Compact crossovers are becoming increasingly popular with drivers around the world. This is because they combine the high seating position and spaciousness of an SUV with the manoeuvrability and fuel efficiency of a car. In this article, we take a look at the best compact crossovers of 2024, which stand out for their design, innovative technology and high reliability ratings.
Dacia Duster
This vehicle has been recognised as the best compact crossover of 2024. The third generation model is very different from its predecessors. Launched in November 2023, the crossover has received significant updates both inside and out. Dacia's new design makes the vehicle look more solid, even though it has grown by only 23 mm (0.9 inches) to a total of 4,343 mm (171 inches).
In terms of design, bright LED lights, squared-off fenders and narrow windows add to the car's brutality, complemented by plenty of protective panels made from 20% recycled plastic. The Duster also has the highest ground clearance in its class - 209mm for front-wheel-drive models and a more impressive 217mm for the four-wheel-drive version.
Despite the attractive exterior, the most significant update is on the inside: it's the switch to the CMF-B architecture. This modern platform replaces the outdated B0 platform used in previous Duster models launched in the early 2000s. Once you get behind the wheel of the new Duster, you'll immediately notice the improvements brought about by the new, stiffer chassis.
The suspension has always been soft, but handling and ride quality have improved, with less body roll in corners and a more confident feel on the road. While the Duster may not match the comfort and noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels of its more expensive Renault counterparts, it is as comfortable and modern as a model with the Dacia badge can be. To date, the Dacia Duster III remains a near win-win, combining brutal design with modern technology and a spacious interior.
Nissan Qashqai
Qashqai is a compact crossover that combines the best qualities of a traditional family hatchback with the capabilities of a compact SUV. This car is not only good off-road, but also very economical. On flat roads, you can switch to front-wheel drive to reduce fuel consumption. The streamlined body shape reduces aerodynamic drag, which also helps reduce fuel costs.
Nissan has produced the Qashqai compact crossover since 2006. Since then, the model has gone through three generations and several updates. The latest one was due in autumn 2024. Changes to the car have mainly affected the exterior: the company has increased the size of the grille, changed the appearance, added a more aggressive front bumper and other overlays to the wheel arches.
Inside, a multimedia system with a 6-core processor and a 12.3-inch high-definition screen has been added. In addition, the new Nissan Qashqai features for the first time the Around View Monitor function, which uses four cameras to provide a 360° view of the car from above. The system has been enhanced with a 3D function that allows you to choose from eight angles of the car in addition to the top view: front, rear, side and four different angles of the car.
Volvo XC40
Volvo XC40 is a compact urban crossover with the performance of a true off-roader. Its striking design, clever use of space and innovative technologies make it ideal for city life. Externally, the car has an austere and laconic design. Originality is lent by the black framing of the arches and rear bumper, the massive bonnet together with the branded radiator grille and headlight eyes, whose zonal lighting is reminiscent of the Swedish flag.
Sculpted lines on the doors give the body a particularly charismatic character. In addition, the car has aerodynamic rims with innovative all-season tyres with energy efficiency class A! What this means: These tyres roll better on the road, resulting in less drag and therefore less fuel consumption. The result is environmentally friendly and economical.
The interior is understated. There is nothing superfluous or pretentious. Everything is designed to be as functional and simple as possible to ensure comfort and ease of use for both driver and passengers. The seats are ergonomically designed, ventilated and heated. The car is also designed with the traveller's health in mind - it has an advanced air purification system.
Aesthetic and tactile pleasure is provided by a combination of textures in the interior design: aluminium and chrome inserts, leather and with relief pattern. The picture is completed by a multifunctional 9-inch touchscreen on the centre console, based on Google, with navigation and voice assistant. This allows you to control the car's functions from your smartphone without taking your eyes off the road.
The crossover's premium status is not only evident on the outside, it also features all of Volvo Cars' internationally award-winning Advanced Driver Assistance Systems safety systems and driver assistance technologies. These include lane departure warning, road sign and other road user detection, directional stability, automatic braking and collision avoidance, adaptive cruise control with speed limiter, Pilot Assistant and more. Safe driving in all road tests and weather conditions - it's all Volvo XC40!
