SUVs and crossovers in particular have taken the US automobile industry by storm, consistently out-selling sedans of every size class and posting strong sales growth, according to market research. Automakers have begun making changes, from introducing more crossover models as in Hyundai’s case, to more drastic measures like Ford discontinuing all car models in North America, with the exception of the Mustang sports car and Focus hatchback. Consumers are in a frenzy over crossovers, citing advantages such as a higher seating position, more interior space, and common all-wheel drive availability, all without a large sacrifice in fuel economy versus sedans.
As SUVs continue to sell well, we can expect manufacturers to continue introducing new versions of their existing offerings and even entirely new SUVs to their burgeoning lineups. Indeed, companies like Jaguar, Volkswagen, Volvo, and Kia have introduced new SUVs in the past two years alone. If you’re looking to add such a vehicle to your garage, there’s no better time to do it than now, and we’re here to help you discover the latest and greatest offerings on the market.
HYUNDAI KONA & PALISADEThe standard Kona subcompact crossover first debuted in 2017, with the Kona Electric following shortly thereafter—and becoming the world’s first fully electric subcompact crossover—in the succeeding years. Both the standard Kona and Kona Electric have received accolades, such as being crowned the joint winners of the 2019 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year, presented at the North American International Auto Show after being selected for the award by a jury of car journalists. The Palisade debuted in 2018 as Hyundai’s flagship full-size crossover offering. With three row-seating accommodating up to eight passengers (when equipped with a second-row bench seat), the Palisade directly competes against competitors such as the Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer, and Toyota Highlander.JAGUAR I-PACEThe Jaguar I-Pace constitutes this prestigious brand’s foray into the fully electric crossover segment; the first time Jaguar has produced such a vehicle in its history. With its powerful motor producing healthy horsepower and torque figures, luxury interior, and EPA-rated 234 mile (or 377 kilometer) range, the I-Pace has won several awards such as the 2019 European Car of the Year and 2019 World Car of the Year, as well as winning Best Design and Best Green Car. The latter three were awarded at the 2019 New York International Auto Show.VOLKSWAGEN ATLASVolkswagen introduced the Atlas mid-size SUV in 2017, taking the Touareg’s place in VW’s SUV lineup. It features a spacious interior, third row seating, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Connectivity. VW’s 4Motion four-wheel drive system is available on most models. After earning high marks in all five crashworthiness tests, the Atlas received the IIHS Top Safety Pick rating. The Atlas starts at US$30,895 before options.VOLVO XC40Volvo entered the subcompact crossover SUV market by introducing the XC40 in 2017—the first time in Volvo’s history making such a vehicle. With a luxury interior showcasing Volvo’s modern design language, an array of engine options including diesel engines for the European market, and all-wheel drive available, this diminutive Volvo has gone on to win several awards. The XC40 was named Car of the Year by automotive magazine What Car? In 2018, European Car of the Year at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show, and Irish Car of the Year in 2019. With its $34,345 price tag, the XC40 is the most affordable way to own a new Volvo SUV.KIA TELLURIDEBrand new for 2019, the Kia Telluride is one of the South Korean brand’s mid-size SUV offerings, alongside the Sorento. Versus its older sibling, the Telluride is larger and offers more interior space, with the ability to comfortably haul 7 to 8 people in three rows. In comparison, the Sorento is a bit more cramped inside and less suitable for transporting adults over long distances in its third row.HONORABLE MENTIONSIf you have a $165,000 to $325,000 (yup, you’re reading that correctly) hole burning in your pocket and are just lusting for a top-of-the-line luxury SUV, here is your formal introduction to the Bentley Bentayga and Rolls-Royce Cullinan, respectively. Both are the first vehicles of their kind to be offered by each brand, and represent the pinnacle of luxury in an SUV package. If your wallet is a couple hundred grand shy of these figures, don’t fret; all of the other vehicles on our list will be more than enough to accomplish any task you can ask of your new SUV. Anything from hauling groceries, to transporting furniture, to making sure you and your family get home safe and sound can all be accomplished by some of the finest SUV offerings from the manufacturers of today. |
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