Cadillac sets a new benchmark in terms of cabin comfort and convenience. The Whisper Beige interior is beautiful, the caveat being after only half a winter of use the semi-aniline leather upholstery and carpeting was already looking worn. 

The 10-way power-adjustable heated driver’s seat is comfortable and supportive and for 2023 a next-generation Toyota Multimedia infotainment system is standard showcasing an eight-inch touchscreen and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. While an improvement over the outgoing technology it’s not the most intuitive offering on the market. 

The Sportage, particularly in the Limited grade is more premium than expected for the segment featuring hydro-dipped wood dash trim and quilted-centre leather seating. Kia’s decision to continue using an ergonomic T-shaped shift lever is a nice touch amid a sea of rotary and button-type transmission selectors. 

The former grill shape is flipped 180 degrees into an appealing thinner A-shape, housing a large emblem flanked by a single chrome blade slicing through the diamond open-star pattern. One of the items the C 300 borrows from its bigger sibling is the large 11.9-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen, mounted right below the central air vents. 

Honda’s answer to the Mazda CX-30 and Nissan Kicks, the HR-V, returns for a second generation completely redesigned for 2023. Longer, wider and boasting the same platform and engine as found in the Civic the vehicle has matured nicely offering a good option for small families.

Though pure EVs like the Recharge versions of the XC40 and C40 are taking a lot of the Volvo spotlight, the automaker released the revised XC90 T8 AWD Recharge — formerly simply called the T8 — earlier this year that promises fans of the plug-in mid-size SUV added performance and efficiency.