Volvo EX90 vs Polestar 3

At Volvo, they see climate change as their real safety test and they're on the road to becoming an all-electric brand. The first-ever Volvo EX90 is a clear reminder of such a transition.

2024 Volvo EX90

Starting at 997,000 Krona plus additional costs, the first-ever Volvo EX90 marked the new beginning for the Swedish carmaker as their road to becoming an all-electric carmaker is in full swing to keep up with the challenges of the new normal.

2024 Volvo EX90

Beginning with the design, the EX90, when it was first unveiled to the world, was the first to incorporate the "new normal" Volvo design judging by the pixelated take on the Thor's Hammer headlamps and the squarish Volvo trademark taillights. Although the retractable door handles and creases made statements, the "new normal" exterior design is the template for future all-electric Volvos heading their way.

2024 Volvo EX90 interior

2024 Volvo EX90 interior

The same "new normal" Volvo principle applies to the interior. It features a 14.5-inch touchscreen powered by Android Auto that controls not just entertainment and navigation but almost the entire car, which can be cumbersome for anyone behind the wheel. What's also cumbersome is the steering wheel with touch-sensitive buttons, a rotary gear selector, USB-C ports, a digital instrumental panel that knows your name, and others.

Regardless of how many seats you have, from five to seven, the boot space can accommodate up to 1,915 liters with the passenger seats folded down. With all seats present, it can carry up to 365 liters. Decent enough to carry today's grocery shopping list or rather thrift store dump if you're into that. The sweet spot of the EX90? Almost impossible to say because most Swedish families may end up with this, but it still works rather well for escorting liberal democrats, woke capitalists, and other VIPs alike. It's business class with a greater cause.

2024 Volvo EX90

The EX90 features three different configurations armed with the 107kWh lithium-ion battery pack such as the entry-level 279PS Single Motor, the 408PS all-wheel-drive Twin Motor variant, and the most powerful in the lineup, the Twin Motor Performance. The flagship variant produces 517PS of power and 910Nm of torque, sprinting from a 0-100kph time of 4.9 seconds. That's it. The driving distance in one full charge is about 590km. A real road-tripping crossover.

Asked about charging times, the EX90 will take about the length of an episode of your anime show to reach 80% or nearly half an hour to reach full charge while at home.

Although extremely regular to drive every day, not to mention being silent and comfy on the move, the EX90 is packed with a roof-mounted Iris LiDAR sensor from Luminar, five radars, eight cameras, two interior cameras, and 16 ultrasonic sensors, taking advantage of the crossover's cutting edge safety features Volvo has championed through the year. Although capped at Level 2 autonomy for the time being, the EX90 is the first that is hardware-ready for fully autonomous driving in the future. Whoa.

Like it or not, the EX90 is the poster Volvo of the new normal as its road to becoming an all-electric carmaker is in full swing. However, those who demand more should consider its sportier alternative to the EX90.

2024 Polestar 3

This is the Polestar 3, the third Polestar-made vehicle and the second fully electric since the Polestar 2 midsize saloon. Priced at 960,000 Krona plus additional cost, it's cheaper to own than the EX90, although it's available only as a five-seater.

2024 Polestar 3 interior

2024 Polestar 3 interior

While the exterior is strikingly sexy for crossover standards thanks to its design inspired by the Precept Concept, although the sidelines and rear can be downright mistaken for the Chevrolet Bolt EV, the minimalist interior, the 9-inch digital instrument cluster, the 14.5-inch touchscreen, and up to 1,411 liters of boot space proves that the Polestar 3 is all about taking things seriously, whatever life throws at it.

2024 Polestar 3 interior

Offered only in a Twin Motor 4WD layout with 107kWh lithium-ion battery, the Polestar 3 is offered with a choice of a 489PS Long Range Dual Motor and the 517PS Performance Pack. Although the latter is the same as the one in the EX90's range-topper, this is faster than the EX90 Twin Motor Performance variant because the Polestar 3 Long Range Dual Motor Performance variant is 0.2 seconds faster than the EX90 and while the EX90 is as fast as a Japanese car on Japanese roads, the Polestar 3 goes flatout in 210kph.

Apart from the performance, the Polestar 3 features front double wishbones, rear integral link, dual-chamber air suspension, adaptive dampers, Brembo brakes, and torque vectoring, making this heavyweight Polestar worth driving everywhere. Makes you fizz behind the wheel, huh?

