There was a time when automakers didn’t even make or recognize the existence of crossovers. It wasn’t until 1994 when Toyota finally introduced the RAV4 design in Japan. The fundamental difference between an SUV and a crossover is that an SUV is built atop a truck frame, while a crossover is lighter and more nimble with the unibody construction of a car body and frame built as a single piece.

Following the RAV4’s success in Japan, the automaker brought the design to the United States in 1995. The following year, Subaru created the Forester and the year after that Honda introduced the CR-V. Today, crossovers, with their easy handling and better gas mileage, make up a total of 40 percent of the automotive market.

Here’s a look at some of the best crossovers on the market:

1. Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
Of course, the original RAV4’s were not hybrid vehicles with electrical motors and a gas-propelled engine, but that’s neither here nor there. The newly designed for 2019 RAV4 gets an amazing combined highway/city gas mileage of 39 miles per gallon, while offering a peppy 176 horsepower engine that Edmonds.com described as “slingshot like”. This crossover is fun to drive, the interior is comfy and roomy, and the transmission is smooth. Although slightly on the pricey side, this is a great vehicle.

2. Honda CR-V
With a turbocharged 1.5 liter engine, this little baby gets a combined mileage of 32 miles per gallon, is comfortable, well-designed, and a great car to drive. Don’t buy it if you plan on towing anything, but other than that, this one edges out the Toyota RAV4 according to Edmunds’s reviews, with its cavernous interior, and better braking. The Honda CR-V is a top crossover contender.

3. Kia Telluride
A little bigger than the RAV4 and the CR-V, the Kia Telluride is now Kia’s largest vehicle with plenty of cargo room and a powerful 290 horsepower V6 Engine. Naturally, with a more powerful engine, the gas mileage suffers compared to its smaller competitors, getting around 23 combined miles per gallon. But Kia’s market is bigger SUV drivers like the Chevy Tahoe, and with its gorgeous high-class interior, and 10- ear, 100,000-mile warranty, this is one crossover to take a serious look at.

4. Mazda CX-5
Smaller than the CR-V this is a subcompact crossover with a lot to like. It is reliable, gets decent gas mileage, the Mazda CX-5 boasts 187-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that has a good amount of power for most driving situations and if you want to upgrade, you can get a turbo engine. Sorry to say, this is a vehicle better suited to 5 passengers and has less cargo room, but the ride of the CX-5 is absolutely stupendous. A must test-drive crossover.

5. Hyundai Santa Fe
A mid-size crossover, the Hyundai Santa Fe, underwhelms a little bit with its base, 185 horses, 4-cylinder engine. the Santa Fe fits oddly in between in size being slightly smaller than other mid-size crossovers and bigger than most compacts.