Acura RDX
Predicted Cost: $37,600
If you’re looking for an excellent SUV that closely resembles the Audi Q5 and BMW X3/4 without having to pay the additional price increase that comes with the brands, you should definitely check out the 2020 Acura RDX — one of the most attractive small luxury SUVs of this generation. The Acura RDX boasts an insanely comfortable interior that provides a quiet and relaxing driving experience you’d expect from an $80,000+ car of the same class. The RDX is definitely not as fast or refined as its German competitors, but it is more than justified by the insanely low price relative to its value.
The crossover has a 10-speed automatic that works smoothly and without any jerkiness. It has a very respectable 272 horsepower thanks to the 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that Acura installed in the model. Although the attractiveness of the Audi and BMW competitors absolutely can’t be ignored, it’s still the classic Apple vs. Android fight of whether you’d rather pay more to feel better about yourself, or go for the much cheaper but less satisfying device that delivers the good and keeps your wallet happy.
Cadillac Escalade ESV
Predicted Cost: $78,195
You may have noticed that the 2020 Cadillac Escalade was already mentioned a few entries back, but the ESV letters at the end of its name are what make this car into a completely different beast. The 2020 Cadillac Escalade ESV is a redesigned version of the Escalade with 300 fewer pounds of weight and a new platform similar to the one on the 2019 Silverado and the Sierra 1500. You can expect to find a new independent rear suspension option which makes rides more comfortable according to Cadillac, as-well-as new tech options, including new gauge displays and a redesigned infotainment system.
The biggest difference between the Escalade and Escalade ESV is the length of the cars. The standard Escalade measures at a length of 203.9 inches while the ESV adds an extra 21 inches to a total of 224, which gives it a much larger cargo, more room for passengers, and a fuel capacity of 31 gallons instead of 26. Both cars remain as some of the most popular cars in the luxury SUV market.
GMC Acadia
Predicted Cost: $29,800
The 2020 version of GMC's Acadia features an attractive and updated design, superior interior infotainment systems and an abundance of storage capacity. The three-row crossover is certainly a good entry for its own sake, but it finds some trouble fitting in due to the car's features not fully justifying $30,000 price tag attached to it. Many fans of the Acadia admire its boxy design and attractive cabin, especially with its 2020 facelift which includes improved LED headlights and an improved grille and rear.
The Acadia comes in a variety of versions from the basics 2.5 liter four-cylinder model which provides 193 horsepower to the improved 3.6 liter V6 which gives it 310 horsepower and a zero to sixty time of just over six seconds. You might want to stay away from the higher horsepower versions though since Acadia spits out 27 miles per gallon on the highway. The five models of the 2020 Acadia are the SL for $30,995, the SLE for $34,995, the SLT for $39,995, the AT4 for $42,495 and the Denali which goes for $47,495.
Jaguar I-PACE
Predicted Cost: $69,850
Jaguar has recently made the exciting jump to electric vehicles with its I-PACE series, along with Audi who came out with their incredible e-tron not too long ago. The company is known for its prestigious cars and high-tech interiors, so it was only fitting for the I-PACE to be just as equipped, if not more, than their regular lineup of vehicles. You can get up to 234 miles driving the car on battery alone, but would also enjoy an extremely eco-friendly 80 miles per gallon when driving in the city.
The I-PACE accelerates at a terrifying speed thanks to its electric motor and 394 horsepower and can go from zero to sixty in less than five seconds while driving in absolute silence. If you’re afraid that the lack of roar from not having a V8 engine would be a problem, you can rest assured because the I-PACE comes with complimentary pseudo-engine sounds for those who need to hear their cars go “VROOM” when kicking the pedal. Jaguar provides the electrical SUV in multiple models, starting from the S version and going up to the HSE which can go from zero to sixty in just 4.5 seconds. Base price starts at around $69,000, but the fully equipped version could take you up to around $90,000.
Fiat 124
Predicted Cost: $25,390
Fiat surprised and thrilled fans when it announced its new Fiat 124. The great thing about Fiat’s sports cars is that they’re always bold, interesting and special. Not too much has changed in the 2020 version of the Fiat 124 except various safety upgrades, which are always welcome in a car that mostly caters to sports fans. The exterior of the car remains mostly unchanged, which is a great decision in our opinion because the 124 is an absolutely gorgeous piece of work. This is a really good sports car that’s cheap and offers a lot more than you hope, with excellent handling, efficient fuel economy, comfortable and great looking interiors, and a very user-friendly build.
The lightweight racer can go quite fast due to its turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine and 160 horsepower; You should expect a zero to sixty climb in just around six seconds. For all intents and purposes, as long as you're not an exceptionally tall person and don't need to load too much stuff in the trunk, there’s no reason why you won’t thoroughly enjoy driving the 124, otherwise known as the "Spider". Prices for the 2020 Fiat 124 start at around $25,000, making it one of the most affordable sports cars in the world.