2019

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2019 Volkswagen Jetta GLI: Mighty return for sedan

The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta GLI (Grand Luxury Injection) celebrates the sporty sedan’s 35th anniversary. It debuted in February at the Chicago Auto Show and is offered in S, Autobahn and a special trim commemorating the occasion. The 2019 model is also the debut of the vehicle’s seventh edition; the Jetta in other styles debuted in 1980. Its new version has a longer wheelbase (105.6 inches) and is three inches longer overall as well as slightly wider and taller and sits lower. Key Takeaways Seventh-generation Jetta celebrates GLI’s 35th anniversary: The sporty Grand Luxury Injection model returns on a stretched 105.6-inch wheelbase with three inches of added overall length, more width, and a lower stance. 2.0-liter turbo delivers 5.8-second 0-60 performance:

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2019 Nissan Pathfinder blends into SUV crowd

With nearly every other automobile on the road a sport utility vehicle, it’s often hard to differentiate brands. The 2019 Nissan Pathfinder is the mid-sized SUV’s 32nd year and it blends into the crowd. It’s been a tough go for the Pathfinder in recent years. United States yearly tallies peaked in 2013 when nearly 89,000 of the family haulers sold. With ever-increasing options from domestic and foreign manufacturers, the Pathfinder stumbled to 67,500 sales last year. The current generation debuted in 2013 and has had several upgrades and makeovers. The Pathfinder received a stronger engine and a higher towing capacity in 2017. Automatic braking was added as a standard feature last year. A few safety features have been tweaked for

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2019 Ford Ranger back but with a few warts, flat tires

After an eight-year absence, the Ford Ranger was re-introduced to the North American market late last year as a 2019 model. It marked a 60-year timestamp since the nameplate’s debut on a 1958 Edsel Ranger. The Ranger name was first used on a pickup in 1983 when Ford replaced the Ford Courier. With its return, the Ford Ranger is now mid-sized, comparable to its sibling, the Ford Explorer Sport Trac. The latter debuted in 2006 and was discounted a few years later. The new Ranger is available as a SuperCab (2+2 door extended cab with 6-foot bed) and SuperCrew (4-door crew cab with 5-foot bed). The SuperCab’s bed is 72.8 inches long, 44.8 inches wide. During its first tenure, the

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2019 Subaru Ascent arrives with SUV street cred

The sport utility vehicle market apparently hasn’t reached its saturation point — at least Subaru doesn’t think so. Welcome the Ascent, the largest car the Japanese manufacturer has ever made. Five years after Tribeca was discontinued, the 2019 Subaru Ascent is the manufacturer’s second and bigger three-row SUV. Subaru is hopeful its new people mover will fare better than its predecessor. When the Tribeca departed, it was among the country’s worst-selling vehicles. Key Takeaways Ascent is the largest vehicle Subaru has ever made: A three-row SUV with seating for up to eight replaces the discontinued Tribeca and surpasses the Outback in size. 260-hp turbocharged 2.4-liter four delivers ~7-second 0-60: The CVT and standard symmetrical all-wheel drive deliver strong daily performance

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2019 Mazda CX-9: versatile SUV with sedan tendencies

The Mazda CX-9 debuted in 2006 as a versatile, well-equipped addition to the fraternity of family haulers. The first generation endured for nine years in the ever-expanding segment of urban taxis. The 2019 edition is the second generation’s fourth year. Tweaks have been added each year as SUVs become increasingly attractive to large clans and families of one. New this year for CX-9: Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a retuned suspension and a surround-view parking camera. Mazda’s largest vehicle remains available in Sport, Touring, Grand Touring and Signature trims. All choices present Mazda at its best, including the base model. It has a three-zone climate control with a second-row control and a seven-inch color touchscreen with a rotary controller. And

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2019 Toyota Camry: top sedan gets better in soft market

