2018 Lexus LX 570: Elegance in Abundance

Luxury SUVs are popular because they provide a smooth ride, plenty of amenities and room for lots of passengers and cargo.The 2018 Lexus LX 570 checks all of those boxes and more.
The LX seats up to eight passengers over three rows of seating.
Its power plant is a 5.7-liter V-8 engine that makes 383 horsepower and is linked to an eight-speed automatic transmission with four-wheel drive.
That large engine is pretty thirsty, as the LX is rated at 13 mpg city, 18 highway. So be prepared to spend generously at the gas pump. 
Seating is exceptionally comfortable, with the rich leather seats providing a soft and relaxing feel. 
And the ride quality is smooth as butter, as the LX seems to just glide over the roads.
Driving the LX is pleasant because of the comfortable seats, high stance of the vehicle and excellent visibility. 
The optional Mark Levinson audio system also contributes to a great environment that lets you ride in style. 
Our tester carried a sticker price of $96,685.
That's kind of pricey, but if you're in the market for a ride that's elegant, stylish and give you plenty of room, the LX is the real deal. 

2019 Kia Optima: Sweet Sedan Offers Good Value

The Kia Optima is probably the most important vehicle in engineering the turnaround of the Kia brand from maker of cheap, unreliable, boring vehicles to formidable competitor in many market segments.
For 2019, the Optima midsize sedan continues to represent the Kia brand well and show that the Korean company is firmly ensconced as an automotive power. 
The Optima comes in four trim levels: the LX, S, EX, and SX Turbo, which our tester was.
The LX and S trims have under the hood a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 185 horsepower.
The SX Turbo is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that makes 247 horsepower. Fuel economy for this engine is rated at 21 mpg city, 30 highway. 
Both of those engines are linked to a six-speed automatic transmission.
The EX features a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder option that makes 178 horsepower and is linked to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. Fuel economy for this model is rated at 28 mpg city, 39 highway.
Driving dynamics for the SX Turbo are probably a little better than what you might expect from a Kia. It is capable of accelerating aggressively, handling smoothly and braking firmly. 
It's not quite European luxury-sedan level stuff, but neither is the price tag. 
Interior comfort is good, with well-designed seating, good leg room and adequate head room. As an added amenity, the tester had a great Harman Kardon sound system that provided a nice sound track. 
The Optima starts at around $24,000, with our test model carrying a sticker price of $32,820.
The Optima is a nicely styled, comfortable sedan that also lets you have a little fun. 

2019 Toyota Camry: Everything You'd Want in a Midsize Sedan

The Toyota Camry is one of the most popular midsize sedans ever, and the 2019 model shows it doesn't plan to relinquish that status anytime soon.  
The Camry is offered in seven trims: L, LE, SE, XLE, XSE, XLE V6, and XSE V6. Our test model was an SE.
Under the hood of the Camry is a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 203 horsepower and is linked to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The XLE V6 and XSE V6 have a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that makes 301 horsepower and carries the same drivetrain.
The four-cylinder's fuel efficiency is rated at 28 mpg city, 39 highway (the SE tester has the four-cylinder).  The XLE V6 and XSE V6 are rated at 22 and 33 mpg and 22 and 32, respectively - still not bad for a midsize sedan.
The Camry has never been known for sporty driving dynamics, and that's OK. What you do get is a solid, smooth ride that you would expect from a good sedan. 
The interior is fairly spacious and comfortable, with adequate head room and leg room in the front and rear seats. 
Our tester came with a sticker price of $29,899. 
With its smooth ride, good fuel efficiency and great interior comfort, the Camry is truly a winner. 

Top 10 Vehicles of 2018

Atlanta Auto Examiner got to test a number of vehicles in 2018. Here are our favorites.

10. Ford Expedition

9. Ford Mustang GT Premium

8. Nissan Rogue

7.Ford F-150 Raptor

6. Kia Soul

5. Kia Forte

4. Ford EcoSport

3. Nissan Altima

2. Toyota Highlander

1. Hyundai Elantra

2018 Mazda6: Cool Styling, Hot Driving

Midsize sedans aren't as popular as they once were, as the rise of crossover SUVs has taken a healthy bite out of their market share. But that's not to say there aren't still some good ones on the market. This week's tester, the 2018 Mazda6, certainly fits in that category. 
This premium sedan offers pretty much everything that you would get in a luxury car, but at a fraction of the cost. 
It also has been given an updated look, with a sleeker body style and a new turbocharged engine. 
The Mazda6 comes in five trim levels: Sport, Touring, Grand Touring, Grand Touring Reserve and Signature, which our tester was.
The Mazda6's power plant is a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 187 horsepower and is linked to a six-speed automatic transmission (manual is available in some models). 
The Grand Touring and Signature models feature a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 250 horsepower. 
Fuel economy for the manual base model is rated at 24 mpg city, 33 highway. The automatic is rated at 26 and 35, while the turbo model featured in the tester sits at 23 and 31. Those are all respectable numbers for a midsize sedan, thanks largely to Mazda's renown Skyactiv technology. 
Driving dynamics are superb. Put the Mazda6 into sport mode, and you are sure to have fun tossing around corners and keeping a solid pace. We've always said the Mazda's driving dynamics rival those of luxury European brand cars, and this remains true. 
The interior is comfortable and well appointed, highlighted by a terrific Bose sound system. 
Pricing starts at $34,750, with our tester carrying a sticker price of $36,435.
The Mazda6 offers cool styling, great driving dynamics and plenty of creature comforts. 

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One Love for Kingston, Jamaica

AAE recently visited Kingston, Jamaica. We enjoyed the beautiful sights and the rich culture.