Like the EX90, the Polestar 3 is packed with numerous safety features that earned the right to become fully autonomous in the foreseeable future, with Level 2 autonomy the best it can do for now. It even comes with the Polestar-first Smart Eye that detects drivers' eye movements in the name of reducing driver distraction. Speedo boys consider it a buzzkill but whatever.

The Volvo EX90 and the Polestar 3 are two extremely different sides of the same coin. While the EX90 is all about being a civilized crossover daily, the Polestar 3 rewrites the rules of what a fully electric crossover should be. Either way, this is the new normal. Deal with it.

Photo: Volvo Cars/Polestar

Volvo EX40 and EC40

Formerly known as the XC40 Recharge and the C40, the two electric crossovers from Volvo have been renamed as the EX40 and the EC40 as the Swedish carmaker's plans to become an EV-only brand have gone in full circle.

2025 Volvo EX40

2025 Volvo EC40

Although they look the same as the now-defunct XC40 Recharge and the C40, the first-ever EX40 and the EC40 are picking up where the recently deceased former selves left off in the name of mobility for all.

 

2025 Volvo EX40 interior

2025 Volvo EC40 interior

While the styling and the interior layout look and feel the same as the XC40 Recharge and the C40 it replaced, so does the boot space of up to 1286 liters for the EX40 and 1196 liters for the EC40, not to mention the driving feel between them, which in their case, civilized, relaxing, well-poised, and thanks to the most advanced safety features Volvo has championed, it's surprisingly safer as well, the EV powertrains saw a major shake-up with the addition of a new flagship version.

In addition to the 238PS rear-wheel-drive Single Motor and the 408PS all-wheel-drive Twin Motor variants, the EX40 and the EX40 received a new Performance variant where a special Performance drive mode bumped the 82kWh Twin Motor powertrain with an additional 34PS of power, bringing the power output of 442PS. It will go from 0-100kph in four and a half seconds and being a new-normal Volvo, the maximum permitted speed is 180kph. 

Asked about the driving range, the EX40 Twin Motor Performance variant is good for 538km while the EC40 Twin Motor Performance does 552km, which is more. Both can hit 80% in less than 30 minutes while charging at a 50kw DC charging station at a public place.

The EX40 starts at 607,000 kr while the EC40 starts at 625,000 kr plus additional costs. Both can be ordered online.

Even with the name change, the Volvo EX40 and the EC40 deserve some attention.

Photo: Volvo Cars

Second-generation Honda Vezel/HR-V - 2025MY minor change

The second-generation Honda Vezel, known across the Belt and Road Initiative as the HR-V, gained a minor change for the 2025 model year, keeping this best-seller fresh and perky having been on the road for three years.

2025 Honda Vezel

Starting at ¥2,648,800 plus additional costs, the facelifted second-generation Vezel saw some revisions to keep Honda's best-selling crossover ready for more, whatever the reason. 

2025 Honda Vezel

2025 Honda Vezel

Beginning on the outside, the facelift saw a revised front grille and bumper, resulting in an additional 10mm in length and a new rear taillight design. In addition to the normal Vezel, it can be kitted with two optional packages such as the PLaY Package which comes with a two-tone roof, blue accents on the side, and a tri-color accent on the right side of the revised grille, and the new HuNT Package which features copper accents at the front bumper.

2025 Honda Vezel interior

The interior is slightly revised for this minor change as demonstrated by the new front seat center console and that's about it. Apart from the black interior color offered on the normal Vezel, the PLaY Package features a Greige interior color as well as blue accents on the dashboard and door covers. In contrast, the HuNT Package features a Khaki x Navy interior color with FABTECT, a water and oilproof seat material. Good call.

2025 Honda Vezel

Like the pre-facelift, the Vezel features the 1.5L L15Z petrol engine, now exclusive to the 4WD variant, and the 1.5L e:HEV powertrain where the 1.5L LEC i-VTEC Atkinson Cycle engine is bolted to a 96kW H5 electric motor. Thanks to some minor recalibrations to the hybrid powertrain, the fuel economy has improved by 1km/L compared to the pre-facelift model, meaning it's got 26km/L based on WLTC Mode standards. The normal 1.5L petrol engine, available only in the G variant, is good for 15km/L.

