8 Cars Like PT Cruisers: Similar Rides Worth Checking Out

in Car Comparisons
PT Cruiser
Image by alexandrehtc from Pixabay

The PT Cruiser was a cool car that caused a lot of buzz on the market. According to Motortrend, “designer Bryan Nesbitt came up with a sketch that had the right mix of retro and contemporary” back when the car industry started to change. It was small and compact, with more room than a car and better fuel efficiency than a truck. 

Throughout the years, the PT Cruiser received small updates and eventually saw an upgrade to the exterior, getting a complete redesign in 2006. The look of the modern crossover car was what consumers raved about at the time, though they stopped producing them back in 2010. 

About the PT Cruiser 

While the PT Cruiser started off with a bang with its release back in 2000, it didn’t keep its reign very long. With the new design change, consumers turned to the competition, causing sales to plummet. 

In 2010, Chrysler decided to halt production, refocusing on some of their more popular models. The prior success of the PT Cruiser came because it was the first in its class, giving drivers something different to hit the road in. The good news is, there are cars like the PT Cruiser, which may perform (and look) better than the popular little wagon. 

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8 Cars like PT Cruisers 

The Suzuki Grand Vitara 

The Suzuki Grand Vitara is a four-door SUV that has a powerful 2.4L engine that is said to get 166 horsepower. It comes with a moderately low price tag. Its 2005 release brought a ton of attention and even had most comparing it to the revolutionary PT Cruiser. 

Pros: 
  • Drivability is unmatched
  • Advanced features right on the steering wheel
  • Cool, modern look 
  • Great horsepower without sacrificing fuel efficiency 
Cons: 
  • Limited interior space
  • Noisy 

Final Verdict: While the Suzuki Grand Vitara is like the PT Cruiser in many ways, the Cruiser still comes in first place for fuel economy. Still, you can find new Suzukis on the market, whereas PT Cruisers are no longer produces. 

The Toyota FJ Cruiser 

The FJ Cruiser is a cool and bright addition to Toyota’s solid lineup, coming with a ton of great specs that gave it the spotlight. Just like the PT Cruiser, you’ll find a solid drive with lots of power under the hood, along with a modern look.  

Pros: 
  • 4.0 V6 engine 
  • Perfect for off-roading
  • Tons of safety features 
Cons: 
  • Small backseat space
  • Lower fuel economy

Final Verdict: While it does offer drivers a compact car with enough space to haul friends, kids, and more, it doesn’t really provide the fuel economy that the PT Cruiser does. Still, it’s cool and funky with a bit of cargo space in the back. 

The Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V is one of the brand’s most-loved models. It’s got the SUV look without the price tag and provides more space on the interior. For those looking for cars like PT Cruisers, this could be the one. 

Pros: 
  • Great fuel economy with 27⁄33 mpg
  • Sleek design 
  • Quiet cabin
Cons: 
  • Not a lot of storage 
  • Limited advanced features 

Final Verdict: When comparing the Honda CR-V to the PT Cruiser, you’ll find that they are very similar, especially as a compact SUV. They are both stylish, get great fuel economy, and even look unique compared to other cars on the road. 

The Chevrolet HHR

When looking for a PT Cruiser dupe, many experts out there will point to the Chevrolet HHR. Side by side, the PT Cruiser and the Chevrolet HHR look similar, though their specs differ just a bit.  

Pros:
  • High ranking for wagons 
  • Up to 32 mpg on the highway
  • Seats up to 5 
Cons: 
  • Not available in all-wheel drive 
  • Brake issues with some years

Final Verdict: If you loved the look of the PT Cruiser, then this is a great alternative. It’s got great fuel and a bit of interior space for your traveling needs. 

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The Chevrolet SSR

The SSR from Chevrolet is another car that is similar to the PT Cruiser. It has a cool look on the outside and has a ton of drivable features on the inside. 

Pros: 
  • Cool look
  • Lots of colors to choose from
Cons: 
  • Fuel economy is not so hot

Final Verdict: If you’re looking for a car with the same modern feel as the PT Cruiser, the SSR is the one that comes the closest. It’s not only modern but comes in a wide range of colors to suit everyone’s style. 

The Volkswagen Jetta 

Though the Jetta isn’t considered an SUV, it’s still got a cool look and a smooth drive that is comparable to the PT Cruiser.

Pros: 
  • Great fuel economy
  • Competitive price 
Cons: 
  • Not a lot of power under the hood

Final Verdict: Though it’s not exactly like the PT Cruiser, it could be a good dupe if a cool exterior and great gas mileage are on your list. 

The Pontiac Vibe 

It’s cute, compact, and comes in great colors that will make you feel like taking it for a spin. A lot like the PT Cruiser, you’re sure to have a good time in this compact wagon. 

Pros: 
  • It’s cool
  • Gets great gas mileage
  • Has a lot of interior space 
Cons: 
  • Lacking specs for drivability 

Final Verdict: Though it has the look, it doesn’t quite have the PT Cruiser performance. 

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The Ford Escape 

The Ford Escape is one of Ford’s most popular models. It’s compact, comes with moderate room on the inside, and offers good fuel economy, which makes it just like the PT Cruiser. 

Pros: 
  • Small and compact
  • Smooth drive 
  • Great fuel economy
Cons: 
  • Noisy interior 

Final Verdict: Though it’s an alternative to the PT Cruiser and is still in production, it doesn’t have the same smooth drive as the PT Cruiser.

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