Three Posh Crossovers for 2023

Story | William Ha       Photography | Cadillac Canada, Lincoln Media Centre, Infiniti Canada

Aside from major urban regions, the current electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in Canada remains spotty. This makes EVs more of a niche market for enthusiasts, and a harder sell to the rest of the driving masses.

However, the race towards a zero-emissions future continues, and while our government is still figuring things out, here are three efficient, stylish, mid-size crossovers in EV, plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and gasoline forms to consider if you are looking to reduce your carbon footprint in 2023.

ELECTRIC VEHICLE: Cadillac LYRIQ

Cadillac has gone all-in with its new Lyriq EV, and the vehicle makes a dazzling style statement with sleek exterior proportions, unique rear lighting that extends to its D-pillars and optional 22-inch wheels.

To incentivize buyers, Cadillac will either cover the installation cost of a Level 2 (240-volt) home charger or offer $750 in charging credits to use at Flo public charging stations nationwide.

The debutant is a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) version offering an impressive 502 kilometres of driving range despite weighing a roadstraining 5,688 pounds. A 500-horsepower, dual-motor, all-wheel-drive (AWD) variant waits in the wings for early 2023.

The interior offers an impressive 33-inch screen, with crisp graphics that will please tech enthusiasts. Off-white seating surfaces and premium materials, like knurled switchgear, look and feel great. In fact, interior materials found in the Lyriq are not shared with other Cadillacs.

The long wheelbase offers business class-level rear legroom, and the cargo area is equally spacious with power-folding rear seatbacks. If you want to buy an EV, we recommend upgrading your home’s electrical system to accommodate a faster Level 2 charger.

Standout features:
1. The Lyriq can get up to 122 kilometres of range in just 10 minutes of DC quick charging. When plugged in at home on a 240-volt Level 2 charger, up to 83 kilometres of range can be had in one hour.

2. A brightly lit grille can be customized to display entertaining light choreographies. The front end also includes vertical LED lights that serve as a battery charge indicator.

PLUG-IN HYBRID: Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring PHEV

PHEVs are the ideal green vehicles in current times because they eliminate range anxiety, providing a degree of EV-only cruising and letting you choose when to plug in.

Even though this Lincoln PHEV isn’t all new, it’s beautifully finished inside and out, and flies under the radar despite being the brand’s most powerful vehicle. With 494 horsepower and a massive 630 lb-ft of torque on tap, we loved its fiery acceleration while coddled in a luxurious interior. However, be warned that its soft suspension and heft will not provide handling agility.

Up to 34 kilometres of all-electric range is available when fully charged, and the twin-turbo V6 PHEV drivetrain offers seven drive modes. Two of those are ‘Full EV’ and ‘Preserve EV’ modes that let you choose how to consume your available electric range. The vehicle even tells you how much energy you recover from braking and how many kilometres you covered on electricity only.

Standout features:
1. The ‘Perfect Position’ 30-way front massaging power seats, with individual thigh support extenders, are extremely comfortable. The front seats are also heated and ventilated, and an optional 28-speaker Revel® audio system delivers strong sound quality.

2. Windshield washer fluid jets are mounted on the wiper blades to preserve fluid and provide precise cleaning without causing a misty mess. Also, a unique latchless hood design lets you open the hood effortlessly without having to look for a hood release. You simply pull twice on the release lever.

GASOLINE VEHICLE: Infiniti QX60 Autograph

For households not ready or unable to make a move to an electrified vehicle, the top-line QX60 Autograph is one of the more fuel-efficient gaspowered three-row SUVs in its class, thanks to a velvety-smooth V6 engine that delivers a modest but adequate 295 horsepower. Fuel efficiency is supported with an ECO-drive mode (one of five drive modes). It also features automatic engine start-stop and is significantly lighter than equivalently sized electrified vehicles.

Sleek, upscale exterior styling is paired with a comfortable and versatile six-passenger interior. In fact, the interior is the highlight of this vehicle, which features open-pore ash wood, quilted designs on portions of the dashboard and seats, and tons of useful storage space few competitors can match. A 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen also includes physical buttons and knobs to easily adjust functions without having to take your eyes off the road.

Standout features:
1. One-touch-release second-row captain’s chairs that can slide forward, along with a removable second-row centre console, allow for easy third-row seating access.

2. A front seat-mounted central airbag enhances front-passenger safety. A remarkable total of 11 airbags are found on the QX60 Autograph trim.

SPECIFICATIONS

	Cadillac Lyriq	Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring PHEV	Infiniti QX60 Autograph
Canadian Price	$69,483	$104,525	$69,995
Motor	Permanent-magnet electric motor	3.0L twin-turbo V6 Hybrid	3.5L non-turbo V6 (gasoline)
Horsepower (hp)	340	494 at 5,500 rpm	295 at 6,400 rpm
Torque (lb-ft)	325	630 at 2,250 rpm	270 at 4,800 rpm
Transmission	1-speed automatic	10-speed automatic modular hybrid transmission	9-speed automatic
Fuel Consumption   (City, highway, city/highway combined)	*Electric: 2.4, 2.9, 2.6 Le/100 km	Gas/Electric: 10.9, 9.6, 10.3 L/100km   Electric: 4.2 Le/100 km combined	11.9, 9.5, 10.8L/100km
Le/100 km represents gasoline litre equivalent *EVs consume more energy during highway driving than gas engines
0-100 km/h Acceleration	6.0-6.5 (est.)	5.8	7.4
DIMENSIONS
Interior Configuration	2 rows 5 passengers	3 rows 7 passengers	3 rows 6 passengers
Length (in)	196.7	199.3	198.2
Height (in)	63.9	69.2	69.7
Width (in)	77.8	79.6	78.0
Wheelbase (in)	121.8	119.1	114.2
Curb Weight (lbs)	5,688	5,673	4,655
Cargo Capacity (L) (All seatbacks up)	793	519	411