Autotrader’s Best New Cars of 2020 Award Winners
The Autotrader Best New Cars Award is intended to benefit a broad set of shoppers by highlighting a diverse group of 12 vehicles. Each vehicle on this year’s list was agreed upon unanimously by the entire editorial and data team at Autotrader. To be considered, a vehicle must be of the current or next model-year and available for purchase at the time of the announcement.
The editors capped the base price for consideration at $75,000 (although most vehicles on the list are well under), meaning they offer a significant value for the asking price. Not only was value a top priority, but vehicles also were judged on available technology and a rewarding or dynamic driving experience. Each winning car had to score an overall 3.9 or higher on the editors’ 5-point evaluation sheet.
Learn more about the best new cars of 2020 and how to leverage these awards in your marketing efforts.
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2020 Chevrolet Corvette
Best coupe/convertible
Tremendously well-executed, the Corvette drives well, is nice inside, and it’s roomy, fast and fun. More importantly, the Corvette is affordable, which can seem like a bargain compared to many exotic cars tested.
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2020 Ford Expedition
Best full-size SUV
The 2020 Ford Expedition is the only car on the list that is not an all-new model or a full redesign for 2020. The Expedition got a big redesign for 2018 and has aged tremendously well ever since as a roomy and capable family hauler. Big SUVs are hard to get just right, as they can feel overwhelming and very truck-like. The Expedition is different – yes big, but it is very manageable from behind the wheel.
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2020 HONDA CR-V HYBRID
Best compact SUV
For the first time, a hybrid version of Honda’s popular compact crossover is available in the U.S. The CR-V Hybrid is super-efficient and reasonably priced, with plenty of pleasant interior space. It deserves praise for its performance and capability. Acceleration is another high point – it feels quick but the engine sound isn’t harsh or overwhelming.
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2020 Hyundai Palisade
Best midsize SUV
The Hyundai Palisade strikes the perfect balance between an affordable volume car and a premium luxury car. Hyundai has stepped up its game big time, emerging as a modern automaker delivering style, features, and value, all in one attractive package.
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2020 Hyundai Sonata
Best midsize sedan
The Hyundai Sonata makes a strong case as a class leader in a competitive segment. Its redesign brought with it a stunning new look, a roomy, premium interior, and a generous list of standard features, plus some interesting available tech in the higher trims.
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2020 Jeep Gladiator
Best midsize pickup
The Jeep Gladiator has all the coolness of a Wrangler with the functionality of a pickup bed. This is an off-roader without compromise. The Gladiator also delivers a surprisingly smooth and comfortable ride quality on the street, while displaying all the off-road chops you’d expect when the pavement ends.
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2020 Kia Telluride
Best midsize SUV
The Telluride is an excellent SUV – a homerun for Kia. Everything about it is terrific – the look, the ride, the features, the space. It’s a well-executed midsize SUV that somehow manages to be simple, authentic and luxurious all at the same time.
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2020 Lincoln Aviator
Best luxury midsize SUV
The Autotrader editors liked the Aviator so much that some boldly declared it the best luxury midsize SUV, period. From the pillowy leather seats to the bevy of tech features to the gorgeously styled front fascia, Lincoln knocked it out of the park on this one. With an exceptionally impressive interior, this is the perfect car for everyday luxury.
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2020 Mazda CX-30
Best compact SUV
The Mazda CX-30 is just Mazda doing what Mazda does – clean lines inside and out, good acceleration and an overall vibe that makes you do a double-take on the price. If sporty handling and a premium interior are important to you in a small SUV, check out the CX-30.
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2020 Nissan Sentra
Best compact sedan
The 2020 Nissan Sentra is a very good compact sedan for buyers looking for comfort and value. Nissan has been making big strides in interior quality and design in recent years, and it shows on the new Sentra – which also has improved exterior styling and a quiet ride.
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2020 Subaru Outback
Best wagon
At first glance it is hard to tell that the exterior of the 2020 Subaru Outback is all-new – but step inside and the redesign becomes much more apparent. It’s the perfect SUV alternative for those who want a rugged family car without the bulky size of a more truck-like vehicle.
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2020 Toyota Highlander
Best midsize SUV
The Highlander is a good SUV and has been a leader in this segment since it was first introduced almost 20 years ago and its dominance continues with the freshly redesigned fourth generation. The new Highlander has more interior space, more standard tech, and it finally has a standard V6. Toyota might be the expected choice, but the driving dynamics and handling with the new Highlander are anything but expected.
PR Newswire – ATLANTA, March 25, 2020
As shoppers shift online across all categories for both every day essentials and aspirational needs, they are facing a new reality. Within the automotive space, they are experiencing an increasingly crowded virtual marketplace, where visiting multiple dealerships isn’t practical. So, how are new-car buyers to know which vehicles are most worthy of their consideration in today’s environment? While there are several mainstays long-known for excellence in the automotive industry, the truth remains that standout vehicles can be found among a variety of price points, categories and brands.
