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.

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.

Following a major re-design last year, the 2019 Mazda CX-5, the brand's best-selling vehicle four years running, adds a new turbo engine for two new trim levels, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability on select models, while continuing with class-above features at every price point. But it remains held back by an awkward infotainment interface, middling cargo volume, and a stiff ride with too much road and wind noise on models with larger wheels.

An all-new model last year, the 2019 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross offers an eclectic design, a smooth ride, a better-than-average warranty, and an attractive entry-level price. But those draws can't overcome a number of shortcomings that include a tight cabin finished in mediocre materials, a turbo-4 burdened with an indecisive CVT, and a lack of advanced safety features on most trim levels.

The 2019 Hyundai Kona continues the brand's notable value proposition by offering buyers competitive fuel economy, a class-above interior, an intuitive infotainment system and, for 2019, a range of advanced safety features that are standard on all trim levels. But it remains hampered by busy styling touches, a standard engine that offers only modest acceleration, and an interior that's on the small side for the segment.

We spend a week in the 2019 Honda HR-V, the brand's smallest crossover, and find that it continues to offer a smooth ride, a brilliantly versatile interior with class-leading cargo space, and a good value proposition. At the same time, acceleration is nothing to write home about, advanced safety features are missing from the two most affordable models, the new Sport model offers no performance advantage, and the sportier manual transmission has been dropped from the entire lineup.

The 2018 Lexus LX 570 features off-road capable body-on-frame construction, big V8 power, plenty of towing capability, and a leather and wood-trimmed cabin worthy of a luxury yacht. At the same time, body lean in cornering is abundant, third row occupants should be limited to small people, gas mileage is horrible, while most owners will never need - or use - its off-road capabilities.