2019 L.A. Auto Show Show Editors’ Picks

Our favorite cars from the 2019 L.A. Auto Show

A few trends quickly emerged at the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show. First, almost every automaker had a new or heavily revised crossover (or three) on hand. Second, almost every automaker showed off something electrified. And third, well, a slew of automakers combined both trends by unveiling electrified crossovers.

You’ll see all of those trends represented in this edition of our Editors’ Picks. Click on the image above to get started.

Fifth Place: Audi RS Q8 — 16 points

Senior Editor, Green, John Beltz Snyder: Audi took an already sexy ute and made it disgustingly fast and powerful. They also made it look even better in the process.

Social Media Manager Michael Ferrara: This crossover not only looks mean, but it packs a punch: 600 horsepower from a 4.0-liter V8 is pure power. Sign me up for a test ride around the track because I can’t afford to actually own one.

Video Production Manager Eddie Sabatini: I really like its sporty looks but I fear that the interior might be a bit bleak in comparison to that stunning Green exterior.

• Image Credit: Aston Martin

Fourth Place: Aston Martin DBX — 28 points

Editor-in-Chief Greg Migliore: I think this crossover looks gorgeous from all angles. The Aston styling really carries through in a demonstrative way that’s still in good taste. Love the grille and taillights, and borrowing a V8 engine from AMG certainly won’t hurt. 

Managing Editor Greg Rasa: This is the vehicle Aston Martin is counting on to save the financially struggling company. The front end is a little reminiscent of the new Ford Escape, but that’s actually backwards: Ford cribbed design cues from Aston in the first place. Its sleek profile is also a bit familiar. But the look is distinctive out back, and the superb interior and impressive performance numbers are utterly Aston. So is the high price.

Assistant Editor Zac Palmer: I like Aston’s first SUV, but I don’t love it. Aston hasn’t done enough to distinguish it from other high performance SUVs on the market, even if it is one of the more attractive crossovers out there now. Despite this, the performance and luxury it offers is tempting.

Third Place: Volkswagen ID Space Vizzion Concept — 39 points

Senior Editor Alex Kierstein: One point docked for a dumb name, but otherwise this looks like a preview of the beloved Golf Sportwagen’s electric future. Few brands have more remaining devotion to the long roof than VW (Subaru being a notable exception). VW would be smart to sell this bodystyle here as a stylish and slinky counterpart to the inevitable parade of MEB-based crossovers. It might be the best-looking ID concept yet, too.

Consumer Editor Jeremy Korzeniewski: The ID I’m really excited about is the Buzz. Still, this is a sweet shape, and it’s awesome to see that VeeDub isn’t abandoning the wagon in America.

Contributing Editor Joe Lorio: Will there be station wagons in the future? Hell, yes! comes the emphatic answer from Volkswagen. We’re told this sleek, handsome concept will reach production in 2022. Of course, it’s an EV—all L.A. auto show concepts must be—but I’m digging the fact that the motor is rear-mounted. Its 275 horsepower strikes me as adequate, although VW says one can spec a second, front-mounted motor for a total of 355 ponies and all-wheel drive. Only the dopey name keeps me from giving the VW the maximum allowable points.

Second Place: Toyota RAV4 Prime — 64 points

Senior Editor Alex Kierstein: Wow! When’s the last time our collective socks were blown off by a RAV4? This PHEV is powerful, looks decent enough for this otherwise dowdy class of vehicles, provides decent EV range and – amazingly – a 0-60 time that would shame some sporty cars. 5.8 seconds! Regen altering paddle shifters! Likely sport-tuned suspension! The greenest RAV4 is going to be the most fun to drive, and as long as it’s not shockingly expensive it should be the pick of the litter.

Assistant Editor Zac Palmer: Making a green vehicle double as a sporty crossover is a fantastic idea, and Toyota needs to keep doing this with the rest of its lineup. The RAV4 became an exciting proposition overnight, and it’s all thanks to the 302-horsepower Prime.

West Coast Editor James Riswick: The specs are eye-popping, and given the regular RAV4 Hybrid is pushing 100,000 units in 2019, there’s a very strong chance that the Prime will be the best-selling plug-in hybrid by a country mile. 

First Place: Ford Mustang Mach-E — 85 points

Editor-in-Chief Greg Migliore: The Mustang Mach-E positions Ford to directly fight Tesla with a sophisticated product aimed directly at green car buyers. Putting the Mustang name on a crossover has stirred controversy, but the big picture logic makes sense: Use the strongest name you have and put it on your most critical technology going forward. You’re playing your best cards. As far as calling it the Mach-E — that’s perfect.

Associate Editor Joel Stocksdale: This is the big car of the show. Impressive range, impressive performance, and good looks. Finally Ford is serious about electric cars.

Managing Editor Greg Rasa: People who just won’t shut up about the Mustang name are missing the point. This is the first really mainstream, not-too-outrageously-priced EV to come out of Detroit in the form factor people love — a midsize crossover. It promises better handling and performance than other crossovers, along with ranges and charging times that should ease Americans’ fears about EVs. By all rights, this car is a game changer. Is it a Mustang? Who cares.