All 2019 Toyota Corolla models are sensible, economical, and offer a host of advanced safety systems. At the same time, most are boring to drive and, until recently, offered all the allure and design panache of a large appliance. However, if you’re in the market for a new compact car and simply must have a Toyota, the latest hatchback is the one to get.

All-new last year, the 2019 Lexus LS 500, the brand’s flagship sedan, impresses with a sinewy shape, sybaritic interior, and serene ride, but falls short of perfection with unimpressive piped-in engine sounds, numb steering, and an improved – but still irritating – touchpad interface.

The 2019 Genesis G70 3.3T is a performance bargain that offers dashing good looks, a potent V-6, and exceptional dynamics that, despite tight rear seating, a smallish trunk, and middling fuel economy, is a worthy competitor to compact sports sedans from Germany, Japan, and the US.

In addition to a smooth ride, comfortable seats, and flexible interior, the 2019 Honda Pilot receives a number of updates including revised front and rear fascias, new software and volume knob for the infotainment system, a new Odyssey-inspired steering wheel and gauge cluster, and a wide range of advanced safety features now standard across the lineup. But it falls short of perfection as captain's chairs are only available on the top two trims, the 9-speed transmission is balky, a hybrid version is unavailable, and the Odyssey remains more suited for larger families.

We get some seat time in the 2020 Hyundai Palisade, which impresses with a handsome exterior, stunning interior, and smooth, quiet ride. At the same time, body acceleration is only adequate, the infotainment system can be distracting, while the lack of a hybrid model means fuel economy is just mid-pack.

After spending a week and racking up over 800 miles in the all-new Veloster N, we come away with high hopes for Hyundai's new N sub brand. For despite the tight quarters, small back seat, and funky three-door layout, the 2019 Veloster N wows with impressive acceleration, solid handling, and a stirring value proposition.

Exterior tweaks, revised suspension tuning, and a new badge mark the transition from last year's GT Sport to the 2019 Hyundai Elantra GT N Line – a model that continues to impress with entertaining ride and handling, good fuel economy, and upscale interior. But a sunroof and advanced safety features are part of an expensive option package on just the automatic, fuel economy with the manual is only middling, while rear seat legroom is tight.

Four years into its current model cycle, the 2019 Mazda CX-9 continues to offer buyers a sensuous design, wide array of advanced safety features, and a cabin that rivals many luxury brands. But interior space falls short of competitors, a hybrid variant isn't offered, while the kludgy infotainment system is frustrating and distracting.

The all-new 2019 Volvo XC40 arrives with a youthful design, Scandinavian-inspired interior, comfortable ride, and a competent turbo mated to a very good eight-speed automatic. But the design may be too quirky for some tastes, the back seat is tight for more than two, and although leather seats are standard, heating them is an extra-cost option.

We spend a week in the all-new 2019 Santa Fe that offers sharper styling, a more spacious interior, and a wider range of standard active features, while maintaining the model's compelling value proposition. At the same time, fuel economy is only average, the transmission is a bit slack down low, while the slick turbo-four is only available on Limited and Ultimate models.