Although the driving feel remains the same as the previous one, the new Vezel features an improved Honda Sensing suite of safety features ranging from CMBS, ACC, LKAS, Traffic Jam Assist, Sudden Acceleration Suppression Function, and Adaptive Driving Beam.

The second-generation Vezel is no doubt the best-selling Honda in the age of the new normal and with this minor change, there's more work to be done.

Photo: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

Honda WR-V (DG5)

As Honda's SUV lineup consists of the Vezel, the WR-V, and the soon-to-be-released CR-V e:FCEV, the smallest member joins the party. Welcome to the all-new Honda WR-V.

2024 Honda WR-V

Priced at 2,098,800 Yen plus additional costs, the all-new Honda WR-V is the smallest in the Honda SUV lineup and the first Honda fully imported from India, the second Japanese carmaker to do so after Suzuki with its now-defunct Baleno hatchback. So, what can we expect from the fully-imported compact Honda crossover that's small enough to fit through the Tokyo traffic?

2024 Honda WR-V

Beginning with the exterior, the all-new WR-V measures 4,312 mm long, 1,790 mm wide, 1,650 mm tall, and has a wheelbase spanning 2,650 mm, smaller than today's Vezel. With a typical Honda design on the front, Ignis-esque side view, and Seltos-esque rear view, it's no wonder why the all-new WR-V is another Indo-Pacific fusion cuisine worth checking out if you're into that. Add the Tough Style package and it packs some bling into it.

2024 Honda WR-V interior

Inside, the all-new WR-V features a horizontal keynote design and texture of the details, as Honda claims. It even comes with an optional 9-inch Honda CONNECT navigation system as well as a 7-inch digital graphic meter, among others. The base X variant features fabric sheet material for the seats while the Z and Z+ variants come with the Prime smooth x Fabric sheet material as well as a genuine leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear lever.

Asked about space, the wheelbase makes it roomy for a compact five-seater crossover and it can accommodate up to 458 liters of boot space. Decent enough to fit today's grocery shopping list.

2024 Honda WR-V

The all-new Honda WR-V has a 1.5L i-VTEC engine that produces 118PS of power and 142Nm of torque. It's mated to a CVT gearbox with paddle shifters and gets up to 16.4kmpl based on Japan's WLTC Mode standards.

The Honda WR-V is a front-wheel-drive-only crossover, so it's best suited for asphalt and some dirt areas. It's too cute for its own good, though, so don't plan on taking it to Hannibal's. The WR-V has front MacPherson struts, a rear torsion bar, front ventilated disc brakes, rear reading trailing brakes, and Rack & Pinion electric power steering. It has a turning radius of 5.2 meters, which is not too shabby.

For safety, the WR-V features the Honda Sensing suite of safety features as well as a reverse camera, LaneWatch, Vehicle Stability Assist, and Hill Start Assist.

The fully imported Honda WR-V proves that small is better in the new normal. Although more expensive than the Toyota Raize, it's more affordable than the Nissan Kicks, making the WR-V the bargain compact crossover of 2024.

Engineered in Japan, built in India, and finished in a choice of five colors, the all-new WR-V is worthy of becoming your first reasonably priced car if you're new to the driving thing.

Available Colors: Platinum White Pearl, Meteoroid Gray Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, Illuminous Red Metallic, and Gold Brown Metallic.

Photo: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

Volvo EX30

The first-ever Volvo EX30 is undeniable proof that the Swedish carmaker's going big on its electrification gamble as plans to become an electric car maker going full circle.

2024 Volvo EX30

Priced at 429,000 Swedish Krona plus additional costs, the first-ever Volvo EX30 is the baby EV crossover that showcases the Swedish carmaker's commitment to going all-electric since the moment they announced it. Like it or not, this is the new normal for the new Volvo.

2024 Volvo EX30

Beginning with the styling, the EX30 dons Volvo's new-era design that prefers subtlety over obviousness, and being subtle is a good thing for an all-electric crossover made for the new normal. From the new-era Thor's Hammer headlamps, wheel arch creases, clamshell bonnet, and two-piece taillights, the EX30 is "new normal" material.

2024 Volvo EX30 interior

2024 Volvo EX30 interior

Inside, the EX30 prefers minimalism, which spells trouble for speedo boys behind the wheel but hey, this is the new normal after all, and cars with large touchscreens are a big deal. The 12.3-inch touchscreen with Snapdragon Cockpit Platform and Android AOS takes control of not just infotainment, but also navigation, room temperature, and other important bits and bobs surrounding it. 

