We sit in and (of course!) we critique

Hyundai Kona

Likes: Distinct styling with modern interior styling. The optional turbo engine provides extra oomph where it matters the most.

Dislikes: Distinct styling may not be for everyone. Rear seat passengers may feel shortchanged on space. Dual clutch auto gearbox is annoying at times.

Overall: The crossover craze (sigh) isn't showing any signs of slowing down.



Ford Escape (1.5-ecoboost)

Likes: The interior is roomy for five with a decent sized boot. It's easy to drive around town and is far more flexible compared to the standard 2.5.

Dislikes: At times the 1.5 turbo sounds overworked. It also can be seen as a false economy in terms of fuel savings over the 2.5 engine.

Overall: America's favorite crossover, certainly isn't our favorite.



Bentley Bentayga

Likes: The interior is pure and utter excellence. You certainly won't have a shortage of power with this one.

Dislikes: Eye watering price tag. Eye watering exterior styling. No diesel engine option.

Overall: Proof that money can't buy you taste.



Volkswagen Atlas (2.0t)

Likes: Slightly more affordable than the 3.6 engine. Seven seats and a boot that's actually useful when third row seat is in place.

Dislikes: Front-wheel-drive only. Running costs are almost identical to the 3.6.

Overall: We loathe the cartoonish exterior styling; but it does what it's intended to do well.



Lexus RX L

Likes: A seven-seat version of the popular RX. The hybrid option provides lowest running costs and emissions of the range. Interior feels very classy and refined.

Overall: Some controls are fiddly to use. The exterior styling is on the odd-side. The third row seat is a little cramped compared to the Volvo XC90.

Overall: Lexus will sell tons of these and it's easy to see why.

Short reviews (We sit in them and we critique)

Land Rover Discovery Sport

Likes: The standard turbo engine is smooth but the more powerful output is a welcome addition. Legendary off-road abilities still retained with 5+2 configuration.

Dislikes: The transmission isn't all that refined. Reliability is very iffy. There are so many three-row crossover options that are roomier and cheaper.

Overall: It's not 'sporty' but it is an all round capable option.



Mercedes C-class Coupe

Likes: It has a presence no other car on the road has. Strong range of engines to choose from and available 4-matic all-wheel-drive system.

Dislikes: The price of admission can go from reasonable to jaw dropping quickly.

Overall: It's no BMW 4-series but it does feel classy where it matters the most.



Honda Odyssey

Likes: It's still the champ of minivans. It's much more efficient than before and it certainly is more refined than before.

Dislikes: It's not as stylish or sharp to drive as a Chrysler Pacifica. The push button gear selector on some trims is maddening to use.

Overall: It's the hallmark of minivans. The international version looks really cool.


(Above: The international version of the Odyssey looks way cooler in our opinion.)



Kia Sportage

Likes: Both engines are more than up for the job. We love the commanding view and the interior feels very classy for this price segment.

Dislikes: The exterior styling maybe a hit or miss for some.

Overall: One of the most well-rounded crossover out there that no one is buying.



Lincoln MKX

Likes: The available 2.7ecoboost engine is our favorite of the range. It's smooth to drive with plenty of luxurious features to tack on if desired.

Dislikes: Lincoln tends to get overshadowed by its competition.

Overall: Lincoln is slowly getting its grove back but it's still has a long way to go.



Toyota Prius

Likes: It's the benchmark when it comes to hybrids. It's much roomier than the previous generation and feels much better to drive.

Dislikes: Styling maybe too left-field for some.

Overall: It has the highest 'smug' appeal of any hybrid sold. (Please note: sarcasm was inserted into that comment.)