Slotting in between Mazda’s mid-sized CX-5 and full-sized CX-9 SUVs is the new CX-50. Based on a shared platform as the CX-30, the CX-50 targets customers with outdoor lifestyles.

With more cargo space than the CX-5, the CX-50 is the first of three new Mazda SUVs coming by 2023. The CX-50 also has a higher towing capacity compared to the CX-5 at 3,500 lbs vs 2,000 lbs.

Two engine choices are offered, a base 187 hp 4-cyl engine and a much more powerful turbocharged version with 256 hp. Both are matched with a 6-speed auto. The up-level engine is much more enjoyable to drive thanks to its extra horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque.

A high level of active safety and driver assist tech is standard, including lane departure warning and assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, auto high beams, cross-traffic detection.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 starts at $37,900, compared to the CX5’s $30,900.

Kia’s fifth-generation Sportage is a big improvement over its predecessor. Also available in hybrid and plug-in hybrid models, the Sportage is 7.1 inches longer than before, boasting more legroom than the Toyota RAV4. The hybrid Sportage even has more cargo space than the popular Toyota RAV4 hybrid.

Riding on the same platform as the larger Kia Sorento midsize SUV, the Sportage has wild new styling that makes it stand out in a crowded marketplace.

Compared to the hybrid, the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) Sportage swaps in a bigger 7.2-kWh battery pack for up to 55 kms of all-electric range. Thanks to its more powerful 67-kW electric motor, the PHEV is also quicker, producing up a combined 261 hp and 224 lb-ft of torque.

Inside, you’ll find vastly improved interior trimmings, the latest cabin tech, and Kia’s latest driver-assistance systems.

The 2023 Sportage starts at $28,595.

The C40 Recharge is Volvo’s first four-door coupe in SUV format and the first Volvo to be offered exclusively with a battery-electric powertrain. Aimed at other similarly styled SUV coupes, the C40 is the first C model from Volvo in over a decade.

The C40’s CMA platform and most of its mechanical bits is shared with the XC40 Recharge, the conventional SUV version of the C40. Like other four-door SUV coupes, the C40’s fastback design sacrifices some cargo hauling capacity for a more dramatic profile.

Powering this sharp Swedish ride is a set of front and rear motors producing an impressive 408 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque. 0-100 km/hr sprints flash by in a quick 4.7 seconds. The 78-kWh battery can charge from dead to 80 per cent in 40 mins with a 150 kW DC charger (the max the C40 can handle), and the estimated range is 364 km.

Inside, you’ll find a handsome albeit minimalistic interior, Volvo’s revamped infotainment system, and all of the latest active and passive safety systems.

The 2022 C40 Recharge starts at $59,950.

The GT four-door joins the Mercedes-AMG line-up as the flagship four-door coupe. As the third model exclusively developed by AMG, the GT-line of four-door coupes shares a platform with the E-Class wagon versus the two-door AMG GT supercar wearing the same name.

Designed to compete with equivalent BMW rivals, the M8 and M850i coupe, the 4-door AMG GT53 coupe combines style, performance, and presence. The GT’s low fastback roofline and less rear headroom is the price that customers will pay for the more exotic look.

Under the long hood is a sophisticated 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six that features a turbocharger, an intercooler, an electric supercharger, and a small electric turbo. The electric motor and supercharger effectively counteracts any turbo lag. This powertrain is good for a neck-snapping 429 hp and 0-100 km/hr runs in 4.1 seconds.

The GT53’s sporty adaptive suspension and standard all-wheel-drive delivers sport-car levels of grip along with flat responsive cornering.

Inside, there is a futuristic cabin design that is visually exciting, similar to the AMG GT supercar. The aggressively bolstered seats are comfortable though rear seat legroom is tight. The wide-centre console takes some getting used to but adds to the sporty cockpit feel.

The 2022 GT53 4MATIC+ Coupe starts at $123,900.

Can you believe that the Civic is now in its 11^th generation? All-new for 2022, the Civic Hatchback is being built in the USA for the first time. By using new construction methods, Honda has been able to make the Civic lighter, stronger, more efficient, and more refined than its predecessors.

Although the Civic’s styling has become more sedate, borrowing many cues from its Accord big brother, the interior has been vastly improved. Indeed, the Civic Hatch boasts the largest back seat of any Civic so far.

Under the hood of the Sport and Sport Touring hatch is a snappy 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cyl engine making 180 hp. All trims levels of the hatch can be fitted with a CVT automatic or six-speed manual at no price premium.

Niceties inside include an expanded Honda Sensing suite of active safety features including lane keep assist and an improved adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist. Owners can also enjoy a Bose premium sound system and wireless Apple CarPlay.

The Civic Hatchback Sport starts at $32,150.

With a striking front end grille, a distinctive yet elegant design, the redesigned Genesis G80 mid-sized luxury sedan is a formidable player that no longer plays backseat against the likes of the luxury German brands.

Based on an all-new platform shared with the GV80 SUV, the G80’s quiet and refined interior is packed with many standard features that you’d find optional in its German rivals.

The new G80 Sport gains a uniquely tuned adaptive suspension that is stiffer by up to 12 per cent. The Sport Plus trim adds rear-wheel-steering for even more agility, though the ride is still more smooth than sharp.

Although the base G80 is equipped with a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cyl engine with 300 hp, the G80 3.5T Sport comes with a stronger 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 with 375 hp. All Genesis G80s sold in Canada are fitted with standard all-wheel-drive.

The G80 also offers a properly upscale interior showcasing soft-touch surfaces and rich-looking materials. Besides the large infotainment screen, multi-coloured ambient interior lighting and heads-up display expected in this segment, the G80 further delights with unexpected tech including as a 3D digital gauge cluster.

The 2022 Genesis G80 3.5T Sport at $76,000.