SUV, family hatchback and MPV all rolled into one mean there’s a lot to love about the crossover, but the market is borader than ever, with seemingly every car maker wanting to get in on the act.
As the crossover market evolves, though, choosing the best of the bunch is harder than ever.
Here’s what you need to know about our current top three…
Nissan Qashqai
The Qashqai has been around for four years now, but it remains the most popular crossover on the market for a very good reason.
Not only is it British-engineered and built, but the family-friendly Nissan is also a superb package. Keenly priced, well-equipped and spacious, the Qashqai features several clever storage solutions, as well as excellent safety kit.
It also gets Nissan 360-degree Around View Camera package, which is one of the best, if not the best, on the market.
With excellent safety, security, styling and rock-solid residual values, the Qashqai is a great car and one that you simply can’t afford to ignore in this sector. In addition, the 1.2 DGi-T petrol engine punches well above its weight.
Peugeot 3008
The latest 3008 is one of the most appealing family cars on the market right now, with chunky, imposing looks and a high quality cabin, complete with Peugeot’s fully digital i-Cockpit.
It’s technologically advanced, but also terrific to drive, with excellent safety kit and a larger boot than the Nissan Qashqai, making it a superb option for active families who like to transport lots of equipment.
There are three diesel engines or a choice of two turbocharged petrols, the 129bhp 1.2 being the most useful in terms of low mileage use. Fleet drivers should look more closely at the 1.6 HDi diesel, which returns over 70mpg.
There are four specification to choose form, of which the GT Line Premium offers the best combination of specification and value for money.
Skoda Karoq
The Karoq is the Kodiaq’s smaller sibling and replaces the Yeti in the Skoda line-up. It’s very different from the Yeti, too, replacing its unconventional quirkiness with a much more formulaic approach to the SUV market.
But that’s no bad thing, as the Karoq is one of the best cars in its class – cleanly styled, decent drive and extremely well-equipped for the money, it’s a handosme yet flexible companion.
One of its best features is the seating layout. Skoda’s ‘Varioflex’ rar seats are mounted on runners, meaning you can increase rear legroom or increase boot space depending on your needs.
It comes with a choice of two turbocharged petrol or two diesel engines, all of which are extremely efficient, while its ride quality is probably the best in the crossover class.
Which one should I choose?
Each of these three crossovers have huge appeal. The Qashqai is a brilliant all-rounder and a truly superb family car, so it’s no surprise that it’s Britain’s favourite. It’s great value and it holds its residuals well, too. The Peugeot, by contrast, is a much more flamboyant design and is the car to choose here if you want something with a bit more design flair than the average crossover. Design flair is lacking a bit from the Skoda Karoq, but it’s such a great car in all other areas that this isn’t really a problem. Indeed, it’s probably the best crossover on the market right now.
