Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) are the automobile of choice among Americans. Today, SUVs have firmly replaced regular sedans as the top selling vehicle in the United States. So much so, that the Ford Motor Company has announced that it will soon no longer manufacture sedans at all, and instead concentrate exclusively on building SUVs and pick-up trucks.

In June 2019 alone, 44,000 more SUVs were sold in the U.S. than in June 2018, according to car data website Good Car, Bad Car. This shows that demand for the larger, more rugged vehicles remains strong. If you are in the market for a new SUV, but not in a rush to sign on the dotted line, here are 11 2020 SUVs models that look to be worth the wait. Most should be available by mid-to-late 2019.

11. Hyundai Palisade

Hyundai is renaming its three-row SUV this summer, changing what had previously been called the Santa Fe XL to the Palisade for the 2020 model. Hyundai is positioning the new SUV to compete directly against other midsize three-row vehicles such as the Kia Telluride and Toyota Highlander. Hyundai made clear when it unveiled the Palisade at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show that it is the company’s new flagship SUV.

To be clear, the Palisade is still more of a family vehicle than a true off-roader. The midsize SUV comes loaded with standard and optional features, ranging from Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to heated rear seats. Expect this SUV’s price to start in the $35,000 range. That would put it on par with other midsize crossover vehicles in the market today.

10. Lincoln Aviator

Lincoln has never been as well known for its SUVs as much as other automakers like Ford and Subaru. But they are hoping to change this fact with its redesigned 2020 Aviator, a three-row SUV that fits squarely into the luxury midsize vehicle segment. This luxury SUV comes with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine that produces 400 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque.

The new Aviator also comes loaded with the latest technology, including a suspension system that automatically lowers the vehicle when you approach (so you have an easier time entering it), and the ability to use your cell phone as a key. The 2020 Aviator’s starting price is $51,100 and can easily surpass $80,000 once you start adding some of the optional packages.

9. Kia Telluride

Kia has achieved success in recent years with its redesigned Sorento and Sportage, and it hopes to continue its track record with the largest SUV the company has ever made – the 2020 Kia Telluride. The big Telluride will compete directly against the venerable Jeep Grand Cherokee, Subaru Ascent, and Toyota Highlander. In promotional materials, Kia describes their new SUV as “Big, Bold and Boxy.”

It has a 3.8-liter V6 engine under the hood that cranks out 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. That engine comes standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Drivers can select between two different drive settings, Snow and All Wheel Drive.

While aimed at families, Kia’s Telluride can tow up to 5,000 pounds. Safety features include a head-up display, blind spot collision avoidance, lane following assist, rear cross traffic alert, and rear occupant alert. Tech features include an available 10.25-inch touch-screen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, up to six USB ports, an available 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, and multi-Bluetooth connectivity.

8. Honda Passport

The all-new Passport is Honda’s main midsize crossover vehicle, and it’s one to be reckoned with. The 2020 Passport is powered by a 280-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine. Honda is offering an “Adventure Package” and an “Urban Package” with the Passport in order to, in their own words, “provide cost-efficient ways to enhance the character and functionality of the new SUV.”

The new Passport also features add-ons galore. The Sport trim starts at $31,990, the EX-L at $36,410, the Touring at $39,280, and the Elite trim at $43,680. Safety features such as a multi-angle rearview camera, a collision mitigation system, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control come standard across all trim levels. Optional infotainment features include a high-resolution 8-inch display screen, heated front seats, a 4G Wi-Fi hot spot, and wireless smartphone charging.

7. Ford Escape

The Ford Escape has long been one of the most popular compact SUVs and a key sales driver for the blue oval. For 2020, Ford is completely redesigning and overhauling the Escape, offering two new gasoline engines and two all-new hybrid gas/electric systems. The new Escape’s standard engine will be a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that’s set to produce 180 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. The Titanium trim package is available with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that pushes out 250 horsepower. And, for the first time, Ford is offering the Escape as a plug-in hybrid.

The hybrid powertrain will be available on every trim level except for the base S and the SE Sport. The hybrid will have an all-electric range of 30 miles. With Level 1 charging, expect the PHEV to be fully charged in 11 hours. Using a Level 2 system charges the all-new Escape in just 3.5 hours. Ford has sold over 4.5 million Escapes in the U.S. to date, and they hope to sell even more when the 2020 Escape goes on sale this fall. The hybrid versions, however, won’t be available until spring 2020.

