How to Compare Crossover Vehicles

Crossover vehicles are a cross between an sport/utility vehicle (SUV) and a minivan. The benefit of a crossover vehicle is that you have the best of both worlds. You have the comfort of a minivan with the added benefit of being able to go off road in rough terrain. Crossover vehicles generally come with a choice of either five or seven seats.

Instructions

Make a List

1

Make a list of criteria that you are looking for in a crossover vehicle. You will want to make separate columns for each vehicle manufacturer as well as the model. For example, the GMC Acadia comes available in your choice of 12 colors while the Saturn Vue only comes in eight. The Buick Enclave seats eight passengers while the Chevy Traverse seats only six. These are some of the things that you will want to make note of while compiling your list of desirable features. Not all manufacturers make crossover vehicles, which will help narrow down your choices.

2

Open a separate Internet browser window for each of the manufacturers on your list. Go to the official website for Toyota, GMC, Nissan or Chevy and do a search by typing in "crossover vehicle" in the search window. Once you have determined whether the manufacturer makes a crossover vehicle, you can close out of that window and only keep the ones open that make them.

3

Make a list of the benefits and features of each manufacturer's crossover vehicle and add it to your list. For example one of the benefits of the Buick Enclave is the vehicle diagnostic system that tells you what is wrong with the vehicle when it experiences a problem. The Chevy HHR has a better fuel efficiency system than those of the Scion xB and the Mazda 5. Compare every detail such as pricing, incentives, gas mileage, number of passengers the vehicle will seat, how many cup holders, media centers, interior and exterior colors as well as storage space and warranty information.

4

The Mazda Tribute and the Buick Enclave each received five-star crash ratings, according to automobilemag.com. Use this and other sites such as Kelley Blue Book (kbb.com) to make side-by-side comparisons and read the consumer reviews. Consumer reviews are an excellent way to get the opinions and experiences of those who actually own or have driven the vehicles. Compare the crash test ratings and features with your list of criteria. Cross off the ones that do not meet your needs and lifestyle.

5

Go to each dealership to test drive each vehicle to see which one is the most comfortable and easy to drive, then make your well informed buying decision.