For nearly 20 years, the Toyota Camry has been the country’s top-selling sedan. But for the past several years including 2018, there’s been a caveat to the numbers. And it hasn’t been good. Despite the debut of the enduring sedan’s eighth generation, Camry sales were down 11.3 percent last year from 2017. Toyota and other top sedan-makers continue to ponder the public’s mass exit from sedans toward the versatile range of sport utility vehicles and trucks. Ford and Chevrolet have abandoned their midsize segments. Statistically, the Toyota Camry was at its peak for four straight years beginning in 2012 with more than 400,000 sales annually. Sales have fallen since with 343,000 units sold last year, but the Camry is still

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2019 Lexus LS 500 commands the open road in style

Like naval fleets, automobile manufacturers have flagships. Commanding officers, weaponry or distinguished flags aren’t involved. Still, carmakers’ highest-profile vehicles are their proudest presentations. Luxury brands thrive on their top-line offerings, which for the upscale division of Toyota is the Lexus LS 500. Redesigned inside and outside last year, the 2019 LS 500 retains the full-size luxury sedan‘s finer attributes. Its uber-quiet ride is complemented by its interior designer’s best traditional touches. Technology is top-shelf. Well-heeled German brands Audi, BMW Mercedes-Benz and Swedish rival Volvo all attract high praise for their handsome, forward-thinking exteriors designs. But with the South Korean-made Genesis, Lexus has infiltrated the former monopoly of European manufacturers’ often exalted luxury sedan loftiness. The powerful sedan has angular, sleek

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2019 Chrysler Pacifica leader of a van pack of one

The Chrysler Pacifica is uniquely positioned. The manufacturer had difficulty deciding on its name and then placed the Pacifica in a one-vehicle segment. It’s the only electric van available. Introduced at the 2016 Detroit Auto Show, the Chrysler van’s sixth-generation debuted as the 2017 Pacifica. It was formerly the name of the manufacturer’s crossover SUV. It’s also the new designation for the former Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan in North American and the discontinued Chrysler/Lancia Voyager in European markets. The Pacifica is further unique since it’s offered with another first — a nine-speed automatic transmission. A continuously electrically variable transmission (EVT) is offered on the hybrid version. As a hybrid, the Pacifica is offered in Touring Plus, Touring

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2019 Infiniti QX80 classy, rugged, versatile SUV

Now in its mid-teens, the Infiniti QX80 is a large luxury sport utility vehicle with three rows of seating and a dual personality. It has many creature comforts and plenty of driving nimbleness for a heavyweight people mover. But it also has ruggedness to spare. Formerly called the QX56, a reference to its 5.6-liter engine, the QX80 designation on recent years’ models corresponds to nothing more than a new name. By whatever name, the monster SUV holds the unique distinction for the upscale division of Nissan. It was the first Infiniti, which debuted in 1989, built in the United States. The 2019 edition features improvements, as have other recent years’ offerings. A vast upgrade was done inside and outside last

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2019 Cadillac XT4 shines as best new compact SUV

Cadillac has diligently worked for many years to dismantle its reputation as a brand for older drivers. It didn’t help when its massive sedans were often status symbols rewarded as a bonus for successful salespeople in the cosmetic industry. Likewise, big, expensive and luxurious were once equated with better. But it’s no longer the manufacturer’s focus and nor is it true. The 2019 Cadillac XT4 is the smallest SUV in the carmaker’s lineup. It’s another attempt to appeal to a younger audience whose only experience with Cadillac may have been their grandparents’ wheels. As a compact SUV, the XT4 joins a quickly expanding segment of entry-level luxury people movers. The industry trend continues with the refrain. It’s in with more

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2019 GMC Sierra gets big, bold makeover

The GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado have been about as close in recent years as two full-size pickups can be as different brands. But for 2019, the GMC Sierra has a new identity that differentiates the near-twins while still maintaining family ties. As the start of the fourth generation for the now 21-year-old truck, the GMC Sierra 1500 is available in six trims, including the top-line Denali. Multiple beds and cab configurations and four-wheel drive are offered on all trims. The Denali moniker began 20 years for the upscale models of many of manufacturer’s vehicles. It’s derived from the native name of the tallest mountain in North America as well as the surrounding state and national parks in Alaska. Besides