6. Subaru Outback

Another bestselling SUV is the Subaru Outback. While long considered more of a wagon than an SUV, Subaru is firmly moving the Outback into the SUV category with a 2020 model that is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 182 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. Like most other Subaru models, the new Outback comes standard with all-wheel drive. Subaru expects the base engine to achieve 26 miles per gallon in the city and 33 on the highway, while the turbocharged engine available in higher trim packages should earn 23 mpg in the city and 30 on the highway.

Subaru’s STARLINK media system features a touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and HD Radio. Higher trim levels receive a larger 11.6-inch touch screen. Leather upholstery comes standard on the Outback Touring trim, as does black molding for the pillars and chrome-plated door handles. Look for the 2020 Outback this autumn.

5. Range Rover Evoque

Land Rover has long had a winner on its hands with its Range Rover SUV, the 2020 Evoque aims to become one of the top luxury compact SUVs on the market. The previous generation of the Evoque was known for having a tricked-out cabin, powerful engine, and impressive off-road capabilities. Land Rover hopes to improve on those features with the redesigned 2020 model.

The new Evoque is powered by a 296-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine that is an increase of 60 horsepower over the 2019 model. Land Rover is also introducing a hybrid version of the compact SUV for the 2020 model year. The all-new Evoque comes with a suite of active and passive safety features, including adaptive cruise control, a rear-view camera, lane keep assist, emergency braking, and a driver condition monitor. A Wi-Fi hot spot, six USB ports, and rear-seat tablet holders all come standard.

4. Porsche Cayenne Coupe

An SUV may not be the first vehicle that comes to mind when you think of Porsche, but the Cayenne is a favorite among consumers, and Porsche hopes to strengthen its grip on the luxury SUV market with a redesigned 2020 Cayenne. The luxury compact SUV is also adding a coupe body style for the 2020 model year.

The 2020 Cayenne Coupe is powered by the same turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine that’s in the 2019 model. That engine produces 335 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque and can go from zero-to-60 mph in six seconds. The Turbo Coupe hits 60 miles per hour in just 3.7 seconds.

Inside, Porsche engineers lowered the rear seats of the Cayenne Coupe to accommodate the lower roof. Because of that, the Cayenne Coupe can comfortably fit five passengers. Take note though that the 2020 Porsche Cayenne Coupe has a starting price of $75,300, and the Cayenne Turbo Coupe starts at $130,100.

3. Mercedes-Benz EQC

The Mercedes-Benz Electric Intelligence, aka the Mercedes-Benz EQC, is an all-new brand of vehicle. The EQC SUV has similar looks to other Mercedes-Benz SUV coupes, although the grille features an all-new design. There are two electric motors in the EQC, one in the front and one in the rear. They combine to produce 402 horsepower and 564 pound-feet of torque, accelerating from zero-to-60 mph in 4.9 seconds.

All-wheel drive comes standard, and the EQC can receive 80% of its charge in only 40 minutes. The inside of the EQC is just as impressive as its exterior, with the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) that features a touch screen, the Mercedes Me Connect app, and a special EQ menu tailored to all-electric driving.

2. Audi Q8

The new Audi Q8 is a brand new model for the luxury midsize SUV category. The Q8 features a luxurious cabin, plenty of legroom in the second row, and numerous features that come standard. This Q8 is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine that produces 335 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. Audi claims the new Q8 can go from zero-to-60 mph in just 5.6 seconds.

All-wheel drive comes standard, as does a 12.3-inch digital instrument display, four USB ports, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, satellite radio, HD Radio, and two touch screens. Standard safety features include front and rear parking sensors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and a rear-view camera.

1. BMW X7

The new BMW X7 comes with three-rows of seating, standard all-wheel drive, and numerous driver-assist features. It is also the largest SUV that BMW has made to date, fitting nicely into the large luxury SUV category. A 335-horsepower inline six-cylinder engine comes standard in the new X7. According to BMW, the base engine should help the X7 jump from zero-to-60 mph in 5.8 seconds. There is also an available auto stop/start system to help with fuel economy.

Inside the X7, there is a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch center display, and the ability to use hand gestures to control the stereo. The iDrive system is the seventh installment of BMW’s infotainment system and offers a new level of personalization. Standard features include six USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, wireless device charging, and a Wi-Fi hot spot. Optional features include a head-up display, a rear-seat entertainment package that includes two 10.2-inch touch screens, a Blu-ray player, an HDMI socket, and two headphone jacks.

Photo via BMWUSA.com

Devon is a writer, editor, and veteran of the online publishing world. He has a particular love for classic muscle cars.