SUVs are among the most popular vehicle types in the world. These utility trucks give you a wide range of options when it comes to driving, towing, and carrying. All of them are quite powerful, as well as pretty fast. However, there are always so many to choose from, and picking the right one can be a challenge. In this article, we will go over 10 of the best ones for 2020.
10. 2020 Ford Bronco
The popular Ford Bronco is among the most anticipated vehicles of the decade in the USA. After many years of speculation, it is finally back. The SUV will be built at the Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Michigan.
It should not be a surprise that the expectations for the model are very high. The sixth-generation will not be the old-school 2-door compact off-road SUV, nor will it be the bulky full-size SUVs from the eighties and nineties. This new one will be a modern crossover SUV that sits between the two mentioned versions.
The 4-door mid-sizer will have a removable top, and the axles will be Dana. The rice is expected to start somewhere above $20,000 range for the base models.
The powertrain is still unknown, but the SUV will probably share the engines and transmission with the Ranger model since they share the platform. This means a 2.3L EcoBoost 4-cylinder engine. Also possible is the 2.7L EcoBoost V6. Last but not least, there will also be a hybrid version.
So far, only the 10-speed automatic transmission has been confirmed, while rumors about a 7-speed manual gearbox exist as well.
9. 2020 Porsche Cayenne
As much as the legendary 911 is their most iconic model, the luxury SUV Cayenne is arguably the biggest step forward by the German automaker in the last decade and a half. Now, it is finally receiving an upgrade.
The Germans have a coupe version of one of their best-selling models if a 4-door crossover SUV can really be called a coupe. The Cayenne coupe is a slightly more expensive version of a regular vehicle, which offers lower utility options because of the faster-sloping roofline. A lower center of gravity and the improved aerodynamics will allow it to be sportier.
The regular Cayennes cost from $66,000 to $125,000, while the fastback models should be between $76,000 and $131,000 depending on the trims and the powertrain configurations.
The company from Stuttgart is working hard on making the Cayenne electric, but they are expected not to profit from it in 2020. Therefore, they will keep their current engines, which is quite alright. This means the base models will run on the 3.0L turbocharged V6 with 340 horsepower, and the more powerful models will have the twin-turbo 2.9L V6 capable with 440 horsepower. The Cayenne Turbo series will be even more powerful, with a 4.0L twin-turbo V8 worthy that gives you 550 horsepower and 567 lb-ft of torque. Finally, there will be an E-Hybrid, with 455 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, and up to 27 miles all-electric range. It starts at $80,000 and incorporates the base engine and an electric motor. It can tow up to 7716 pounds.
8. 2020 Jaguar I-Pace
The Jaguar I-Pace electric SUV first appeared in 2018, and it immediately took over the German Car of the Year award. This all-electric luxury crossover SUV showcased what it is capable of doing, and all of that can only be better with the new version.
Except for the meticulous design, a refined interior, and a great range of models, the I-Pace gives us much when it comes to performance. Some few shortcomings include the slow-responsive infotainment system and a high starting price, which is north of $70,000.
It is the very first crossover vehicle by the famous automaker. The I-Pace sets an example as arguably the best electric crossovers on the current market. It will not really destroy the Tesla Model X and make it retire, but it gives the rival a lot to handle.
This SUV combines two permanent-magnet synchronous AC electric motors, which each gives out 197 horsepower.
Furthermore, there is a 90 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. This means you get 394 horses and 512 pound-feet.
Thanks to all of this power and torque, this 4,800-pound beast can go from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. Also, it gives you 238 miles or 89 MPGe.
A standard 50 kW charging network can charge it to 80% in an hour and a half, while the home chargers take 13 hours to give you 100% battery. The new Jag is also compatible with 100 kW fast chargers, which are still extremely rare.
7. 2020 Audi RS Q8
The RS Q8 is among the several upcoming Audi Sport models set to strengthen the lineup of the German automaker. Since this is their flagship SUV, the expectations are always high.
The new RS Q8, like most of the other RS model, has a somewhat wider frame so that it can hold larger wheels and be visually lower. In addition, there are different side skirts and a more aggressive set of air inlets in the works for the SUV. Larger brakes and the signature oval exhaust tips of the RS series are also planned. When it comes out, this SUV will cost more than $100,000.
There is currently no information regarding the engine, but it will probably use the one from the Porsche Panamera and the Cayenne Turbo, which means it will have between 550 and 600 horsepower thanks to the twin-turbo 4.0L V8 powertrain.
A hybrid is also possible, similar to the Panamera Turbo S E, which has an unreal 680- horsepower. This inclusion would result in one of the most powerful Audi cars across the board.
6. 2020 Land Rover Defender
The new Land Rover Defender will mean a return of another legendary SUV off-roader. Like all 4×4 vehicles that want to remain relevant in the modern market, the next-generation Defender will have to balance on the fine line between the archaic and contemporary.
The new model will keep the somewhat too boxy shape the older models, while also incorporating the design language of the new models. Sadly, it will feature independent front and rear suspensions.
A unibody frame is to be expected, although nothing is certain so far. These features are not very promising, but the new Land Rover Defender should not have trouble on the rough terrains. There will be a 2 and a four-door model, and both will start somewhere in the mid to high $40,000 range for their respective base models.
Details about the powertrain options are scarce, but the vehicle caught at the testing grounds has a 2.0L turbo-diesel 4-cylinder engine. Still, the most likely way to go is the larger 254 horsepower 3.0L diesel V6 or a 247 horsepower 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol powertrain. Lastly, the high spec models may run on a more powerful 3.0L straight-six petrol engine with 340 horses.
