The may not be the most efficient vehicles around, but 8-seater SUVs are still the best choice for large families and all those who need three usable rows of seats. The upcoming year will be particularly interesting for this segment, as there is a lot of novelties to come. Of course, new GM SUVs are the first thing that comes to mind. We are about to see all-new versions of Chevy Tahoe and Suburban, as well as the all-new GMC Yukon. Another important novelty is a completely redesigned luxurious Cadillac Escalade. It will come in both standard and long-wheelbase versions, with tons of improvements that will help in competing with the excellent Lincoln Navigator.
Although a crossover, the new Hyundai Palisade will be a great choice for all those who are searching for a large and spacious SUV. It is a brand-new model, the biggest vehicle we’ve seen from the Korean carmaker so far.
Other models in the segment will be interesting as well. They won’t get full redesigns, but many of them will get nice updates too.
2020 Lincoln Navigator
The 2020 Lincoln Navigator will represent the third production year of the current generation, which has brought tons of significant improvements. Most likely, it won’t feature any notable changes and a mid-cycle probably won’t happen in the next few years. As you probably know, this model rides on the F-150’s platform. So, it’s no wonder it is one of the lightest, quickest and most efficient models in the class. Of course, its independent rear suspension makes it stand out from the crowd in terms of the ride quality. It offers excellent comfort, with all the legroom you can imagine, while the list of standard equipment is impressive and includes pretty much everything you can imagine. The power comes from an efficient 3.5-liter twin-turbo, which is good for about 450 hp. As we already mentioned, no bigger changes are expected for the next year.
2020 Toyota Land Cruiser
Unfortunately, we will have to wait for more time to see this legend redesigned. The current generation of the iconic SUV has been around for way too long. However, the redesign is still far away from us. The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser will continue in the same way, with a familiar design which, despite the age, still has a lot to offer. This particularly refers to its unparalleled combination of reliability, off-road performances, and safety features. There is no other SUV that can match Land Cruiser in these three aspects combined. On the other side, it’s cabin is becoming a little bit outdated, while the engine features disappointing mpg ratings.
For the next year, Toyota has prepared one special version, called Heritage Edition. Next year, this legend celebrates the 60th anniversary. So, the company brings a model that comes with a lot of unique features, mostly in terms of aesthetics, both outside and inside. The rest of the model, though, isn’t much different from standard versions.
2020 Cadillac Escalade ESV
The new generation of the famous full-size SUV is in the final stage of development and along with the standard model, we are about to see a long-wheelbase version in the offer once again, this time as the 2020 Cadillac Escalade ESV. Like standard versions, it will come with tons of changes. There is a new T1 platform, which utilizes a lot of lightweight materials, which should result in saved 300 pounds. Besides lighter body, the new model is about to come with an independent rear suspension, at least as an optional feature, in order to keep the pace with the amazing Lincoln Navigator.
Another important thing to mention is a new engine. Allegedly, we are about to see a new 4.2-liter twin-turbo in the offer, probably tuned to around 500 horsepower. However, it will be reserved for higher trims. The current 6.2-liter unit with 420 hp will remain as standard powertrain. Although it won’t be ready for the initial launch, a hybrid version is expected in the future too.
2020 Hyundai Palisade
The 2020 Hyundai Palisade is coming this summer and it is something completely new from the Korean carmaker. It is the new flagship SUV, the biggest we’ve seen from Hyundai so far. It won’t just be the biggest, but also the most luxurious, as it comes with an upscale cabin, which will make it competitive in the class led by models like Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, and Ford Explorer. The segment may be tough, but the Palisade will definitely have a lot to offer. It features a distinctive look, which seems significantly more rugged compared to Santa Fe and the rest of the lineup. It is also notably bigger, with a lot of legroom in all three rows, while the list of standard equipment seems pretty impressive. When it comes to the powertrain, base versions will come with a familiar 3.8-liter V6, which is good for 291 horsepower.
2020 Lexus LX
Just like its corporal sibling, the Land Cruiser, the 2020 Lexus LX will also come without more important changes. Although with a more than a decade-old design, this SUV is still pretty amazing. First of all, it offers excellent off-road capabilities, which isn’t such often case among luxury SUVs. Also, keep in mind Lexus’ unparalleled reliability in the premium segment, as well as the fact that this model puts all cards on the table when it comes to standard equipment. For the base price, you get pretty much everything from tech goodies and safety features, as well as hi-end interior quality. On the other side, a big drawback is an old and thirsty 5.7-liter V8 engine. It may have plenty of power, but also returns disappointing 13 mpg in the city and 17 mpg on the highway.
