If you thought last year was nuts for new SUVs and crossovers hitting the market, 2019 takes it to another level. If you’re shopping for a new sports utility, that’s a good thing. From luxury compact and affordable small crossovers to premium full-size SUVs and 7-passenger haulers for growing families, 2019 and 2020 will be good years. Here are the 20 top models worth waiting for. While some are arriving later this year and in 2020, many are already on sale. This SUV guide models include:
2019 Audi E-Tron Quattro
With looks more in line with a wagon than a crossover, the 2019 Audi e-Tron Quattro is the German brand’s first full-production, long-range EV, so it’s a significant vehicle. Powered by three electric motors paired to a 95-kW-hr battery pack, expect a towing capacity of close to 4,000 pounds and an electronically limited 124.3 MPH top speed. Oh, and sprint 0-62 MPH in 5.7 seconds.
The Competition:
- Volvo XC40
- BMW X7 EV
- Tesla P70
2019 Audi Q8
If the Q7 isn’t cutting it for you, the larger, wider 2019 Q8 might do the trick. Powered by a turbocharged 3.0L V6, putting down 335 hp, the new Q8 is based on its Q7 sibling with the same wheelbase but adds a wider track to produce a luxury 5-seater with a 44-mm lower stance and receives shorter overhangs.
The Competition:
- Porsche Cayenne
- Lexus UX
- Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe
- BMW X6
- Range Rover Sport
2019 BMW X7
It’s no shocker BMW decided to get in on the SUV action, entering the full-size segment late with the first-ever 2019 X7. The big Bimmer joins two larger haulers, including the best-selling, brawny mid-size X5, which first arrived in 1999, and the odd X6 mid-size crossover, considered by many one of the ugliest vehicles on the market. Smaller options include the X1, X3, and X4 crossovers. Built in the US, expect the new X7 to hit dealerships in March 2019.
The Competition:
- Volvo XC40
- BMW X7 EV
- Tesla P70
2019 Cadillac XT4
Cadillac just debuted their first-ever 3-row SUV at the 2019 Detroit Auto Show in January. This rounds out their entire SUV/crossover lineup, with the XT4 on the small end to the huge Escalade. Powering the XT6 is a 3.6L V6 engine mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission, along with four driving modes to handle various road conditions. The new SUV isn’t in production mode just yet, but expect horsepower to be 310-hp / 229-hp @ 6600 and torque at 271 lb.ft / 373 lb.ft @ 5000.
The Competition:
- Jaguar E-Pace
- Acura RDX
- Infiniti QX50
2020 Cadillac XT6
The luxury brand’s first-ever 3-row SUV, the XT6, debuted at the 2019 Detroit Auto Show in January. This rounds out the luxury brand’s SUV/crossover lineup, with the smaller XT4 on one end and the vast Escalade on the other. Powering the XT6 is a 3.6L V6 engine mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission, along with four driving modes to handle various road conditions. The new SUV isn’t in production mode yet, but expect horsepower to be 310-hp / 229-hp @ 6600 and torque at 271 lb.ft / 373 lb.ft @ 5000.
The Competition:
- Acura MDX
- Infiniti QX60
- Audi Q7
- Acadia Denali
- BMW X5
2019 Chevrolet Blazer
The mid-size 2019 Chevy Blazer arrives in early 2019, slotted between the small Chevy Equinox and the larger Chevy Traverse. It’s bold, sleek, and frankly looks like a Chevy Camaro in an SUV guise – and that’s not bad – sporting a strong front grill and athletic proportions. All new Blazers get power from a standard 2.5L engine with an optional 3.6L V6 powerplant capable of 2,041 kilograms (4,500 lbs.) estimated max trailering; both engines are paired to a 9-speed automatic transmission and available advanced twin-clutch AWD system. Check out our 2019 Blazer first drive review here.
The Competition:
- Ford Edge
- Hyundai Santa Fe
- Nissan Murano
2021 Ford Bronco
Editor’s Note: Due to delays resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Bronco is now a 2021 model (not 2020). Here’s a closer look at the new Bronco Sport.