5. 2020 Honda CR-V
This compact CR-V is the best-selling Honda model, as well as the sixth best-selling vehicle in the USA currently. This is mostly because it is reliable, affordable, fuel-efficient, and has a well-made interior and enough cargo space in the segment. This SUV is among the most versatile small family crossovers, and the customers know it.
The current generation of the CR-V came out in 2016 as the 2017 model, meaning the 2020 Honda CR-V is a much-needed makeover. A revised front fascia, different taillights, and an updated interior should all be expected. Also, equipment packages across all of the trims should have new features. The old models are priced between $25,000 and $33,000, and the new will not jump a lot from those numbers.
The new CR-V will continue without major powertrain changes, as the same 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that gives out 190 horsepower and 189 pound-feet of torque will remain in most of the models. The entry-level trim will run on a 2.4L naturally aspirated 4-cylinder with 184 hp and 180 lb-ft.
The Japanese company will probably not change the CVT gearbox strategy. A third-row and hybrid options overseas markets at the 2018 Geneva show were mentioned, but there is no information so far. The hybrid CR-V uses Honda Accord’s hybrid engine, which is something to be remembered for the new version.
4. 2020 Genesis GV80
Since they branched from the main Hyundai line several years ago, Genesis has been making quality models at rather affordable prices. To remain relevant in the markets, the South Koreans have offered the consumers some of the best warranty deals available.
They are now finally expanding the lineup of their vehicles and are set to enter the always filled up SUV segment. Their first crossover will be a mid-size GV80, arriving in 2020. It will either use the extended Hyundai Santa Fe, or a modified Genesis G80 sedan platform.
When it comes to the design, the production model will probably not be too different from the concept we saw at the 2017 New York car show. The Korean automaker design Chief Luc Donckerwolke came from Bentley, so the GV80 could also borrow some of the features from the British. When the Genesis GV80 comes to the shops, it will probably cost around $45,000.
Not much else is known about the car, so we can only speculate. The GV80 will be larger of the two upcoming Genesis crossover vehicles, so it should have lager engines. Base models will probably run on a 3.3L twin-turbo V6 with 365 horsepower, and the top models could get 5.0L V8 engines with 420 ponies. There are also rumors about a brand new 3.5L V6.
Rear and all-wheel drives are to be expected, and each model will probably have the mandatory eight-speed automatic transmission.
3. 2020 Volvo XC40
Soon after it first arrived, the Volvo XC40 was the European Car of the Year, while its larger sibling the XC60 was crowned the World Car of the Year, both awards coming in 2018. This means that the Swedish automaker knows what they are doing, and their intentions regarding their lineup are clear. Therefore, there is a lot of people expect from the subcompact XC40, which is considered the best SUV for 2020.
The vehicle promises a smooth ride and a comfortable interior with tons of tech features, especially the ones regarding safety. It is not the best choice if you need a cargo hauler, but this was never the intention of Volvo anyway. The XC40 remains the core personality of the brand, but it also adds some funky and youthful flare.
Basic T4 and the T5 models run on a 197 horsepower 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. The T5, however, has 248 ponies, which combines with the all-wheel-drive. Entry-level models can have a front-wheel-drive too. Every XC40 will have the mandatory 8-speed auto transmission.
Six different trim choices will be made available, and cost between $33,500 and $40,000. There are, of course, many opportunities to make your model much more expensive through optional packages. The best possible trim of the 2020 SUV comes with a 9-inch touchscreen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, emergency braking, cruise control, blind-spot monitors, collision avoidance tech, lane-keep assist, road sign recognition, and much, much more.
2. Cadillac XT6
The brand new three-row SUV by the top GM brand will offer the levels of space and refinement known only to the legendary Escalade, except this will be a smaller and more maneuverable vehicle. It will use the familiar C1XX platform, and it will be a luxury family hauler.
The design of the Cadillac XT6 resembles the smaller XT5, which itself draws inspiration from the Escala concept. This will be the largest Cadillac that utilizes the new design language, and it looks gorgeous.
The XT6 debuted at the 2019 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, and it has been available from the middle of this year. The car starts from at about $54,000, with many optional additions available to push the price tag much higher. A fully loaded XT6 will set you back $80,000, and for that buck, you get a wood-rich cabin with the latest technology.
Under the hood of the new Cadillac, there is a single-engine option of the 3.6 L LGX V6. This mill can provide everything you expect, and it delivers 310 horsepower. Each model comes with a standard 9-speed automatic transmission, and you can choose between the front and all-wheel-drive configurations. There is still no hybrid option available, however, which is a problem since most other brands offer one.
1. Kia Telluride
The Telluride is the first major step of the Korean automaker into the large SUV market, but it is poised for success. Unlike their failed Borego, the Telluride offers much more at the right time in history.
It’s bold styling immediately distinguishes the car, which is loaded with features and spacious enough for eight people to ride in comfort. Add to that an affordable starting price, and the Telluride is obviously one of the best choices for a family vehicle currently on the market.
The prices start at $33,000 for the base Telluride LX, which is already a worthy SUV with such features as the forward-collision avoidance assist, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and so on. The top model is the SX and adds basically everything else for a price under $43,000.
The Telluride comes with a single-engine option, this being the 3.8L naturally aspirated V6, a sturdy enough mill for most of the challenges you might have for the car. It puts out 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet torque. There is an 8-speed automatic transmission, and the SUV does 23 mpg combined with the front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is also available across the entire range.
Despite being made and sold as the 2020 model, the Kia Telluride has been available for the better part of 2019. The early model has been selling around 6,000 units per month during the spring. This means that the buyers have already recognized the practicality and potential of this bad boy. What also helps is the affordable price and a 10-year/100,000 miles warranty that is hard to beat.
