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.