Mitsubishi built the Outlander to cover many bases intelligently and at a very reasonable price. Available with 4WD or FWD, the base model engine is an efficient 168 horsepower (making 167 lbs feet of torque) 2.4 liter 4-cylinder which is available with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and optional paddle shifters. If you opt for the powerful 220 horsepower (making 204 lbs feet of torque) 3.0 liter V6.
With its optional 3rd row seat and a muscular V6, the Toyota RAV4 has grown in every dimension and the looks are much more aggressive. It now shares a serious looking family resemblance with other Toyota trucks. Engine choices are a 179 horsepower (172 lbs feet of torque) 2.5 liter 4-cylinder which connects to a 4-speed automatic (in either 2WD or AWD) or a 269 horsepower (246 lbs feet of torque) 3.5 liter V6 with a 5-speed automatic transmission (in either 2WD or AWD).
There is no substitution for experience. In essence, the whole Crossover idea was ushered in by Subaru. This award winning, sturdy, legitimately capable, small crossover is one of the best in the business. The standard engine is a 170 horsepower (making 170 lbs feet of torque). It comes with a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic. Or you can opt for the powerful turbocharged 224 horsepower (226 lbs feet of torque) flat 4-cylinder engine and a 4-speed automatic. Either way, you will be driving a winner.
Honda’s CR-V is one of the best sellers in its segment. This is one of the roomiest vehicles in its bracket with easy to configure interior and seating for five. Available in FWD or AWD, the 166 horsepower, 4-cylinder and a 5-speed are the only power-train choices. New this year adds the optional navigation system and backup camera.
When thinking about the purpose of a Crossover, I feel Mazda has almost every base covered with their excellent CX-9. The 273 horsepower (which makes 270 lbs feet of torque) 3.7 liter V6 is standard and beautifully balances the line between horsepower and mpg (16 city / 22 highway FWD and 15 city / 21 highway AWD). What makes the Mazda CX-9 real magic is the handling. You can hustle the CX-9 like a sports sedan while riders are kept supremely comfortable in the sumptuous interior. Mazda CX-9 is comfy and fun enough to drive every day.
