The Hyundai Kona came seemingly out of nowhere this past January, and took home Utility Vehicle of the Year honors at the 2019 North American International Show. This continues a recent trend of successful launches for Hyundai, which has garnered significant critical acclaim and growing market share.

So what's all the hype about? I'm here to break it down for you after spending some time in the Kona, a vehicle on a mission to disrupt the ever-growing subcompact crossover market.

LOOKS

The 2019 Hyundai Kona is short, as all subcompacts are, but also sharp-looking. Hyundai includes unique and stylish headlights and a chrome-framed grille. The inside is not fancy (there’s plenty of plastic to be found), but also not cheaply put together, even offering leather seating, steering wheel and shift knob.

It comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, auto on/off headlights, LED headlights and taillights, power tilt and slide sunroof, rain sensing windshield wipers, heated side mirrors with turn signal indicators, heated front seats and a center armrest in the rear.

Typical for the segment, there is limited space in the back seat unless driver and passenger up front are very short. Seating is comfortable for the front passengers on long and short trips, and the back seat folds down to increase storage space. Speaking of storage space, it’s not bad for the class, but don’t expect miracles. This isn’t a full-size, or even mid-size, SUV.

It could be argued that there are already enough vehicles in the compact luxury SUV segment, which has been growing like a weed in the past few years.

Good thing Volvo didn’t listen to that school of thought, as their XC40 entry is one recent addition to the segment that delivers both on looks and performance, in addition to safety.

Read on for a full assessment of the 2019 XC40, which has the goods to disrupt this segment and achieve long-term success.

LOOKS

When I got my first look at the XC40, I immediately thought it was one of the sharpest looking rides I have seen in a long time. My test vehicle was a beautiful light blue color, with a white top and a long sunroof. The body was impressively designed with unique deep side lines. And to top it off, a nice little Swedish flag is attached to remind you of Volvo's heritage.

From a distance, it almost reminded me of the look of an classic car from the 60s, a bit of a retro throwback.

Having a strong look is important in this class, as everyone from Audi to Lexus to Infiniti comes with their A-game in terms of design.

When Lexus debuted the RX in the late 1990s, it was one of the original creators of the crossover market that has taken over auto industry in the past two decades. Today, it feels like there’s a new crossover announced every month, but it was a risk back in the day.

The move paid off, as the RX has been a top seller for Lexus for many years, leading sales charts in its class on a regular basis.

But something was holding it back from further success. Unlike some competitors, it only offered a two-row version (housing 5 passengers), and didn’t have a 3-row option for people wanting some extra room for the little ones in back. That has changed with the arrival of the RX 350L option, which boosts capacity to 7 passengers.

How does the three-row edition of the RX measure up to other luxury 7-seaters? Read on for a full report.