For a newer vehicle to succeed, it must check multiple boxes.

For the 2020 Volvo XC40, one of those boxes is filling the demand on the smaller end of the SUV scale, a segment for which demand has grown tremendously in the past handful of years.

The other key box it checks is that, like all Volvo offerings, it offers an extremely impressive amount of safety features to luxury car buyers.
But in a crowded category with plenty of excellent offerings from multiple leading brands, is it enough to stand out? Read on for a full review.

The Lexus RX 450h is the rare combination of a ride that is smooth, quiet and even a bit powerful when you need it to be.

The RX line is the best-selling luxury SUV in America, so its following is already quite strong, but it sees a refresh for the 2020 model year. Did it get even better? Read on and find out.

LOOKS

The exterior design of the 2020 Lexus RX sees some significant changes, including an even larger spindle grille and changes to the front bumper and headlight designs, and updates to rear bumper and taillight. It also updates the suspension hardware to improve the ride quality.

On the interior, the experience for both the driver and passengers is very comfortable. Lexus always delivers on their interiors, and this one is tremendously crafted and high-end throughout. Head and leg space is ample for everyone inside, though the one knock I have is that the cargo capacity is a bit limited compared to other luxury SUVs of this category.

The RX 450h features 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels, LED headlamps and tail lamps, dual-zone automatic climate control with rear vents, extremely comfortable power NuLuxe trimmed front seats, power Tilt and telescopic steering column.

Despite a healthy lineup of SUVs already in their arsenal, including the tiny but lauded Hyundai Kona, Hyundai decided that another, even smaller, subcompact was needed.

Aimed at city dwellers who need a compact ride for small parking spaces and strong fuel mileage, but want more than a subcompact sedan, the Hyundai Venue debuted for the 2020 model year.

I recently spent some time driving a 2020 Venue, and here’s a full report on my experience and where this vehicle fits in the growing SUV/crossover landscape.

LOOKS
Measuring several inches shorter than the already diminutive Kona, the Venue is not meant for people who regularly transport passengers who are not small children or tiny adults. It’s also not meant for road trips due to its lack of power and lack of storage space. It’s a commuter car through and through, so my advice is to use the rear seating as a storage area.

The exterior design of the Venue is one of the nicer-looking in the segment, combining the looks of a hatchback with crossover styling.

There’s a false conception held by many automotive shoppers that you have to either choose a family-friendly luxury SUV, or choose something more adventurous.

While the options are rare, there are some vehicles that still bridge this gap, and one of those is the 2020 Lexus GX460, a large SUV that’s a cross between a stylish and luxurious family ride and an off-road-ready adventure machine. 

There are many luxury SUVs to compete with the Lexus GX, but this vehicle essentially stands alone in the class as an old-school body-on-frame SUV that is truly off-road capable. I recently spent some time in a 2020 GX460, and I’m back with a full report.

LOOKS

Considering what the GX460 is capable of, you wouldn't expect it to have the luxurious look and feel that it does inside and out.

Lexus always delivers on their interiors, and the plush seating in the GX will be comfortable even on very long rides. It's extremely roomy inside the GX, except the third row which is a bit tight and meant for smaller children.

As the inevitable, industry-wide move toward eco-friendly cars continues, all brands and all segments are getting into the green mode with more hybrids and electric offerings.

Volvo is on this bandwagon too, offering two SUVs in plug-in hybrid modes: The XC60 (mid-size) and XC90 (full-size).

I recently drove a 2020 Volvo XC90 hybrid and I’m back with a full report on what it has to offer for luxury buyers seeking the best high-end but environmentally friendly vehicle.

LOOKS
The XC90 hybrid I tested featured seating for 6 passengers, but you can also opt for a 7-seat version. Be aware though, that the third row is pretty small, and not for adults.

It features an attractive and comfortable interior that all families will enjoy. From the sharp wood inlays that accent the design, to the high quality materials used throughout the vehicle, there is nothing that isn't high end in this vehicle. And most importantly, it’s quite roomy and has excellent storage options and versatility.

The exterior design is also very sharp with Volvo's unique, shapely and bold design that is generally eye-catching. The wheels are another visual standout.