Lexus had the distinction of launching the world's first compact luxury crossover when the RX 300 came out in the late 1990s. Now, in 2023, the "Radiant Crossover" is as good as it has ever been, showcasing a fresh style language, four powertrain options and an all-new 500h F SPORT Performance model.

Highlights include a storage compartment under the floating 12.3-inch infotainment display doubling as a miniature table when open, illuminating haptic controls hiding underneath the wood trim controlling climate and drive settings, and Amazon Alexa integration so users can ask the virtual concierge to play music, place calls, control smart home devices and more.

The plug-in powertrain takes advantage of a 68-kilowatt electric motor — sandwiched between the engine and eight-speed automatic transmission — and the total 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque outputted felt adequate climbing the steep inclines faced along the way at a good clip. The onboard 17.8-kilowatt-hour battery contains enough juice to travel 42 kilometres before the ICE kicks in.

Sold in three trims in Canada (Signature, Luxury, Executive), the middle one was present at EcoRun sprayed in Eminent White Pearl paint and sitting on 20-inch black and machined finish wheels. Since no ICE is present to cool, nor a "frunk" in place, the lightweight aluminum hood is positioned low, creating a sportier look and, as a bonus, improves passenger visibility. 

Zero emissions and off-roading are usually mutually exclusive, but not if Jeep has anything to say about it. Cue the 2023 Wrangler Willys 4xe, an extra-rugged variant of the PHEV honouring Willys-Overland Motors that manufactured World War II and later military vehicles. And as if the special Electric Blue detailing isn't eye-catching enough, the optional bright Punk'n orange exterior colour should be.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid emerges 70 millimetres longer and more athletic-looking than the outgoing version, showcasing the brand's contemporary design ethos that has the four-door somewhat taking after the modern Civic. Retaining the fastback profile, the hood is stretched out, and the sedan appears to sit lower, while smoked headlight housings, dark 19-inch alloys, and near-full-length LED tail lamp bar add to the newfound sportiness.