By Owen Gorsuch, Staff Writer

After a two year hiatus, the Cincinnati Auto Expo, the tri-state’s premier auto show, returned inside the newly renovated First Financial Center from March 26-29. This year, BMW and Chevrolet offered free test drives to visitors, including rides in the new BMW X3 and Chevrolet Equinox EV.

Marketed as “The Ultimate Driving Machine,” the BMW X3 is disappointing. It has a starting manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $51,300, with an interior noticeably less refined than the previous generation X3. While large screens are an unfortunate trend in the luxury car market, this does not excuse the X3 from having an interior that is confusing at best and overwhelming at worst.

Climate controls in the infotainment display might seem good on paper, but in practice it clutters the field of vision while driving. To be fair, X3 owners will get used to the interior after a while, but it is not a good impression for someone who drives it for the first time.

In contrast, the Chevrolet Equinox EV is a solid vehicle to drive. It has physical climate controls, comfortable seats and a more traditional gauge cluster compared to the X3. The Equinox EV offered for a test drive, an RS model, has a starting MSRP of $45,895, and the all-wheel drive model’s MSRP priced at $2,000 below the X3.

While there are advantages and disadvantages to both electric and gas powered cars, I found myself having an easier time driving the Equinox EV than the X3. This might be because Chevrolet did not reinvent the wheel with the interior. Even if the X3 is better overall, the Equinox EV is great for what it is at a lower price point. 

The SUV of the Year award goes to the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid. The Kia Sorento Hybrid and Mazda CX-50 were also top contenders, but the Santa Fe wins because of its unique boxy design and simple dashboard layout that includes a physical radio tuning knob.

Next, the Performance Car of the Year award goes to the new BMW M5 Touring. The M5 Touring wins because it is the first BMW performance station wagon sold in the United States. The earlier complaints about the X3 do not apply here, because unlike the X3, the M5 Touring is in a class of its own.

However, with a starting price of $125,300, the M5 Touring is too expensive to be considered for overall best in show. A more attainable honorable mention is the new Subaru WRX tS, complete with Recaro bucket seats.

The College Car of the Year award is for cars priced reasonably enough for a Xavier student in the market for a new car. This award goes to the new Kia K4 hatchback. In a world full of crossovers, Kia proves it is still possible to build a chic, interesting and modern hatchback in the U.S. 

The Car of the Year goes to the facelifted Kia EV6. While Kia’s new exterior design language is polarizing, the interior of the EV6 is pleasant. The steering wheel feels fantastic and the blue lighting is a nice touch. Overall, it is an approachable electric car for a wide audience. While the Toyota Crown and Honda Prelude were considered for this award, the EV6 stands out with its uniqueness.

 In the renovated convention center, the Cincinnati Auto Expo is back in style.