Europe is the source of the best crossover SUVs on the market. Therefore, it makes sense that they would be popular with Europeans. Apart from shielding drivers from nature’s harshness, crossovers offer better visibility thanks to a higher riding position, stylish designs, larger cargo and passenger spaces, and sedan-like maneuverability.
Crossover SUVs are especially popular in France due to their aesthetic appeal, luxurious orientations, comprehensive ranges of superlatives, and excellent safety ratings.
2018 Porsche Macan
The Macan is not featured on this list because it is a local product, but because it is one of the best crossover SUVs to grace our roads. It is Porsche’s entry to the crossover world, and therefore, the most affordable of the lot. The Macan enter 2018 with an updated instrument cluster and a new cabin air filter, among other upgrades.
Typically, the Macan comes standard with all the bells and whistles that you would expect from a vehicle of its caliber. Its long list of complimentary superlatives includes 18-inch alloy wheels, a power tailgate, parking sensors, HID headlights, tri-zone climate control, a rearview camera, power front seats, a 7.0-inch infotainment system, and Bluetooth connectivity. Safety equipment comprises lane change assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and forward collision warning, just to mention a few.
The 2018 Macan comes with two powertrain options. The first is a 2.0-liter turbo-four that supplies 252 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque to the base Macan. The S, GTS, and Turbo variants seek motivation from a 3.6-liter twin-turbo V6 mill. The V6 cranks out 340 hp and 339 lb-ft, 360 hp and 369 lb-ft, and 400 hp and 406 lb-ft in the S, GTS, and Turbo respectively. All Macan models employ Porsche’s seven-speed twin-clutch auto-transmission to drive all wheels. EPA estimates place the turbo-four and the V6 at 20/25 mpg and 17/23 mpg city/highway respectively.
2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC
Daimler’s products are a true testament to German ingenuity. The automaker combines Germany’s no-nonsense engineering with Europe’s knack for luxury to produce extremely comfortable ground rockets. The GLC-Class is next after the entry-level GLA-Class and enters the new model year with a new high-performance model and a wider list of equipment.
Dynamic Select drive modes, a power liftgate, an illuminated entry system, a Brown Ash wood trim, 18-inch wheels, a 7.0-inch display, and dual-zone climate control are among the standard features on the base model. Standard safety tech covers Drowsy Driver Alert, Collision Prevention Assist, a rearview camera, Pre-Safe, crosswind assist, and trailer stability assist.
Moving up the trim ladder earns you a panorama roof, a cabin fragrance system, a touchpad controller, ventilated front seats, Designo Nappa leather upholstery, an 8.4-inch screen, smartphone integration, a surround sound system, and a Wi-Fi-hotspot.
A 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 that churns out 241 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque is the force behind the rear-wheel drive base GLC300. The AMG43 trim uses a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 to give back 362 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque. The new-for-2018 performance-oriented AMG GLC63 is home to a naturally-aspirated 469 hp, 479 lb-ft 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8. The four-cylinder and the V6 return 22/28 mpg and 18/24 mpg respectively. Unfortunately, the V8 is yet to be rated. Plus, all models link to a nine-speed gearbox.
2018 Volvo XC60
From Gothenburg, Sweden comes the Volvo XC60 – a chic Scandivanian twist to automotive refinement with an attractive price tag. The XC60 offers more in terms of equipment, performance, safety, and comfort than it costs. It is a tad smaller than the XC90 and seats five passengers. The XC60 is completely redesigned for the 2018 model year and now rides on a modular SPA platform and includes cool Thor’s hammer-shaped LED headlights.
Features include leather upholstery, a digital multi-information display, a Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system, a panoramic sunroof, and LED headlights. Infotainment comes from Volvo’s Sensus system with integrated Bluetooth connectivity, a nine-inch touchscreen, and navigation. Safety tech includes a full suite of active features such as pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, Pilot Assist, and lane keeping assist.
Volvo sells the 2018 XC60 with three powertrain options. The base T5 model employs a 2.0-liter turbo-four that pushes out 250 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The T6 model gets a 2.0-liter super- and turbocharged four-cylinder that checks in at 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The T8 plug-in hybrid variant combines the T6’s engine with an electric motor to deliver a combined output of 400 hp. An eight-speed automatic is the only transmission.
EPA estimates that the T5 will return 22/28 mpg city/highway while the T6 will manage about 21/27 mpg. The plug-in T8 scored 29 mpg combined and 59 miles on electric-only power.
2018 Acura RDX
The Japanese automaker is known for its generosity. In a bid to edge out the more established brands, Acura produces cars that provide smart value to the buyer. The 2018 RDX provides a roomy interior, ample cargo space, loads of complimentary equipment, and excellent acceleration.
The 2018 RDX comes standard with a power moonroof, a power liftgate, heated front seats, LED headlights, leather-wrapped accessories, and a leatherette interior trim. The standard infotainment system comes with a 5.0-inch touchscreen display with iPhone integration and an audio interface. Moving up the ladder grants access to perforated leather, an 8.0-inch navigation screen, Siri Eyes Free, 3D view navigation, and an ELS Studio sound system, among others. Safety equipment combines lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, blind-spot alert, and lane departure warning.
The 2018 Acura RDX gets a potent 3.5-liter V6 that packs 279 hp and 252 lb-ft of torque. It employs a six-speed automatic to send power to either the front wheels or all wheels. EPA says that the engine returns 19/27 mpg and 20/28 mpg city/highway when paired with the former and latter drivetrains respectively.