CARS & CONCEPTS: New or refreshed offerings from Lexus, Kia, Hyundai and more

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 Sport Performance, above, is the first of what the luxury automaker promises to be a line of F Sport Performance models designed to “appeal to passionate driving enthusiasts.” The IS 500, expected at Canadian dealerships in the fall, comes with a 472-horsepower 5.0-litre V-8 engine and the same eight-speed automatic transmission used in the IS 300 rear-wheel-drive model. Exterior changes include a raised hood, longer front fenders and a black rear lip spoiler.

2022 KIA CARNIVAL

Kia is positioning the Carnival as a more luxurious and advanced vehicle than the outgoing Sedona minivan. The Carnival, described by Kia as a “multipurpose vehicle,” is more reminiscent of a utility vehicle than a minivan, though it can fit eight people and has sliding side doors. Five trim levels are available, with a starting price of $36,345 including $1,850 shipping. A 290-horsepower 3.5-litre V-6 is paired with an eight speed automatic transmission.

2022 HYUNDAI IONIQ 5

Hyundai’s new electric crossover has futuristic styling that should help it stand out against a backdrop of Tesla vehicles and other EVs coming on stream. A large rectangular digital instrument cluster is nestled between the dash and the steering column, while 20-inch wheels give the exterior a somewhat rugged look. The Ioniq 5 is expected to arrive at Canadian dealerships in the fall. Hyundai plans to launch 23 global electric vehicles by 2025.

2022 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER

The fourth-generation Outlander, which goes on sale in April, shares its platform and powertrain with the redesigned 2021 Nissan Rogue. The Outlander’s bold nose highlights the exterior while the interior gets a 12.3-inch display and available leather seats. The Outlander has standard front-wheel drive and a 181-horsepower 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine. Pricing starts at $33,898 including $1,900 shipping.

MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS

The automaker says the redesigned C-Class has a cockpit inspired by the top-end S-Class sedan, including the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system. A turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine produces 255 horsepower, yielding a company-recorded zero-to-100-km/h time of six seconds. The C-Class is expected to arrive in Canadian showrooms in the first quarter of 2022.