In the past few weeks, a strange-looking Buick->ke17 crossover was caught out testing. At that point, no one had any idea on what model this could be, but it now looks like the strange crossover will, in fact, be a new addition to Buick’s lineup.

Recent reports suggest that the new crossover will be named "Anthem" and will most likely be reserved for North American and Chinese markets. Buick will place it between the current Encore->ke4147 and Enclave->ke1275 models, and it will be put into production in mid-2014 as a 2015 model.

The Anthem will be built on GM's global compact architecture, also known as "Delta." As for the engine lineup, the Anthem will carry different engines for each market. For the American market, the most obvious choice of powerplants will be GM's well-known 2.5- and 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engines.

While it may sound strange to you, Buick's decision to add a third crossover to its lineup shouldn't be a surprise, especially when you consider that crossover sales improved by 14 percent this year.

Click past the jump to read more about the upcoming Buick Anthem.

Note: Buick Encore pictured here.

2015 Buick Anthem

Specifications
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  • Model: 2015 Buick Anthem
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Competitors

Nissan Murano

On sale since 2009, the second-generation Murano received its first revision in 2011 and has remained pretty much unchanged since then. The model is offered with a VQ-series 3.5-liter DOHC V-6 engine that delivers a total of 260 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque mated to an advanced Xtronic CVT transmission.

The 2013 Murano is priced from $28,440.

Kia Sorento

The second-generation Sorento was unveiled in 2009 and for the 2014 model year it was heavily revised. The model received an updated exterior and interior look, plus a new V-6 engine.

Sorento is offered with a choice of two engines: a 2.4-liter GDI four-cylinder engine that produces 191 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 181 pound-feet of torque at 4,250 rpm and a 3.3-liter GDI V-6 engine that packs 290 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and a stout 250 pound-feet of torque at 5,200 rpm.