We heard murmurings of a Bronco several years ago. That’s right, it’s finally here — sort of. We don’t have official production photos or real details. But we expect the 2020 model to get a Ford EcoBoost engine, sharing its platform with the newly released Ford Ranger mid-size pickup. The 4×4 SUV was an icon — we just hope it retains that charm and badass attitude to go with the latest in smart technology we’ll find in the cabin.
The Competition:
- Jeep Wrangler
- Toyota 4Runner
- Subaru Outback
2020 Ford Explorer
It’s still going strong 30 years later. Entering its 6th generation for 2020, Ford’s mid-size SUV isn’t the gas-guzzling family hauler it once was. It’s progressed over each generation today, boiling down to the most advanced variant yet sporting a leaner design, more cabin tech, and improved performance efficiencies. The 3.0L turbocharged EcoBoost V6 under the Explorer hood solidifies this as the most powerful to date, putting down a projected 365 hp and 380 lb.-ft. of torque using 93-octane gas.
The Competition:
- Chevrolet Traverse
- Honda Pilot
- Hyundai Palisade
- Subaru Ascent
- Toyota Highlander
- Mazda CX-9
- Dodge Durango
- GMC Acadia
- VW Atlas
2019 Hyundai Kona Electric
The distinctively styled Kona crossover is already available, but now Hyundai adds a sustainable model to the mix with the Kona Electric. Output is listed at 201 hp and 291 lb-ft of torque. Charging time is 55 minutes to get an 80% charge when using a Level 3 charging station and close to 10 hours on a Level 2 station. The looks are polarizing, but the fuel savings may offset all that. Plus, notable standards like adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking are all included.
The Competition:
- Chevrolet Bolt EV
- Fiat 500e
- Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid
2019 Jaguar I-PACE
With enough power to hit 60 mph in under 5 seconds, the new I-Pace is the Brit’s first EV. Powered by two identical electric motors, one to power each axle (front and rear motors), 80 percent of the I-Pace’s battery can be charged in about 40 minutes with the DC fast charger. The dual engine will put down 394 hp and 512 lb ft, riding on huge, optional 22-inch wheels for a sportier look.
The Competition:
- Tesla Model X
- Volvo XC90
- Audi E-Tron Quattro
2020 Kia Telluride
Kia’s new SUV isn’t available just yet, but the all-new 8-passenger family hauler will be production-ready soon and officially hit dealerships early next year. The brand’s largest SUV to date offers consumers a more spacious option over the midsize Sorento SUV and Kia Sedona and will come with a V6-powered option when it arrives in early 2019. To be specific, Kia planted a 291-hp 3.8L V6 making 262 lb.-ft. of torque at 5,200 rpm. To ramp it up, all-wheel drive is optional.
The Competition:
- Jeep Grand Cherokee
- GMC Yukon
- Chevy Tahoe
- Hyundai Palisade
2019 Lamborghini Urus
We saw Lambo’s new SUV in concept form over five years ago. Now, the 2019 Lamborghini Urus is finally here. Powered by a twin-turbo V8, this spacey-looking Italian hauler will hit 62 mph in 3.6 seconds at a top speed of 192 mph. Dubbed “the world’s first Super Sport Utility Vehicle” by the automaker itself, the Urus exemplifies everything you’d expect from the exotic brand, both from a performance and styling POV. Buying a Urus? Check out our full 2019 review here.
The Competition:
- Bentley Bentayga
- Aston Martin DBX
- Maserati Levante
- Porsche Cayenne
2020 Land Rover Defender
First launched in 1948, the Land Rover Defender utility off-roader was first developed from the original Land Rover Series over 67 years ago. Fast-forward to 2015, the British automaker announced the Defender would end production in December 2015. Well, now it’s back for 2020. Details are slim as there’s been no official debut. Still, as Land Rover puts it, the new variant “preserves the historic foundation of rugged durability, versatility, and capability with a revolutionary design and the latest technologies.” Works for us. Stay tuned.
The Competition:
- Jeep Wrangler
- Lexus LX570
- Mercedes-Benz G-class
- Toyota Land Cruiser
2019 Lexus UX
The first-ever Lexus UX is the latest addition to the sport utility lineup, featuring the company’s first Direct Shift-CVT and an entirely new platform. Production begins this fall, and the UX 200 and UX 250h will arrive at dealerships in December 2018. Pricing hasn’t been announced yet, but we’ll have that closer to the sale date later this year. The UX will sit on an entirely new platform focusing on better handling via a more rigid design sporting a lower centre of gravity. Lexus calls it the GA-C platform (Global Architecture – Compact), and the UX is the first in the family to use it.
