2020 SUVs

SUVs have come a long way from only being utilitarian workhorses that trudged on when the road gave out. Today they are used for anything from hauling families to city runabout vehicles. In recent years, the popularity of SUVs has exploded. So much so that not only has the definition of the term changed but manufacturers have decided to rid their lineups of everything except SUVs.  Today, the term SUV can be associated with anything that appears to have three boxes and can climb over a curb. Anything from the Ford EcoSport to the Range Rover is considered an SUV. In addition, only a few SUVs still stick to the body on frame construction. Others have all but moved on. The term crossovers and SUVs are used interchangeably and with good reason.

Today we have an SUV for every intent and purpose imaginable. You want a small city runabout? You have options like the Honda HR-V, Mitsubishi OutlanderSport and the Nissan Kicks. Want to stand out in the compact SUV market? Toyota C-HR. Want a compact SUV but with decent size? Choose between the CR-V and the RAV4. Mid-size 3-row SUVs? Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot and GMC Acadia all fit the bill. You also have off-roaders like the Toyota 4Runner and the Jeep Wrangler. We even have high-performance SUVs like the Mercedes G63 AMG, Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT and Range Rover Sport. Even companies like Lamborghini and Rolls Royce make SUVs now with a Ferrari and Aston Martin set to debut their behemoths soon. So it was no surprise, that 2019 saw surge of new reveals with more set to debut in 2020.

ALSO SEE: What's the Difference Between 4WD and AWD?

Pros and Cons of SUVs

Pros

• The only vehicles apart from minivans that can seat seven
• Cabin Space
• Have high-towing ability
• The go-anywhere ability
• Tackling snow is not a problem
• They offer great visibility
• Are generally tougher than most cars

Cons

• Low gas mileage
• Parts are more expensive
• Expensive to maintain
• Not as stable at high speeds
• Don’t like a sudden change in direction.

What's New in SUVs for 2020?

The 2020 model year saw a slew of reveals from most major manufacturers. Some full-size SUVs received a much-needed generation change while Toyota added a new hybrid to its lineup. Honda canceled an engine while Genesis revealed its first-ever SUV. Calling the year eventful would be an understatement.

Genesis GV80

Genesis recently unveiled its first-ever SUV the GV80 for the South Korean market. The SUV is set to make its North American debut next month. It is based on a brand new platform and will likely come powered by a range of V6 engines that are already employed in the Kia and Hyundai lineups.

Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban

GM revealed the new Tahoe and Suburban in December and the full-size SUVs are set to go on sale in the spring of 2020. The styling gets a serious update. The front fascia is similar to the Silverado which too got a redesign recently. Chevrolet has also introduced the High Country trim to the twins as well as the new top trim. Another carryover from the Silverado is the 3.0-liter Duramax Diesel engine.

Mustang Mach E

Ford revealed its first-ever electric SUV recently and decided to slap the Mustang badge on it. The Mustang Mach E will arrive in the US market in late 2020 and will be sold as a 2021 model year vehicle. All details, however, are already available. It will be available in five trims. Prices will range from $43,900 to $60,500 while the range on a full charge will be between 210 and 300 miles depending on the variant. Lastly, some models will come with RWD only.

Honda CR-V

CR-V received an update for the 2020 model year. The changes are minimal and hard to discern without close inspection. It gets a new bumper and a slightly redesigned grille, the rest of the design has remained unaltered. The price, however, has received a slight bump. Honda Sensing is now a part of the standard package and Honda has dropped the 2.4-liter engine from the lineup altogether. Honda has also announced that the CR-V will be getting a hybrid version by spring to rival the Toyota RAV4.

Toyota RAV4

The RAV4 was Toyota’s bestselling SUV for 2019 (insert bestselling cars link). Toyota has also added a new hybrid variant to the RAV4 lineup for the 2020 model year. Prices start from $28,100.

Toyota Highlander

Toyota renewed its Highlander for a new generation this year and the already large SUV has now grown even bigger. It’s now longer by 2.4 inches, all of which have been put into the wheelbase. It has translated to an even roomier interior. Speaking of the interior, you can now have a three-tone cabin finished in materials from a segment above. Oh, and the V6 engine is now a standard feature.

