Lexus NX

How it looks when you see on the street: The Lexus NX F-Sport cuts a sleek, neat and tidy physique in it new iteration, noted in tweaks to the windshield and use of LED headlamps. It was a finalist for 2022 World Car of the Year.

How it makes you feel when you get in: The interior is luxe, leathery and spacious. The UX system at times on our test car was clunky — too much happening all at once. There’s two size screens — a 9.8 inch screen or 14 inch that can be optioned in. Wireless charging and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard.

How it drives: Smooth and steady. The all-wheel drive model we tested has serene handling. It’s less powerful than some of its competitors, if verve is the goal, but still a plenty nice ride.

Space for people and things: It earns high marks for its interior space for people and things in the compact SUV, or crossover class, and where the NX shines on efficient ergonomics.

Best Features: Plenty of standard driver assistance features, and fun options like an ambient interior lighting system with 64 different color choices. We’re fans of the Mark Levinson stereo system, which is available on Premium and Luxury packages.

What makes it stand out: It was completely redesigned for the 2022 model year, and its handsome shape shows some flare and also maximizes space and proportion.

How much does it cost: It starts at $40,000 and with the F-Sport model we drove, it starts at $48,000. The hybrid version starts out at $58,000.