Top 10 SUVs & Crossovers

A Nissan Qashqai core strength is its driver assistance features. Highlights include the around view monitor that provides a 360 degree, bird's eye view of the surroundings to make parking easier. The system incorporates a camera on each side and a screen on the dashboard. The motorist can select a close-up front, rear or side view. The Qashqai – the first crossover vehicle - also has a blind spot monitor, lane departure warning system, and in some conditions brakes automatically should the driver not respond to a hazard ahead such as a slowing vehicle. It costs £18,545 - £28,910.

The Peugeot 3008's versatile boot is a key strength. It incorporates a split tailgate the lower half of which is a seat. It has a split level floor too. By default, this sits flush with the open tailgate to form a flat platform. It can also be raised – to create separate compartments – or lowered to maximise space. The boot is large too. Capacity is 512-litres rising to 1,604-litres with the rear seats folded. Such figures compare favourably with a family estate and the seats fold flat via levers within the boot. The 3008 costs £18,345 to £29,990.

The Lexus RX 450h is sporty and fast. That makes it a rare beast in its crossover class. Every version has a 3.5-litre petrol engine teamed with an electric motor that produce 299hp (combined). 0-62mph takes 7.8 seconds and top speed is 124mph. The F Sport is the sportiest trim in the range. Compared to its siblings it has upgraded suspension to optimise the ride and feel of the steering. It has more aggressive styling too. Highlights include its 19” shaded wheels, silver peddles, black ceiling and custom black/grey seats. The RX 450h costs from £44,495 to £55,495.

A Dacia Duster core strength is its low price. It costs £9,495 to £15,995 which is a fraction of some competitors. 4-wheel-drive versions start at £11,495. Despite the cost this crossover class vehicle is capable – more capable than can reasonably be expected for the money. Cargo capacity is 475-litres rising to 1,636 with the rear seats folded flat. Such figures are comparable to a large, family class, estate. Standard equipment – even on the basic model – includes power steering and a stability programme. The top of the range version adds air conditioning, cruise control and sat-nav.

SKODA Yeti highlights include its ingenious seats that can be manipulated to balance the needs of passengers and their luggage. The rear seats fold flat individually and roll against the back of the front seats, for example. The outer rear seats also slide forwards and backwards, and tilt. The middle seat – that when folded flat presents the passengers with an armrest and cup holder - can be removed completely to allow the outer seats to slide inward and increase shoulder room. The outer rear seats can also be removed to maximise cargo space. The Yeti costs £17,000 to £25,690.

The Renault Captur is among the safest in its class. Euro NCAP – the independent body that assesses vehicle safety – awarded it a maximum 5-star safety rating following a series of crash tests in 2013. The rating incorporated scores from key areas. The Captur claimed 88% in the adult occupant protection category, 79% for child occupants, 61% for pedestrian protection, and 81% for the safety assist category that included electronic safety features such as the stability programme, seatbelt reminder system and driver operable speed limiter. The Captur costs £14,295 to £21,195.

The Ford Kuga's stand out feature is its kick-operated tailgate. Its purpose is to enable the motorist – that might be carrying heavy shopping – to open the boot via a “kick” movement under the bumper. A motion detector triggers the electric mechanism. This eliminates the need to put the shopping on the floor then fumble around for the key. Naturally, for security reasons the system only works once the key is in close proximity. The motorist can also limit how high the tailgate rises to prevent it striking a low roof.

The Fiat 500X is among the most fashionable crossover vehicles on the market. It is Italian, after all. Its status is enhanced further by sharing styling cues – and significantly a large part of its name - with the popular Fiat 500 city car. This, in turn, has more status than most competitors as it is the modern interpretation of a classic. But the 500X is more than a fashion statement. It is easy to drive, spacious, nicely equipped in high-spec guise and capable off-road. The 500X costs £14,595 to £25,845. 

The Suzuki SX4 S-Cross earns plaudits for its remarkable fuel economy. The most efficient versions – that have a 1.6-litre 120hp diesel engine – average 67.3mpg rising to 76.3mpg on the extra-urban cycle. They hit 55.4mpg through town. Carbon emissions are 110g/km which ensures they can be taxed for free in the first year, then £20 thereafter (at 2015 rates). This compact crossover vehicle also has confident handling and a pleasing equipment specification. The priciest version has sat-nav, a colour parking camera and leather seats. The SX4 S-Cross costs £13,999 to £25,149.

The Citroen C4 Cactus incorporates a revolutionary feature to protect its paintwork. A large proportion of each door has – what the manufacture calls – an “airbump”. This second skin is flexible and houses a “multitude” of air capsules. Let us imagine a scenario. The Cactus is parked at a supermarket. The motorist in the adjacent bay then accidentally opens his door against it or loses control of his trolley. Rather than wrecking the paintwork, the door or trolley simply bounce off the airbump. This striking feature is available in various colours and requires no maintenance. Citroen C4 Cactus prices range from £12,990 - £18,090.