The 3 Best SUVs for Usability and Controls

Check out Consumer Reports' top picks for SUVs that are easier to navigate than you’d expect.
Written by Elaine Duvet
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
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If you’re looking for a new
SUV
but can’t be bothered with frustrating and difficult controls, we hear you. Learning a new vehicle’s infotainment system can turn into a full-time job, and we are not about that life
Jerry
, the
trustworthy insurance comparison app
, checks out the new best SUVs that offer easy-to-use systems and controls. 

2022 Subaru Crosstrek

Despite its adventurous name, the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek is
not meant to be taken off-road
. You can find the best SUV anywhere between $23,145 and $36,345. The Subaru has an overall 29 mpg, with 20 mpg in town, and 39 mpg on the highway. 
A 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 152 hp is standard, with uplevel versions offering a more robust 2.5-liter engine. The plug-in hybrid version gets about 17 mpg on electric power and 33 mpg overall in regular hybrid mode.
Consumer Reports deemed the Crosstrek’s well-cushioned ride one of its high points. The controlled suspension shrugs off-road bumps and ruts on smooth pavement and on dirt trails. 
Fortunately, the controls on the Crosstrek are intuitive and well-placed. The cabin features a lower screen for the infotainment system and a higher screen displaying vehicle data mounted on top of the dashboard. 
The center of the instrument cluster highlights a multifunction display that provides data like vehicle trip information and fuel economy. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, but some may find the disappearing temperate display annoying. 
Consumer Reports rated the Subaru SUV #1 of 15 subcompact sport-utility vehicles. The Crosstrek earned an overall score of 86 and a 5 out of 5 rating for its predicted reliability, braking, and usability. 
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2022 Chevrolet Equinox

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox starts at $26,300. Its 1.5-liter turbo four-cylinder engine may not pack a lot of punch, but what it lacks in power, the Equinox makes up for in high-tech features and generous interior room. 
The cloth front seats provide good side bolstering and offer lots of padding. If you opt for the LT trim, you’ll get an eight-way power driver's seat with a two-way lumbar adjustment and front cushion that can be tilted. 
The rear seats have decent headroom and a good amount of foot room under the front seats. Passengers will be happy about the strategic cushioning, lower-back support, and thigh support. 
The compact SUV makes its controls easy to master. They’re located where you’d expect to find them and are logical, to say the least. For quick viewing, the infotainment and climate systems are located high up in the center dash.
While there is no radio tune knob, all trim levels come with a 7 or 8-inch touchscreen system that includes Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Chevrolet included real buttons for basic functions as well as a volume knob. The steering wheel controls are also user-friendly. 
With an overall rating of 74 from Consumer Reports, the best SUV earned a 5 out of 5 rating for its front access, usability, and climate system. The Equinox’s 4 out of 5 scores include transmission, routine handling, braking, ride, noise, front/rear seat comfort, rear access, and fuel economy. 
The SUV earns an overall 25 mpg, with 17 mpg in town, and 34 mpg on the highway. Buyers can receive up to $1,000 cash back through January 3rd. 
MORE: Your Anticipation Should Be Building For These Future Cars

2022 Nissan Murano 

The 2022 Nissan Murano ranges from $33,310 to $46,560. The midsize SUV delivers an abundance of torque from its 3.5-liter V6 engine with 260 hp and accelerates effortlessly. While we wouldn’t quite say its level of luxury matches a BMW or Mercedes-Benz, the Murano’s cabin does offer a level of plushness that rivals a Lexus or Acura SUV.
Controls on the 2022 Nissan Murano are simple and intuitive. You can easily find climate and audio adjustment knobs high up on the dash. Consumer Reports was a fan of the SUV’s dedicated climate-control display, which exhibits the system’s settings. 
The organization also appreciated the fact that the seat heaters had physical buttons instead of virtual ones that take longer to find on touch-screen menus. 
The large instrument-cluster gauges are readable and feature a huge full-color screen between them. From the screen, drivers can easily access trip data, navigation next-turn, fuel economy, and audio settings. With a simple layout, helpful cues, and large text, it’s hard to complain. 
Consumer Reports gave the 2022 Nissan Murano an overall score of 81. It received a 5 out of 5 rating for its transmission, front access, and climate system. Buyers can expect an overall 21 mpg, with 15 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.
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