Crossover roundup: four crossovers vying for your attention

Have you noticed on your commute how many CUVs are out on the road? No, I am not talking about a thinly veiled comment on other drivers. CUVs, or Crossover Utility Vehicles, are one of the fastest growing and most competitive automotive segments in North America. Let’s take a quick look at four very different takes on the Crossover segment.

2014 Nissan Rogue SL AWD: The Rogue has undergone a major refresh for 2014 and the jury is still out on the new design. From my perspective the looks are more balanced with a good use of body sculpting — and yes, it seems more masculine in nature. In the Rogue, you have the advantage of the leading CVT transmission (no gear changes while accelerating), not to mention a much better interior look and feel. In the Rockies, the All-Wheel Drive (AWD) paired with the anti-skid and traction control makes it a capable and safe vehicle in bad weather. What is truly remarkable is that you can now get a third row for carrying seven passengers in a pinch. Add the 25/32 mpg city/hwy and a SV Premium price just under $33,000 and the result is a capable, flexible and well-mannered vehicle.

2014 Toyota Venza Limited AWD: The Venza is an interesting vehicle as is takes more of a car (dare I say station wagon) approach to its stance and styling. It is also the oldest design here in our vehicle set, so you won’t find the latest design essentials. For those waiting for the redesign it has to be eminent. But, if you need a vehicle today, the Venza is powerful with a peppy V6 and available AWD. It can also carry a fair load with folding rear seats and a power liftgate. The fuel economy is decent and trips the meter at 18/25 mpg city/hwy. So, in the end you will shell out about $40,000 for the Limited AWD version and have a well-appointed and more car like experience.

2014 Outlander Sport SE AWC: If you are looking for a small CUV with five passenger seating and a younger flare, the Outlander Sport is worth a look. More of a value priced CUV, the Outlander Sport SE AWC (All-Wheel Control) is unique in the market for having Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) not AWD. The value here is that you can switch back and forth from two to four-wheel mode at your own discretion. For 2014, not a lot has changed from the refresh not that long ago, but you will find a new touchscreen entertainment system and the youth targeted 710-watt Rockford-Fosgate sound system. At $25,000 this CUV, the cheapest in our roundup, has good looks, heated seats, better than average fuel economy at 24/29 mpg city/hwy and, for a few more dollars, an available panoramic moonroof.

2014 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk: The return of the Cherokee is a welcome sight for Jeep enthusiasts and in this instance, Jeep has done a fantastic job creating excitement in the CUV segment. From the aggressive and angular styling to the varying levels of trim and capability packages, you can get a Cherokee that is suited specifically to your lifestyle. The Trailhawk is akin to the Wrangler Rubicon and offers a beefed up trail-rated suspension, off-road styling and a phenomenal multi-mode terrain system. With options like heated seats, 8.4-inch touchscreen navigation and adaptive cruise, this $38,000 vehicle brings the most capability in the wilderness. Likely it is the most off-road capable CUV on the market.