG: 17 City / 24 Hwy

#7
2009 Ford Taurus X

With its good power, convenient interior features and great crash test scores, the Ford Taurus X is a good choice for those who put substance over style.

U.S.News Scores
Overall:8.3
Performance:7.7
Exterior:NA
Interior:7.9
Safety:9.9
Reliability:6.0
Honda Element Image
  • MSRP: $20,275 - $25,770
  • Invoice: $18,878 - $23,974
  • Avg. Paid: $20,450 - $25,750
  • MPG: 20 City / 25 Hwy

#7
2009 Honda Element

With suicide rear doors, a highly configurable cabin and an incredibly angular shape, the Element is perfect for those who march to their own drummer. But the ...

U.S.News Scores
Overall:8.3
Performance:7.6
Exterior:7.9
Interior:7.7
Safety:9.9
Reliability:9.0
Saturn VUE Image
  • MSRP: $23,280 - $30,935
  • Invoice: $22,116 - $28,924
  • Avg. Paid: $21,982 - $29,439
  • MPG: 19 City / 26 Hwy

#7
2009 Saturn VUE

Redesigned last year, the VUE offers one of the best combinations of style, a comfortable interior and impressive performance in its class.

U.S.News Scores
Overall:8.3
Performance:8.3
Exterior:7.9
Interior:7.9
Safety:9.9
Reliability:5.0
Toyota RAV4 Image
  • MSRP: $21,500 - $27,810
  • Invoice: $20,103 - $25,585
  • Avg. Paid: $21,290 - $27,498
  • MPG: 22 City / 28 Hwy

#7
2010 Toyota RAV4

More than 10 years after it was first introduced, the RAV4 continues to shine for its excellent combination of power, performance and interior comfort.  

U.S.News Scores
Overall:8.3
Performance:8.2
Exterior:8.3
Interior:7.8
Safety:9.3
Reliability:7.0
Toyota Venza Image
  • MSRP: $26,275 - $29,550
  • Invoice: $23,777 - $26,595
  • MPG: 19 (2009) City / 26 (2009) Hwy

#7
2010 Toyota Venza

Reviewers praise the Venza, Toyota's Camry-based crossover for providing all the comforts of a sedan with the functionality of an SUV. Unlike Toyota's other crossover SUVs, the ...

U.S.News Scores
Overall:8.3
Performance:7.6
Exterior:7.8
Interior:9.1
Safety:9.9
Reliability:NA
Volkswagen Tiguan Image
  • MSRP: $23,200 - $33,215
  • Invoice: $21,455 - $30,919
  • Avg. Paid: $22,802 - $32,321
  • MPG: 19 City / 26 Hwy

#7
2010 Volkswagen Tiguan

A blend of the words "tiger" and "iguana," the interestingly named Tiguan is a sporty and appealing entry within its class. Its German driving dynamics and upscale feel ...

U.S.News Scores
Overall:8.3
Performance:8.7
Exterior:7.5
Interior:8.4
Safety:9.9
Reliability:5.0
GMC Acadia Image
  • MSRP: $31,740 - $42,185
  • Invoice: $30,153 - $40,076
  • Avg. Paid: $31,174 - $41,193
  • MPG: 17 City / 24 Hwy

#13
2010 GMC Acadia

Built on the same platform as its General Motors siblings, the Buick Enclave and Saturn Outlook, the GMC Acadia is both affordable and luxurious. It offers class-leading ...

U.S.News Scores
Overall:8.2
Performance:8.1
Exterior:8.8
Interior:8.7
Safety:9.9
Reliability:5.0
Hyundai Santa Fe Image
  • MSRP: $21,695 - $30,545
  • Invoice: $20,861 - $28,657
  • Avg. Paid: $21,526 - $30,063
  • MPG: 17 (Est) City / 24 (Est) Hwy

#13
2009 Hyundai Santa Fe

Redesigned in 2007, the Hyundai Santa Fe is a value-priced family hauler that just doesn't stand out in a competitive segment. It delivers safety and value, but ...

U.S.News Scores
Overall:8.2
Performance:7.3
Exterior:8.5
Interior:7.9
Safety:9.9
Reliability:6.0
Mazda CX-7 Image
  • MSRP: $21,550 - $32,885
  • Invoice: $20,523 - $30,762
  • Avg. Paid: $20,760 - $31,285
  • MPG: 20 City / 28 Hwy

#13
2010 Mazda CX-7

For 2010, Mazda's performance-minded SUV gets a makeover inside and out. The changes add up to a great value equation -- the CX-7 is a great family ...

