Audi Q3
Looking for a touch of German refinement in your commuter crossover? The Audi Q3 could be right for you. That quirky bit of VW comes through with the matte black plastic interior but there’s a “je ne sais quoi” quality to the Q3 that’s really attractive. Maybe the devil is in the details – leather seating, panoramic sunroof, parking system sensors and some upscale features in the Prestige trim.
The Audi Q3 has one engine across the board – a 2.0-liter TFSI 4-cylinder with 200 horsepower. That’s quite sufficient, especially mated with a Quattro AWD system available on each trim level. Fuel mileage isn’t the best in class, but it’s decent at 20 mpg in the city. It’s still a solid contender for best city SUV.
MINI Countryman
It’s a stretch grouping the MINI Countryman along with other crossovers. We don’t classify these vehicles, though. The Countryman is notoriously spacious, besting the Audi Q3 and Mercedes GLA250 in cargo capacity, which makes its entry into cute ute territory more acceptable. AWD is available…so yeah, I guess it is a crossover.
You might question your decision to buy a base-model Countryman with just 134 horsepower, but it’s not that bad if you’re only driving in the city. If you want more, look to the Countryman Cooper S with 189 ponies or the John Cooper Works ALL4 version with 228 horsepower. You may be disappointed in the fuel efficiency with your 134-horsepower Countryman at just 25 mpg. You’d expect more from the low horsepower numbers.
Mazda CX-5
Here’s another sexy little number. It’s often thought to be an underrated crossover, and I agree. The Mazda CX-5 is redesigned, looks better than ever, is roomy and comfortable, and is a phenomenally great bang for your buck. Available in FWD or AWD, the Mazda CX-5 performs really well for its 187 horsepower. It has to be on a list for best city SUV.
Because it’s a great buy, something has to give. City fuel mileage is slightly subpar at 21 miles per gallon, bit we’re lenient because it’s so great everywhere else. It should be a great diesel car, too, when it’s available later this year.
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