Must See Crossovers & Wagons of the LA Auto Show 2014

2014 LA Auto Show volvo coupe concept

Crossovers are the largest growing segment around and with reason. Who doesn't want to be able to carry people and cargo at will and yet not have the gas guzzling expense of a full-size SUV? With every brand now offering at least 1 crossover and many also carry wagons as a strong alternative to big SUVs. This year's Los Angeles Auto Show has plenty of both that are sure to soon be seen regularly on the streets. 

Unveiled in Los Angeles: 2016 Honda HR-V

Back when Honda came out with its now segment-topping CR-V, it was about the same size as the all-new Honda HR-V that was just launched at the LA Auto Show. But rather than being a mini-version of the CR-V, this new design takes on its own style with all the usual helpful Honda features inside. In this newly forming competitive market, getting the most space out of small utility vehicles is an art and science that wins customers and HR-V is positioned at the “Swiss Army Knife” of crossovers, achieving up to 58.8 cubic feet of cargo space when fully folded down. HR-V also gets a few of Honda’s hottest technologies, including Honda LaneWatch and Honda Digital Traffic.  Power comes in the form of a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 138HP at 6,500 rpm and 127 lb.-ft. of torque. With competitors coming from nearly every mass market brand in the coming year, the Honda HR-V may be a tough one to beat.

The 2016 Honda HR-V is all new.

  Look for the 2016 Honda HR-V in the summer of 2015  

  Pricing has not yet been released. 

Unveiled in Los Angeles: 2016 Mazda CX-3

The 2016 Mazda CX-3 is a completely new compact crossover, fitting the size between the popular MX-3 and the small Mazda CX-5 crossover. Mazda has already sold this type of vehicle in both Asia and Europe for the past few years with much success, but the American market is just beginning to embrace the size and utility of the category. The 2.0-liter Skyactive engine, derived from the Mazda3, will power the vehicle and Mazda is promising the same “Zoom Zoom” and excellent gas mileage we’ve seen from its other products. Horsepower numbers will come at a later date, but the company did announce that the car will be available in all-wheel–drive by the time it arrives.  At first look, the CX-3 has a similar appearance to the CX-5 crossover, but the design does not look “squished,” as is the case with some smaller crossovers.

  The 2016 Mazda CX-3 is all new.

Look for the 2016 Mazda CX-3 in the summer of 2015  

  Pricing has not yet been released. 

Unveiled in Los Angeles: Volvo V60 Cross Country

Volvo remains one of the few brands still committed to offering station wagons to U.S. customers, and that dedication is on display with the Volvo V60 Cross Country, which becomes the third wagon to wear the “Cross Country” name in the past 17 years.

As compared to the standard V60, the Cross Country model has been lifted by 2.6 inches for added ground clearance, then gets a bit of a rugged re-styling with specific 18- and 19-inch wheels and high-profile tires, skid plates, scuff plates, fender flares, and three available cabin themes—all in leather. Owners also will enjoy all-wheel drive and standard Hill Descent Control. The V60 Cross Country will launch with Volvo’s venerable 250-hp five-cylinder engine, but a future Drive-E setup could follow.

Early next year.

TBD.

Unveiled in Los Angeles: 2015 BMW X6 M

If you thought that a high-powered, high-riding BMW sport-utility vehicle was a stretch, then the imagination must run wild to understand the genesis of the X6 M: a hunchbacked relative of the X5 M, itself a paradox of physics. For 2015, BMW is introducing the second-generation X6 M, just months after the introduction of the global X6 on a new platform.

Like the X5 M SUV, the X6 M builds upon the V-8 power of the X6, but offers 567 horsepower. standard launch control is sure to please 0-to-60 enthusiasts. Exterior styling maintains the X6’s coupelike shape, and the interior receives enhancements like the X5 M does, like upgraded seats, bespoke trim, and M-specific instruments.

Exact details regarding availability have not yet been announced.

