Best New SUVs and Crossovers of 2020

Slotting into the Mazda SUV lineup in the narrow space between the subcompact CX-3 and the compact CX-5 is the new—and curiously named—CX-30. Mazda's designers gave it a more severely forward-canted rear window and chunkier black-plastic body cladding to help differentiate the 2020 CX-30 from its other crossover siblings. The CX-30 comes standard with impressive technology, both in terms of connectivity and driver-assistance features. Equipped with the same perky and responsive engine as the Mazda 3, the CX-30 oozes that enthusiast appeal for which Mazda is famous.

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The subcompact 2020 Kona is the whole package: Striking looks, engaging driving dynamics, and a comfortable cabin. A pair of four-cylinder engines are available, the best of which is the turbocharged 1.6-liter that provides brisk acceleration and good fuel economy. Its exterior turns heads, even two years after its introduction, but its cabin is more muted and feels grownup in both its design and execution. Cargo space will be adequate for most buyers but those seeking space for bulky items may be better served by one of the Kona's slightly larger rivals.

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When you think of automotive icons, images of the Porsche 911 or the Mercedes-Benz G-class might spring to mind, but the funky Kia Soul just might be worthy of iconic status as well. While it's all-new, the 2020 Kia Soul doesn't stray far away from its winning formula: it's a brashly boxy front-wheel-drive crossover SUV with inspired styling and a great price. Despite a host of new rivals attempting to shoulder into the Soul's territory, we still happily recommend the Kia to friends and family looking for a value-packed box on wheels.

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With plenty of tech paired with a fun-to-drive nature, the 2020 XC40's fresh and spunky looks are aimed directly at hip and luxury-minded buyers. The interior offers comfort and spaciousness along with a decidedly Swedish atmosphere found in all of today's Volvos. There's also abundant cargo stowage and plenty of bins and auxiliary repositories to keep things. If dynamic driving is a priority, the BMW X1 and the Jaguar F-Pace are top considerations, but the XC40's handsome looks and well-executed packaging make it a strong contender in the flourishing subcompact class.

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The 2020 X1 is BMW's Mighty Mouse crossover, small but both effortlessly playful and uncompromisingly practical. It's powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that revs eagerly and smoothly with good fuel-economy ratings and plenty of power. The cabin is spacious for such a small crossover; four adults will ride in comfort, with room to spare for their luggage in the capacious cargo hold. The X1 might be the driver's choice, but it doesn't require compromising practicality.

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The 2020 CX-5's class-above cabin could easily be confused for an Audi Q5's and its trio of four-cylinder engines means there's an option for every buyer. A quick test drive will undoubtedly have you singing the CX-5's praises as loudly as we have over the years. Its crisp steering, eager driving dynamics, and confidence-inspiring controls are dreamy and best when matched with the gutsy turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder in the Grand Touring Reserve and Signature models. If you can't afford one of those high-end trims, don't worry—the CX-5 made our 2020 10Best list and is set to satisfy no matter which version you choose.

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There's so much sameness amidst the multitude of compact crossovers that it's refreshing to find something—anything—substantially different among them. But the 2020 Tiguan succeeds in setting itself apart in a very useful way: an available third row. Between the Tiguan's seven-passenger capability and flexible interior (the second-row seats slide fore and aft, and they fold in three sections rather than the typical two), VW's smallest SUV makes good use of its larger exterior footprint than the segment norm by delivering outsized practicality.

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It's not hard to see why the 2020 CR-V is one of the brand's top-selling products: It's refined, practical, and well-designed. Aside from offering one of the largest cargo bays in its segment, the CR-V also offers two fuel-efficient powertrains—including a hybrid—to help it go head-to-head with its main rival, the Toyota RAV4. All CR-Vs come well-equipped with creature comforts and technology features that SUV buyers want, plus it has earned excellent crash-test ratings, which will appeal to families. Our complaints are few—and mostly centered around the CR-V's mediocre acceleration performance—but it's unlikely that average buyers will find the same faults.

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Perennially a best-selling SUV, the 2020 RAV4 offers a trim for every budget. The price-leading LE trim is pretty basic, but the high-end Limited can challenge the Lexus NX with its many luxury features. The new TRD Off-Road model promises improved capability when hitting the trails, and its rugged styling makes it look right at home alongside the Toyota 4Runner SUV and the Toyota Tacoma pickup truck. The ute's driving dynamics tend toward the mundane side of the spectrum, but most consumers will find the 2020 RAV4's ride comfortable and its handling agreeable. If it's fuel economy you're after, consider the RAV4 Hybrid, which we review separately.

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The 2020 Macan sits on the small side of the compact-luxury SUV segment, but it is a definitive counterpoint to the thinking that all utility vehicles are boring to drive. Excellent performance and unflappable poise, without compromising its day-to-day livability, have helped earn the Porsche several comparison-test victories in our testing over the years, as well as a spot on our 2020 10Best list. While some of its competitors are more affordable and practical, the 2020 Macan stands out as a proper driver's machine the way in which Porsche excels.