First-timers will find this gizmo complicated at first but they'll find it enjoyable the more they know it.

The EX30 has a complicated infotainment system, but other than that, it has a lot going for it. It comes with a Harman Kardon premium audio system that includes a soundbar located at the top of the dashboard.

In terms of comfort and spacing, despite its just-sizing dimensions, the EX30 is as cozy as most commoners' cars can be and with the rear seats folded down, you can store up to 904 liters of boot space, fit for all walks of life. Stealing the idea from the Hyundai Santa Fe, the EX30 comes with a door-opening safety feature that warns the driver when he or she is about to open the door in front of a cyclist, scooter, or runner, to prevent accidents.

2024 Volvo EX30

The EX30's electric powertrain consists of a rear-wheel-drive Single Motor layout with 272PS of power and a 4WD Twin Motor Performance layout with 428PS of power. The Single Motor variant comes with the 51kWh lithium iron phosphate battery while the Single Motor Extended and Twin Motor Performance variants get a 69kWh NiMC battery.

The Single Motor Extended Range variant has up to 476km of driving range while the Twin Motor Performance, with its 0-100kph time of 3.6 seconds, has up to 450km of driving range. Charging times? While charging at a 150kW charging station, it will take less than 30 minutes to hit 80% for most variants.

Running on Geely's SEA platform, the EX30 behaves well for a Swedish EV crossover. Although not as exciting as expected, it is civilized on various scapes from suburbia to the great outdoors. As for safety, the EX30 features various safety tech you would expect from a Volvo such as the new-generation Park Pilot Assist, 360-degree camera, Pilot Assist, Collision avoidance system, and driver warning system, among others.

Although not one of the best crossovers of the new normal, the Volvo EX30 is proof that the Swedish carmaker's electrification transition is going full circle. As one said, what you say is what you get. Volvo wanted to become fully electric because climate change is the real safety test, and this is what they've got. This is only the beginning...

Photo: Volvo Car Corporation

Hyundai IONIQ 5 (2025MY minor change)

The Hyundai IONIQ 5, the electric car that forever changed Hyundai, has been given a minor change for the 2025 model year, and this award-winning electric car is now made even better.

2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5

Starting at 52.4 million Korean Won, the facelifted Hyundai IONIQ 5 saw some revisions on the award-winning electric car that forever changed Hyundai, keeping it fresh and competitive as the opportunity arises.

2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5

2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 interior

The IONIQ 5 minor change saw some revisions inside and out. The exterior now sports a V-shaped garnish and revised bumpers, increasing its overall length by 20mm. The rear spoiler's revised as well and a new set of wheels are offered for this minor change. A sporty N Line variant was added to this minor change, mimicking the looks of the high-performance IONIQ 5 N variant and that's it.

The interior is revised with its new center console layout, a new physical button that offers access to frequently used functions, the wireless charging pad repositioned to the upper part, a new steering wheel design, and ccNC implementation with OTA updates, among others. The N Line jams the red ambient lighting, sports seats, metal pedals, red stitching, and the N steering wheel into the mix.

The IONIQ 5's electric powertrain was updated by increasing the size of its Li-ion battery from 77.4kWh to 84kWh, meaning the performance and ecology were updated as well. RWD variants have 229PS of power and up to 485km of driving range while HTRAC AWD variants have 325PS of power and up to 425km of driving range. Apart from the increased battery size, it comes with a new shock absorber, new cowl crossbar, doubled reinforcement at the rear wheels and the lower part of the vehicle, improved body stiffness, and added sound insulation, slightly improving its dynamics for the good of it.

Apart from the reinforced body and eight airbags, the IONIQ 5 minor change features new safety features such as the hands-on detection steering wheel, Lane Keeping Assist 2, Remote Smart Parking Assist 2 (RSPA 2), Forward/Side/Reverse Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist, intelligent front lighting, Digital Key 2, and Built-In Cam 2.

The award-winning Hyundai IONIQ 5 is now made even better with this facelift and it looks like it's on a roll. Will you?

Available colors: Atlas White, Lucid Blue Pearl, Digital Teal Green Pearl, Cyber Grey Metallic, Ecotronic Grey Pearl, Abyss Black Pearl, Atlas White Matte, Ecotronic Grey Matte, Gravity Gold Matte, and Ultimate Red Metallic (N Line only).

