2019 Mazda CX-5: A Crossover that Makes a Lot of Sense

The small crossover market has been burgeoning in recent years, in part because of vehicles like the 2019 Mazda CX-5. It is compact but still roomy enough for regular life stuff, gets good gas mileage and offers seating for five.
The CX-5 comes in four trim levels: Sport, Touring, Grand Touring and Signature. The Signature model is new and features Nappa leather seats and satin chrome/wood-grain trim on the interior.
Under the hood of the CX-5 is a standard 2.5-liter SKYACTIV four-cylinder engine that makes 187 horsepower and is linked to a six-speed automatic or manual transmission.  Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive being optional. 
Another option is a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder that makes 227 horsepower. 
Fuel economy is rated at 22 mpg city and 27 highway for turbocharged models with all-wheel drive, and 25 and 31 for models with naturally aspirated engines and front-wheel drive.
The interior is comfortable and more roomy than you might think. 
Exterior styling flows nicely from front to back, with the retention of the fluid design language that Mazda has adopted over the past few years. 
Pricing on the CX-5 ranges from about $26,000 to just under $40,000.
For a stylish small crossover that offers reliable performance, the Mazda CX-5 makes a lot of sense. 

2019 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro: It's Back, Bolder than Ever

The 2019 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro has returned, and it's bolder and badder than ever. 

This version of the Tundra pickup truck took a hiatus for the 2018 model year.

Upon its return, it offers the whole slate of Toyota's Safety Sense P system, including Toyota's Star Safety System, as standard features. The systems feature stability and traction control, an anti-lock brake system, brake-force distribution, smart-stop technology, a precollision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, sway control, auto high beams and adaptive cruise control.

The TRD Pro is powered by a 5.7-liter V-8 engine. 

Other key attributes are the new 18-inch BBS alloy wheels that save almost 14 pounds of weight, a newly designed 1/4-inch-thick front skid plate with a restyled TRD logo stamped on the aluminum, LED headlights with black accents and a pair of Rigid Industries foglights at the outer edges of the front bumper.

Fuel economy is rated at 13 mpg city, 17 highway. 

The interior is cavernous and comfortable, featuring leather seats and dual zone climate control. 

Our test model carried a sticker price of $52,474.

Whether you need a big pickup for work, play or some of both, the TRD Pro is a terrific choice. 

Atlanta International Auto Show Kicks Off

The Atlanta International Auto Show, which runs until March 24 at the Georgia World Congress Center, will feature more than two-dozen automotive manufacturers displaying new and pre-production vehicles. In addition to the automobiles, there will be a variety of activities for car enthusiasts of all ages including Marvel’s Black Panther, Scooby-Doo, SpongeBob SquarePants, High Roller BMX Show, pet adoptions, celebrities, classic, muscle and exotic cars and ride and drives. For more information about the Atlanta International Auto Show, please visit www.goautoshow.com.

2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata: Off the Charts Fun

Arguably one of the most fun cars to drive of all time, the Mazda MX-5 Miata is a zippy, sporty machine that continues its great heritage for the 2019 model year. 
This two-seat, sport convertible is powered by a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine that makes 155 horsepower and is linked to a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. 
It features rear-wheel drive and possesses a balanced 50/50 weight distribution, giving it a super tight suspension. That is a main contributor to the fun-to-drive factor referenced above. 
The Miata comes in three trims: the Sport, Club and Grand Touring.
Our test model was the Grand Touring with the manual transmission.
This car loves twisty roads and makes it seem like it wants to have as much fun as you wish behind the wheel. 
The manual transmission has buttery-smooth shifting, while braking is swift and sure.
Fuel economy is rated at 26 mpg city, 34 highway. 
This car is, as you might imagine, very small, so it's going to score low on the practicality scale. But if you're just looking for a fun and gun machine to take out on back roads, you'd be hard-pressed to do better. 
The tester had a sticker price of $33,050.

2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback: Sporty Looks and Driving

New to the compact market this year is the 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback. This small five-door replaces the discontinued Corolla iM hatchback. 
It offers a sporty look with a similar ride to match. And it's pretty thrifty on gas.
The Corolla Hatchback features a 2.0-liter engine that makes 168 horsepower and is linked to a standard six-speed manual transmission. A continuously variable transmission is available as an option.
It comes in two trim levels - SE and XSE.
Interior cargo space is measured at 17.8 cubic feet, so it's pretty cozy. 
The styling features sharp lines, especially in the rear, that give it an in-motion look. The tail lights add a nice sporty accent that complements the overall look.
Driving dynamics are better than you might expect. You won't be blown away by the torque/acceleration, but it's more than adequate. And the shifting on the manual transmission is a breeze - probably the easiest clutch and stick throw we've ever operated.
The Corolla hatch is rated at 28 mpg city, 37 highway, which is pretty good, even though you might expect a little higher numbers for a car this lightweight. 
Our test model carried a sticker price of $20,910.
For a fun to drive, compact hatchback, the Corolla Hatchback is certainly worth a look.

2019 Lexus GX460: Large on Luxury and Utility

Combining fine luxury amenities with the utility you expect from a midsize SUV, the 2019 Lexus GX 460 is quite a machine for those seeking such attributes. 

With seating for up to seven passengers across three rows, it is a very capable family hauler. And there is ample head and leg room in each row. 

Under the hood of the GX 460 is a 4.6-liter V-8 engine that makes 301 horsepower and is linked to a six-speed automatic transmission. Four-wheel drive is standard.

Fuel economy is rated at 15 mpg city, 18 highway, so prepare to spend a fair amount of time and money at gas stations.

The GX has a maximum cargo capacity of 64.7 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded down, so there is plenty of room for hauling stuff. 

The GX comes in three trim levels: the base model, premium and luxury.

Inside, you'll enjoy rich buttery leather seats, an attractive and neatly arranged dashboard and a multi-zone climate control.

Ride quality is buttery smooth, which you would expect with a luxury model such as this. The GX delivers. 

You would also expect a large luxury vehicle such as this to come with a fairly hefty price tag. The GX delivers here, too, with our luxury trim model carrying a sticker price of $70,848.

If you are seeking luxury and utility, the Lexus GX 460 brings both in abundance.