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2019 Infiniti QX50: New generation, no more malaise

Less than 20 years ago, the term compact luxury sport utility vehicle wasn’t part of the automotive lexicon. Now, it’s the most popular top-line segment of the industry with about 600,000 new people movers selling in 2018. It’s also among the most competitive markets in the industry with the new generation Infiniti QX50 joined by Acura, Audi, BMW, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo and others for 2019. Total sales in the segment increased by about 20 percent last year from 2017. Key Takeaways Industry-first Variable Compression Turbo engine: The 2.0-liter four-cylinder VC-Turbo adjusts its compression ratio on the fly, delivering 268 horsepower with 24 city / 31 highway mpg efficiency that rivals some non-turbo fours. First full redesign in nearly a decade:

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2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid worthy despite issues

Subaru, well-respected for its symmetrical all-wheel drive, sturdiness and belief in human and animal safety in its vehicles, now has additional versatility. The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek plug-in hybrid is the manufacturer’s debut in the segment. The Crosstrek Hybrid is offered in 2.0i, 2.0i Premium and 2.0i Limited trims, all powered by 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engines producing 148 horsepower and featuring all-wheel drive. A six-speed manual transmission is standard on the two 2.0i and 2.0i premiums. A continuously variable transmission is offered on the Limited trim, my test vehicle. Read Now: 2024 Subaru Crosstrek The top-line Crossback Hybrid is equipped with features from the lower trims but includes upgrades. Highlights range from an advanced driver-assistance system to rear cross traffic warning and

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2019 Hyundai Veloster: odd compact hatchback gets it right

The 2019 Hyundai Veloster marks the sports-oriented compact’s second-generation debut, and it remains a one-of-a-kind hatchback. A sharper-edged new exterior design is immediately appealing. But the symmetrical configuration is still a signature feature, with one longer driver’s side door and two shorter front and rear passenger doors. The three-door scheme is not available on any other vehicle. Key Takeaways Still the only three-door hatchback on the market: One long driver’s door, two shorter passenger doors, and a hatch remain the Veloster’s signature configuration. No other vehicle copies the asymmetric layout. 201-hp 1.6-liter turbo in the Turbo Ultimate: Paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and paddle shifters, the top trim carries Normal, Sport, and Smart drive modes with real differences in

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2019 Genesis G70 debuts with Car of the Year honors

The 2019 Genesis G70, the entry-level compact luxury sport sedan new to the two-year manufacturer morphed from Hyundai, has been named Car of the Year by MotorTrend. Held in conjunction with the opening of the Los Angeles Auto Show, the award is presented annually by the esteemed publication. The Genesis G70 competed against more 19 vehicles in the publication’s determination of the most competent, desirable and capable vehicle to debut for the 2019 model year. MotorTrend editors examine each contending vehicle in street and track testing. Genesis to date in 2018 has won highest-ranked brand in the automotive industry awards for quality and owner satisfaction from industry experts such as J.D. Power, AutoPacific and Strategic Vision. Hyundai launched Genesis Motors two years

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NEW CAR PREVIEW: 2019 BMW 3 Series gets 330e

The 2019 BMW 3 Series, the perennially top-ranked sedan, recently had its global unveiling at the Paris Auto Show. It will be available to the public in the summer of 2019. The car’s seventh generation will feature a new plug-in hybrid 330e. The PHEV includes BMW’s latest eDrive Technology to enhance efficiency and performance. A vital component of the new BMW 330e plug-in is the addition of XtraBoost, a system that allows the sedan to increase system output temporary by up to 41 horsepower (30 kW). It will increase the 330e’s 252 horsepower (185 kW) output up to 293 hp (215 kW). The 330e also sees its all-electric driving range increased to up 50 percent, to 37 miles (60 km)

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