Photo: Hyundai Motor Company

Chevrolet Blazer EV

Before the roaring twenties, Chevrolet brought back the Blazer name for their Camaro-inspired crossover that behaves...like pretty much most crossovers do. Now, the fully-electric Blazer takes center stage, giving prospects plenty of choices to work out with this...crossover.

2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV

With prices starting at 56,715 US Dollars plus additional costs, the first-ever Chevrolet Blazer EV is part of General Motors' electric propagation to beat Tesla at its own game. Although the results aren't typical yet, this fully electric Blazer sparks plenty of unanswered questions but there's one question that deserves to be answered; what's it for?

2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV interior

Beginning with the styling, the Blazer EV's exterior design shares nothing in common with its ICE-powered equivalent, perhaps Chevrolet wanted the EV version to have a different approach compared to its ICE version or perhaps they want to coexist until the times demand that one of them has to go, probably the one with the ICE in it. Still, despite all the developments, the Blazer EV is progressive by design, and as for the interior, the diagonal displays give drivers the impression of driving a sports car, except it isn't. It's a fully electric crossover built for daily purposes as long as the battery charge decides where to go next and when.

2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV

Running on the hallmark Ultium platform and powered by an 85kWh battery pack, the Blazer EV's electric powertrain produces 288hp of power output for AWD variants and has an EPA-estimated driving range of 279 miles in one full charge. Later variants such as the rear-wheel-drive RS can get up to 324 miles while those who demand more will have to wait until Spring 2024 for the SS variant with Wide Open Watts performance mode, unleashing all 557 horsepower at its disposal, sprinting from 0-60mph in under four seconds.

Of course, being a crossover, the Blazer EV is nothing near exciting to drive almost everywhere but it's about as civilized as most EVs should be. As for safety, the Blazer EV comes standard with Chevy Safety Assist consisting of Automatic Emergency Braking, Front Pedestrian Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert, Following Distance Indicator, and IntelliBeam Auto High Beams. It even comes with the rather controversial Super Cruise technology giving autonomous driving through 400,000 miles of compatible roads in the US and Canada. Yes, you can really let AI do almost all of the driving for you. Scary.

Calling the Blazer EV one of the most important models in General Motors' electrification push is a risky gamble but living consistently with its petrol-powered equivalent is like living with a rock and a hard place for commoners like us. This is the new normal we live in and the Blazer EV fits like a piece of a jigsaw puzzle.

Photo: General Motors

smart #3

Following the advent of the smart #1 electric crossover, smart shook away its Little Tykes image in favor of a city-centric approach, and the renaissance continues with its coupe-crossover derivative, the smart #3.

2024 smart #3

Starting at 38,490 Euros plus additional costs, the first-ever smart #3 is basically a smart #1 with a sloping roofline. It's a city-centric coupe-crossover done the smart way and you'd better thank the Chinese overlords from Geely for making it possible.

2024 smart #3

2024 smart #3 interior

While the exterior and interior look and feel similar to its #1 equivalent, the #3's boot space has 370 liters with the rear seats present and up to 1160 liters with the rear seats folded down, that's more than you get from the #1 because of the longer wheelbase that makes up from its lowered height. This means the added dimensions made the #3 roomier than its #1 equivalent. Not bad for a coupe crossover, though.

2024 smart #3 Brabus

Like the #1, the smart #3 runs on the SEA platform developed by Geely, and because of its RR layout and city car sizing, it behaves in a unique and spartan manner even while going nuts with it. Most variants come with the TZ220XSA02 electric motor bolted to a NiCM battery that produces 272PS of power and 343Nm of torque, capable of hitting 100kph in 5.8 seconds and a top speed of 180kph. The #3 Brabus, meanwhile, produces  428PS of power and 543Nm of torque. Although it has the same top speed, the 0-100kph time was dropped to 3.7 seconds.

For safety, the smart #3 features a wide array of advanced driver assistance features such as autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane centering assist, lane change assist, lane keeping assist, and blind spot monitoring, among many others.

For a coupe-crossover of its size, the smart #3 is becoming more of a big brother compared to its smart #1 equivalent because of its proportions. Has the whole world gone upside down? For the smart #3's case, it is.

Fiat 600 (365)

Fiat brought back the 600 naming for the successor to both the 500L MPV and the 500X crossover. So, what's it all about the all-new Fiat 600?

