Every automaker has its niche. For some it’s power. Others are known for smooth handling. And some have a reputation of being reliable.

When it comes to the Volvo lineup, what comes to most people’s minds is their dedication to safety and technology, areas where Volvo has been an industry trailblazer for many years — and it’s a reputation they strive hard to maintain. 

They are also among the automakers leading the push for changes in the auto industry, with recent announcements about fully-electric vehicles and a pledge to help combat climate change by going carbon neutral.

I recently spent some time in a 2019 Volvo XC90 — the Swedish automaker’s three-row SUV — and I’m back with a full report.

LOOKS

Let’s get the superficial out of the way, and just say that the XC90 has a high-class design, in and out.

In addition to being focused on safety and a green approach, we must not forget that Volvo is a luxury brand. And you’ll immediately recognize that.

The XC90’s exterior has a unique Volvo design, especially up front and in rear. It’s one of the few brands you really can’t mix up with its competitors, even in an era of similar vehicles in many segments — a testament to Volvo’s originality.

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.

Too often, vehicles make you compromise. If it’s got power, it lacks agility. If it’s got agility, it lacks power. You have to choose what’s important to you.

Thankfully, a few vehicles are still out there which are able to remain uncompromised for the most part. One of those is the Mazda CX-9, a three-row SUV battling in an increasingly crowded segment that targets busy American families.

While there are only small changes for 2019 on the CX-9, whose current design was introduced in 2016, it doesn’t look or feel old and it remains relevant. Read on for a full report.

LOOKS

One thing Mazda had also done impressively is design their vehicles in a way that pleasantly surprises people, as the high-end look (especially inside) can take people by surprise.

The Signature trim level was on my test vehicle and it showed. Quality leather and other high-end materials could be found throughout the vehicle, and seating was comfortable on the level of a luxury ride.

More than 60 years of racing heritage helped set the stage for the most important debut in Corvette’s racing history tonight, as Chevy’s first mid-engine GTLM race car - the Corvette C8.R - made its surprise debut alongside the 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray convertible at the Kennedy Space Center. The C8.R and Corvette Stingray represent a true technology transfer, taking lessons from the street straight to the track and vice versa.