As Americans continue to flock to SUVs, the field of competitors in the large sedan battlefield remains a small one, especially when you exclude the high-end luxury models.

One holdout in the category that is sticking around and trying to remain a segment leader is the Toyota Avalon, which I recently spent some time in.

LOOKS

The Toyota Avalon, redesigned for the 2019 model, makes a strong impression with its unique look and luxurious feel.

During my time in the Avalon, many people told me they thought it was a Lexus. 

I was not surprised to hear this, as the Avalon looks and feels like an entry-level Lexus model.

The sedan that has been racking up awards all year, including the big Car of the Year prize at NAIAS to kick off 2019, was not what everyone expected.

The Genesis G70, the third vehicle offered by Hyundai’s still-new luxury Genesis label, debuted in style, and has earned nearly universal praise.

But is this small sport sedan worth all the hype? Read on for a full report of my time in the 2019 G70 to find out.

So you want a luxury SUV … but you also want it to be sporty and racy, not just the usual focus on comfort and a smooth ride?

While the options are not plentiful, I may have a solution for you: Meet the 2019 BMW X2 M35i.

In the category of compact luxury SUVs, options include: Volvo XC40, BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA, Lexus UX, Cadillac XT4 and Infiniti QX30. All of these vehicles have something to offer, but BMW was smart to also offer the X2, a more sporty version of its X1 compact.

The X2 comes in three trim levels, a regular front-wheel drive version (sDrive 28i), a regular all-wheel drive version (xDrive 28i), and finally the best (and really, the only) option to consider: The M35i.

The station wagon is not dead. It's just been upgraded. 

The 2019 Volvo V90 Cross Country is proof of that.

For those who aren’t sold on today’s crop of endless SUVS and crossovers, the V90 Cross Country is a refreshing alternative: A throwback to the wagons of the past that combines a high-end design with versatile storage options and also offers the ability to get off the beaten path. 

Many SUVs these days aim for a bit of flash.

Some razzle dazzle to get your attention amid a growing sea of offerings.

But not the Toyota Highlander.

It is what it is. No gimmicks.

It’s an SUV for families who want reliability and versatility. And it delivers.

Let's take a more in-depth look at how the 2019 Toyota Highlander measures up in a crowded SUV field.

Flagship sedans need to be showstoppers — high-end, luxurious models that will make their owners feel immediately at home and offer power, looks and technology that can create buyer loyalty. 

Only a few vehicles really meet this criteria: S class (Benz), 7 series (BMW), A8 (Audi), LS (Lexus) … and now, the K900 from Kia.

No, that’s not a typo.

In addition to the usual suspects,  there is a strong contender emerging in the class of full-size luxury sedans. And oddly enough, it comes from Kia, a brand not often associated with luxury design.

I recently spent some time driving a 2019 Kia K900, and I’m back with a full report on this surprisingly well-executed contender for the luxury sedan crown.

Financial Times Future of the Car Summit USA returns to Detroit for Round Two in 2019 — featuring the best minds in the industry discussing the changes and challenges to come as new technology comes into play, and how key players can stay ahead of the curve.

Knowledge and preparation will make the difference between success and failure as the industry evolves, and key issues surrounding autonomous vehicles, electric vehicles and other advances will be discussed by the key players in the industry at the Summit, scheduled for 8 a.m.-5.30 p.m. on October 29, 2019, at the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center, 400 Renaissance Drive in Detroit.  

The event will welcome representatives from OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, dealerships, insurance providers, law firms, transportation companies and more. Public sector attendees will include state leaders in finance and transportation, as well as investment leaders from America’s largest cities. 

Confirmed attendees for 2019 include executives from Kia, FCA, Jaguar/Land Rover, Kawasaki, Ford, General Motors, Audi and AM General. More than 150 of the most influential players in the industry are expected in total.

Attendees in 2018 included: AAM, AM General, Bridgestone, Daimler, FCA, Ford, General Motors, Hyundai, Isuzu, Karma Automotive, Kawasaki, Lyft, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Porsche, PSA, Toyota, Uber, Volkswagen and Volvo.

Those in attendance will have a chance to:

• Connect with automotive thought leaders from around the world
• Meet new players in the industry and explore strategic partnerships 
• Hear updates on demand patterns in the global automotive market
• Explore the latest breakthroughs in connectivity and automation

BROOKLYN, Mich. — No matter what you look for in a NASCAR race, Sunday’s battle at MIS should have been one you enjoyed.

For starters, there was plenty of drama and cautions to spice things up.

Nobody was able to run away out front, restarts were hectic and, unlike June, there was actual competitive passes up front for the lead throughout the race.

Often, the two cars battling for the lead would be side-by-side for an entire lap or more before either one got the advantage.

There was also great parity, with no clear favorite to win. At one point, all 4 Gibbs Toyotas ran 1-2-3-4 up front.

At another point, the 3 Penske Fords plus affiliated Paul Menard ran 1-2-3-4 up front

Chevys including Kurt Busch and Kyle Larson also ran strong all race and made things interesting.