2024 Fiat 600

Starting at 24,950 Euros plus additional costs, the all-new Fiat 600 is the successor to the aging 500L MPV and the 500X crossover, and it's about time Fiat decided to merge the two aging 500-based derivatives into an all-new model that is also based on the 500, the new one of course.

2024 Fiat 600

Just like its predecessors, the all-new Fiat 600 is shaped like today's Fiat 500 but with the added bulk and extra doors to differentiate it from its little sibling. Despite being big in size, the 600 is still city-friendly, meaning it can squeeze through places where the big cats can't.

2024 Fiat 600 interior

The 600's interior dons the minimalist approach much like most of the "new normal" cars these days. Behind the wheel, the 600 is packed with a 10" Uconnect Radio with navigation, a 6-speaker audio system, and wireless charging for mobile devices. It even comes with 8 ambient colors, 8 different LED colors for the radio, and up to 64 combinations to personalize the interior.

Fiat says that the 600's interior is sustainable and refined with the 29,450 Euro La Prima variant featuring a premium ivory interior while the 31,950 (RED) variant, made in collaboration with (RED), features recycled black fabric seats. Either way, the 600's packed with chromotherapy massaging seats, space for five, up to 360L of boot space, and a hands-free opening tailgate.

2024 Fiat 600

The electric variants of the Fiat 600 are powered by a 156PS electric motor with a 54kWh lithium-nickel-mangan-cobalt battery. The electric powertrain made the 600 capable of sprinting 0-100kph in nine seconds and has a top speed of 150kph, slower than a typical Japanese car. As for the driving range, the 600 is good for over 400km in one full charge and it will take 24 minutes to hit 80% battery charge while plugged at a 100kW outlet.

There's also a hybrid variant where the 100PS 1.2L petrol engine with mild hybrid tech is connected to a Li-ion battery and a new 6-speed e-DCT, delivering a combined fuel economy of 5.1L/100km based on WLTP standards.

Apart from being easier to live with because of its sizing, the 600 is packed with 360° sensors, a rear parking camera with a 180-degree view, and blind spot detection for a safe trip home.

The all-new Fiat 600, in hybrid and BEV configurations, is the much-needed replacement for both the 500L and 500X, and although it feels as regular as the others, the 600 is the easiest compact crossover to live daily and you can't go wrong with it. This is how Fiat rolls in the new normal.

Photo: Fiat

Lexus LBX

Lexus's first-ever compact crossover, the LBX, looks more like a glorified Toyota Yaris Cross but there's something more about this entry-level Lexus crossover.

2024 Lexus LBX

Starting at 4.6 million Japanese Yen plus additional costs, the first-ever Lexus LBX is ironically slightly more expensive than its big brother, the UX, but being the glorified Toyota Yaris Cross it was meant to be, the LBX prefers to keep it modest on the city streets even though it was classified as a luxury vehicle.

2024 Lexus LBX

Beginning with the design, the Lexus LBX is sized like its Toyota Yaris Cross derivative, making it easy to live with and park at its pace. With the front view reminiscent of the LM, the side view is highly reminiscent of today's Honda Fit and the rear view can be easily mistaken for an Aston Martin DBX so yes, it's classified luxury crossover from scratch but despite its luxury status, the LBX feels right at home at typical Japanese suburbs because of such sizing.

2024 Lexus LBX interior

Asked about the interior, the LBX adopts the Tazuna concept approach applied in "new normal" Lexus vehicles, giving it a more minimalist approach. Behind the wheel, the LBX features a 12.3-inch TFT liquid crystal meter, a rather flashy HUD with touch tracer operation, and a 9.8-inch touch display audio, among others. As expected on a new normal Lexus, the controversial e-latch inside door handles are present, which is good until the car battery dies, rendering these handles inoperable, and leaving you trapped. Bad mark for Lexus there.

On the spacing side, this five-seater features foldable second-row seats, giving it 330 liters of boot space for FF variants when not using a 2-tier deck board. The extra two-liter under-deck storage gives slightly more space for goodies when needed.

2024 Lexus LBX

The LBX is powered only by the 1.5L Hybrid Dynamic Force powertrain where the 1.5L M15A-FXE engine is connected to a 69kW electric motor and a Bipolar Nickel battery from the Aqua, producing a system power output of 136PS. Because all variants are mated to a CVT, the LBX's front-wheel drive variant can go up to 27.7kmpl of fuel economy under WLTC Mode standards while AWD variants get 26.2kmpl.

