These are the 5 best compact crossovers for sale today

Article content

With the world in turmoil, many enduring the brain-numbing lockdown are using their “free” time to size up a potential new ride — when Canada finally gets back on its collective feet, there will be some fabulous deals to be scooped up, after all!

Article content

To help things along, Driving takes a look at the top picks from the hottest segment in the business, compact crossovers.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

Try refreshing your browser, or
tap here to see other videos from our team.

These are the 5 best compact crossovers for sale today Back to video

Here are our top five, in ascending order.

2020 Ford Escape

The Ford Escape arrives this year with a comprehensive makeover inside and out. It’s considerably larger – which moves it from “cozy” to “spacious” – yet it’s also lighter, which helps performance and economy.

There’s also a wider choice of engines, including a hybrid option. The fun drive is found in the Titanium and its 250-horsepower 2.0L turbo-four. Fire the ponies through an eight-speed automatic transmission and an advanced AWD system and you have a quick ride. Thankfully, it handles the power and a fast corner with agility and poise.

Article content

Move inside and there is a wealth of equipment and surprising space — the lone nit remains that the infotainment system does not allow the native navigation system and Apple CarPlay or Android Auto to work together. It’s a case of one or the other. That aside, the fact Escape was co-developed with the more expensive Lincoln Corsair means it feels richer than many in the segment.

2020 Subaru Forester

The fifth-generation Subaru Forester is larger and has more interior room. It’s also stronger, which works wonders for the ride and handling, and gives it some real off-road ability. All trims are powered by an updated 2.5L four-cylinder that pushes 182 hp through a continuously variable transmission and one of the best all-wheel-drive systems around — being proactive, it does the right thing and at the right time.

Article content

This system is layered with Subaru’s X Mode system. It helps enormously on an off-road trek. The Forester may not the most inspired on -road drive, but it is, nonetheless, a solid family hauler — the cabin is comfortable and it has enough technology and space to keep everyone happy. Subaru’s advanced Eyesight driving assistant then makes the ride home safer.

2021 Honda CR-V

Article content

The Honda CR-V has long been the darling of the cute-ute segment. The latest model has been facelifted and it now gets the 1.5L turbo-four as standard equipment in all models. It produces 190 hp and works with a continuously variable transmission to drive Honda’s Real Time AWD system in all except the base front-drive unit. The combination brings perky performance and solid fuel economy numbers.

The CR-V’s cabin is spacious and comes with all the desirable equipment. The notable exception is blind-spot monitoring — it’s only offered on the top two trims. What’s intriguing is the CR-V Hybrid that’s waiting in the wings. As yet, Honda has not announced if this rig will come to Canada. One can only hope it does — the 212 hp and much better fuel economy than the non-hybrid models holds a great deal promise!

Article content

2020 Toyota RAV4

Article content

The fifth-generation Toyota RAV4 now wears a more aggressive look and gets a longer wheelbase, which means more interior room and better space for all. Likewise, the cabin sees a marked improvement, not the least of which is the inclusion of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It’s about time and a significant shift in corporate philosophy! As for the rest of it, the cabin is nicely attired with all the key safety aids being in place.

The RAV4 is powered by a 203-hp 2.5L four-cylinder that drives an eight-speed automatic transmission and the front (should it be the “RAV2”?) or all four wheels — the smart money will opt for one of the all-wheel-drive models because of the stability the system adds under all driving conditions.

Article content

The RAV4’s suspension then does a good job of cushioning a rough road without allowing the body to roll through a corner. However, the really big news is the 2021 RAV4 Prime Hybrid that’s on its way — with 302 hp and a 60-kilomertre electric-only driving range, it promises to raise the segment’s bar once again.

2021 Mazda CX-5

Of the compact crossovers on the market, the Mazda CX-5 has to rank as one of the best, simply because it drives more like a station wagon than a tall-riding crossover. The inclusion of G-Vectoring Control Plus is the separator — it modulates the engine and dabs the brakes to improve the turn-in response and add balance at the exit of the corner.

In base form the CX-5 is entertaining with a 187-hp four-cylinder driving the front or all four wheels. Again, the smart shopper will take Mazda’s iActiv AWD system.

Article content

The CX-5’s cabin is comfortable and has decent space for four adults to go along with a well-conceived layout. All of this stated, if you want a truly perky drive, opt for the Signature model and its 250-hp turbo-four. Yes, it is more expensive, but it’s also well worth the money.

All five are very capable crossovers in their own right. Ranking the five was a tough task; the top three boils down to personal preference — separating them is akin to splitting the proverbial hair. Each has the right sort of on-road poise, delivers ample performance and offers good fuel economy along with many family-friendly features and a little something extra that adds to their overall appeal. In this case, Driving picked the Mazda CX-5 because of its built-in fun factor.