Best Budget Automatic Crossovers in 2021

The crossover market has been the fastest growing over the past ten years. The number of SUV models in many brands is no longer inferior to sedans and hatchbacks, and they are in the first place among some Chinese automakers. But the trouble is that crossovers are more expensive than their counterparts, because this is a payment for improved off-road characteristics. Of course, in the compact class there are also quite affordable proposals, but upon closer examination it turns out that their equipment is not so hot. For example, the range of transmissions lacks an automatic transmission, which is increasingly popular today due to its versatility and ease of use.

Today we will try to fix this flaw by bringing to your attention the most recent rating of inexpensive crossovers with a automatic model of 2021. The cost is indicated without taking into account dealer discounts and promotional special offers.

Renault Duster

The cost of the basic configuration is from 1,111 million rubles.

Dimensions: 4.32 × 1.82 × 1.63 m, wheelbase - 2.67 m. Ground clearance - 21.0 cm, luggage compartment volume - 475 liters.

At one time it was the best-selling crossover model, and for many years. Today Duster is fed up and has grown significantly in price. At the same time, we have a 2019 model available (after a minor restyling), while a new generation is being sold in the Old World.

What is so remarkable about the updated SUV? A separate button has been added to activate the heated windshield, the car has received a new multifunction steering wheel, a tire pressure monitoring sensor has appeared, the multimedia system has been updated. Not much…

At the same time, Duster remains unsurpassed in cross-country ability among all classmates, and in the near future there is no need to expect competitors to appear. Yes, the exterior is outdated, the interior is simple, but the body has good anti-corrosion protection. The weak rear suspension does not tolerate overload well, the dynamics of the car is far from the average, but there are no problems with the energy consumption of the suspension, and this is a very important advantage.

The variant with a four-band automatic transmission and a two-liter 143-horsepower engine is available as standard Life. For 1,111,000 rubles, you will get a car with front airbags, air conditioning, ABS, central locking, heated outside mirrors, an audio system and power windows for the front windows. If you live in a region with a cold climate, for 15,000 rubles you can take a car with a winter package (heated windshield and front seats).

Not the cheapest, but still popular, automatic crossover tops our top 10.

Renault Kaptur

The cost of the basic configuration is from 1.282 million rubles.

Dimensions: 4.33 × 1.81 × 1.61 m, wheelbase - 2.67 m. Ground clearance - 20.5 cm, luggage compartment volume - 387 liters.

Although the Kaptur of the second generation is sold quite actively, we still have stock of the first generation, where an outdated hydromechanical automatic transmission was present. The new SUV, which shares the platform with the Arkana, received only a CVT in return.

So if you want a car with a gun, you will have to opt for the old Kaptur, equipped with units that have shown themselves well in domestic conditions - the same as those of the Duster. Yes, it will be cramped inside, the plastic is far from soft, you will not like either sound insulation or handling. And the 387-liter trunk will often be missed.

But you can choose a two-tone body, along with stickers on the roof / hood. And the appearance of the two Kaptur is almost identical. At the same time, the main advantage of the first generation crossover is the anti-crisis price tag.

The best option for many would be a crossover with a two-liter naturally aspirated engine, automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. At the cost indicated above, such a basic configuration is equipped with 4 airbags, full power accessories, cruise control, a leather steering wheel and keyless entry. But it is better to pay another 100 thousand and get a Play modification with climate control and a multimedia center with a touch screen.

Nissan terrano

The cost of the basic configuration is from 1.216 million rubles.

Dimensions: 4.32 × 1.821 × 1.69 m, wheelbase - 2.67 m. Ground clearance - 21.0 cm, luggage compartment volume - 475 liters.

You will say that this is the same Duster, and you will be partly right. Yet Terrano has a more modern appearance, and beauty, as you know, requires sacrifice. Therefore, a Japanese with the same two-liter engine, automatic transmission and four-wheel drive is more expensive. Not much, but the equipment is richer. In addition to the four-band automatic, available starting from the Elegance trim level, you will receive four airbags, air conditioning, heated external power mirrors, windshield and seats, front power windows, remote engine start, rear armrest, cruise control, BC, multifunction steering wheel, audio system, alloy wheels.

Despite the affordable cost and better equipment than the Duster, the Terrano does not sell well, falling outside the top 25, although the Duster is still in the top ten. Nevertheless, we leave the new inexpensive Japanese crossover with an automatic machine in third place in our ranking.

Skoda Karoq

The cost of the basic configuration is from 1.387 million rubles.

Dimensions: 4.38 × 1.84 × 1.60 m, wheelbase - 2.64 m, ground clearance - 16.0 cm, luggage compartment volume - 500 liters.

