Top 5 2011 Crossover Vehicles with the Greatest Resale Value

The market for crossover vehicles, the mix of a car and SUV or wagon, is booming. Manufactures are looking to increase gas mileage and safety, while reducing cost and size. While new car profit margins are not as high for dealers as in the past, the best bet for consumers is to purchase a vehicle with a high resale value. With used car prices soaring in the past months, a high resale value can offset sticker shock at the dealership. Our picks for best 2011 crossover vehicle with the greatest resale value are the best in their category, are built to last and are stylish.

Family Crossover:Subaru Outback $23,195

In the past, the Subaru Outback was synonymous with the wagon stylization, similar to the Volvo V70, but with far less luxury abatements. However, the newly redesigned 2011 Subaru Outback's have outgrown the clunky wagon moniker and instead have gone with the crossover SUV style. The Outback starts at around $23,195 and goes up to around $37,000, depending on options and dealer fees. The base model Outback is roomy, comes with symmetrical AWD standard, powerful 4-cylinder engine with 170HP, is a top IIHS safety pick and comes with many more standard comfort and safety features. However, upgrade to the limited model and you will get a larger 6-cylinder engine, navigation, wood trim and leather seating upholstery. According to Kelly Blue Book, Subaru is the number one brand in America to hold its resale value.

Practical Crossover:Honda CR-V $21,895

The Honda CR-V has grown up over the years since its introduction in 1997. The 2011 Honda CR-V gets an astounding 28 highway MPG, has optional part-time AWD, leather trim on higher end trims, navigation (optional), 180 HP and plenty of practical comfort options. While the CR-V may not turn heads, its budget price and fuel-sipping engine will not lead to buyer's remorse.

Luxury Crossover:2011 BMW X6 $69,500

The 2011 BMW X6 starts at $69,500 and can go up past $100,000 with engine and trim options, making this the most expensive crossover on our list. When the small BMW X3 and X5 crossovers do not appeal, there is the X6. The 400HP, twin turbo engine with BMW's famous xDrive AWD system, the X6 will not disappoint driving enthusiasts. While the X6 comes fully equipped with every luxury and then some, the market has not heated up the idea of a large crossover with the body style of a coup. This means dealer incentives, rebates and more negotiation room when purchasing this vehicle. Resale is ranked third best for 2011, according to Kelly Blue Book.

Affordable Luxury Crossover:2011 Lexus RX $39,075

The 2011 Lexus RX got a new design for 2011 that brings the popular crossover into the new age of vehicle design. Highlighted features include dual-zone climate control, wood trim interior, surround sound, Bluetooth, automatic headlights and much more. The Lexus RX is great for families that want a luxury crossover without paying the high price of the X6. Not only is this Lexus one of the best buys, it also is ranked on the top 10 cars for 2011 to holds its value, especially with the new design.

Safe Budget Crossover:2011 Subaru Forester $20,495

When it comes to choosing a car that will hold its value, with standard safety features not seen at this price range and still hold the entire family comfortably, the Subaru Forester delivers. With a base price of just over $20,000, the Forester comes with symmetrical AWD, is a top IIHS safety pick, optional luxury interior, long-lasting 4-cylinder boxer engine and a great resale value. The key feature for this SUV is the symmetrical AWD. Symmetrical AWD works continuously to keep your vehicle on the road, regardless of road condition. While this would normally guzzle gas, the Forester gets an impressive 27 MPG highway.

Sources:

www.subaruofkeene.com

http://automobiles.honda.com/cr-v/

http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Content/Vehicles/2012/x6/xDrive50i/Default.aspx

http://www.lexus.com/models/RX/

http://www.subaru.com/vehicles/forester/index.html