Kia Sportage Price: $24,095 - $35,095

If you can get past the odd face of the Sportage and into the driver’s seat, you’ll find a tasteful interior that’s almost Audi-like in its detail. A 181-hp 2.4-liter four, six-speed automatic, and front-wheel drive are standard on EX and SX; all-wheel drive is optional. The SX Turbo offers a 240-hp 2.0-liter turbo four. The interior features touchscreen infotainment; Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available. Active safety features, such as automated emergency braking, are also offered.

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Jeep Cherokee Price: $24,590 - $38,690

Aiming to be more than another run-of-the-mill crossover, the Cherokee brings a measure of ruggedness to the party in the way only a Jeep can. A standard 184-hp 2.4-liter four or optional 271-hp 3.2-liter V-6 each team with a nine-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard; four-wheel drive is optional. Cargo capacity is simply average, but the interior is comfortable and well appointed. A more capable Trailhawk model should appeal to outdoorsy types and can tackle more serious terrain.

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Honda CR-V Price: $24,985 - $34,635

Versatility, competency, and reliability are the tenets on which the CR-V hangs its hat, hence its 2017 10Best award. Supportive seats and a firm but supple ride make it easy to live with. The interior is quiet, handsome, and roomy. The base engine is a 184-hp 2.4-liter four, while a 190-hp 1.5-liter turbo four is optional. A CVT (one of the best available) and front-wheel drive are standard; all-wheel drive is optional. The Touring gets automated emergency braking and other safety gear.

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Mazda CX-5 Price: $22,675 - $30,770

Mazda’s ethos is to blend sports-car know-how into every model, and the CX-5 is no exception. Sharp steering and a poised chassis make it the enthusiast’s pick. A 155-hp 2.0-liter four, six-speed manual, and front-wheel drive are standard; a 184-hp 2.5-liter four is optional, with six-speed auto and all-wheel drive. The smart cabin, easy-to-use infotainment, and optional safety tech—adaptive cruise, automated emergency braking, and more—underscore the CX-5’s great all-rounder standing.

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Ford Escape Price: $24,645 - $31,895

With athletic looks and a quiet, stylish interior, the Escape distinguishes itself in a crowd of small crossovers. The base engine is a 168-hp four-cylinder, but we recommend the 179-hp turbo four or the 245-hp turbo four. All have front-wheel drive; all-wheel drive is optional on turbos. Handling is precise and predictable, but the steering feels rubbery. Ford’s Sync 3 is controlled by an 8.0-inch touchscreen with voice recognition. A properly

EQUIPPED Escape can tow 3500 pounds.

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