Audi Q3
The Audi Q3 is a symbol of refined style and reliability in the world of compact premium crossovers. This model offers a range of engines, from economical to sporty, so you can choose the one that suits your needs. High performance and efficiency deliver an uncompromising driving experience. The quattro all-wheel drive system provides reliable traction and confident handling in a wide range of conditions, making the Audi Q3 the ideal car for the city and the roads beyond.
The design of the Audi Q3 is a combination of modern lines and elegant elements that give the car charisma and individuality. The interior offers outstanding quality and a high level of comfort. The main advantages of this model: high performance, modern technology, excellent off-road capability and increased comfort.
The Audi Q3 is a compact crossover that combines luxurious design, advanced technology and outstanding performance. If you're looking for a vehicle that meets the highest standards, the Audi Q3 is the ideal choice.
Hyundai Tucson
This is the best compact crossover you can choose for family or business trips, long journeys or everyday tasks. Comfortable, incredibly charismatic and equipped with a host of safety systems, it's a great place to be.
Stepping inside the new Hyundai Tucson compact crossover, you can feel the manufacturer's care for the comfort of every minute of the journey. There are comfortable anatomical seats, upholstered with good material (in high configurations a combination of natural and artificial leather is used for finishing), a competent system of interior organisation, high-quality and appropriate chrome decor. As far as the design of the front part of the interior is concerned, it is worth mentioning the multifunctional three-spoke steering wheel and the ergonomic arrangement of the devices on the console.
Under the bonnet of the European Hyundai Tucson are petrol and diesel engines with a capacity of 1.6 litres. For some markets, complete sets of full or mild hybrid powertrains are offered. There are versions with front and four-wheel drive.
The base car is equipped with a turbocharged 180 bhp petrol engine. In a pair put a 7-speed robotic gearbox. The plug-in hybrid based on the same engine has more impressive performance characteristics - 265 hp and 350 N*m. Combining compact dimensions and modern equipment, this crossover can become an ideal choice for those who are looking for a practical, comfortable and technological car.
Mazda CX-5
This is a practical crossover that is easy to drive. Mazda CX-5 offers a spacious interior with plenty of room for all passengers. It also has a comfortable suspension. This car is a good choice for those who appreciate a sporty and luxurious look in the compact crossover segment. The main advantages of this model: excellent handling, luxurious interior, powerful turbocharged engine, attractive design, high scores in crash tests.
Although the Mazda CX-5 is slightly smaller than the CX-50, the interior space is almost identical. There is plenty of room for four people, but families may find it lacks the volume offered by rivals such as the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson and Toyota RAV4.
The CX-5's boot, with 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats, is slightly smaller than some other compact SUVs. The CX-50 has a slightly larger capacity of 31.4 cubic feet. However, the CX-5 is still a significant improvement on subcompact crossovers such as the Mazda CX-30.
The base engine of the Mazda CX-5 is a 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder that develops 187 hp and 186 Nm of torque. It is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive. Fuel consumption is expected to be 24/30/26 miles per gallon (city/highway/mixed cycle). The CX-5 remains one of the most attractive and balanced offerings in its segment.
Kia Sportage
Kia Sportage is a car you fall in love with at first sight. A star among compact crossovers, Sportage combines outstanding design, advanced technology and impressive performance. The Sportage offers a wealth of standard features at an affordable starting price. This makes it an excellent choice. Front-wheel drive is standard on most trims, but if you need extra stability, you can always opt for four-wheel drive.
After a global update last year, Kia has decided to make some less drastic changes to the Kia Sportage. In the interests of safety, rear seat airbags are now fitted and LED projector headlights are now standard on all Sportage models. It's important to note that the SX four-wheel-drive configuration will no longer be available from 2024.
Among the various options, the EX version seems to be the most interesting. It's equipped with a number of popular options, including a larger 12.3-inch multimedia screen, a wireless smartphone charger and heated front seats. These extra features make the Sportage EX more appealing to car enthusiasts and it's worth looking at when choosing between crossovers.
The Kia Sportage's main engine is a 2.5-litre four-cylinder unit with 187 horsepower. It is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and is available with either front- or four-wheel drive. Compact crossovers aren't usually designed for continuous towing, but the Kia Sportage can handle loads of up to 1 tonne when fitted with an optional trailer brake controller.
Compact crossovers continue to evolve and offer new solutions for today's drivers. Choosing the best crossover depends on your preferences and priorities, whether it's fuel economy, safety, comfort or innovative technology.
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