NASHVILLE, Tenn. — When the Lexus brand first launched in the U.S 28 years ago, it did so with just two sedans: the LS and the smaller ES. Over the years, Lexus, of course, added numerous vehicles to its portfolio — SUVs, sportier models and more coupes and sedans. With 2.18 million worldwide sales — one million in the U.S. alone — it is the most popular Lexus ever.

AUSTIN, Texas — I first heard about the Veloster back in 2012 when Hyundai initially launched the quirky little hatchback, and the name reminded me of a carnival ride. “Weird name for a car,” I thought. Fast forward to May 2018, when Hyundai fittingly introduced the second generation 2019 Veloster to the media in Austin, a city that takes immense pride in proclaiming itself the weirdest city in the country (although Portland, Ore., takes exception to that claim).

SAN DIEGO — There’s a pretty good chance that if you’re not wearing reading glasses to read this review, don’t read newspapers or have the slightest clue what the letters AARP stand for, then you probably have no idea what a Toyota Avalon is — let alone have exciting thoughts about trading your current ride for one. That’s because average age of a current Toyota Avalon buyer starts with the number six. But that isn’t stopping the folks at Toyota who aim to knock a decade or so off the median age of the owner by introducing the fifth-generation 2019 Avalon sedan.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Pickup trucks are more popular than ever and the market for them is about to get even hotter and more competitive for the 2019 model year. Ford raised the stakes this year with a refresh of the industry’s top-selling F-150. Chevrolet has already previewed an all-new Silverado, and GMC has an all-new Sierra. Further, Ram has just introduced its totally redesigned 15th generation Ram 1500.

MALIBU, Calif. — With 9 million sales worldwide and 2 million in the U.S. alone, the compact crossover utility vehicle is “the largest SUV segment in the world,” says Scott Tallon, director of Jeep Brand. Up against segment leader Nissan Rogue and big sellers like Honda CRV, RAV4 and Ford Escape, the Jeep Cherokee makes up just 9.5 to 10 percent market share in the segment.