The Competition:
- BMW X1
- Volvo XC40
- Infiniti QX50
2020 Lincoln Navigator
The sleek Aviator offers twin-turbo V6 power and a plug-in hybrid option and will be on sale starting in summer 2019. Aviator is built on an all-new RWD architecture, although all Canadian models will come with AWD. There will be three grades, each with its grille pattern – Aviator, Aviator Reserve, and the Grand Touring hybrid. US buyers additionally have the option of a top-of-the-line Black Label model with either gas or hybrid power.
The Competition:
- Audi Q7
- Volvo XC90
- Infiniti QX60
- Acura MDX
2019 Lincoln Nautilus
The MKX is now changing over to the Nautilus for 2019. Lincoln is doing away with the 3-letter nomenclature often associated with luxury brands (think Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, BMW), replaced with good old-fashioned names in line with its larger Navigator sibling. A significant change under the hood is Lincoln’s move to a new turbocharged engine lineup: the 250-hp, 2.0L turbo inline-4 powerplant paired with an 8-speed auto transmission comes standard. The brawnier 2.7L turbo making 335 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque is optional. Both get the Start/Stop push button and the same transmission.
The Competition:
- Cadillac XT5
- Lexus RX
- Alfa Romeo Stelvio
2019 Nissan Kicks
The latest entry from Nissan is the all-new 2018 Kicks (reviewed here) – a compact crossover aimed at urbanites in tight places looking for an agile, stylish vehicle that offers decent cargo space to haul their weekend toys. Kicks also has some interesting “issues” that may or may not be a deal-breaker for some buyers: you cannot get it with all-wheel drive at any price. The platform won’t support a rear driveshaft. It’s one of, it seems, only a few vehicles remaining with rear drum brakes, and it has a CVT or continuously variable transmission.
The Competition:
- Toyota C-HR
- Mazda CX-3
- Chevrolet Trax
- Honda’s CR-V
- Hyundai Kona
- Ford EcoSport
- Kia Soul
2019 Rolls-Royce Cullinan
Rolls Royce Cullinan is the first-ever all-terrain vehicle from the British carmaker’s stable. Visually, missing this as a Rolls with that huge, unmistakable front grill is hard. Powering this beast, which measures 5341 mm in length and 2164 mm in width and comes with a 3295 mm long wheelbase, is a beefy 6.75L V12 putting down 563-hp propelling the all-wheel drive setup. Structurally, the new chassis is 30 percent stiffer than the outgoing model, an improvement that helps the transition to a massive 4×4. O-60 for the 2019 Cullinan? 4.8-seconds, which isn’t bad considering this US$325,000 SUV rings in at 2,660 kg (5,864.3 lb) curb weight.
The Competition:
- Bentley Bentayga
- Lamborghini Urus
- Land Rover Range Rover
2019 Subaru Ascent
Subaru fans rejoice. The Japanese automaker finally introduces a 3-row sport utility – their largest product to date – available with choice of seven or eight passenger configurations designed for everyday versatility, comfort and safety. Powering the new Ascent is an all-new 2.4L engine making 260-hp at 5,600 rpm, and 277 lb.ft. of torque at 2,000-4,800-rpm. The cabin features loads of tech including a new 4G LTE Wi-Fi setup, and EyeSight Driver Assist comes standard in the Ascent – usually an option in other Subaru products.
The Competition:
- Mazda CX-9
- Honda Pilot
- Toyota Highlander
- Chevrolet Traverse
2019 Volvo XC40
For a compact crossover, the new XC40 retains a reasonably big footprint. Powered by a 2.0L turbo-four, you’ll have a PHEV option soon. There’s the 187-hp T4 or the burlier 248-hp T5 for the gas options. Visually, the Scandinavian utility is unmistakably Volvo and looks clean and sleek.
The Competition:
- Jaguar E-Pace
- BMW X2
- Cadillac XT4
