The 2018 Mazda CX-5 marks the first major re-design of the brand's best-selling vehicle - with a slicker design inside and out, a more fuel efficient engine, additional safety equipment, and class-above features at every price point. But it's held back by a clumsy infotainment interface, mediocre cargo volume, and a stiff ride with too much road and wind noise on models with larger wheels.

In a class dominated by the BMW 5-Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the 2018 Lexus GS 350 has – through reliability, low ownership costs, and spectacular customer service – stolen a bit of the German's thunder. The latest iteration is market by flowing lines, supportive front seats, and handling prowess. A 2016 refresh added a much-needed spark, but rear seat knee room remains tight, the smaller gas engine lacks punch, the larger gas engine is hardly thrifty, while the infotainment interface is a nightmare to operate while moving.

The 2018 Hyundai Accent is all-new this year with a new upscale look, more rear seat headroom, and excellent EPA numbers. But the hatchback is history, acceleration can get noisy, it lacks a number of advanced safety features, while automatic emergency braking is only available on the top-trim Limited.

The all-new 2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid gets a crisp new design, improved fuel economy, and an abundance of active safety features. But its lower seat height may lack appeal in a market that's shifting to crossovers, while the SE trim is not what we'd call "sporty."

We spend a week in the all-new 2018 Kia Rio – the smallest and least expensive offering from the Korean manufacturer – and come away appreciating its improved ride, quieter cabin, and cleaner lines. At the same time, the base model offers a dearth of power features, upper trims are pricey for the class, while passing at highway speeds requires some forethought.

Four years into its model cycle, the 2019 Mazda CX-3 receives a number of interior and exterior updates, more standard safety features, a slight increase in horsepower, and improved fuel economy.

At the Midwest Automotive Media Association's Spring Rally earlier this year, we were able to secure some seat time in the all-new 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback and came away thinking that although it still isn't exactly sporty, it's more fun to drive than any Corolla model in at least the last ten years.

The comfortable and well-equipped 2018 Lexus NX 300 features a mild exterior and interior refresh along with a range of advanced driver assistance features now standard across the lineup. But it also soldiers on with average fuel economy, mediocre handling, and an annoyingly distracting infotainment interface.

The 2019 price list includes the normally aspirated Veloster as well as a trio of turbocharged models.

Nissan is adding to its crossover lineup with the new-for-North America 2018 Kicks and, earlier this week, announced base prices for all three trim levels that will arrive in dealer showrooms later this spring.