Best crossovers: Clash of the titans

For our July 2015 issue of Consumer Reports magazine, we wanted to put four examples of a traditionally American vehicle through our tests. And what is more American than a big, people-hauling, gear-piling sport-utility vehicle? Especially if it’s made in the U.S.A.

So why are a South Korean Kia and a Japanese Nissan part of the competition? Because they are assembled in West Point, Ga.; and Canton, Miss.; respectively. As American as barbecue, they are.

But it’s more than their American assembly that makes them worthy of notice. The research and development for the two vehicles was done with American consumers in mind, and the results show it.

We also took a dive deep into the redesigned Cadillac Escalade, an SUV that stands proud as the icon of brash American attitude and status. Read our review to see whether the Caddy’s bling is only skin deep. And because the Escalade doesn’t stand alone in its field, we also checked out the mid-cycle refresh of the Lincoln Navigator.

So who comes out on top? The results may surprise you.

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