The group of vehicles loosely referred to as small crossovers is currently the hottest-selling segment in the U.S.
At Consumer Guide, we would define the “small” group as including compact and subcompact crossovers.
Though many of the entries in this segment are relatively new, there are a considerable variety of options in the class when it comes to design, equipment, and–wait for it–power.
Today we’re looking at the fastest affordable small crossovers, ranked by the horsepower output of their top-line available engines. Why by output? To draw attention to an interesting phenomenon: A turbocharged 2.0-liter engine powers every single vehicle on our list.
Turns out, a turbocharged small 4-cylinder engine can be a potent thing, as the 0-60 mph times shared below demonstrate.
If you’ve test driven any of the crossovers seen here–or, better yet, if you own one–please tell us about it. We’d like to know what you think about the vehicle’s performance.
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Chevrolet Equinox: 252 Horsepower
0-60 MPH: 7.2 Seconds (As tested by Motor Trend)
Configuration Tested: AWD
Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged four
Transmission: 9-speed automatic
The 2018 Chevrolet Equinox can also be had with a 175-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter engine, as well as a 137-horsepower 1.6-liter turbodiesel.
GMC Terrain: 252 Horsepower
0-60 MPH: 7.2 Seconds (estimated)
Configuration Tested: AWD
Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged four
Transmission: 9-speed automatic
Like the mechanically similar Chevrolet Equinox, the 2018 GMC Terrain can also be had with a 175-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter engine, as well as a 137-horsepower 1.6-liter turbodiesel.
Subaru Forester: 250 Horsepower
0-60 MPH: 6.8 Seconds (as tested by Motor Trend)
Configuration Tested: AWD
Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged four
Transmission: CVT
Like other Subaru models (except the BRZ sports car) sold in the U.S., the 2018 Subaru Forester is only available with AWD. A 170-horsepower 2.5-liter four is also available.
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Ford Escape: 245 Horsepower
0-60 MPH: 7.3 Seconds (as tested by Motor Trend)
Configuration Tested: AWD
Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged four
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
The 2018 Ford Escape can also be had with a 168-horsepower 2.5-liter four (though that engine is usually reserved for fleet customers) and a 179-horse 1.5-liter four.
Kia Sportage: 237 Horsepower
0-60 MPH: 8.1 Seconds (as tested by Motor Trend)
Configuration Tested: AWD
Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged four
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine in the 2018 Kia Sportage SX is rated at 140 horsepower in models equipped with front-wheel drive. A 181-horse 2.4-liter engine is found in lesser Sportages.
Mini John Cooper Works Countryman: 228 Horsepower
0-60 MPH: 6.8 Seconds (as tested by Car and Driver)
Configuration Tested: AWD
Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged four
Transmission: 6-speed manual (also available with an 8-speed automatic)
The 2018 Mini Cooper Countryman lineup also offers a 134-horsepower 1.5-liter turbo three-cylinder, a 189-horsepower version of the JCW turbo 2.0-liter four, and a plug-in hybrid model that puts out 221 hp from its 1.5-liter turbo three-cylinder and electric motor.
Volkswagen Tiguan Limited: 205 Horsepower
0-60 MPH: 7.7 Seconds (as tested by Car and Driver)
Configuration Tested: Front-wheel drive
Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged four
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
This is not the all-new 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan, but a continuation of the previous-generation crossover positioned below the new model. The 205-horse four is the only engine available in the Tiguan Limited.
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