The Best New Sport-Utility Vehicles For 2020
They run the gamut from small to large, with two or three rows of seats
Sport-utility vehicles, originally purchased mainly by contractors and outdoor enthusiasts in the 1960’s and ‘70’s, have since replaced passenger cars as the rides of choice among virtually all vehicle-buying demographics. An expanding assortment of SUVs and crossovers can be found in all size brackets, and from virtually all mainstream and luxury brands. Here’s a quick look at the most significant brand-new SUVs for the 2020 model year.
• Buick Encore GX. The new Encore GX will be a bit larger and more proportionately styled than the subcompact Buick Encore when it reaches dealerships in early 2020. It will come powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and offer more interior space than the Encore, with a cargo hold that’s about five cubic feet more spacious. Standard driver assist features will be plentiful.
• Cadillac XT6. Cadillac gets a three-row crossover SUV in early 2020 with the new XT6. It’s cleanly styled on the outside and is sufficiently plush on the inside. A 3.6-liter V6 engine is estimated to generate 310 horsepower and will be mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission with selectable driving modes. All-wheel-drive is optional. A Sport version will boast moreaggressive handling abilities.
• Hyundai Palasade. Hyundai’s new flagship three-row crossover SUV comes wrapped in formal-looking styling. It features a 3.8-liter V6 engine that sends 291 horsepower to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The available allwheel drive system includes a selectable mode for added traction in snow. All of the requisite family-minded features and advanced safety systems are represented, and they include an in-vehicle intercom system.
• Hyundai Venue. This new front-drive subcompact crossover bears a familial resemblance to the above Palisade and can be jazzed up with two-tone color options. A 1.6-liter fourcylinder engine produces 121 horsepower, and there’s a choice of a six-speed manual transmission or a gearless continuously variable transmission. A remote start function works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant-enabled devices.
• Kia Telluride. Kia’s new three-row crossover is related to the above Palisade, and shares its 3.8-liter 291-horsepower V6 engine and eight-speed automatic transmission. Allwheel drive is optional with a sport mode gives the system a rear-wheel bias for livelier operation on dry roads. It can be fitted with a large 10.25-inch color touchscreen for the infotainment system.
• Lincoln Aviator. The new Aviator is an elegantly styled rear-drive three-row luxury crossover SUV. A twin-turbocharged 400-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 is standard. The Grand Touring is a gas/ electric hybrid with an estimated 450 horsepower. Both include a 10-speed automatic transmission, with all-wheel drive optional. An available adaptive suspension can identify pavement imperfections ahead and adjust instantly to help soften the blow.
• Lincoln Corsair. The former MKC compact crossover is redesigned for 2020 and renamed the Corsair. It’s handsomely styled and is powered by either of two turbocharged four-cylinder engines, a 2.0-liter with 250 horsepower and a 2.3-liter version with 280 horses. Both drive either the front or all four wheels via an eightspeed automatic transmission. Options include 24-way adjustable massaging seats.
• Mercedes-Benz GLB. The new GLB is a smartly styled compact luxury crossover that can seat up to seven via an optional third-row seat. A 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine produces 221 horsepower and comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Many driver assist systems are available and the vehicle can perform semi-autonomous highway driving when properly equipped.
• Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. Volkswagen is debuting a new fivepassenger crossover that’s sleeker looking than the seven-seat Atlas. It will reportedly share the Atlas’ 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and 3.6-liter 276-horsepower V6 engine, and eight-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel-drive will be optional.