Top 5 Versatile Crossovers to Consider in 2024

Discover the top crossover SUVs for 2024, blending versatility, comfort, and technology. This comprehensive guide highlights the best models, from luxury options like Lexus RX 350 to reliable family-friendly choices like Toyota Highlander and Honda CR-V. Learn about features, fuel economy, pricing, and what makes each crossover stand out. Whether you're seeking sophistication, dependability, or affordability, this article helps you navigate the crowded crossover market with ease and confidence, ensuring you find the perfect vehicle for your lifestyle in 2024.

Best Crossovers for 2024: The Top 5 Versatile SUVs You Should Know

In recent years, the crossover SUV segment has skyrocketed in popularity, reshaping the automotive landscape with vehicles that seamlessly combine the comfort and fuel efficiency of traditional passenger cars with the ruggedness and practicality of sport utility vehicles. These vehicles, often mistaken for larger hatchbacks or wagons, deliver a unique blend of car-like driving dynamics and off-road capability, making them an appealing choice for a broad spectrum of drivers. The use of the term "crossover" has become ubiquitous, yet it’s often used interchangeably with "SUV," leading to some confusion among consumers.

Crossovers have evolved significantly since their origins, which trace back to the 1948 Willys-Overland Jeepster—an early attempt to merge utility with passenger comfort. Their mainstream popularity surged around 2006, driven by their innovative design, spacious interiors, and versatile features tailored more toward utility and daily practicality than luxury. Today, they enjoy nearly 50% market share within the SUV category, underscoring their widespread appeal. For prospective buyers in 2024, choosing the right crossover involves balancing factors like size, features, fuel economy, and driving experience. Below, we explore some of the top crossover models for 2024, highlighting their key features, advantages, and pricing to help buyers make informed decisions.

Lexus RX 350

The Lexus RX 350 remains a flagship in the luxury crossover segment, known for combining premium quality with sophisticated design. It’s a mid-sized SUV that comfortably seats five passengers while providing generous cargo space, making it suitable for families, commuters, and anyone seeking a luxurious yet practical vehicle. Under the hood, it features a robust 3.6-liter V6 engine, which pairs well with the brand’s renowned build quality and attention to detail.

Fuel efficiency is competitive within this segment, offering an estimated 20 miles per gallon (MPG) in the city and up to 27 MPG on the highway, delivering a combined average of 23 MPG. Its interior boasts high-end materials, state-of-the-art infotainment systems, and advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and a premium audio setup. Pricing for the Lexus RX 350 starts at $43,470 for the front-wheel-drive version, with an additional $1,400 for the all-wheel-drive variant, making it an attractive option for consumers seeking luxury and reliability.

Toyota Highlander

The Toyota Highlander has firmly established itself as one of the most versatile and dependable mid-sized crossovers on the market. Over the years, it has undergone significant enhancements, becoming a favorite among families due to its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and impressive fuel economy. It offers seating for seven or eight passengers, depending on the configuration, with foldable third-row seats for added cargo capacity—perfect for road trips, daily errands, and outdoor adventures.

Powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, the Highlander achieves approximately 21 MPG in city driving and up to 27 MPG on highways. Its price range varies from $31,230 to $42,280, depending on the trim and features selected. The vehicle also encompasses modern safety features such as Toyota Safety Sense, a comprehensive suite of driver-assist technologies, along with an intuitive infotainment system compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Its reputation for durability and long-term value continues to make it a top choice among consumers seeking a reliable crossover.

Ford Edge

The Ford Edge is renowned for its sporty handling and modern technological integrations, making it a standout in the compact crossover market. Designed with both comfort and utility in mind, it appeals to drivers who desire a dynamic driving experience with advanced driver assistance systems. The Ford Edge features innovative safety technology, including a 180-degree front grille camera that enhances visibility during parking and navigation.

Equipped with Amazon Alexa integration, the vehicle provides seamless voice-controlled access to navigation, music, and traffic updates. It offers a fuel economy of about 21 MPG in city driving and 29 MPG on highways, balancing power and efficiency effectively. Pricing for the Ford Edge starts at $29,315, positioning it as an attractive option for those looking for a stylish, feature-rich crossover at an accessible price point.