No 2. 2012 Suzuki SX4

Price: $16,799

This Suzuki SX4 comes with a generous cargo capacity and long powertrain warranty. Powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 150 horsepower and 140 pound-feet of torque, the Suzuki SX4’s fuel economy estimates range from 25 mpg city/32 highway and 28 mpg combined for the base sedan with the CVT, 23/33/26 with the manual, down to 23/29/25 for the all-wheel-drive Crossover with the CVT and 22/30/25 with the manual.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9B2h8J69kA[/youtube]

No 1. 2012 Jeep Patriot

Price: $15,995

The least expensive crossover for 2012 definitely has above-average off-road ability but fails in areas such as braking distances and fuel economy. The Sport and Latitude models come standard with front-wheel drive and a 2.0-liter four-cylinder rated at 158 horsepower and 141 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard and a CVT is optional on these.

The 2.4L is optional for the Sport and Latitude model but comes standard with the Limited model. The engine cranks out 172 hp and 165 lb-ft of torque. The CVT is standard on the Limited variant. This engine is also standard on all Patriots equipped with the “Freedom Drive I” all-wheel-drive system. You also have the option of “Freedom Drive II” which is a more traditional four-wheel-drive system with a low-range transfer case suitable for off-pavement exploration.

The fuel ratings are 23 city/28 highway/25 combined with the manual and front-wheel drive to 20/23/21 with Freedom Drive II.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4kBKigYSQE[/youtube]