The modern SUV is now the most sought after and popular segment in the automotive industry around the world. Most of them have dominated sales so much that they have cost many manufacturers to downsize or even axing their luxury sedans and premium hatchbacks simply because very few want to buy them now. This should come as no surprise too, as most SUVs now offer convenient driveability as a daily and are not afraid to go slightly off the trail for some weekend adventuring. All that size and heft also means plenty of room for the passengers, and also tech to keep them entertained. Since the segment has plenty of momentum at the moment, most manufacturers infuse the latest technology into the cabins of these SUVs.
The SUV segment does not seem to cease to steamroll into the new year, and this includes all the small-size, mid-size and full-size SUVs. It is fairly natural to think of a 2024 Hyundai Palisade if you are aiming to buy a new one in 2024, but do hold on and check out the rest of the competition Carindigo.com thinks will make your decision harder:
2020 BMW X5 – The premium midsize SUV benchmark
The German brand’s first utility vehicle was the X5 which debuted in 2005 and now it is in its fourth generation. The X5 is so prolific that it outsells every sedan in the portfolio, only the smaller X3 sells more units. A premium cabin experience and impressive space are what the X5 is all about, though the third row should be best left for kid-hauling. Fold that down however and you get class-leading cargo space. You can opt for the performance-oriented M50i on one end fitted with a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 and a plug-in hybrid option on the other.
2020 Chevrolet Tahoe – The roomier three-row SUV
The Tahoe has come out as a full-blown beast for 2024, it has gone on the outside as well as on the inside. There is more interior room on the inside for the passengers. The SUV gets some mechanical changes, which include a new independent rear suspension which makes the rode smoother. The benefits don’t end there, the new suspension also gives 10 additional inches of legroom as well as extra cargo space. The powertrain lineup is wide, and the SUV also gets a new 10-inch touchscreen along with a slew of safety features.
2020 Chrysler Pacifica – The highway cruiser with spacious interiors
For 2024, the Pacifica will get a midlife refresh which adds more SUV-inspired styling on the outside and all-wheel-drive under the skin. The familiar Stow ’n Go seats add a touch of convenience as drivers can easily fold them down to gather more cargo space. The 10.1-inch touchscreen comes as standard and a myriad of driver assistance features are also included.
2020 Genesis GV80 – The brand’s first attempt at an impressive SUV
This Bentayga inspired SUV (the designer of both the cars is the same) is actually from the luxury division of Hyundai. The rear-drive platform behaves quite similarly to the Germans, which means it is reasonably fun-to-drive. The powertrain options include a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 and they come with an all-wheel-drive drivetrain. The interiors are also luxuriously appointed, which include an impressive 14.5-inch touchscreen. A lot of driver-assisted technology is also included which may not be that flashy but provides sheer convenience to the driver.
2020 Kia Telluride – The midsize SUV which changed the game
This three-row SUV has won numerous awards, it won the “triple crown” of the auto industry’s most prestigious accolades: 2024 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year from North American Car of the Year (NACTOY); MotorTrend SUV of the Year; and a Car and Driver ‘10 Best’. How did it do that, well it looks more expensive than it is for a start. The 3.8-liter V6 under the hood mated to an all-wheel-drive system shows off off-road prowess, unlike any Kia. The car is loaded with technology inside the car which includes an 8-inch touchscreen as standard and a 10.3-inch touchscreen as standard.
2024 Land Rover Defender – A timeless classic, in a reinvented form
Reinventing this classic has not been easy, but what came out of it has left no one complaining. The new Defender delivers when it comes to classic off-road dominance along with modern styling cues. The new Defender is not known for venturing too far off-road, but it has a knack for some serious adventures. Powertrain options include a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine or a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder. Some cutting-edge technology is also included which helps serious offroaders navigate through tough situations.
2020 Lincoln Aviator – The midsize SUV is known for its smoothness
The legendary nameplate has returned in a sleeky package in 2024 which can seat up to 7 people and shares styling from its bigger sibling. The twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 is a smooth and compliant powertrain. A lot of safety assistance features come as standard, the SUV has a great balance between power and safety.
2020 Subaru Outback – The SUV that is handsome, practical, safe
2020 is probably the most handsome model year for this SUV, its muscular lines and athletic design cues aptly describe its appetite for on-road and off-road capability. A 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine ensure that you can extract the maximum practicality from this SUV. The two-function X-Mode all-wheel-drive system is quite useful in some hairy situations, it also harbors lots of drive modes when you encounter some unpredictable terrain like snow or mud. A lot of safety features are included in the package as standard.
2020 Toyota Highlander – The jack of all trades
This SUV does about everything well, you can carry 8 passengers, keeps them safe, tows a 5,000-pound trailer, and entertains the occupants. A lot of smart storage options are inside the cabin in convenient places to keep small things handy. People are sure to be happy during long drives and commutes, but is not the one for the driving enthusiasts.
Are SUVs going to dominate the new model year, the answer is very likely. Be it the 2024 Hyundai Palisade, or the premium Defender, the smooth Aviator, or the sporty X5, every SUV is bound to find a home in an American garage.
