2019 Crossovers

The popular crossover segment is still growing, and automakers are rushing to get in on the action. This year, there have been more and more subcompact crossover offerings, and automakers continue to bolster their crossover lineups with new offerings of all sizes and everything in between.

Pros and Cons of Crossovers

Pros: Crossovers are very popular for their extra utility (more cargo capacity and a wide hatch opening), car-like driving dynamics, available all-wheel-drive and higher-up seating position. Many drivers say that driving a crossover makes them feel more confident on the road and many find comfort knowing that the AWD and increased ground clearance might help them avoid trouble.

Cons: Crossovers are generally more expensive than the cars they are based on and being heavier, less aerodynamic, and having all four wheels driven, are often less fuel efficient as well. A high seating position used to be a big selling point, but now that everyone drives crossovers, it’s kind of a moot point these days. AWD is also not always a standard feature. Most crossovers from standard with front-wheel drive, so expect to pay an additional thousand dollars at least fo AWD.

What’s New in Crossovers for 2019?

All-new for 2019 is the Hyundai Palisade, the Korean automaker’s full-size three-row crossover. As the largest vehicle Hyundai offers, the Palisade will have all the latest driver assistance and safety technology available. Hyundai is also trying to move upmarket, which shows in its design and interior. Hyundai also introduced a new Santa Fe this year, and with some useful safety technology, it’s a really impressive new SUV for families. The Kona and Kona EV are also fantastic sub-compact crossovers that are truly segment leading. Of course, Hyundai still offers the Tucson, which is a solid pick, though it is aging and is due for an all-new model soon.

The Kia Telluride, which shares a platform with the Palisade, will also be available in 2019. It’s an all-new model with boxy, rugged looks and three rows of seating. The practical Kia Soul is also new for 2019 with more tech and features than ever before, though it still doesn’t have AWD. Kia’s Sportage and Sorento are still being offered along with the Niro hybrid and EV.

Honda has revived its Passport crossover for 2019 as a new outdoor activity-focused model that slots between the larger three-row Pilot that was refreshed and the smaller CR-V. The refreshed Honda HR-V is still offered as a sub-compact offering with its genius Magic Seats.

The Toyota RAV4 is also completely new for 2019 with a rugged new style and improvements all around. Its interior is also fantastic and we love the boxy new looks. The funky C-HR and large Highlander are also still offered.

Subaru is making huge strides in terms of quality as well and came out with an all-new three-row Ascent and a new Forester. The Ascent probably has the most cupholders ever in a vehicle and has room and features that families will find very useful. The Forester comes with some very impressive new safety technology and has the stuff to be segment leading. The popular Crosstrek is still offered as well.

The Mazda CX-5 got an important update for 2019, the availability of a new turbocharged engine. The CX-3 subcompact crossover and full-size CX-9 are still offered as well.

Chevrolet has revived the Blazer name for a stylish new crossover that will be available in 2019, and the Trax, Equinox, and Traverse are still on offer. Although the Blazer won’t be the off-road champion it used to be, Chevy is billing the new one as a sportier offering that will be available with a V6, making it a rarity in its segment. Its Camaro-inspired styling also sets it apart.

Ford is slapping ST badges on many of its crossovers, offering a sportier driving experience. The Edge and Edge ST are new for 2019, but the EcoSport, Escape, Flex and Explorer are still being offered.

Turning to luxury offerings, the Lexus UX is new for 2019 as Toyota’s luxury brand’s smallest and most affordable offering. The popular NX and RX are still available.

Lincoln has really been stepping it up with a new Nautilus and Aviator getting a lot of attention with its gorgeous interiors and smart powertrains. The full-sized Navigator is still fresh as well.

Cadillac came out with an all-new XT4 for 2019 and it got really good reviews, even if it does give off a bit of a snoozy first impression. The XT5 is still here as well.

The Volvo XC40 is a funky little crossover and the XC60 and XC90 are still unique offerings.

The Infiniti QX50 was completely overhauled with a high-tech new VC Turbo engine and a beautiful interior. The QX60 is also still available.

Jaguar’s all-electric I-Pace has been getting a lot of fanfare as the brand’s first electric vehicle. The British brand also came out with a subcompact E-Pace this year to join the midsize F-Pace.

The BMW X2, X3, X4 and X5 were all redone for 2018 and 2019 will bring the full-size X7, an all-new model for the brand. The Maserati Levante and Alfa Romeo Stelvio are interesting Italian alternatives to the German luxury/sport crossovers.

ALSO SEE: 2019 BMW X5 Review

The Porsche Cayenne was overhauled for 2019 and is more luxurious, high-tech and better driving than before. The Macan was also refreshed and got a new GTS model this year. The same goes for the Audi Q8, an all-new model that is the biggest vehicle the German automaker offers. The Q3 was also redone, offering the full Audi experience for a lot less money, and the Q5 and Q7 are still great choices.

The Mercedes-Benz GLE is all-new and has some pretty impressive technology like a system that can rock the car out of a rut if it’s stuck. The GLA and GLC, along with their coupe variants and excellent AMG models, are also still offered.

Rolls-Royce finally came out with its first crossover, the Cullinan, which is as luxurious and expensive as you expected it to be. The Lamborghini Urus is also finally here as the brand’s first SUV since the 1980s.

What’s Coming in Crossovers?

Subaru will be debuting a new Outback soon, and as the brand’s most popular model in the U.S., it’s a very significant model for them. Volkswagen should be coming out with a two-row version of the Atlas called the Atlas Cross Coupe.

This is the year we will also see Aston Martin’s first crossover, which will be called the DBX. A baby G-Class called the Mercedes GLB is also set to debut in 2019. Lexus is also expected to add an all-new flagship crossover to its lineup and the Cadillac XT6 is coming soon as well. The Porsche Cayenne has been rumored to get a “coupe” variant and the new Land Rover Defender should debut soon. Genesis, Hyundai’s luxury brand, is also set to unveil its first crossover in 2019. Crossovers from Ferrari and Lotus are likely in the books as well.

Chrysler is also said to be coming out with a new crossover to help bolster its tiny lineup. Ford will also be coming out with a new Escape and Explorer in 2019, along with a new electric CUV inspired by the Mustang. The revived Bronco and a new “Baby Bronco” are also expected, though probably not until 2020.

We can also expect more and more electric or hybrid/plug-in hybrid CUVs to come out in the near future.