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By: JOEPHILLIPS COMMENTS
 
So much for the SUV love affair. High gas prices and a low tolerance for truck-like rides have made most SUVs yesterday’s news.
The result is a wave of small and midsized crossovers — practical haulers built on smooth, sedan platforms. Even better, most crossovers get good gas mileage and are full of creature comforts.
Then there’s price. With so many automakers jumping on the crossover bandwagon, it won’t be hard to find a bargain out there.
Honda CR-V
Price: $21,000
Mpg: 22 city/29 highway
Cargo room: 72.9 cubic feet
Buyers of previous CR-Vs raved that their vehicles had perfect proportions, so Honda didn’t make this all-new one bigger. But it did make it better. Gone is the chunky exterior, replaced with smoother, sleeker lines. Inside there’s a tech-like, user-friendly cabin made of top-quality stock. Everything is well thought out, from the lightweight lift-gate to the folding, removable shelf in the two-tiered cargo bay. Even the front-seat sunglasses holder has a built-in mirror so you can monitor kids — or unruly adults — in back. Perhaps the biggest drawback is power: All CR-Vs come with a capable-yet-lifeless 166-hp four-cylinder. Going 0 to 60 mph in the AWD model takes 9.8 seconds. It’s like running in slow motion.
Jeep Compass
Price: $16,000
Mpg: 22 city/27 highway
Cargo room: 52.5 cubic feet
Based on its popular Dodge Caliber cousin, the Compass has macho looks but limited off-road capability. Still, the 8.4-inch ground clearance gives it a rugged, utilitarian feel and good driver visibility. The least-expensive crossover here, the Compass is also the most barebones, with a hard-plastic interior, somewhat noisy cabin and paltry cargo room. Even AC, cruise control, power windows/mirrors and keyless entry are optional. But ride and handling are pleasant, and the elfin size makes it easy to park. Plus, at this low price, it’s easy to toss in upgrade options: satellite radio, heated seats, auto-dimming mirror, hands-free Bluetooth communication and a Boston Acoustics stereo.
Toyota RAV4
Price: $21,000
Mpg: 22 city/29 highway
Cargo room: 73 cubic feet
Fast and nimble, Toyota’s best-selling RAV4 is the most powerful compact crossover around. That’s because of a quick 269-hp V6, though buyers can opt for the base four-cylinder. But why bother? Both engines boast primo mpg. Inside, the dash has large, simple controls and lots of storage bins. Rear seats recline and can slide forward for more cargo room. An optional third row folds flat instantly at the flip of a lever. And along with ABS, stability/traction control and a slew of airbags, there’s an uphill- and downhill-assist system. As with most Toyotas, there are tons of options: moonroof, power-folding mirrors, fender flares, roof rack, nine-speaker JBL audio and choice of 16-, 17- or 18-inch wheels.
Ford Edge
Price: $26,000
Mpg: 17 city/24 highway
Cargo room: 69.6 cubic feet
Freestyle. Freestar. Five Hundred. With old-school products like these, Ford needed a “Project Runway” head-turner. Enter the Edge, with over-the-top styling, ample legroom and a smooth, quiet ride. Another plus: it uses the same stellar V6 as Mazda’s sporty CX-9 crossover. Except for optional rear-parking sensors, all safety gear is standard: ABS, front/side/head airbags, tire-pressure monitor and stability control with rollover sensor. The Edge boasts three trim levels, but opt for the high-end model with heated seats/mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, quick-release folding rear seats and a power passenger seat that folds flat for more storage. Best option: the Vista Roof, with power sunroof and fixed rear skylight to make the roomy cabin feel even more spacious.
Hyundai Santa Fe
Price: $21,000
Mpg: 20 city/25 highway
Cargo room: 78.2 cubic feet
There are Dreamgirls, and then there are dream cars. So it goes with Hyundai’s revamped Santa Fe, which features sassy styling, upscale interior, sure handling and gobs of cargo room — all at a killer price. You’ve got a choice of two perky V6 engines, as well as two- or four-wheel drive. It can even tow up to 3,500 lbs. Base models are pretty plush, with heated mirrors, keyless entry, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, cruise control and an MP3-wired CD player. Two other models add automatic headlights, steering-wheel audio controls, satellite radio and DVD entertainment. An optional third-row seat comes with rear climate control. All models come with Hyundai’s super-long warranties.
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