10 Best Value Crossovers for 2016

2016 Honda HR-V front view grille ・ Photo by Honda

A very small percentage of the world’s consumers don’t need to worry about the concept of “value,” but for the rest of the population, finding a good deal, especially when it comes to big ticket purchases like automobiles, is essential. A few years ago, the majority of car shoppers would be traipsing from one dealer lot to another in search of the best value sedan, but times have changed. The automotive buzz word of the day is “crossover.”

Crossovers offer that desirable mix of practicality, car-like handling, and styling that resonates with drivers young and old. Fortunately, automakers have picked up on the trend and are producing better crossovers than ever before. Among the slew of new model entries, there are several “cheap” models, and many more than cost a pretty penny, but there are only so many that offer great features without breaking the bank.

To trim the fat on available models for 2016, we’ve assembled a list of the 10 best value crossovers.

2016 Hyundai Tucson

While shoppers still loved sedans, Hyundai was struggling to emerge from the label of cheap build quality and poor reliability. But it’s a new era in automotive, and Hyundai’s latest vehicles are incredible values. The redesigned Tucson crossover doesn’t just look good, it features a roomy interior, peppy engine, comfortable ride, good fuel economy, and plenty of standard equipment.

A 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine making 164 horsepower is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission in the entry-level Tucson SE. In addition to its 5-star safety rating, the Tucson includes 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, side seat mounted airbags, curtain first- and second-row overhead airbags, airbag occupancy sensor, air conditioning, 17" aluminum wheels, cruise control, ABS, and electronic stability control. Prices for the Hyundai Tuscon start at $22,700.

Photo by Hyundai

2017 Kia Sportage

Spawned from the same parent company as the Tucson, the 2017 Kia Sportage is a huge leap for the brand in terms of styling and refinement. A striking physique, generous interior space, and great convenience features are all included in this compact crossover.

The base LX trim includes a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that makes 181 horsepower and is paired with a 6-speed automatic. Standard features include keyless entry, split folding rear seats, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, side seat mounted airbags, curtain first- and second-row overhead airbags, driver knee airbag, traction control, and daytime running lights. At $22,990, the new Kia Sportage earns its spot on our list of 10 best value crossovers.

Photo by Kia

2016 Mazda CX-3

Within the larger crossover craze, subcompacts have become favorites for their styling and affordability. Mazda’s contribution to this category is among our top picks for 10 best value based on its handsome looks, fun-to-drive character, frugal engine, and long list of great features.

All CX-3 trims employ a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine making 146 horsepower and 146 lb-ft of torque. At a curb weight of just 2,900 lbs, the CX-3 loves to fling itself along twisty roads and doesn’t struggle to get up to speed when needed. Higher trim levels boast large infotainment displays, advanced safety technology, and premium materials, but the base CX-3 still has a generous list of standard features. Prices start at $19,960.

Photo by Mazda

2016 Honda HR-V

Baby brother to Honda’s acclaimed CR-V, the HR-V subcompact delivers legendary Honda reliability, refined styling, and build quality for those on a budget. With more versatility than a Honda Fit for only a bit more money, the HR-V has the potential to bring many buyers to the Honda brand for the first time.

The 2016 Honda HR-V LX comes equipped with a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder motor that produces 141 horsepower. Shoppers can choose either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. Standard features include 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, SmartVent side seat mounted airbags, curtain first- and second-row overhead airbags, airbag occupancy sensor, air conditioning, 17" aluminum wheels, cruise control, ABS, and VSA electronic stability control. The Honda HR-V starts at $19,215.

Photo by Honda

2016 Chevrolet Trax

Foreign automakers may have several models worthy of spots on our list of 10 best value crossovers, but America isn’t to be forgotten. The Chevrolet Trax counters with fresh styling, a comfortable ride, and superb interior volume.

The 2016 Chevrolet Trax is powered by a 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder making 138 horsepower. The only available transmission is a 6-speed automatic. Standard features include 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, side seat mounted airbags, curtain first- and second-row overhead airbags, rear side-impact airbag, driver and passenger knee airbag, airbag occupancy sensor, air conditioning, 16" steel wheels, ABS, StabiliTrak electronic stability control, and power mirrors. The Chevrolet Trax is priced from $20,300.

Photo by General Motors

2016 Buick Encore

The luxury end of the subcompact crossover segment is represented by a few automakers, but Buick’s Encore is certainly the best value. Feature highlights include available all-wheel drive, a leather-wrapped cabin, and a handsome design.

Since the Encore is based on the Chevrolet Trax, it shares its 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and 6-speed automatic. The Buick Encore also comes with 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, side seat mounted airbags, curtain first- and second-row overhead airbags, rear side-impact airbag, driver and passenger knee airbag, airbag occupancy sensor, air conditioning, 18" aluminum wheels, cruise control, ABS, and StabiliTrak electronic stability control. Prices for the Buick Encore start at $24,065.

Photo by General Motors

2016 Jeep Renegade

FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles) has used a single platform to take two spots on our list of 10 best value crossovers. The Jeep Renegade has introduced many shoppers to the brand by offering a taste of the ruggedness of its siblings, the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee, at thousands less.

The Jeep Renegade Sport is powered by a 1.4-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged engine delivering 160 horsepower and is paired with either a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission. Standard features include 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, side seat mounted airbags, curtain first- and second-row overhead airbags, driver knee airbag, airbag occupancy sensor, 16" styled steel wheels, ABS and driveline traction control, electronic stability, power windows, and power locks. The Renegade retails for $17,995.

Photo by Jeep

2016 Fiat 500X

The Fiat 500X tones down some of the Jeep Renegade’s boxiness but certainly isn’t as soft as its 500 and 500L brethren. Greater ride height, a sleek profile, and a handsome interior distinguish the 500X from other Fiat models and other strong-value crossovers.

The entry-level 500X Pop comes standard with a 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine making 160 horsepower. Like the Renegade, the 500X’s only engine is paired with either a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission. Other standard features include 4-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS), side seat mounted airbags, curtain first- and second-row overhead airbags, driver knee airbag, airbag occupancy sensor, air conditioning, 16" steel wheels, cruise control, ABS and driveline traction control, and electronic stability. Fiat’s 500X starts at $20,000.

Photo by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles

2016 Subaru Crosstrek

Subaru’s crossovers stand out thanks to their all-wheel drive systems and great reliability, but many models have been priced out of shopper budgets. Fortunately, the Crosstrek takes the best of Subaru and fits it into the low-$20K price point.

Making slightly more power than last year is a 2.0-liter boxer 4-cylinder engine rated at 148 horsepower. The base spec includes a 5-speed manual transmission, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS), side seat mounted airbags, curtain first- and second-row overhead airbags, driver knee airbag, airbag occupancy sensor, air conditioning, 17" aluminum wheels, ABS and driveline traction control, and cruise control. If you have $21,595 to spend, you can drive off in a 2016 Subaru Crosstrek.

Photo by Subaru

2016 Toyota RAV4

Trendy styling, powerful motors, and advanced all-wheel drive systems. The Toyota RAV4 doesn’t have these features. Instead, it is one of the most reliable, practical, and efficient vehicles on our list of 10 best value crossovers.

Powering the RAV4 is a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that makes 176 horsepower. Only a 6-speed automatic transmission is available and helps the RAV4 achieve 24 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway. While the standard RAV4 costs just $24,350, spending a couple extra thousand on the XLE trim gives you access to a power liftgate, intermittent wipers, fog lights, a leather steering wheel, alloy wheels, a limited-slip differential, keyless entry, a 6-speaker sound system, and a power moonroof.

Photo by Toyota