Leaderboard

The common thought today is that the sedan market in the U.S. is dying. If that's the case, the 2020 Toyota Corolla hasn't given any reasons that it should stick around. While styling could be considered bolder over the prior model, it is still bland in person. Front and rear facias nearly mirror each other in a Studebaker-like "is it coming or going?" way. The styling of the interior hasn't changed in any significant way though the materials are somewhat improved. Mediocre engine choices, unlike the 2020 Kia Soul, leave little to be excited over. The addition of a hybrid option is interesting, but only for people who think the Prius is too fugly to drive, otherwise, they would just buy the real thing. The Corolla is the best selling car nameplate in history, but this latest version leaves little reason for that record to continue. In a tough small sedan market, it is going to take more than just more of the same to move the needle. Dull, conventional, boring..... that's my opinion of the 2020 Corolla

Lush is usually used to describe luxury products like bath towels or face cream, and not typically used for vehicles. However, lush is exactly the word I would use I would use to describe the new 2020 Lincoln Aviator. Instead of trying to be an all-out sports crossover like most of the European competition, Lincoln keeps true to its Quiet Luxury promise with a coddling and yes lush interior. While there are hints of the lushness of Lincoln interiors in the Continental, Lincoln really dialed up the luxury lushness for the Navigator and repeated that act on the Aviator. The seats are supple and highly adjustable. The controls look classy, modern, and retro all at the same time. The grille of the Black Label editions has extra depth and a new signature blue lighting surrounding the now proud Lincoln emblem. An air ride system called Air Glide promises to smooth out bumps before the vehicle even hits them. Lush is another way to describe what the powertrains must feel like. The standard 3.0-liter twin-turbo feels deep and effortless in Lincoln's Continental, but in the Aviator now backed by a 10-speed automatic, it will feel even more effortless. The plug-in hybrid variant with its 600 lb-ft of torque, most of which will be available at a very low RPM, will be even more so. It wasn't so long ago that people were expecting an obituary for Lincoln while Genesis was the newest up-and-coming brand in the luxury segment. With this new Aviator, I think Lincoln has raised the bar on the entire segment and now not only Genesis, but Cadillac, BMW, and even Mercedes Benz should sit up and take notice. Effortless, Quiet, Comforting, Luxurious.... Lush. That's my opinion of the new 2020 Lincoln Aviator. Related: 2020 Lincoln Aviator Returns After A 13-Year Absence

It is not as big as it looks, it is front wheel drive, the front end is polarizing, but Hyundai just might show the world that persistence pays off. This is their third try at a full-size 3-row SUV, but this might be the one that makes it stick. When I first saw the pictures of the Palisade, I thought it might be as big as a Nissan Armada but in person is a different story. In real terms it is smaller inside than a Honda Pilot or Chevy Traverse. Materials inside feel high quality and the design is attractive. If Hyundai used another vehicle for a template of the interior, the Buick Enclave is probably it. The exterior is much edgier. With big SUV looks and even verticle accent lighting, the Palisade looks like a knock-off Escalade from the front. The Palisade will have heavy competition from the Traverse, Enclave, and a new Explorer coming that will be coming next year. I'm not sure the mixture of styling will appeal to this class of buyer. The jury is still out..... that's my opinion on the 2020 Hyundai Palisade. Related: 2020 Hyundai Palisade Tries to Break-In Into the Three-Row Crossover Set