Sedans, especially the full-size variety, are a segment that automakers are fleeing in droves. Nissan, however, is bucking this trend and has stayed committed to sedans, and even continues to upgrade them.

The 2019 Nissan Maxima, their flagship sedan, gets a refresh and can now be called an excellent contender in this category, pushing itself to near-luxury territory.
I recently tested a 2019 Maxima and I’m back with a full report.

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The exterior of the 2019 Maxima features upgraded front and rear styling, plus 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.

Once you go inside you’ll find one of the sharpest non-luxury vehicles you can buy. The interior design features premium leather-appointed seats, with diamond-quilted leather inserts on the Platinum trim I tested. There’s an attractive tan insert on the steering wheel offering a two-tone appearance, plus satin bronze interior faceted finishers.

You also get creature comforts like heated front seats (and optional heated rear seats). This being a full-size sedan, it’s roomy and no matter where you sit you’ll be very, very comfortable — both due to the size of the vehicle and the overall quality materials used inside. The trunk is also roomy for the segment.

If I were handing out interior design awards, this Nissan would definitely be in the running to win something.

The reality is that most SUVs and crossovers are used for shopping mall trips and soccer practices.

But Jeeps are different. They still have a loyal crowd who gets a bit more adventurous and goes places most of us won’t go. With that in mind, their Trailhawk offerings are offered to please this off-the-beaten-path crowd.

I recently spent some time in a Jeep Compass Trailhawk, and I’m back with a full report.

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No surprises on the grille: Your standard Jeep design can be found up front with the seven stripes.
In terms of an overall look, it’s a pretty straightforward small crossover design, with a clearly all-business/rugged look to it. The two-tone paint scheme on the hood did spice the look up a bit.

Inside seats on the Compass Trailhawk were comfy, but this isn’t a vehicle that’s trying to be luxurious (leather-wrapped steering wheel being a lone exception to that rule). The front row was comfy, but overall the inside is a bit cramped, especially in the back seat.

There is a well-designed layout of all the interior controls and a great setup on the center touchscreen. Steering wheel controls are also straightforward, and you get the option to add a power liftgate, as well as a dual-pane sunroof.

The first image that pops into most people’s minds when hearing the word Subaru likely involves wagons or rally cars. But Subaru has recently rejoined the rest of the automotive world by offering its own brand new three-row SUV: The Subaru Ascent.

Subaru exited the three-row SUV category a half-decade ago when the Tribeca was retired, but the Ascent is a much better offering than their previous go-around.

I recently spent some time in the 2019 Ascent, which has the daunting task of battling a bevy of longtime competitors in the segment — including the Ford Explorer, Chevy Traverse, Dodge Durango, Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot and more.

Read on for a full assessment on how the Ascent succeeds in its attempt to climb that hill.