Three New 2020 SUVs to Watch

The auto show season has provided consumers with a one-stop-shop to review hundreds of domestic and imported cars, trucks, and sport utility vehicles. Among them are production vehicles on display for shoppers, and manufacturers also revealed several all-new models expected to debut in 2019; here are three of our favorites.

— 2020 Hyundai Palisade

Hyundai has dumped its three-row Santa Fe XL, replacing it with the all-new Palisade, now the biggest of all Hyundai crossovers. It’s 4 inches longer, offers considerably more interior space than the model it replaces (45.8 cubic feet behind the second row, and 18.0 cubic feet behind the third), and seats a total of eight passengers with its standard second-row bench (choosing the optional captain’s chairs in the second row reduces that to seven).

It’s not only big, but it’s also safe, thanks to the standard Hyundai SmartSense package, which includes forward collision-avoidance assist w/pedestrian detection, blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, lane following assist, high beam assist, driver attention warning, safe exit assist, smart cruise control with stop & go, and rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist. An important family safety feature is the available ultrasonic rear occupant alert with available Blue Link notifications to prevent children and pets from being forgotten in the car, and also helps in case children accidentally lock themselves in.

Hands-free Bluetooth connectivity is available via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay; an available Qi wireless charging pad will work with compatible Android and Apple devices. A fun feature: An available in-car intercom with rear-seat conversation/sleep mode allows the driver to easily converse with back seat passengers, or shut off audio so allow them to sleep peacefully.

Available in front- or all-wheel drive, it’s powered by a 3.8-liter V-6 engine boasting 291 horsepower and 262 lb.-ft. of torque, and is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. It can tow up to 5000 pounds when properly equipped. Pricing will be available closer to its on-sale date in the summer of 2019.

— 2020 Lincoln Aviator

Already well-known for its elegant performance and luxury accoutrements, the 2020 Lincoln Aviator will be full of advanced technologies that let the three-row utility vehicle kneel to greet you, scan the road ahead for uneven pavement, and even use your smartphone like a key.

Lincoln’s luxury SUV is available in either rear- or all-wheel drive, and will be powered by a standard twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine, paired with a 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission, and promises to deliver 400 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque for effortless acceleration.

Looking for a hybrid option? Aviator Grand Touring’s twin-turbocharged engine joins with advanced plug-in electric technology to produce 450 horsepower and a massive 600 lb.-ft. of torque, better than many three-row, midsize luxury hybrid SUVs. An optional Adaptive Suspension with Road Preview uses an advanced forward camera to constantly scan the road ahead for potholes or uneven pavement and can seamlessly adjust the suspension as needed to keep the ride as smooth as possible. It can also automatically lower the vehicle to ease access and make loading cargo easier as well.

Lincoln’s new “Phone As A Key” technology, debuting in the all-new Aviator, is activated through the Lincoln Way app to allow owners to lock and unlock, open the liftgate and, most importantly, start and drive the vehicle — all without a traditional key.

2020 Jeep Gladiator

The all-new 2020 Jeep Gladiator builds on a rich heritage of tough, dependable Jeep trucks with rugged utility and authentic Jeep design. Offering open-air freedom (with a convenient fold-down windshield for off-road purists), and clever functionality and versatility, its crew cab configuration features lightweight, high-strength aluminum doors, hinges, hood, fenders, windshield frame and tailgate to reduce weight and boost fuel economy, as well as a durable five-foot steel bed with covered external power source.

It’s powered by a 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine with Engine Stop-Start (ESS) boasting 285 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, and is paired with your choice of standard six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission; a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 with ESS producing rated at 260 horsepower and 442 lb.-ft. of torque and mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission will be available later in 2020.

The 4x4 Gladiator promises best-in-class 7,650 pounds towing capacity and 1,600 pounds of payload capacity, while legendary off-road capability comes courtesy of the Command-Trac and Rock-Trac 4x4 systems, third-generation Dana 44 axles, Tru-Lock electric front- and rear-axle lockers, Trac-Lok limited-slip differential, segment-exclusive sway-bar disconnect, and 33-inch off-road tires. Off-road adventurers will appreciate its 43.6-degree approach angle, 20.3-degree breakover angle, 26-degree departure angle, and 11.1-inch ground clearance.

Inside, cloth or leather-contoured front seats feature accent stitching and adjustable bolster and lumbar support, while all-new rear seats feature high-quality premium materials and can be folded flat to access cab-back storage and provide a load floor for larger items. Jeep’s fourth-generation Uconnect system includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and the choice of 7.0- or 8.4-inch touchscreens with pinch-and-zoom capability. All Gladiators feature body-color sport bars welded to the body with integrated grab handles for front occupants; a premium Sunrider soft top provides a segment-exclusive easy open-air option.