Sales of crossovers and SUVs have skyrocketed in the last few years and automakers are capitalizing on this opportunity by investing in their current SUV/crossover lineups and releasing all-new models. If you're in the market for a new crossover SUV, you're in luck because there are dozens of excellent options from all major brands to choose from. With the plethora of models out there that all get rave reviews, how do you pick the right crossover for you? While we wouldn't always advise you to follow the crowd, these 5 crossovers are the best sellers of the year so far and you can't go wrong buying any of them.
1. 2019 Toyota RAV4
image: Toyota
The Toyota RAV4 was one of the first crossovers to hit the market and it's maintaining its lead on the sales charts with 200,610 units sold in 2019 so far. The Toyota RAV4 had a major overhaul for 2019 and as a result, is now sporty and rugged enough for the off-road enthusiast. In order to stand apart from the pack and go from car-like crossover to true sports utility, Toyota’s design team gave the SUV a more aggressive exterior that is more chiseled, less curvy and has a wider stance with a lower center of gravity. The new Adventure trim (featured above) with its unique grille fits right into an off-road environment. The high-rise roof rails on this unique trim help it stand out as a crossover that's ready to take on any adventure.
Toyota has given the RAV4 gas model lineup a new Dynamic Force 2.5-liter inline-four-cylinder engine paired with an 8-speed Direct-Shift Automatic Transmission to improve both power and efficiency. The result is an output of 203 horsepower and a 0-60 of 7.8 seconds. Inside, the RAV4's new interior offers a more sophisticated aesthetic. The top Limited trim sports a panoramic glass moonroof and the XSE, Premium, and Limited interiors all offer luxurious cabin materials.
2019 Toyota RAV4 Starting MSRP: $25,650
Get a Great Deal on a Toyota RAV4
2. 2019 Honda CR-V
image: Honda
Trailing just behind the Toyota RAV4 in sales is its biggest rival, the 2019 Honda CR-V which has sold 176,944 units so far this year as Honda's best selling vehicle in the lineup. Although it remains mostly unchanged for 2019, it still checks all the boxes for a solid family crossover including comfort, cargo space, and performance. The exterior offers a good balance of civilized and rugged with just enough creases and curves to be attractive without being over-styled.
Under the hood is a new turbocharged engine which is available on the EX, EX-L, and Touring trim levels. The 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four makes 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. Inside the cabin, Honda cleaned up the infotainment, removing the confusing dual screens and the bulkiness from the dash for a spacious and airy feel. Cargo space is extremely generous offering 75.8 cubic feet with the seats folded flat (almost 5 more cubic feet than the previous generation CR-V).
2019 Honda CR-V Starting MSRP: $24,450
Get a Great Deal on a Honda CR-V
3. 2019 Nissan Rogue/Rogue Sport
image: Nissan
Nissan lumps their 2019 Nissan Rogue and Nissan Rogue Sport models into one category for sales which helped these models land in the #3 spot for most vehicles sold. Nissan sold a total of 175,267 units of the Rogue and Rogue Sport cumulatively in 2019 and the affordable price tag likely contributed. For 2019, Nissan adds standard driver assist tech to the Rogue and the Rogue Sport which includes forward-collision warning, automated emergency braking, automatic high-beam headlights, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist.
The Nissan Rogue offers a gasoline and hybrid engine option in the form of a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder gas engine for 170 horsepower and a fuel-efficient hybrid system for a slightly higher horsepower of 176. Despite the fact the Rogue can feel underpowered and sluggish, it has some redeeming qualities for the less "power-hungry" crossover shoppers. Available AWD, a comfortable interior, new standard safety features, and plentiful cargo space make the Nissan Rogue a practical choice for the crossover shopper on a budget.
2019 Nissan Rogue Sport Starting MSRP: $22,340
Get a Great Deal on a Nissan Rogue Sport
4. 2019 Chevrolet Equinox
Image: GM
Chevy redesigned its popular Equinox crossover in 2018 which boosted sales enough to earn the #4 spot for the highest volume of vehicles sold so far in 2019 (174,157 units). The redesign gave the Equinox an all-new platform with a framework and chassis that makes this crossover better to drive than ever before. Chevy also shaved 400 pounds from the vehicle to improve performance and overhauled the exterior to feature sharper body lines and a more aggressive front fascia.
Three new engine options in the Equinox include a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 170 horsepower and gets 26 mpg city and 32 mpg highway. The next step up is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 252 horsepower. That engine not only gets 24 mpg city and 30 mpg highway, but it can tow up to 3,500 pounds. Finally, there's a 1.6-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder that makes 137 horsepower and offers exceptional fuel efficiency. It gets 28 mpg city and 39 mpg on the highway, which is excellent for a crossover in this segment. The interior is upscale, offering plenty of room for driver and passengers and a generous 63.5 feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded.
2019 Chevrolet Equinox Starting MSRP: $24,995
Get a Great Deal on a Chevrolet Equinox
5. 2019 Ford Escape
image: Ford
The 2019 Ford Escape is an excellent choice for a city crossover thanks to its quick acceleration, and plentiful storage and cargo space. The practical and user-friendly features make the Escape a crossover worth considering and also help it grab the #5 spot for best-selling SUV of 2019 with 133,100 units sold. The redesigned 2020 Ford Escape will be available later this year and will likely help to boost sales even more.
The 2019 Ford Escape offers several engine options which let you choose between more power or better fuel efficiency. These include a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine for 168 horsepower, a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder option for a healthy 245 horsepower and an efficient 179-horsepower 1.5-liter turbo-four. The Escape's maximum cargo capacity is 68.0 cubic feet which is competitive in the compact SUV segment. Inside the Escape, you'll find a comfortable and inviting cabin, though we hope the 2020 Escape will offer more room to stretch out in the form of increased legroom and wider seats.
2019 Ford Escape Starting MSRP: $24,105
