Crossovers have been a booming market for the past few years, and for good reason. They offer plenty of practicality and roominess, with a commanding view of the road as well as fuel economy and driving dynamics that are much closer to a car. These days, auto makers are pushing the size envelope when it comes to crossovers.

What to Expect in The Crossover Segment

Ford Fans will be happy to know that an all-new 2013 Ford Escape is coming, bringing the popular compact crossover into the modern era of Ford. The new look of Ford also brings with it new fuel efficient EcoBoost engines, which are expected to get up to 5 mpg more than the last model. The bigger 2013 Ford Flex and 2013 Ford Edge are also seeing updates this year. The changes to the Flex are really on the technology side, as the vehicle gets an updated MyFord Touch system, and instrument cluster. Of course, Ford also improved the mpg of the Flex by adding twin independent variable camshaft timing to the base V6.

Following the trend of high-tech cross overs, Cadillac will be showcasing its new CUE infotainment system in the 2013 Cadillac SRX. CUE is all new, and designed to operate similar to modern gadgets like smartphones and tablets. Other safety technologies make it into the SRX like blind-zone alert and rear traffic alert, as well as other safety add-ons like lane departure warning and rear vision camera.  The SRX receives a whole new look on the outside, just like GM’s other full-size crossovers, the 2013 GMC Acadia and 2013 GMC Denali. New for 2013 is the tiny 2013 Buick Encore with all new Buicks featuring active noise cancelling technology.

The visually refreshed 2013 Toyota Venza is now available with the company’s Entune infotainment system. Toyota is also going to be launching a new RAV4 EV this year. The pure-electric RAV4 should be available late this year, and is developed in conjunction with Tesla Motors. Toyota expects the RAV4 to have a range of about 80-120 miles.

Another all-new crossover is the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe. A five passenger version of the Santa Fe is expected to launch this year, while a larger, seven passenger model (replacing the Vera Cruz) will debut early next year. The Santa Fe follows Hyundai’s ‘Fluidic Scuplture’ design language, and updated interiors. The Santa Fe is also expected to get solid fuel economy with its four-cylinder range, with estimated EPA ratings of 26 mpg combined.

The 2012 Honda CR-V and 2013 Mazda CX-5 both come to the crossover market boasting impressive fuel economy numbers. The Mazda CX-5 is designed from the ground up with Mazda’s Skyactiv philosophy, that improves fuel economy without sacrificing exciting driving characteristics. The Honda CR-V is America’s best selling compact crossover, and might continue to be America’s darling with its new styling and good fuel economy. Both the Mazda CX-5 and Honda CR-V are available with all-wheel drive, but lack engine options and are only available with four cylinder engines. The advantage is that in combined driving conditions, the Mazda gets 29 mpg, while the CR-V gets 26 mpg.

In the premium class, German rivals Mercedes-Benz and BMW have also entered some compelling vehicles into the crossover segment. The 2012 BMW X1 fills the role of compact crossover for BMW. While the X1 has been available in Canada for about a year, the vehicle will be all new to the U.S. and come in two versions: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, or a turbocharged 3.0 liter inline-six. Only the six-cylinder vehicle will come standard with BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system. The 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK has received minor visual updates, but will be available in an all-new (for North America) 2.1 liter diesel engine. That should help make the GLK a more gas-friendly, yet fun to drive crossover.