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Porsche has successfully filtered engaging driving characteristics into a compact crossover, and the 2020 Macan Turbo represents the model's performance pinnacle. Boasting an attractive design, it manages to look sporty and sophisticated. Its interior has a delightful seating position and numerous personalization options, but its cramped rear quarters aren't great on long trips. Likewise, the Turbo is pricier than lesser Macans that deliver fewer thrills behind the wheel. Still, the quicker twin-turbocharged model is an experience that affluent enthusiasts will appreciate. The Porsche Macan Turbo is easily one of the most visceral crossovers on the market and it earned a spot on our 2020 10Best list.

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The 2020 GLC43 and GLC63 are high-performance variants of the Mercedes-Benz GLC-class, and they spice up that model's Germanic luxury with an extra dash of driving excitement. Both crossovers seat five, and their cabins are roomy enough to provide spacious accommodations in both rows. The GLC43 and GLC63 impress with an exterior design that's sculpted and modern, and they deliver handling that's both refined and athletic. Zero to 60 mph is quick, and the experience is sweetened with a mellifluous engine note. A bevy of drive modes allows you to customize the action. If you're in the market for a compact luxury crossover with memorable style and performance, the GLC43 and GLC63 earn our recommendation.

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The 2020 X3 delivers strong acceleration, agile handling, and premium interior finishes that make it one of our favorites in a dense field of compact luxury crossovers. X3 models with the standard turbocharged four-cylinder strike a smart balance between power and fuel economy. Stepping up to the 335-hp M40i version turns the X3 into a seriously quick crossover. (For those who want their small crossover with an even bigger engine, there's also the 473-hp 2020 BMW X3 M.) The X3's upscale materials and build quality are easier felt than seen; the Volvo XC60, the Mercedes-Benz GLC-class, and the Audi Q5 offer more stylish cabins.

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Affordability is often offset by frugality, but the 2020 Telluride transcends that association with its utterly lavish qualities and absolute bargain price. With enormous proportions and three rows of seats, the bold-looking Kia is the company's biggest crossover SUV. It has all the tenets of a great family hauler, including abundant passenger space and contemporary features. Its standard V-6 powertrain isn't especially efficient, but it's quietly competent and able to tow up to 5000 pounds. The 2020 Telluride also has proved its comprehensive excellence by earning a spot on our 10Best list.

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The 2020 Palisade is not Hyundai's first three-row SUV, but it certainly is its best and biggest. The Palisade replaces the Hyundai Santa Fe XL, which suffered from a cramped third row fit for only occasional use. The Hyundai's silky ride quality and premium interior appointments teeter at the edge of luxury. Offering three spacious rows of seating, loads of safety and driver-assist technology, all-wheel drive, and distinctive styling, it's a bold statement for this Korean manufacturer.

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As much as we'd all love to have a Mazda Miata for our daily driver, grown-up lives come with grown-up responsibilities—and the 2020 CX-9 is a great compromise. Its sharp handling and gutsy turbocharged four-cylinder engine helps it channel Mazda's lightweight sports car while hauling the kids or taking home groceries from the supermarket. Swooping exterior styling wraps around an interior that would look at home in a luxury car, and Mazda offers plenty of tech features that SUV buyers want most. All this comes with a few compromises, though, as the CX-9 has one of the least roomy third rows of seats and a smaller-than-average cargo capacity.

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Those who want big a two-row SUV that drives well and wears a Honda badge will be more than satisfied with the 2020 Passport. While it's the antithesis of stylish inside or out, it's stockpiled with standard driver assists such as adaptive cruise control and automated emergency braking. The Passport also boasts an exceptionally comfy and commodious interior, with plenty of room to store cargo. Along with optional all-wheel drive, every model is powered by a quick and refined V-6 powertrain. Unfortunately, it's not particularly fuel-efficient and the ride is jarring on rough roads.

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With three rows of seating and plenty of room for its occupants, the 2020 Atlas offers practicality and a comfortable ride without even a hint of minivan-ness. While its base four-cylinder engine is underpowered when there's a full load of people and cargo, the optional V-6 provides acceptable motivation but it's lacking in fuel efficiency: the V-6–powered Atlas in our long-term test fleet averaged 19 mpg. Driver-assistance technology is on hand, with automated emergency braking, forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert all standard.

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The 2020 Wrangler is what the Jeep brand is all about—with roots that date back to the original World War II–era military vehicle—and its off-road capability borders on amazing. While it looks much like the first-generation Jeep that was created to support our troops, it has evolved into a one-of-kind four-wheel-drive vehicle, with tech and luxury to match its off-road chops. It offers everything from air conditioning to leather. Two mild-hybrid engines are available; a stretched, four-door version called the Wrangler Unlimited is also available. No matter what version you get, you can still remove the doors and roof, fold down the windshield, and enjoy motoring through the great outdoors.

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As with every vehicle bearing the Porsche badge on its hood, the 2020 Cayenne is designed to be exciting to drive as well as fast, well-built, and expensive. It can be had with several potent powertrains, ranging up to 455 horsepower in the E-Hybrid plug-in model. And like the rest of Porsche's lineup of sports cars, sedans, and crossovers, it offers a vast array of optional, hard-to-resist goodies that will tempt your good sense and quickly drain your bank account. In other words, the Cayenne is a true Porsche.

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