This Czech crossover is considered the successor to the flamboyant Yeti, but with a more familiar exterior. As for consumer characteristics, here the designers also decided to go the beaten path, “borrowing” a lot from other models of their own. It can be noted that the range of seat and steering wheel adjustments is quite good in terms of amplitude, which makes the driver of almost any body size feel comfortable. Not crowded and in the "gallery". Manageability leaves much to be desired, but the SUV rides smoothly, without breakdowns. The trunk for the crossover is decent, has the correct shape and is equipped with a large number of nets, pockets and hooks. The cost is probably a little overpriced, given that the ground clearance here is at the level of sedans, but not SUVs. However, European crossovers with automatic transmissions from Skoda have a ground clearance of 11 mm - the fact is that crankcase protection is installed on cars assembled in Nizhny Novgorod, and it is he who is responsible for reducing the ground clearance.

The basic crossover (Active equipment) is equipped rather poorly - only front pillows, there is a central locking system, air conditioning, heated mirrors / seats, an audio system with 8 speakers, a leather multifunctional steering wheel. Therefore, we advise you to save up a little and purchase the Ambition modification, which has 6 airbags, climate control, rear parking sensors, full power accessories, light / rain sensors. If you take it with a 1.4-liter 150-horsepower turbocharged engine and an eight-band automatic, you will have to pay one and a half million rubles. However, for this amount you can find an all-wheel drive SUV with richer equipment, but it will definitely not be a "European".

Kia soul

The cost of the basic configuration is from 1.109 million rubles.

Dimensions: 4.19 × 1.80 × 1.62 m, wheelbase - 2.60 m. Ground clearance - 18.0 cm, luggage compartment volume - 364 liters.

Outwardly, the Soul resembles a hatchback and a bit of a compact van, but the bright and youthful appearance should not bother anyone - this is a subcompact city SUV, albeit a front-wheel drive one. Off-road performance in it is given by a high seating position, a box-type body and, of course, ground clearance.

Yes, this is not a full-fledged crossover with a machine gun and a 4x4 formula, but other advantages provide it with a high place in the 2021 ranking.

Even in the basic version, the SUV is equipped with a set of side and front airbags, air conditioning, a multifunction steering wheel, heated nozzles for wipers, front seats and outside mirrors, a light sensor, a multimedia system with a 3.8-inch screen and six speakers.

By paying a little extra, you can become the owner of the Luxe configuration (1.24 million rubles) with a 123-horsepower 1.6-liter engine and a six-speed automatic. Here, safety curtains, cruise control, an additional stove, climate control, rear parking sensors, a full-fledged multimedia system with a seven-inch color screen are added to the previous options.

The Soul, despite its compact dimensions, is not at all a cramped car; the back is quite spacious. The only thing missing is the central deflectors for the "gallery". Heated rear sofa is available only in expensive trim levels. For some reason, there are very few pockets for small things here, the trunk is frankly small (but there is a considerable underground).

Kia seltos

The cost of the basic configuration is from 1,169 million rubles.

Dimensions: 4.37 × 1.80 × 1.63 m, wheelbase - 2.63 m. Ground clearance - 18.5 cm, luggage compartment volume - 433 liters.

The new model, which debuted in the summer of 2019 and is aimed at the markets of Europe and Russia, is positioned as an inexpensive competitor to Creta, which is “afloat” today. The subcompact crossover has a memorable appearance, it is good inside too, and it is technically better equipped than the opponent. Seltos shares the platform with other SUVs of the brand, Ceed and Soul. Is it good? For Russian conditions - not very much, since the car is comfortable only when driving on flat roads.

The salon makes a double impression. On the one hand, it looks stylish and really expensive, you can't say that this is a budget crossover. On the other hand, the plastic is easily soiled and soft, there is no upholstery as such, there is no decor on the shelves and pockets, and there is no illumination in the glove box. But the back is spacious, the back of the "gallery" is adjustable in tilt angle. A trifle, but nice.

An all-wheel drive crossover with an automatic transmission, not a CVT, with a younger 1.6-liter 121-horsepower engine costs 1.33 million, front-wheel drive with the same six-speed automatic can be purchased for 1.17 million.

By the way, the variator is only for a two-liter power unit, and there is also a robot for 7 gears.

In the base, the SUV has front / side airbags, electric and heated exterior mirrors, air conditioning, heated washer nozzles, an audio system with a small monochrome screen. The optimal car is seen in the Luxe configuration with the same set of engine and gearbox, which costs 1.43 million and is equipped with climate control, a multimedia center, curtain airbags, heated steering wheel and seats, rear parking sensors and cruise control.

Hyundai creta

The cost of the basic configuration is from 1.112 million rubles.

Dimensions: 4.27 × 1.78 × 1.63 m, wheelbase - 2.59 m. Ground clearance - 19.0 cm, luggage compartment volume - 402 liters.

This, as we have already noted, is a direct competitor to Seltos, and quite successful. He is smaller than his counterpart in almost all respects, but at the same time "sits" above the ground a little higher. Despite its not too memorable appearance, it is a very practical car with low fuel consumption and an omnivorous suspension, which allowed it to quickly become a real bestseller, which managed to bypass Solaris in 2020.

