Unchanged a year following a complete redesign, the 2020 Toyota Avalon Hybrid retains a sleek design, smooth ride, standard advanced safety systems, and impressive fuel economy. At the same time, steering is numb, the engine sounds ragged when hustled, the large grille overpowers the sleek design, while rear cross-traffic alert is only available as part of an expensive option package on the top-trim Limited.

Three years into its current model cycle, the 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid continues to impress, offering a sharp design, smooth ride, spacious interior, and excellent fuel economy, while a new audio alert system should translate to increased safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users. At the same time, steering is numb, much of the interior door trim is hard plastic, while engaging Sport mode invites CVT drone.

The 2019 Mazda Mazda6 continues to impress with a gorgeous design, sharp handling, and responsive 4-cylinder turbo on the top three trims, while meaningful additions for 2019 include additional advanced safety features on the entry-level model plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on all but the base trim. At the same time, the infotainment software remains distracting, top trims are pricey, the ride is much firmer than rivals, while a manual transmission is no longer available.

The all-new 2019 Mazda Mazda3 hatchback impresses with a stunning interior, improved ride comfort, optional all-wheel-drive, solid fuel economy figures, and a number of advanced safety features. However, we continue to be disappointed by the tight rear seat, a polarizing design that limits driver visibility from the B-pillar on back, a watered-down driving character and, despite improved software, a needlessly complex infotainment system.

Unchanged from last year, the 2019 Genesis G90 sits atop the brand’s lineup, offering luxury buyers a sumptuous interior, cosseting ride, and an abundance of standard features. But it continues to disappoint with an innocuous design, a V-8 that doesn’t reward the extra shekels, and a wing medallion that still lacks the prestige of the roundel and three-pointed star.

Despite a boring interior, less than sporty handling, tight rear quarters, and limited availability, the 2019 Kia Niro EV EX Premium manages to impress with brisk acceleration, a smooth ride, a 239-mile range, and a long list of standard advanced safety features.

Mid-cycle updates including the addition of standard advanced safety features keep the 2019 Hyundai Elantra Sport fresh, while the 2.0-liter turbo and fully-independent suspension make for entertaining daily drives. But all is not perfect, as pedal feel and steering feedback could be better, while the 6-speed manual will not be offered next year.

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.