U.S.News Scores
Overall:8.2
Performance:8.5
Exterior:9.0
Interior:7.6
Safety:9.9
Reliability:6.0
Nissan Murano Image
  • MSRP: $28,050 - $38,180
  • Invoice: $25,845 - $35,160
  • MPG: 18 City / 23 Hwy

#13
2010 Nissan Murano

Redesigned just last year, the Murano continues to be an attractive and affordable choice within its class, offering an especially sporty ride.  

U.S.News Scores
Overall:8.2
Performance:8.2
Exterior:7.3
Interior:8.5
Safety:8.6
Reliability:NA
Toyota Highlander Image
  • MSRP: $25,705 - $34,520
  • Invoice: $23,134 - $31,067
  • MPG: 20 City / 27 Hwy

#13
2010 Toyota Highlander

The Toyota Highlander is a functional, family-friendly crossover. Riding on a platform shared with the Toyota Camry and Avalon, the second-generation Highlander boasts decent fuel economy, three ...

U.S.News Scores
Overall:8.2
Performance:7.8
Exterior:7.4
Interior:8.1
Safety:9.3
Reliability:NA
Ford Edge Image
  • MSRP: $26,920 - $35,770
  • Invoice: $25,407 - $33,191
  • Avg. Paid: $26,624 - $35,144
  • MPG: 18 City / 25 Hwy

#18
2010 Ford Edge

Reviewers praise the Ford Edge for its sharp styling, comfortable cabin and solid performance - but they still say the aging SUV is in dire need of ...

U.S.News Scores
Overall:8.1
Performance:7.9
Exterior:8.7
Interior:8.0
Safety:9.3
Reliability:7.0
Subaru Forester Image
  • MSRP: $20,295 - $28,495
  • Invoice: $19,214 - $26,707
  • Avg. Paid: $20,115 - $27,889
  • MPG: 20 City / 27 Hwy

#18
2010 Subaru Forester

Redesigned in 2009, the third-generation Subaru Forester rides smoother and looks better than ever before. The cabin is considerably quieter than before, with a stylish dashboard reminiscent ...

U.S.News Scores
Overall:8.1
Performance:8.3
Exterior:7.8
Interior:8.0
Safety:9.9
Reliability:7.0
Hyundai Tucson Image
  • MSRP: $18,070 - $25,620
  • Invoice: $17,507 - $24,205
  • Avg. Paid: $18,336 - $25,775
  • MPG: 20 City / 26 Hwy

#20
2009 Hyundai Tucson

The Tucson remains a good value, but still lags behind competitors in overall driving performance and refinement.

U.S.News Scores
Overall:7.8
Performance:6.8
Exterior:7.3
Interior:7.2
Safety:9.0
Reliability:7.0
Kia Sportage Image
  • MSRP: $16,695 - $23,400
  • Invoice: $15,895 - $21,850
  • Avg. Paid: $16,947 - $23,570
  • MPG: 20 City / 25 Hwy

#20
2009 Kia Sportage

Along with quality materials, driving dynamics and styling that rival leading SUVs, the Sportage has a base price that is thousands less than competitors -- making it ...

U.S.News Scores
Overall:7.8
Performance:6.9
Exterior:8.1
Interior:7.2
Safety:9.0
Reliability:6.0
Hyundai Veracruz Image
  • MSRP: $28,145 - $35,895
  • Invoice: $26,706 - $33,274
  • Avg. Paid: $27,407 - $34,787
  • MPG: 16 City / 23 Hwy

#22
2010 Hyundai Veracruz

The seven-passenger Veracruz is a surprisingly luxurious family-friendly ride. The well-equipped base trim represents a good value within its class. However, the Veracruz still can't match the ...

U.S.News Scores
Overall:7.7
Performance:8.0
Exterior:NA
Interior:8.4
Safety:9.9
Reliability:6.0
Kia Sorento Image
  • MSRP: $21,545 - $27,245
  • Invoice: $20,530 - $25,350
  • Avg. Paid: $21,495 - $27,019
  • MPG: 16 City / 22 Hwy

#22
2009 Kia Sorento

The Sorento delivers good value with its strong towing capacity and excellent safety ratings. However, in comparison to its class, it falls short on fuel economy and ...

