Suv's: Find The Right One For You!
Buying a new SUV (sport utility vehicle) involves research and comparison-shopping. However, purchasing a new SUV in 2020 has additional complications due to social distancing and safety protocols in place to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Fortunately, many companies are now delivering cars straight to your door while offering money-back guarantees within so many days. This helps take the place of test-driving prior to purchasing the SUV of your choice. How do you compare multiple SUV options to help you find the right one for you?
There is still the option of test-driving multiple SUVs. If you cannot do that, you must rely on online searches and comparisons, as well as word-of-mouth and customer reviews. Read on as we detail some of the top SUV’s in 2020 and help narrow the search to find the right one for you.
Types of SUVs Available
The SUV has evolved since Chevrolet created the first of its kind (Suburban Carryall) in 1935. Modern times and evolving consumer lifestyles require a wide range of size, gas mileage, pricing, and comfort to be available in the SUV market. There are compact, midsize, large, hybrid and crossover categories, as well as two or three seating row options. Most of those categories further expand to include luxury versions of each model. The following offers you a detailed look at the top 2020 SUVs in a selection of these categories.
Top Compact SUV in 2020: Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V has been a consumer favorite in the compact SUV category for many years. Honda vehicles are reputed to retain financial value and to be extremely durable. The 2020 Honda CR-V continues this popularity.
One of the top features making the 2020 CR-V preferable to consumers is its ability to offer extra space while offering exceptional gas mileage. The vehicle boasts 27-28 MPG (miles per gallon) in the city while performing at 32-24 MPG on the highway. The 2020 CR-V combines an appealing, fluid design with a 190-horsepower engine, making it attractive to look at without compromising pickup speeds. The SUV comfortably seats five people so it is great for families who need a little extra room. Also great for families (and consumers in general) is the Honda Sensing safety suite, which now comes included as part of every standard CR-V package. MSRP (manufacturer’s suggested retail price) pricing for the 2020 Honda CR-V starts at $25,150.
What is a Subcompact SUV?
A subcompact SUV provides high seating and cargo space flexibility like those in larger categories. It also costs less (on average) and offers better MPG numbers than a larger SUV. The subcompact SUV generally has less power, passenger and cargo space than its larger versions, however. This makes the subcompact SUV a great choice for consumers needing a little extra room without the additional features – and higher prices – of SUVs in larger categories.
Top Subcompact SUV in 2020: Hyundai Kona
The 2020 Hyundai Kona edges out the Kia Soul as a top subcompact SUV in 2020. Both are great choices. While the Kia Soul offers slightly more cargo space and a base-level MSRP thousands less than the Hyundai Kona, the Kona wins out for a variety of reasons.
The interior of the 2020 Kona looks more like that of a pricier, luxury model than a subcompact SUV with a start MSRP of $20,400. On the highway the Kona averages 29-33 MPG and in the city, it can range from 26-28 MPG. This SUV has a base engine at only 147-horsepower, but Hyundai offers an optional turbocharged engine upgrade boosting the engine power to 175-horsepower. Seating is somewhat constricted making this SUV ideal for individual consumers or couples looking for a little extra room without breaking the bank.
Top Midsize SUV in 2020: Hyundai Santa Fe
Midsize SUVs tend to offer the most valued combination of features in all categories. The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe does just that, while also offering a starting MSRP of $26,275 (below the average starting price point in its category). The exterior of this SUV is impressive and sleek without being overstated and the interior is both comfortable and classy.
MPG on the base model is 22 in the city and 29 on the highway. The Santa Fe comfortably seats five passengers while also offering a consumer-reported smooth and comfortable ride. Cargo space is not as plentiful on average as in its competitors, but this SUV provides a plethora of high-tech features and safety systems, especially for its price. The 2020 Santa Fe SE engine runs at 185-horsepower but the SEL 2.OT trim can reach 235-horsepower for consumers needing additional pickup.
Top Large SUV in 2020: Ford Expedition
The 2020 Ford Expedition is a beast of an SUV, offering most features consumers want in a vehicle of its style and class. Its V6 engine boasts 375-400 horsepower options. This makes its power comparable to competing vehicles with larger, V8 engines. Priced at just under $53,000, the 2020 Ford Expedition is among the most expensive SUVs available, but its size and interior full of entertainment features and safety options help justify its MSRP.
The 2020 Ford Expedition boasts three rows of seating capable of comfortably carrying seven to eight passengers, while still leaving plenty of room for cargo. Gas mileage is reasonable for its size, getting 17 MPG in the city and 22-23 MPG on the highway. The Expedition is not the best SUV for tight maneuvering. However, it has a turbocharged engine, a highly rate towing capability and boasts safe, balanced overall handling with a pleasingly smooth ride for a vehicle of its size.
