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.

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.