Three must-see models wow Chicago Auto Show

CHICAGO — There's plenty to see as the public gets a look at the Chicago Auto Show, but having surveyed the floor during the press preview last week, three models stood out.

What's interesting is that the three are so different: a family crossover, a small concept vehicle and a pickup truck. Our three picks:

• Honda Pilot. It's entirely new. The biggest change is its new rounded profile, replacing the boxy shape that made the current version of the midsize crossover look a little like a rolling bank vault. The new one is 300 pounds lighter, due in part to more extensive use of high-strength steel. It'a also three inches longer. Our favorite feature, however, is a little button that may finally get around the age-old problem of access to the third row in three-row SUVs. On this one, the seats come neatly forward in a way that's a vast improvement. Honda says parents won't have to help their kids climb into the third row anymore.

•Kia Trail'ster. Kia never fails to impress with creativity at the Chicago Auto Show. It does it again this year with yet another concept version of its small, popular Soul crosssover. This one is called the Trail'ster because it has been beefed up to be off-road capable. There is more ground clearance, tow hooks, a cloth sunroof, integrated luggage rack and other features. It also has a novel powertrain, combining the 1.6-liter turbo engine with an electric motor. It's all meant for more pep and fuel economy.

• Ram Laramie Limited. Ram introduced one of its fanciest trucks at the show. The new version of the Laramie Limited pours on the chrome, from the badging front and back to new strips along the side. Inside, there's leather everywhere — even on the handgrips to help passengers get in and out. Our favorite feature is a new center divider that lets you slip in your smartphone or tablet computer so that it sticks straight up and is easy to glance at.