MIAMI — High-octane performance is not usually what you expect from SUVs, even luxury makes, but there are exceptions. Not surprisingly, a prime example of an SUV that is all about horsepower and torque comes from Germany. The 2023 BMW X4 M Competition model that the company bills as a Sports Activity Coupe and most others call an SUV sports a 503-horsepower, turbocharged inline-6 engine that produces a whopping 479 pound-feet of torque.

PHOENIX — In a world of lookalike vehicles few standout with an uncommon yet attractive design appeal. It's easy to see that one could make a legitimate claim that the throughly redesigned 2023 Kia Niro is one of them. Part hatchback, part wagon and part SUV, there's design cues from its Kia sibling the Soul. Undoubtedly the most exclusive and unique aspect of its exterior is the contrasting black colored "Aero Blade" with its slight protrusion across the rear-most pillar that directs airflow through and around it toward the rear hatchback.

MIAMI — Two decades after unveiling the 2003 Cadillac CTS-V and nearly a quarter-century since jumping into the SUV pool, Cadillac has brought high performance capability to its signature Escalade. The result is a full-size work horse with the DNA of a 1960s-era muscle car. It is capable of towing up to of 7,000 pounds, and its spacious interior has a cargo capacity of 121 cubic feet behind the first row, 72.9 behind the second, and 25.5 with all three rows in place.

PHOENIX — There's yet another EQ-branded fully electric Mercedes and the EQE SUV tested here is its newest offering that shares its platform and styling cues with the mid-sized Mercedes EQE sedan. If you're familiar with Mercedes' popular gas-powered GLE the EQE is similar in size, but totally different and not just because it's all- electric.

MIAMI — The traditional mantra when it comes to getting more get up-and-go from your car is that bigger is better. Mercedes-Benz, however, is going the other way with performance-oriented versions of its popular C-Class sedan. After a year’s production hiatus, the Mercedes-AMG C43 is back for 2023 with a smaller engine that packs a bigger punch than its predecessor.

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. — It was in the spring of last year that I first "plugged in" to Kia’s all-new EV6. Kia has been exploring the EV market for some time, but its efforts — in the guise of Niro hybrids and both an electrified Niro and Soul — were small, conservative steps rather than a dramatic leap. The EV6 was — and remains — a leap.

MIAMI — Offered in four trims including the limited production First Edition model, the 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport is a slightly smaller version of the company’s flagship Range Rover full-size SUV with a slightly more economical price tag. And it still has that sophisticated British air that gives you a feeling of driving not just a fully off-road capable SUV but a piece of history as well as an urge to stop in somewhere for a cuppa and scones.

PHOENIX — Following a nearly 30-year run Toyota retired its large-sized sedan the Avalon last year after the 2022 model run. Not surprising since Americans have had an insatiable love affair with trucks and SUVs with sedans of all sizes taking the brunt of their popularity. Yet there's still a few sedans — Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and Corolla as example have rather held their ground amongst the stampede and don't look to be sent out to pasture anytime soon.

PHOENIX — All-new for 2024 the Chevrolet Trax — the brand's new entry-level model now that the Spark has been discontinued — is larger, much better looking inside and out, less expensive and surprisingly a bit larger than the Trailblazer, Chevy's other small compact SUV. The previous Trax ended production after the 2022 model year, and there is no 2023 Trax model rather just jumping to 2024 for the Korean built sub-compact crossover.

INDIANAPOLIS — When an automaker says a vehicle is “more approachable,” that usually means it costs less as a concession to its poorer clientele.  But, being more approachable can also apply to size, maneuvering, fuel economy, and handling.  When I tested the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk a couple of weeks ago, I liked it very much, but it is a bit large for city living and tight trails…and it cost $72,000.  Fortunately, Jeep offers the more approachable Compass Trailhawk.