10 Best European Crossovers

2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio hero Nashville ・ Photo by Alfa Romeo

This selection of 10 best European crossovers skews toward the accessible because there’s a reason why “the one percent” have been given that name. Even so, Europe is still the place from where most luxury vehicles originate, and there’s no avoiding the big German marques. Not that many people would want to; offerings from Audi/BMW/Mercedes-Benz/Porsche are often the best of their kind. It’s just that the $230,000 Bentley Bentayga has a more limited appeal. So even though it’s possible to break into six figures with a few of our choices, most of them keep things at a more manageable level. At these prices, though, the choices of styling, ability and sheer personality (a European specialty) are impossible to beat.

2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio

We’re nearing the third decade of the new(ish) millennium, so it’s only natural that Alfa Romeo would be making a crossover. Americans should just think themselves lucky that it’s going on sale this side of the Atlantic. The Stelvio is based on the Giulia sedan (another intriguing newcomer), and it’s a rival to the Audi Q5 or BMW X3. Throughout its sometimes-glorious history, Alfa Romeo has always done two things well — the design and the drive. Thankfully, that approach has been applied to the ubiquitous crossover. Sharp looks and sharp handling mesh with zippy acceleration and luxury appointments. It even has a carbon fiber driveshaft for benefits in weight and responses. Now there’s no reason to yawn in a crossover.

Photo by Alfa Romeo

2017 Audi Q7

The second generation of Audi’s largest crossover — which debuted for this model year — has more space than the previous version, yet it’s also lighter. It’s this kind of “magical” engineering that distinguishes the Q7 at every turn, metaphorically as well as literally. This is a true luxury vehicle, offering an adaptive air suspension as well as a lot of up-to-the-minute technology, with smart styling that downplays its expansive dimensions. It all adds up to one of the best choices in its class. The underlying engine is a 2.0-liter/4-cylinder turbo making 252 hp. But the supercharged 3.0-liter V6 option brings 333 hp, which is better suited to a 7-seater crossover.

Photo by Audi

2017 BMW X5

The 2017 BMW X5 is the godfather of European crossovers. And still one of the more entertaining choices. As the name implies, it's based on the 5 Series sedan (although not the newest generation of that car, which debuted for 2017). It offers seating for seven, but the third row is really too cramped for grown-ups. However, there’s space aplenty in the first two rows, along with premium materials, lots of equipment, plus a calm composure throughout. Oh, and stellar safety scores. Drivetrain options include a diesel engine, a plug-in hybrid, and a truly excellent M version. Not that there’s anything wrong with the entry-level 300-hp 35i version. It’s the least expensive, so that brings some wiggle room when considering options.

Photo by BMW

2017 Fiat 500X

Not every European crossover has to be a luxury vehicle. This subcompact charmer swims in the mainstream waters along with the likes of the Jeep Renegade (with whom it shares a platform) and the Fit-based Honda HR-V. Both the interior and exterior exhibit attractive styling with an Italian flavor. Nothing too ornate, just pleasing shapes and proportions, with excellent outward vision and the much-loved raised driving position. This crossover can work well for a family with one or two youngsters, but despite the modest size, go for the bigger engine — an 180-hp 2.4-liter unit that links to a 9-speed automatic transmission. This is a vehicle that’s happy on American freeways as well as tight European streets.

Photo by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles

2017 Jaguar F-Pace

Jaguar says its premium crossover has been the fastest-selling of all its vehicles. Hardly surprising, given the world’s current addiction to this form of transport. Plus the simple facts that the F-Pace is great to drive, practical, spacious and arguably gorgeous. Where rivals are decidedly lumpen, the F-Pace is curvy and cool. When the competition is lumbering, the aluminum-intensive Jaguar is lithe. The range starts with a turbocharged 2.0-liter/4-cylinder engine and goes up to a 380-hp supercharged V6. For all those with taste and class (traits often found in Europe) who would rather buy a Jaguar than an SUV, now they don’t have to make a choice.

Photo by Jaguar Land Rover

2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Taking over from the M-Class following a name change and revamp last year, this premium midsize crossover is a top seller for one of Europe’s best-selling luxury marques. It’s easy to see why. It’s the ideal size for most wealthy families, highly practical, and comes with that unmistakable Mercedes-Benz smoothness — both concerning ride quality and styling. Low-emissions types will appreciate the GLE 550e plug-in hybrid, while thrill-seekers should find something worthwhile from three AMG variants. The GLE 43 is the newest addition, offering that desirable AMG look with a relatively normal 362 hp. And if anyone wants to trade in some usefulness for extra design points, then there’s the “4-door coupe” version.

Photo by Mercedes-Benz

2017 Mini Countryman

As MINI vehicles go, the Countryman is quite large. As crossovers go, the Countryman is quite, well, mini. Ignore the M word, though, and this small premium crossover takes on a character that blends practicality and enough space for adults in the (reclining) rear seats with a distinctly European approach to tackling corners — also known as the fun approach. No one will be surprised to learn that this handling ability comes from a platform shared with the new BMW X1; this generation of Countryman is fresh for 2017. There’s plenty of energy from an 189-hp turbocharged 4-cylinder engine while racking up average fuel consumption of 26 mpg (all-wheel drive/automatic transmission). And there’s all that Mini style to enjoy as well.

Photo by MINI

2017 Porsche Macan

It’s probably safe to say that by now we’ve all accepted the notion of Porsche being much more than a manufacturer of sports cars. And if selling a boatload of crossovers with lovely interiors means staying in business to create some of the finest sports machines the world has ever seen, then bring it on. Not that the Porsche badge on the Macan’s hood is mere marketing. This premium compact crossover thoroughly deserves to wear it. There’s no substantial sacrifice in driving fun just because someone decides to move up from a Boxster S. New for 2017, a new 252-hp base engine arrives, while the range is still topped by a powerful 400-hp twin-turbo V6.

Photo by Porsche

2018 Volkswagen Atlas

Here’s a great example of globalization bringing benefits to the man in the street. Or, indeed, the family on the road. This is an all-new, 7-seater large crossover — set to face rivals like the Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander — designed especially for American buyers, hence the 17 cup holders. Right now, the company’s factory in Tennessee is busy producing the Atlas and installing things like an optional V6 engine and Apple CarPlay. Yet Volkswagen is a European company and the Atlas was conceived at VW’s HQ in Germany. Which must say something about the differences between people being smaller than the similarities. But just for good measure, interior space in the Atlas is greater than the competition.

Photo by Volkswagen

2018 Volvo XC60

If the excellent XC90 full-size 7-seater SUV is too big, the XC60 packs a lot of that same Swedish luxo- and techno-goodness into a smaller package. Naturally, the seating count drops by two, but that may not be an issue. Especially when the compensatory aspects include an optional plug-in hybrid version, plenty of active safety features, and more driving fun. The rich design mother lode that Volvo’s interior and exterior stylists struck with the XC90 is mined even further in the XC60. On sale in the fall, the first models coming over have all-wheel drive, but front-drive variants will soon follow. And like its big brother, the new XC60 offers the option of an amazing Bowers & Wilkins audio system.

Photo by Volvo