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.