Pricing for the 2015 BMW X6 M star.ts at $103,050.2015 BMW X6 M

Unveiled in Los Angeles: 2015 Fiat 500X

The 2015 Fiat 500X adds yet another member to the 500 family, only this time it's a subcompact crossover instead of a compact hatchback. With more ground clearance than a standard 500, and featuring the availability of all-wheel drive, the Fiat 500X is aimed squarely at buyers who crave the practicality of a crossover but who don't have a lot of extra driveway space. So far, we know for sure that a 184 horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine will be offered with the 500X, along with a six-speed automatic transmission, but a range of smaller four-cylinder options could also be in the cards.

  The 500X is all-new for 2015.

  Look for it in Fiat dealerships in Spring of 2015.

  Pricing has yet to be released for the Fiat 500X.

Unveiled at LA Auto Show: Volkswagen R Golf Sportwagen

In the world of hot wagons—a dwindling segment in the United States composed only of the Cadillac CTS-V and the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG—Volkswagen has a new entry, and it’s called the Golf R Sportwagen. We think of it as the ultimate do-everything vehicle, if the sublime Golf R is any indication of its performance.

The big change about the Golf R Sportwagen is under the hood and the skin. A 296-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is matched with a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, just like the hatchback Golf R. This is the first time that Volkswagen will offer a Golf R Sportwagen, even if it’s Europe-only for now.

The car will go on sale in Europe in spring of 2015 as the Golf R Variant, but there are no official plans to bring the Golf R Sportwagen here to the United States—yet.

Pricing has not yet been announced.

Unveiled in Los Angeles, 2015 Nissan Juke

Already one of the most dramatically designed vehicles in the country, the 2015 Nissan Juke gets a further style upgrade as part of its mid-cycle changes, also bolstering its list of standard equipment. But the big news here is the Nissan“Color Studio” program that lets owners put their own unique spin on the JUKE with custom-style colors and accessories.

The 2015 JUKE gets a massive influx of standard technologies, including the NissanConnect with Mobile Apps system, Bluetooth for hands-free calling and audio streaming, and the Intelligent Key with Push Button Start feature, and that’s all complemented by restyled fascias and revised exterior lighting. Owners can then visit the Color Studio to combine 12 fresh accessories, including 17-inch wheels, with eight color accents for contrasting mirror caps, etc.

Right now.

Unveiled in Los Angeles: 2016 Volvo XC90

The 2016 Volvo XC90 represents the first redesign of Volvo's flagship crossover since it was initially introduced in 2003. Sleeker looking than before, and still maintaining the same mix of comfort and safety that has longed defined Volvo products, the XC90 offers a unique 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that is supercharged and turbocharged at the same time.  The end result is over 300 horsepower, and if that's not enough Volvo also promises a 400 horsepower hybrid edition of the crossover in the near future. An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard with the XC90, and all-wheel drive is available.

  The Volvo XC90 is all new for the 2016 model year.

  Look for the XC90 in the Spring of 2015.

2016 Kia Sorento

The 2016 Kia Sorento offers more passenger room, substantially increased cargo space, and a freshly upscale appearance to go along with its latest redesign. The Kia Sorento can be had in five and seven passenger editions, comes with a stiffer chassis to improve handling, and also features a longer wheelbase in addition to a quieter cabin.  Final details on the crossover’s mechanical details have yet to be released, but it seems likely that last year’s 191 horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder and 290 horsepower, 3.3-liter V-6 engines will carry over, along with the option of all-wheel drive.

  Everything but the oily bits – the 2016 Kia Sorento debuts a substantially-improved platform.

  The Sorento goes on sale in 2015.

  Pricing has yet to be released for the 2016 Kia Sorento.

2015 BMW X4

The 2015 BMW X4 presents a style-first crossover option to luxury buyers in the entry-level segment. Although its based on the X3 platform, the BMW X4 features a sloped roof that cuts into both rear passenger room and cargo space, making it a less practical option. Under the hood, it's the twin of its crossover sibling, featuring the choice between either a 240 horsepower, turbocharged four-cylinder engine or a 300 horsepower, 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder unit. An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard with the X4, as is all-wheel drive.

The BMW X4 is all-new for 2015.

  You can buy one right now.

  The X4 xDrive28i starts at $44,700.