Running on the same GA-B platform as the Toyota Yaris Cross, the Lexus LBX behaves rather well on all walks of life even though it's a tad regular to drive on the open roads or with the AWD system that fits well on either tarmac, gravel, or snow. 

As for safety, the Lexus LBX is equipped with the evolved Lexus Safety System + and advanced parking assistance as well as Lexus Teammate Advanced Drive (Congestion Assistance), Lexus Teammate Advanced Park (with remote functionality), and Advanced Park remote functionality, among others.

It may be a glorified Yaris Cross that is slightly more expensive than its big brother, the UX, but the Lexus LBX is an entry-level crossover that prefers to be modest and down-to-earth not just on city roads but almost everywhere. Tackling through all walks of life and getting the job done is what the LBX does best, albeit not as exciting as expected, but still, it's all about keeping it plain and simple the Lexus way.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Buick Encore GX (2024MY minor change) and Envista

The facelifted Buick Encore GX and the first-ever Buick Envista signaled the new era of Buick because these two crossovers are the first to don the new Buick look and logo. Let's take a look.

2024 Buick Encore GX

Beginning with the Buick Encore GX, this big minor change is the first to wear the new Buick look inspired by the Wildcat Concept. Although seeing the new Buick logo is the scariest thing to do, this new Buick look really means business for this $25,600 crossover.

2024 Buick Encore GX

2024 Buick Encore GX interior

In addition to the heavily revamped styling and the slightly revised rear design, the facelifted Encore GX features a premium Avenir variant with glossier details to ensure this is the top-of-the-line model. The interior layout has been heavily revamped for this minor change and the Avenir model, comes with a BOSE premium 7-speaker audio system including an amplifier, panoramic moonroof, and an Avenir engraving on the front seats, among others. Despite numerous revisions, it can still accommodate up to 50.2 cu. ft. of max cargo capacity, making it capable of almost everything.

The Buick Encore GX still comes with a choice of ECOTEC 1.2L turbo mated to a CVT capable of 30 city / 31 hwy fuel economy and the ECOTEC 1.3L turbo engine mated to a 9-speed AT with 155hp of power and 174lb-ft of torque. Yes, there's 4WD offered but no off-road tuned suspension in sight, meaning the Encore GX is best to be driven on the road rather than off the road because there are no special bits that make it well-behaved on dirt.

The Encore GX comes with Buick Driver Confidence as well as available safety & driver-assistance technologies but the Avenir variant comes with its signature Technology Package which comes with Adaptive Cruise Control, Rear Camera Mirror† with rear camera washer, and HD Surround Vision.

2024 Buick Envista

Now, let's get to know the first-ever Buick Envista, a coupe-crossover that is yours to drive for $22,400 plus additional costs, which is cheaper to own than the Encore GX.

2024 Buick Envista

2024 Buick Envista interior

Think of the first-ever Buick Envista as the fancy version of the Chevrolet Trax Crossover because even with the Wildcat-inspired looks, the similarities are all over the Envista apart from the fact that the Envista is cheaper to own than the Encore GX. 

Still, with its coupe-crossover styling, the available Avenir variant with glossier details, Ultrawide 11" Diagonal Infotainment Screen, wireless smartphone connectivity, seating for five, and 42.0 cu. ft. of max cargo capacity, it's no surprise despite being less spacious than its Chevrolet Trax Crossover equivalent, it still works and feels just like it.

Just like its Chevrolet Trax Crossover equivalent, the Buick Envista is front-wheel-drive only and it is powered only by an ECOTEC 1.2L turbo engine that produces 137HP of power and 162lb-ft of torque. Mated to a 6-speed AT, it has an estimated combined fuel economy of 28MPG city/ 32MPG hwy.

In terms of safety, the Envista comes with Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Alert, IntelliBeam Auto High Beams, Following Distance Indicator, Front Pedestrian Braking, and Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning as standard. Available extras such as Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert,† Rear Park Assist, Rainsense front wipers, and Adaptive Cruise Control, as well as an automatic-dimming outside driver mirror for the Avenir variant.

These two new crossovers signaled the new era of Buick because they were the first to don the new Buick look and logo. Although the new Buick logo is scary to look at, the Wildcat-styled nose and improved features really made a statement about the two. The question is, which of the new-era Buicks will you drive?

Photo: General Motors