See also: 2021 Toyota Highlander First Drive Review 

Ford Escape

Another SUV to receive a complete overhaul last year was the Ford Escape. For the first time since its inception, the Escape now comes with a hybrid powertrain. It doesn’t look like an SUV anymore. It could be Ford’s deliberate attempt to make the Escape more car-like and ‘green’ and yet retain most of its SUV like traits.

Chevrolet Blazer

Chevrolet introduced the mid-size Blazer as a sport mid-size SUV and the design certainly lives up to the label. For the 2020 model year, however, the company has decided to add a 2.0-liter turbo engine to the lineup. The engine will make 230 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque but will be available from late 2020.

Hyundai Venue

Hyundai has released yet another SUV as its smallest offering yet in the North American market called the Venue. It doesn’t come with 4WD and has only a 1.6-liter turbo-four under the bonnet. Plus, at just half a foot longer than a Mini Cooper, it is tiny by American standards. But with prices starting at just over $17,000 it offers a good list of features and could be a decent city runabout vehicle.

See Also: Hyundai Venue First Drive Review 

Subaru Ascent

The Subaru Ascent is the SUV that replaced the Tribeca and Subaru’s competitor for the market that is dominated by the Toyota Highlander. Though Subaru has been a bit late to the party, the Ascent has found acceptance in the NA market mainly thanks to the blue starred badge. The Ascent is powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer four engine. It is available in four core variants and in seven or eight-seat configurations with optional captain seats for the second row.

Mazda CX-30

Mazda's latest attempt at appealing to the SUV crowd is the CX-30. The CX-30 replaces the erstwhile CX-3 and attempts to bring a bit of sportiness to the crossover/SUV segment with a generous dose of frugality. So the CX-30 unlike a lot of its compatriots doesn’t use a turbocharged motor and instead utilizes a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine making 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. AWD is also available along with the quintessential Mazda driving dynamics and enough space for a family of four.

See Also: Mazda CX-30 First Drive Review 

GMC Yukon

Built on the same platform as the Tahoe and the Suburban, if you count the Yukon XL as well. Set to go on sale by spring 2020, the Yukon will also have the same engine options as the Chevy twins. The interior equipment though will likely be different. In fact, GMC has introduced an entirely new dash design for its top of the line Denali trim. It will come with a 5.3L V8 as standard and customers will be able to either upgrade to a 3.0L Duramax diesel or the 6.2L V8.

See Also: 2021 GMC Yukon Unveiled

What's Coming in SUVs?

Ford Bronco: The buzz around the Bronco is immense and almost everyone waits with bated breath for the unveiling of the second innings of the iconic brand name. If the spyshots that are doing the round are to be believed, it will feature a four-door configuration with the spare wheel mounted on the tailgate. It will be a proper off-roader. As for the engines, Ford will likely opt for its lineup of EcoBoost engines for the job and might even plonk the V6 EcoBoost from the Raptor under the Bronco’s hood. In addition, the reports of a Baby Bronco are also doing the rounds. It will likely be a smaller version of the Bronco with similar off-roading capabilities and will likely be developed at a lower price point to appeal to a larger customer base.

Aston Martin DBX: No surprises there. It was only a matter of time before Aston jumped onto the SUV bandwagon too. Having said that, it might be a bit late to the party especially since even Lamborghini has an SUV now. Powered by a 4.0-liter twin turbo V8 like almost everything else even remotely sporty, the DBX makes 542 hp and 516 ft-lb of torque. Of course it comes with AWD but the biggest appeal of the car is the way it looks.

Jeep Wagoneer: Jeep is building its first-ever purpose-built 3-row SUV and it is likely based on the Ram 1500 platform, which should mean that it will be pretty big. It will likely not debut till the 2022 model year. It will also probably share its powertrains with the Ram 1500 as well which includes a 3.6-liter V6 which also comes paired to a mild-hybrid system. It will also come with a 5.7-liter V8 which could be reserved for the top trim. It could also have two core trims, the Wagoneer, to compete with the likes of the Expedition and the Suburban and the Grand Wagoneer to go after the Lincolns and the Range Rover.

Cadillac Escalade: Speaking of premium, Cadillac is set to debut the all new Escalade as well. Arguably the most luxurious American SUV on the market, the Escalade will take the fight to the Lincoln Navigator. We already know that it will feature premium interiors and a screen heavy dash. Plus, the engines on offer are likely to mimic the Suburban lineup.