The best SUV of 2020 depends on what you need it to do. The Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride are standout three-row family choices; the Mazda CX-9 and Toyota Highlander are compelling midsize alternatives; the Ford Expedition and Chevrolet Tahoe serve buyers who need maximum space, towing and truck-based capability. For an entry-level luxury SUV, the Audi Q3 was Kelley Blue Book’s 2020 Best Buy.
How to choose among the best 2020 SUVs
“Best” is not a single ranking when compact, midsize, three-row, full-size and luxury SUVs meet different priorities. Compare the exact trim and powertrain for seating, cargo access, driving behavior, technology, fuel economy, safety equipment and ownership costs.
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Car and Driver says its rankings combine instrumented testing of several hundred vehicles each year with editors’ real-world driving impressions. Kelley Blue Book says its editors consider cargo space, driving performance, technology, fuel economy, build quality and other factors after test-driving each SUV.
Best 2020 SUVs by use
| Need | Leading 2020 choices | Why they stand out |
|---|---|---|
| Three-row family SUV | Hyundai Palisade; Kia Telluride | Contemporary equipment and family-focused packaging. |
| Midsize alternative | Mazda CX-9; Toyota Highlander | Highly regarded alternatives with different priorities in driving feel, packaging and ownership approach. |
| Maximum space and towing | Ford Expedition; Chevrolet Tahoe | Large, truck-based SUVs for substantial passenger, cargo and trailer demands. |
| Entry-level luxury | Audi Q3 | Kelley Blue Book’s 2020 Best Buy, recognized for technology, ride quality, standard safety features and driving dynamics. |
Best three-row family SUVs
Hyundai Palisade
The Palisade is one of the strongest all-around family picks from 2020. Its appeal is the combination of modern cabin and technology equipment with a layout designed around carrying people in three rows. Check the specific trim when evaluating safety features, headlights and driver-assistance equipment.
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Kia Telluride
The Telluride is a closely matched family contender. It emphasizes useful passenger packaging and a substantial equipment list, making it a sensible starting point for shoppers who want a comfortable three-row SUV without moving to a full-size truck-based model.
Mazda CX-9
The CX-9 is an established midsize alternative for buyers who place extra weight on driving manners and interior presentation while still needing three rows. Compare its usable cargo area behind the third row with the family gear you actually carry.
Toyota Highlander
The Highlander is another established choice for families seeking three rows, Toyota’s familiar ownership proposition and a balanced mix of practicality and everyday drivability. Verify the configuration, because seating and equipment vary by trim.
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Best large SUVs for space and towing
Ford Expedition
The Expedition is the large-space recommendation when a family needs generous passenger room, substantial cargo capacity or serious towing ability. Its truck-based design makes it better suited to heavy-duty utility than most midsize crossovers.
Ford Expedition MAX
The extended Expedition MAX is the logical choice when cargo behind the third row is a priority. Its longer body targets buyers who regularly combine a full passenger load with bulky luggage or equipment.
Chevrolet Tahoe
The Tahoe is another full-size, truck-based option for buyers who value space, towing and a commanding driving position. Car and Driver reported an EPA rating of 24 mpg combined (21 city/28 highway) for a 2020 Tahoe equipped with the optional diesel engine. That figure applies to that powertrain and should not be generalized to every Tahoe.
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Best 2020 SUV for safety
There is no universal safety winner across every 2020 SUV configuration. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awards Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ to vehicles that perform best in its evaluations, but the 2020 results can depend on the exact headlights, front-crash-prevention system and build date.
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The 2020 IIHS list includes entries for the Hyundai Palisade, Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento, Kia Telluride, Mazda CX-9, Subaru Ascent and Toyota Highlander, with equipment or production-date conditions attached to some awards.
- Confirm the exact model year, trim and build date on the vehicle you are considering.
- Check that the headlights required for the cited IIHS award are installed.
- Verify that the qualifying front-crash-prevention system is present and functioning.
- Do not treat a model-level award as proof that every used example has identical performance.
What to compare before buying a 2020 SUV
Seating and cargo
Count the rows you genuinely use and measure the space behind the last row. A three-row SUV can carry seven or eight people yet leave limited room for strollers, sports equipment or luggage. Check second- and third-row access, seat-folding mechanisms and the lift-over height.
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Powertrain, fuel economy and towing
EPA city, highway and combined ratings change with engine, transmission, drivetrain and body length. Compare the rating for the exact vehicle rather than relying on the nameplate. If towing matters, confirm the factory tow rating, required package and hitch hardware.
Driving and comfort
Consider acceleration, braking, steering, ride comfort, cabin noise and maneuverability. Instrumented results and expert impressions are useful starting points, but a test drive with your normal passengers can reveal visibility, seat comfort and parking-fit issues.
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Compare standard and optional technology, warranty coverage, build quality, expected maintenance and the purchase price of the particular example. A well-equipped lower trim may be a better value than a heavily optioned vehicle whose price approaches a larger class.
Checklist for buying a used 2020 SUV
- Record the VIN and confirm the exact trim, engine, drivetrain, seating layout and build date.
- Review maintenance records and have an independent mechanic inspect the SUV.
- Check recall completion through the manufacturer or an authorized dealer.
- Review accident and title history for structural damage, flood exposure or inconsistent mileage.
- Inspect tire age, tread depth, brake wear, suspension components, fluid leaks and operation of every driver-assistance feature.
- Compare current local asking prices for similar mileage, condition and equipment; 2020 used-market values change by region and time.
- Test the cargo area with the child seats, luggage or equipment you actually use. A cargo organizer can help contain small items, but choose one that does not interfere with third-row folding or emergency access.
Which 2020 SUV is right for you?
Start with the job rather than the badge: choose the Palisade or Telluride for a modern, family-oriented three-row package; consider the CX-9 or Highlander as midsize alternatives; move to the Expedition, Expedition MAX or Tahoe for maximum room and truck-based towing utility; and look at the Audi Q3 when entry-level luxury, technology and ride refinement matter more than three-row capacity. For any safety-led purchase, verify the exact equipment and build date before relying on an award.
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