While the exhibit floor at this year’s show in Detroit is packed with pickup trucks, none of them are new. Instead, the focus is on revamped SUVs.

Detroit – While the exhibit floor at this year’s show is packed with pickup trucks, none of them are new. Instead, the focus is on revamped SUVs. Some, such as the fourth-generation Nissan Pathfinder, is all new in a traditional large truck format. But, among the new nameplates, it’s the exception. The rest are smaller SUVs aimed at younger family buyers and also at ageing Baby Boomers who are downsizing.

For 2012, there wasn’t a single cargo bed among the three finalists for North American Truck of the Year. Instead, this annual award category was populated only by SUVs — the BMW X3, Range Rover Evoque and Honda CR-V. This year, Land Rover took top honours with its all-new Evoque. This is the first time Land Rover has won the North American Truck of the Year award. Decided by a group of 50 automotive journalists from the United States and Canada, Truck of the Year is chosen based on the following categories — value for the dollar, innovation, handling, performance, safety and driver satisfaction.

ACURA

This small SUV prototype shown here is the second generation of the Acura RDX. This five-passenger crossover is looking to not only add an updated fascia to market but also a new engine, transmission and all-wheel-drive system. Scheduled to launch this spring, the new engine will be a 3.5-litre V6 engine that produces 273 horsepower— 33 more than the outgoing model. The RDX also gets a six-speed automatic transmission with a new lock-up torque converter and a new, lighter all-wheel-drive system. The RDX exterior gets a longer sculpted hood with lines that draw the design out on a longer frame and wider track. This feature also translates to larger door openings, increased passenger room and more cargo space. Also new will be Amplitude Reactive Dampers, a power rear tailgate and a new motion adaptive electronic power steering system. On the tech side, look for a new three-view rear camera, advanced navigation system and up to 15 gigabytes of music storage.

BUICK

Buick rolled out the Encore, an all-new compact SUV that Ed Welburn, head of GM design, says is a cross among utility, luxury and practicality. The Encore taps into the young person’s need for luxury and the Boomers’ need for downsized practicality, says GM. Nicely styled, though small, it will seat five people and their cargo.

However, the Encore will also strive for fuel efficiency with a standard Ecotec 1.4L turbo four-cylinder and six-speed automatic transmission. Inside, the cabin is very Buick with a mix of dark and light tones accented with ice-blue ambient lighting and bright wood-grain trim. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel will be available.

The Encore is not due in showrooms until the first quarter of 2013.

INFINITI