Top SUVs of 2020

What is the most important aspect of a new SUV? This is a difficult question to answer.  Some might say safety rating, others might say passenger space, while others might say towing capacity or four wheel drive. However, one answer comes up over and over.  Fuel efficiency is an important aspect of any new car purchase, especially with the prices of gas climbing ever higher. One extra mile of fuel efficiency will end up saving you tons of money over the lifespan of your car. There are plenty of fuel efficient options on the market, and for those who really want the best mileage, they can choose to go the hybrid or full electric car route.



Choosing an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle is a great way to not only save money on gas prices, but also help combat climate change and help the environment. Electric vehicles are more sustainable than gas powered cars, and many have all the same safety features and ratings of traditional gas powered automobiles. Whether or not you decide to choose an electric, hybrid, or gas powered car, your options are increasingly fuel efficient. Fuel efficiency is king and the auto industry has taken note of this trend. There are so many options that meet the fuel efficient criteria that you may have trouble picking a car. So to help you choose we’ve chosen our top 5 picks for top SUVs, with special consideration placed on fuel efficiency, to help you make your next auto purchase.

1. 2020 GMC Acadia

First up in our list of 2020 SUVs to watch out for is the GMC Acadia. It's a midsize SUV that offers drivers and passengers a comfortable ride and spacious seating in the first two rows. The third row of the GMC Acadia is not as comfortable as its competitors, but it does have its advantages. For example, customers can find that the Acadia has good fuel economy and a great in-car entertainment system. This can be especially beneficial for drivers with kids, who need them to be occupied during long drives. New for the Acadia in 2020 is its new turbo-four engine option as well as many other more standard features.

2. 2020 Nissan Armada

Second on our list of top SUVs for 2020 is the Nissan Armada. This large SUV has a powerful V8 engine and outstanding interior cabin to match. It has a less exciting in-car entertainment system than the Acadia, but has other benefits to make up for it. It has been reviewed to be exceptionally reliable, has comfortable seating, a powerful engine, and in the new 2020 model it has heated outside mirrors now available. It can seat up to 8 people, and has 13-14 MPG for city driving, and 18-19 MPG for highway driving.

3. 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee

There aren’t many rivals for the 2020 model of the Jeep Grand Cherokee when it comes to its off-roading abilities or engine power. However, it is rated in the middle of the midsize SUV class because of its mediocre gas mileage, and less than average cargo space. That being said, it boasts a robust engine lineup that is attractive to customers, as well as its off-roading abilities that are superior to others in its class. It also offers an easy-to-use in-car entertainment system that has a lot of features. It can seat 5 people, and has 11-19 MPG for city driving, and 17-26 MPG for highway driving.

4. 2020 Jeep Cherokee

Another SUV in the Jeep family is the 2020 Jeep Cherokee model. Similar to the Jeep Grand Cherokee, it has superior off-roading ability with a comfortable cabin to match. It also has an excellent in-car entertainment system as well. There have been no major changes for the Jeep Cherokee for the 2020 model, so if you’re considering this as your next SUV, make sure you do extra research on what it has to offer. It can seat up to 5 people, and has 18-23 MPG for city driving, and 24-31 MPG for highway driving. This mileage is slightly better than the Jeep Grand Cherokee, which sets the Jeep Cherokee slightly above it.

5. 2020 Jeep Renegade

This SUV is in the subcompact category, which means that it is just slightly smaller than a compact SUV. If you’re looking for a baseline car to introduce you into the SUV world, the Jeep Renegade would be a good choice for you. Similar to the other Jeeps mentioned above, it has great off-roading abilities, but is lacking in a few other important categories such as fuel mileage and reliability ratings. But if you’re looking for a starter SUV that is able to off-road, the Renegade could be great for you.

6. 2020 Toyota RAV4

7. 2020 Honda HR-V

Next up on our list is the Honda HR-V. While the HR-V may seem like it’s just a new name slapped on the Honda Fit, the HR-V offers more in the way of efficiency and practicality. Cheaper than the Honda CR-V, it provides smooth ride quality, and comes standard with several high tech systems including a 7 inch touch screen entertainment and info system, climate control, and a keyless entry system. If you take a look at the HR-V’s estimated gas consumption, it’s a bit on the high end, but still gives great mileage. With a highway MPG of 34 and 29 MPG for combined driving, the Honda HR-V is a solid choice.

8. 2020 Lexus NX

Also on our list is the 2020 Lexus NX 300. A stylish SUV with bold lines that turns heads, the Lexus NX 300 certainly has style. It also offers substance, coming with a comfortable cabin, quality standard tech, and a host of incredible optional gear. With a top of the class safety rating and 2 liter four cylinder turbocharged engine, the Lexus NX 300 is a great choice.  With an available hybrid option you can get a fuel efficient 33 MPG in combined city and highway driving.

9. 2020 GMC Terrain

For those consumers looking for a more heavy or burly option, the 2020 GMC Terrain delivers.  With large fenders, creased metal, and a rocksteady grille, the 2020 Terrain takes the spot of Macho SUV. With three different engine options to choose from you can’t go wrong.

The Base engine is a 1.5 liter four cylinder powertrain that can deliver an estimated 26 MPG in the city and 30 MPG for highway driving. With 170 horsepower this engine is no joke. You could opt for the increased power of the 2 liter engine, but you’ll end up sacrificing fuel efficiency, dropping to 22 MPG for city driving and 28 for highway. But the best option for fuel efficiency we saved for last, 1.6 liters, 137 horsepower, with an astounding estimated 28 MPG in the city and 39 MPG on the highway.

10. 2020 Tesla Model X

Let’s talk Tesla. This wouldn’t be a list of fuel efficient SUVs without bringing up the frontrunner of electric automobiles. The 2020 Tesla Model X delivers where it counts. A fully electric SUV packed with power, the Tesla Model X maintains a sleek design, while still having room for three rows of seating. Paired with all the incredible Tesla Tech features, such as the Tesla App (What could be cooler than having your car rollout of the garage and come to you?), and the AP2 autopilot system to keep you steady on the highway, you are surrounded by the latest in automobile tech.

The Model X has two separate specifications, the X 100D and the P100D.  While both have a 100 kilowatt-hour battery, letting you cover 295 and 298 miles each day on a full charge. These cars pack a serious punch, with the P100D going from 0 to 60 in a quick 2.9 seconds. As a fully electric vehicle, this is the most fuel efficient vehicle we list, as it doesn’t use a single drop.

11. 2020 Kia Niro

Number 5 on our list, and our final SUV is the 2020 KIA Niro. The KIA Niro is a hybrid crossover SUV.  It has a wide variety of options, The FE, LX, EX, The Touring Graphite Edition, and the Touring. The standard model (The FE) includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto function, a 7 inch touchscreen, and automatic headlights. Later options have more included.  Each of the models blends a 104 horsepower 1.6 liter engine and a 43 horsepower electric motor, which combine to produce a 139 horsepower system. With front wheel drive, the base model sees an estimated 52 MPG in the city and 49 on the highway, well above the competition. The non-standard models see a drop in fuel efficiency, but the lowest estimated numbers are 46/40 MPG, well above many of the main competitors.