Thursday, 28 March 2024
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It’s important to be unique when you reach the upper echelons of the vehicle food chain. 

Prestigious luxury brands must offer a flagship vehicle that stands out from the competition in a segment where all competitors are going to have a quality offering, by definition.

Lexus is one of those brands competing for the luxury car buyer’s dollar, and its LS 500 full-size sedan is quite the specimen. I recently spent some time in a 2019 LS 500 and I’m back with a full report on whether it holds up to the crème de la crème.

LOOKS

Lexus is up against some extremely heavy hitters in the luxury realm, folks who’ve been at it for much longer that Lexus has been around. 

So Lexus has made the decision to boldly style its grilles in a large spider-web design that takes up most of the front of the vehicle.

This is in sharp contrast to the competition, which are typically more sedated and classically designed. The exterior of the LS 500 also features very sharp, attractive sidelines and a low profile.

Additional Info

  • Vehicle 2019 Lexus LS 500 F SPORT     
  • Price as tested $88,605  
  • Best feature Exquisite design, sporty performance       
  • Rating 4 out of five stars       
  • Who will want this vehicle? High-end luxury sedan buyers wanting a roomy, attractive, smooth and speedy ride.
Posted On Thursday, 24 October 2019 00:55 Written by
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Rumor is that the sedan is dying, but don’t tell that to Toyota.

Their Camry is a class-leading midsize sedan that shows up in the upper echelon of U.S. sales charts on an annual basis, despite heavy competition from SUV sales.

I recently spent some time in a 2019 Camry, and I’m back with a full report on what the Camry has to offer that keeps it in those charts.

LOOKS 

Toyota’s exterior designs in recent years are a bit polarizing. The bold front grilles and overall look of newer Toyotas turn off some customers, but are appreciated by others at the same time. The 2019 Camry’s design is one you’ll likely either love or hate. 

The interior of the 2019 Camry I tested was plush and inviting, but not at luxury levels. You’ll need to move up to a Lexus for that level of quality. Still, nothing felt cheap or thrown together on the Camry.

Another positive in the design, especially for families, is a back seat that is actually quite roomy, moreso than many of its sedan competitors. Cargo space is also ample for the segment.

If you’re someone who is used to an SUV, and the extra room SUVs offer, the Camry may feel a bit cramped. But if you’re a sedan fan, you’ll find it holds up well against the competition.

Additional Info

  • Vehicle 2019 Toyota Camry  
  • Price as tested $37,824 (starts at $24K) 
  • Best feature Plenty of room, industry leader for safety and reliability  
  • Rating 4 out of five stars  
  • Who will want this vehicle? Families wanting a practical, safe family sedan
Posted On Wednesday, 09 October 2019 00:36 Written by
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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.

Additional Info

  • Vehicle 2019 Toyota Avalon 
  • Price as tested $44,913 
  • Best feature Luxury-level looks and performance 
  • Rating 4 out of five stars 
  • Who will want this vehicle? Full-size sedan buyers looking for an upscale ride without heading into the luxury realm 
Posted On Saturday, 21 September 2019 23:22 Written by
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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.

Additional Info

  • Vehicle 2019 Genesis G70
  • Price as tested $44,895 (starts at $34,900)  
  • Best feature Thrilling and responsive ride quality  
  • Rating 4.5 out of five stars  
  • Who will want this vehicle? Luxury sedan buyers looking to get one of the sharpest and smoothest new entries in the category 
Posted On Saturday, 21 September 2019 20:10 Written by
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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. 

Additional Info

  • Vehicle 2019 Volvo V90 Cross Country 
  • Price as tested $62,190 
  • Best feature Luxurious, upscale station wagon with some off-road capability
  • Rating 4 out of five stars
  • Who will want this vehicle? Buyers who want the feel of an old-school station wagon mixed with today’s luxury design
Posted On Tuesday, 10 September 2019 23:36 Written by
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