U.S.News Scores
Overall:7.7
Performance:7.4
Exterior:8.7
Interior:8.5
Safety:9.9
Reliability:4.0
Lincoln MKX Image
  • MSRP: $38,345 - $40,195
  • Invoice: $35,336 - $37,001
  • Avg. Paid: $37,356 - $39,220
  • MPG: 17 (2009) City / 24 (2009) Hwy

#22
2010 Lincoln MKX

The Lincoln MKX's major strength is a spacious interior filled with luxury features. However, test drivers say the driving experience of Lincoln's first crossover SUV just doesn't ...

U.S.News Scores
Overall:7.7
Performance:7.5
Exterior:8.3
Interior:8.2
Safety:9.3
Reliability:8.0
Dodge Journey Image
  • MSRP: $20,490 - $28,195
  • Invoice: $19,861 - $26,872
  • Avg. Paid: $20,103 - $27,511
  • MPG: 19 City / 25 Hwy

#25
2010 Dodge Journey

All-new last year, the Dodge Journey is a solid minivan alternative. As Dodge's first crossover, it seeks to incorporate the practicality of an SUV with the comfort ...

U.S.News Scores
Overall:7.5
Performance:7.0
Exterior:7.8
Interior:7.6
Safety:9.9
Reliability:5.0
Subaru Tribeca Image
  • MSRP: $30,495 - $35,795
  • Invoice: $28,635 - $33,611
  • MPG: - TBD - City / - TBD - Hwy

#25
2010 Subaru Tribeca

While auto reviewers praise the Subaru Tribeca's powerful engine, responsive ride and well-equipped cabin, some wonder if it offers enough to distinguish itself from the competition. In ...

U.S.News Scores
Overall:7.5
Performance:7.5
Exterior:6.9
Interior:6.8
Safety:9.9
Reliability:NA
Nissan Rogue Image
  • MSRP: $20,340 - $23,130
  • Invoice: $19,392 - $21,563
  • Avg. Paid: $20,526 - $23,212
  • MPG: 22 City / 27 Hwy

#27
2010 Nissan Rogue

Introduced in 2008, the Nissan Rogue is a decent value within its class. Its pleasant on-pavement ride, great cargo versatility, better-than-average fuel economy and affordable price trump ...

U.S.News Scores
Overall:7.4
Performance:7.8
Exterior:7.1
Interior:7.9
Safety:8.6
Reliability:5.0
Honda Accord Crosstour Image
  • MSRP: NA
  • Invoice: NA
  • MPG: NA

#28
2010 Honda Accord Crosstour

The all-new Honda Accord Crosstour is one of the most luxurious and smooth-riding crossovers on the market. However, it’s also one of the most expensive -- and ...

U.S.News Scores
Overall:7.3
Performance:8.2
Exterior:6.0
Interior:7.5
Safety:NA
Reliability:NA
Pontiac Torrent Image
  • MSRP: $24,820 - $31,415
  • Invoice: $23,455 - $29,687
  • Avg. Paid: $24,079 - $30,382
  • MPG: 17 City / 24 Hwy

#29
2009 Pontiac Torrent

The Torrent is a competent but unexciting option in the compact SUV class. A platform-mate to the Chevrolet Equinox and Saturn VUE, it delivers a roomy interior ...

U.S.News Scores
Overall:7.1
Performance:7.0
Exterior:7.3
Interior:7.6
Safety:8.3
Reliability:6.0
Jeep Compass Image
  • MSRP: $18,720 - $25,135
  • Invoice: $18,237 - $24,139
  • Avg. Paid: $19,080 - $25,291
  • MPG: 23 (2009) City / 28 (2009) Hwy

#30
2010 Jeep Compass

Jeep's first and only crossover vehicle, the Compass, is a smooth-riding, affordable option within the compact SUV class. However, it lacks Jeep's trademark styling and off-road capabilities ...

U.S.News Scores
Overall:6.5
Performance:6.9
Exterior:6.8
Interior:6.7
Safety:8.6
Reliability:5.0

Unranked: Affordable Crossover SUVs

Our rankings are based on analysis of third party reviews. Sometimes, we are unable to find enough reviews to publish a definitive ranking. Please check back later, as we are constantly updating our reviews.

Hyundai Portico Image

2010 Hyundai Portico

MSRP: NA | Invoice: NA | MPG: NA

Hyundai Tucson Image

2010 Hyundai Tucson

MSRP: NA | Invoice: NA | MPG: NA