The SUV is not without flaws, of course - the trunk is small, the sills are open to dirt and moisture, the plastic is not of the best quality. Noise isolation is average, but on the previous generation it was noticeably worse.

One of the best fuel-efficient crossovers with automatic transmission is available as standard. Such a car will cost you 1.11 million rubles, with a good list of equipment: two airbags, full power accessories, air conditioning, heated outside mirrors, seats, windshield and nozzles, a multifunction steering wheel, an audio system with 4 speakers. The all-wheel drive version of the same configuration will cost 1.25 million. Note that a 121-horsepower engine is clearly not enough, especially outside the city, so it is better to pay attention to the Travel modification with a two-liter engine. It costs from 1.41 million rubles and includes side curtains and airbags, heated leather steering wheel, cruise and climate control, light sensor, rear parking sensors with a camera, Supervision dashboard, alloy wheels.

Changan CS35

The cost of the basic configuration is from 970 thousand rubles.

Dimensions: 4.16 × 1.81 × 1.67 m, wheelbase - 2.56 m. Ground clearance - 18.0 cm, luggage compartment volume - 337 liters.

The cheapest crossover in our top 10 with a machine gun is the first model of the brand to appear in Russia. It was back in 2014. Much time has passed since then, but the "old man" does not intend to give up yet. Moreover, his appearance is memorable, to which Italian designers have had a hand, inside, too, everything looks quite modern and soundly. True, only front-wheel drive, the engine is one, and that is rather weak (1.6 l / 113 hp). But there are no complaints about the build quality, the interior is not cramped, but since the dimensions of the SUV are small, the trunk turned out to be small.

Adjustment of the steering wheel and driver's seat is available, but with insufficient range. If your height is more than 1.8 m, then you are unlikely to be comfortable behind the wheel. Another design flaw is the small angle of elevation of the fifth door, its maximum is at the level of the forehead. Do not expect silence in the cabin at the speed of silence. The quality of the car itself is at the level, but the frequency of maintenance is only 10 thousand kilometers.

The Comfort package for this price is acceptable, at least there is air conditioning and two front airbags, 4 power windows, a multimedia system, heated seats and outside mirrors. The Luxe grade for 1.09 million rubles will offer you a leather multifunctional steering wheel, side airbags, cruise control, a sunroof without an electric drive.

Haval H2

The cost of the basic configuration is from 1.25 million rubles.

Dimensions: 4.34 × 1.81 × 1.69 m, wheelbase - 2.56 m. Ground clearance - 18.4 cm, luggage compartment volume - 300 liters.

Another subcompact Chinese crossover with automatic and four-wheel drive does not stand out on the road, and inside it looks unforgettable. But this does not mean that the car is bad. Even in our rating, it is not the smallest, but no one has such a miniature trunk.

The engine here is one 150-horsepower 1.5-liter turbo engine, which can be aggregated with a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic, all-wheel or front-wheel drive.

Although the characteristics of the power unit are above average, it does not differ in high-torque, especially at low revs. In sharp turns, the crossover behaves unpredictably, there is practically no feedback at the helm. The build quality is so-so, the noise isolation is weak. It's a shame to talk about such minor details as an uneven platform with a folded back sofa. The only good thing about the SUV is the complete set.

The basic Lux equipment worth 1.25 million rubles, in addition to an automatic transmission, boasts air conditioning, a set of six airbags, full power accessories, a leather multifunctional steering wheel, cruise control, "multimedia" with an eight-inch screen, rear parking sensors with a camera, keyless access to interior, alloy wheels, rain / light sensors. Paying only 50 thousand rubles, you will get the Elite version with electric side mirrors, leather interior, electric sunroof, climate control, power driver's seat, blind spot monitoring and two additional speakers.

Suzuki SX4

The cost of the basic configuration is from 1.5 million rubles.

Dimensions: 4.30 × 1.79 × 1.59 m, wheelbase - 2.60 m, ground clearance - 18.0 cm, luggage compartment volume - 430 liters.

This is the most expensive car in our review. "Japanese" Hungarian assembly - a classic crossover with a machine gun and all-wheel drive. His appearance is appropriate - it does not stand out, the salon is also unremarkable, but solid.Four-wheel drive is electronically controlled, 4 dynamic modes are available.

If not for the price level, the SUV would definitely be at the top. Perhaps the only drawbacks of the model are cheap plastic and poor sound insulation. There are remarks to the ergonomics of the driver's seat, and to the smoothness of the ride.

The basic front-wheel-drive GL equipment with a 1.6-liter 117-horsepower engine is equipped with 7 airbags, full power accessories, air conditioning, multifunction steering wheel, cruise control, heated front seats, halogen optics and an audio system with 4 speakers.

The same car, but with all-wheel drive, costs 1.61 million rubles, and the GLX equipment costs 1.65 million.

As you can see, there are enough contenders for the title of the best budget crossover with an automatic transmission, and in general the situation is described as follows: the more expensive, the better the equipment. But there are nuances, and they are diverse. It is important to be able to take them into account and correctly assess your desires and capabilities.