2020 is right around the corner, and this year was filled with plenty of brand new models making their debuts from automakers. To give you a hand in keeping track of all these new sweet rides, we’ve compiled a list of our favorites. In no particular order, we present to you, our favorite new vehicles of 2019.
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1. 2020 Kia Telluride
Debut: Spring 2019
For those looking for a three-row midsize SUV, KIA only had the Sorento as an option. What the Sorento lacked in cargo capacity and third-row space, the all new Telluride more than makes up for. With a bold, futuristic design the Telluride will be sure to turn heads as it is one of the best looking SUVs on the market. If that wasn’t enough the interior also rivals some luxury SUVs. Extremely spacious and featuring many large windows, you’ll never feel cramped in the Telluride no matter which of the eight available seats you’re in. Another one of the many strong points for the Telluride is its whopping 87 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats folded down.
Features on the base trim of the LX include adaptive cruise control, 8-inch touchscreen, rearview camera and parking sensors, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a six-speaker sound system. A bevy of safety features also come with even the base model. These include forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and a drowsy driver warning system.
A V6 engine with 291 horsepower fuels this massive SUV and gets an average 26 MPG highway. A true joy to drive, the Telluride pretty much excels in every category and starting at $31,690 MSRP, it really is an unbeatable value.
2. 2020 Jeep Gladiator
Debut: Spring 2019
A new entry into the midsize pickup market, the Jeep Gladiator offers consumers a great alternative to more conventional-looking trucks. The top and doors of the Gladiator can be removed, making this rugged pickup also an attractive convertible. The Gladiator is fitted with a 5-foot cargo bed and a 3.6-liter V6 engine that pumps out 285 horsepower and a solid suspension offers superb ride quality.
Extremely capable, the Gladiator is capable of towing 4,500 pounds in just the base model. Also included for those that haul trailers is an anti-sway trailer control, which is quite handy. Standard features on the Gladiator include all-season tires, an eight-speaker sound system, a 5-inch central display, a rearview camera, and Bluetooth. The Gladiator isn’t great on gas, but if you’re looking at trucks, fuel economy is definitely at the end of your list of priorities.
3. 2020 Hyundai Palisade
Debut: Summer 2019
What will most likely be the Kia Telluride’s biggest competition in 2020, the Hyundai Palisade also offers buyers an elite level of space and comfort from the Korean automaker. The Palisade will most likely attract more buyers that want a near-luxury SUV, but don’t want to pay the luxury SUV price. Able to seat up to eight people, the massive Palisade offers up to 86 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats folded down.
A 3.8-liter V6 engine with 291 horsepower powers the Palisade and gets an EPA estimated 26 MPG highway. This SUV also drives extremely well, and offers comfortable seating and plenty of legroom for all passengers.
Standard features on the base SE trim of the Palisade include heated mirrors, adaptive cruise control, an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, rear parking sensors, and remote keyless entry. Hyundai also included many standard safety features to provide you with even more peace of mind on the road. These features include automatic high beams, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, a drowsy driver monitor, and lane-keeping assist.
4. 2019 Lexus UX 250h
Debut: December 2018
Since the Lexus UX model debuted in mid-December 2018, not too many people got their hands on one until 2019, so we’ll give it a pass for the list. Lexus’ newest hybrid compact SUV offers great value to those that care about style and saving money at the pump. With signature Lexus sharp body lines throughout the length of the vehicle, the UX will be sure to stand out among the crowd. An absolute blast to drive, the UX hybrid handles and accelerates quite well for a hybrid and shows no signs of sacrificing performance for fuel economy. This hybrid is one of the few vehicles on the market that offers a higher city MPG (41) than highway MPG (38).
Standard features of the UX include LED headlights, heated side mirrors, a rearview camera, a 7-inch infotainment system display, Apple CarPlay smartphone integration, and a six-speaker sound system. In the safety realm, the UX comes with the Lexus Safety System 2.0. This system is comprised of forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, road sign recognition, and Lexus Enform Safety Connect emergency services.
All in all, if you’re in the market for a zippy compact SUV with outstanding fuel economy, the UX 250h might just be the car for you!
5. 2019 BMW X7
Debut: March 2019
For years, BMW has teased a luxury third-row SUV, a model that was sorely lacking from their stellar lineup of luxury-performance vehicles. The closest BMW has come to a seven-passenger vehicle is the smaller X5, which can be optioned out with a third-row, albeit not exactly an adult-friendly one. That’s why when the German automaker finally announced that the X7 would be arriving in early 2019 and available for pre-order in late 2018, car enthusiasts and automakers around the world took notice – including us.
The X7 immediately jumps to the top of the list when it comes to third-row luxury SUV options on the market today. With a potent combination of performance, comfort, safety and luxury elements, the 2019 BMW X7 is everything you would expect in a BMW, and more.
The X7 comes in two trims: the 40i and 50i, and both come fully equipped with the BMW’s X-drive all-wheel-drive system. The 40i comes equipped with a 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder engine, which makes 335 hp; good for a 0-60 time of 5.8 seconds. Opt for the 50i and things get significantly quicker. The more powerful 4.4-liter TwinPower Turbo V-8 engine puts out 456 hp and shaves a couple of milliseconds off that 0-60 time, clocking in at a scintillating 5.2 seconds.
It also takes it’s luxury elements up a notch, with a completely customizable and stunning 12.3-inch center infotainment display and upholstery options that are aplenty. Build quality is unmistakenly BMW and well thought out, with brilliant cabin layout that doesn’t feel wasted.
All in all, BMW had a tall task with creating their first-ever third-row SUV, and it’s safe to say, they delivered.