Chevrolet Volt Price: $34,095 - $38,445

Despite the Volt’s eco image, it’s actually fun to drive, without the range anxiety of pure electric vehicles. Its gasoline-hybrid powertrain offers impressive all-electric range, greater efficiency, and better acceleration. The all-electric range is 53 miles; after that, the gas engine starts up to recharge the battery and keep you going. In our testing, we recorded 59 MPGe. There are five seats, but the middle rear seat is almost unusable. Charge times are 13 hours on 120V and 4.5 on 240V.

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Nissan Rogue Price: $24,760 - $32,250

Relying on good looks will only get you so far, but for the Rogue that may be okay. Attractive inside and out, it has comfy seats, nice materials, and many connectivity features. Regrettably, the Rogue suffers from vague steering and body roll. A 170-hp four with a CVT power the gas model; a 2.0-liter four and electric motor pair with the hybrid. Both offer front- or all-wheel-drive setups. Safety options are intelligent cruise control and automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection.

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Toyota RAV4 Price: $25,850 - $37,090

Its angled headlamps and sharply creased bodywork give the RAV4 an assertive presence, but don’t be fooled—under the skin, it’s a practical, comfortable, and easygoing ute. A 176-hp 2.5-liter four and a six-speed automatic are standard with either front- or all-wheel drive. A hybrid, which returned an impressive 31 mpg in our tests, is also available and gets standard all-wheel drive. A 6.1-inch infotainment system is standard on LE, SE, and XLE trims; Limited models get a 7.0-inch unit.

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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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