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.

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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.

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.

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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.

It’s rare to be a “first” or “only” anything in today’s automotive world.
But the Chrysler Pacifica hybrid can claim to be America’s first and only hybrid minivan, an impressive feat in and of itself.

Why go this route? For one thing, Chrysler has long been a leader in the minivan segment, and is smart to make moves like this to appeal to younger families looking for a roomy ride that is also eco-friendly.

Here’s a full report on what the Pacifica hybrid has to offer.

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.

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.