When the market is facing an economic downturn, rising fuel costs, congested urban streets, consumers are showing an inclination towards small SUVs and crossovers are more practical alternatives. SUVs define power and luxury at the same time. It is an outstanding combination of beauty and a beast. The high performance driven car built on truck chassis gains favoritism among all kind of masses and is termed as 'monster on the roads'.
Range Rover Evoque 5-Door
Attributing extensive lines and a small, city-friendly size, the Range Rover Evoque 5-Door is both handy and visually attractive. And while this small SUV may be short of the heft of its larger siblings, the Evoque is no less proficient off-road credit goes to Land Rover's advanced Terrain Response System. The car is priced at $44,145.
Volkswagen Tiguan
Kia Sportage
Given a face-lift once again for the 2011 model year, the small and energetic Kia Sportage continues to look cute and fresh despite being the oldest member of Kia's American fleet. Its compressed frame imparts the ultra-small SUV with car-like handling, making the Sportage the ideal escort for city commuters. This car will cost you for $23,295.
Acura RDX
Fully redesigned for the 2013 model year, the all-new RDX exchanges out its turbocharged inline-4 in favor of a powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine that makes use of Acura's fuel-saving Variable Cylinder Management system. For those looking at combination of speed with style, the RDX also comes typically with leather interior, heated power seats, satellite radio, and an MP3 auxiliary jack. It is priced at $34,320.
Mazda CX-7
This no-nonsense small SUV presents outstanding drivability and decent fuel economy at a great price. In addition to its sporty and fuel-efficient inline-4, the CX-7 also features above-average conduct and an intelligent interior, all at a price that belies the elegant design and sophistication of this versatile vehicle. The car is priced at $22,190.
Audi Q5 S Line
Composed with serious power and outstanding handling alongside a host of magnificent amenities, the Audi Q5 S Line is an extravagance automobile that lives up to its title as a sport utility vehicle. Things to fascinate include a forceful 270-horsepower V6 engine, Audi's patented Quattro all-wheel drive system, and a Bluetooth hands-free phone and iPod interface, all of which make life in the fast lane oh-so much more enjoyable. This car can be owned in just $42,500.
Suzuki Grand Vitara
This off-road-ready SUV, which features available full-time, four-mode four-wheel drive, may like the rough stuff, but that doesn't mean you have to. With its roomy, comfortable interior and long list of standard amenities, the Grand Vitara is designed to pamper its passengers even as it plows through tough terrain. It costs around $35,900.
Toyota RAV4
Costing just $22,650, this cool sport car is a steal. Perfect for young families and urban commuters, the RAV4 is small enough to squeeze into those tight city parking spaces, yet roomy enough pack the kids and groceries in comfortably.
Jeep Patriot
Joining Jeep's cutting edge off-road technology with a range of comfort-enhancing features, the all-new Patriot is as at home on city streets as it is desolate dirt roads. However, no matter how you plan to use your Jeep Patriot, this small SUV's low point of entry and class-leading 4x4 fuel economy are sure to keep you happy even when the road gets rough. The car costs $15,995.
Ford Escape
With its compact size, astonishing storage capacity, and well-managed fuel economy, the Ford Escape strikes the perfect balance between competence and fun. While this small SUV starts at under $22,000, you may want to treat yourself to some of the Escape's enticing options, including SYNC, satellite radio, and the innovative Travel Link navigation system.