New last year, the 2019 Toyota C-HR retains its chiseled looks and smooth ride, and adds new trim levels, safety and tech upgrades, and styling tweaks. But accommodations in back are cramped, acceleration borders on leisurely, while all-wheel-drive is not offered.

The 2019 Hyundai Tucson receives a refresh, and continues to impress with a broad selection of trims, active safety tech, an excellent warranty, and the brand’s solid value proposition. At the same time, it’s let down by average fuel economy, unexceptional performance, and numb steering, while the widest range of safety features are only offered on the top trim level.

All-new this year, the 2019 Lexus UX 250h comes to market with adventurous styling, a wide range of advanced safety features, and an interior that, at least for passengers, is relatively spacious given its exterior dimensions. But the hybrid-only AWD system is limited, acceleration is merely acceptable, the infotainment interface is distracting, while Sport mode offers little more than an annoying engine roar.

The all-new fifth-generation 2019 Toyota RAV4 comes to market riding a new platform with a bold new look, more upscale cabin, and a wide range of standard advanced safety features. But upper trim levels are pricey, the engine sounds coarse when pushed, while the transmission is programmed for efficiency over sportiness.

New to the lineup last year, the 2019 Lexus RX 350L continues to impress by offering a wide range of advanced safety features, increased versatility over the regular version with more cargo space, plus a standard third row for better family hauling capabilities. At the same time, the price can climb quickly, the infotainment controls are frustrating, while only small children will find the third row remotely comfortable.

All-new last year, the 2019 Volvo XC60 T8 E-AWD carries on with a lovely, subdued design, stunning, versatile cabin, silky ride, and a fuel-efficient drivetrain that features eight-speed automatic. But options elevate the price quickly, premium fuel is required, while the semi-autonomous Pilot Assist system still needs some work.

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.

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.