Luxury is all the rage today. Not that it hasn't been for many years, but look at advertisements and marketing materials right now, and you'll notice the word "PREMIUM" has snuck into our language quite aggressively.

What does that mean when it comes to SUVs and crossover vehicles? It means that features that were recently considered premium have become almost standard, even on non-premium vehicles, and that luxury car makers have to continuously raise the bar. More features, more technology, a higher level of luxury than ever before has become content on luxury SUVs.

I've collected the best of the best, and created this Top 6 Luxury SUVs and Crossovers by Class for your reference.

Photo © Maserati

Compact and even sub-compact SUVs are the next wave. Mark my words. Practicality and fuel efficiency are the next frontiers for many buyers, who are starting to realize that a big Chevy Suburban or Toyota Sequoia doesn't make as much sense as it could in 90% of driving situations. Unwilling or unable to give up the branding and impact that they've built up for the SUV and crossover vehicle, manufacturers are going to bring out an increasing number of compact and even subcompact SUVs. These vehicles will attempt to recreate the feeling of command driving position and SUV attitude in a much smaller, more fuel-efficient package. The first wave is already arriving, with the new Ford Escape and Mazda CX-5.

Actually, I think the first wave landed a few years ago, but at a time when the manufacturers were reluctant to stamp a car with the crossover label, even if it met all of the criteria. I'm pointing at the Scion xB, Kia Soul and the subject of today's review, the 2012 Nissan Cube. With an upright seating position, squared-off cargo compartment with a tailgate and fold down seats, the Cube is a car-based SUV: that is, a crossover vehicle, pure and simple. So, I have claimed it for this site. And I will claim others.

What do you think of the 2012 Nissan Cube? Is it an SUV or a car? Does it matter?

Photo © Nissan

I'm always happy to feature a review from Aaron Gold, About.com's Guide to Cars. Aaron and I don't always agree about SUVs, but I always get a good sense of what the vehicle is from Aaron's reviews. I hope you agree.

The latest from Aaron is this 2013 Acura RDX Test Drive and Review. I'll save the suspense -- Aaron liked it. He really liked it.

Why is this a big deal? Because Aaron also recently drove the new 2013 Acura ILX. He hated it. He really hated it.

And when Aaron hates a vehicle, he doesn't pull any punches. "I'm actually a bit angry that Acura has taken their legacy for great small cars, crumpled it up into a ball, thrown it at the wastebasket, and missed," he stated in his ILX review.

Ouch.

I think I'll try to stay on Aaron's good side for a while. In the meantime, enjoy Aaron's 2013 Acura RDX Test Drive and Review.

Photo © Aaron Gold

I may just be too sensitive or old fashioned. You tell me. But there's something about the marketing for the new Ford Escape that makes me uncomfortable.

There's little about the new vehicle that makes me uncomfortable, though. Take a look at this 2013 Ford Escape Test Drive and Review, and you'll see what I mean. The new Escape is better, more efficient and more high-tech than the outgoing model. It really deserves some attention.

My challenge is the reality tv program that Ford has developed, and that's airing now on NBC, Escape Routes. It's a travel competition show in the spirit of The Amazing Race, and the Escape is the engine that drives the show. The competitors all drive 2013 Escapes from one location to the next, and the vehicle is integrated into the "editorial" part of the show. Advertising and entertainment converge in a way that hits all of my buttons, and I find myself resenting it.

I recognize that this is what tv is nowadays. Actually, it's what tv has always been -- a medium to sell goods and services. The entertainment part is just there to keep you hooked between commercials. Only now, the entertainment part and the commercials are one and the same.

How do you feel about this? Will Escape Routes inspire you to buy an Escape -- or avoid one?

Photo © Jason Fogelson