Emphasizing dynamic performance over other aspects of driving, sports cars offer exhilarating speeds, engaging rides, and insane acceleration. However, most sports cars are also two-seaters, lack storage space, and being low-slung, can only be driven safely on smooth roads.
On the other hand, crossovers offer comfortable and well-equipped cabins with lots of space for passengers and cargo. Like SUVs, they have high ground clearance, which gives them off-roading capability. Riding on car-based platforms, they are maneuverable, comfortable, agile, and fun to drive. While sports cars may offer more thrill, one reason why crossovers are popular is that they offer more utility and, in some cases, enough speed and driving dynamics to stand toe to toe with sports cars. Let's look at ten can't crossovers we would buy over a sports car any day.
102019 Infiniti QX30
The Infiniti QX30 is a subcompact luxury crossover based on the Mercedes Benz GLA-class and the A-class with which it shares a platform and powertrain. For 2019, the 2-liter turbocharged I-4 engine and the smooth-shifting 7-speed automatic transmission pair with standard front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive.
With 208 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque on tap, the QX30 bolts to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds and hits the quarter-mile in 14.9 seconds. While these aren't hell-raising figures, they are enough for most of our driving needs and enough to get the QX30 on this list.
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92022 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 4Matic
Although it is Mercedes-Benz's smallest crossover, the GLA 250 4Matic could be Mercedes' best SUV. It doesn't skimp on the luxury and infotainment features offered on the Mercedes' larger SUVs. The standard interface for the MBUX infotainment system is a 10.3-inch unit and offers Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a head-up display.
Under the hood, a turbocharged 2-liter I-4 engine feeds the four wheels 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque through an 8-speed automatic transmission. Zero to 60 mph happens in 6.3 seconds, while the quarter-mile flashes by in 15.3 seconds at 90.3 mph.
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82022 BMW X1
The soul of the 2022 BMW X1 is its 2-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine which pairs with a smooth/quick-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission. Apart from being fuel-efficient, the powertrain produces an output of 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque to drive either the front wheels or the four wheels.
Moving from zero to 60 mph takes just 6.3 seconds, while the quarter-mile is cleared in 5.2 seconds at 90.5 mph. With the X1's eager driving dynamics and roomy interior, we would prefer it to a sports car.
72022 Volvo XC40 T5 AWD
The stylish XC40 might be Volvo's smallest crossover, but the T5 AWD punches above its weight when it comes to performance. It is powered by a 2-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission to churn out 248 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.
Acceleration is brisk as it takes 6.2 seconds to hit 60 mph and 14.8 seconds to hit the quarter-mile at 95 mph. Furthermore, it offers ample passenger and cargo space in addition to a towing capacity of 3500 pounds.
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62022 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 4Matic
Whatever the 2022 GLB 250 4Matic lacks in sportiness, it makes up for with a roomy and comfortable cabin with ample cargo space. It is powered by a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that sends 221 hp to the 4Matic AWD system through an 8-speed automatic transmission.
This is just enough to take the crossover to 60 mph in 6 seconds and the quarter-mile in 14.7 seconds at 94 mph. In addition, it exhibits well-balanced handling, delivers a comfortable ride, and returns great fuel economy ratings.
52021 Audi SQ5
The 2021 Audi SQ5 might not be the best crossover in terms of performance, but, it makes up for it with a blend of style, a high-tech and well-equipped cabin, and refined road manners. Although not the quickest in its class, it hits 60 mph in a respectable 5.1 seconds and clears the quarter-mile in 13.7 seconds.
This is thanks to a 3-liter turbocharged V6 mill with an output of 354 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. In addition, it delivers plenty of driving fun in a luxurious and well-equipped interior.
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42021 Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 4Matic
The Mercedes-AMG GLA 45, based on the all-new 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA-class, is a small crossover that impresses with quick acceleration and sharp handling. Tuned by the geniuses at AMG, the turbocharged 2-liter I-4 engine under the hood produces an insane 382 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque.
Routed through the AMG 4Matic AWD system, this is enough juice for a 4-second sprint to 60 mph and a 12.4-second quarter-mile time. With so much to love about the 2021 AMG 45, we'd choose it over a sports car any time.
32021 Porsche Macan Turbo
Maybe the Macan Turbo has a tighter cabin and less storage capacity than its classmates, but it compensates for its shortcomings with an out-of-this-world performance. At the heart of the Macan Turbo is a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 engine that cranks out 434 hp and 405 lb-ft.
Hooked to a 7-speed automatic transmission feeding the four wheels, it sends the car to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds on its way to a top speed of 167 mph. The 2021 Porsche Macan Turbo is an engineering marvel that rewards drivers with first-class driving dynamics.
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22022 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio
The 2022 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio is a stunning high-riding crossover powered by an engine that launches it right into supercar territory. With the twin-turbo V6 mill producing an output of 505 hp, the Stelvio QF can hit 60 mph in 3.3 seconds and clear the quarter-mile in 11.8 seconds.
To complement the gut-wrenching acceleration, it delivers a dramatic driving experience, a comfortable ride quality, and a long list of driver-assist/safety features. This is one crossover SUV that delivers the same thrill as sports cars but still offers space for some friends to join in the fun.
12021 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT Trackhawk
Although Jeep has a fearsome reputation for rugged off-roading, the Grand Cherokee SRT manages to deliver refined road manners and speed too. Under the hood, a naturally aspirated 6.4-liter Hemi V8 mill churns out 470 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque.
It hits 60 mph in 4.4 seconds and the quarter-mile in 13 seconds—and if you think that's quick, wait until you see the Trackhawk. From the sports-tuned suspension and the roomy/comfortable cabin to the 7200-pound towing limit, we'd say that the SRT has got all the bases covered.
Ranking The Best Compact Crossovers New For 2022 Read NextShareTweetShareEmail Related TopicsAbout The AuthorJay Moren(121 Articles Published)
Jay Moren is a car enthusiast who loves everything with an engine. When he's not writing about cars, he plays the saxophone and keyboard. He also plays as a goalkeeper for a non-league side in his native Nigeria