2020 Infiniti QX80
The current generation of this full-size luxury SUV has been around for almost nine years, which indicates a complete redesign in the near future. However, latest reports suggest that the current model will carry on for a little bit more time. We saw an update a couple of years ago when the QX80 received a new styling, based on the Monograph concept. However, mechanics remained pretty much unchanged. Despite being old, keep in mind that this model is based on the legendary Nissan Patrol. So, it’s no wonder it delivers such an amazing driving experience, starting from amazing handling and strong acceleration.
Another good reason for considering 2020 Infiniti QX80 lays in its price, which is lower compared to other models in the class. It may not be as luxurious as some rivals, but definitely offers a great value for the price. On the other side, a big complaint goes to fuel economy, which is below-average for the class.
2020 Ford Expedition
Two years after the redesign, the Expedition still looks very fresh and latest reports are suggesting that the next year will bring nothing but small updated in terms of standard equipment. Thanks to a new platform, which is shared with the new Navigator, this model is now probably the best full-size SUV among mainstream manufacturers. It offers excellent efficiency and driving dynamics, but stylish and quality interior as well. One of the strongest points is its huge cargo area, which is among the biggest in the class. The 2020 Ford Expedition will continue with an efficient 3.5-liter V6 engine. It delivers 375 hp in base and 400 hp in higher trim levels.
As we already mentioned, there is a chance to see updates in terms of standard equipment. This particularly refers to tech features, so we could see a couple of additions in standard models. Some reports suggest that an 8-inch touchscreen will become standard in all trims, as well as smartphone goodies like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
2020 Honda Pilot
This is probably the smallest model on the list. However, it offers plenty of interior space and excellent overall cabin functionality, which makes it one of the most practical SUVs around. After the recent update, we expect from 2020 Honda Pilot to carry on in the same way. The recent facelift has brought a lot of visual improvements, so the new model looks more attractive.
A couple of nice changes happened on the inside as well, including a new steering wheel design and a new infotainment system. A 9-speed automatic transmission has been updated as well, so we believe there is no reason to expect novelties for the next year. Still, don’t exclude the possibility to see updates in terms of a couple of additional standard features, new exterior colors etc. The powertrain will remain the same, with a well-known 3.5-liter V6 as the only engine in the offer.
2020 Toyota Sequoia
Like the rest of Toyota’s SUV family, the Sequoia is also pretty old. It was introduced more than a decade ago. So, it’s no wonder there is a couple of notable drawbacks, such as poor fuel economy, outdated infotainment system etc. However, we saw an update a couple of years ago, so the current model still looks quite appealing, thanks to the new styling. Latest reports are suggesting that we will have to wait for a redesign a couple of more years. However, that doesn’t mean there are no changes to come for the next year. The company will introduce a new, TRD Pro version, which will include new suspension components, chassis reinforcement and a couple of unique styling details.
The rest of the lineup will also get novelties, in terms of new safety features, updated infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, etc.
2020 Chevrolet Tahoe
We have huge expectations from the upcoming, next-generation 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe. The new model is about to come with tons of novelties and the first thing to mention should be a new T1 platform, which will provide significant weight savings, probably around 300 pounds. Also, the new model will offer an independent rear suspension, probably as an option. Furthermore, we count on a significantly updated powertrain lineup. Two familiar V8 units will carry on, but a new turbo-four will be offered as well. It is a very efficient 2.7-liter engine that delivers around 310 horsepower. Some reports also suggest a diesel version. Expect to see a new 10-speed transmission in the offer as well.
Typically for redesigns, the 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe will get a new styling. It will get a new cabin, with a new design and, more importantly, additional legroom, especially in the third row.
2020 Nissan Armada
Although the current generation of Armada is present for about three years, it practically features a much older design. Practically, the Armada is just a re-badged version of Patrol, and the current generation of the legendary SUV has been around since 2010. Therefore, updates are expected in the future.
Unfortunately, that won’t happen in the next year. So, the 2020 Nissan Armada is about to continue in the same way. This means you can count on the same drawbacks that characterize the current model. Those would be things like an outdated infotainment system, small cargo area, below-average fuel economy etc. However, there are some great things about this SUV too. Those mostly refer to the ride quality, as the Armada offers excellent handling and a quite powerful engine. Another strong point is price, which is lower compared to most competitors.
2020 Chevrolet Suburban
Like Tahoe, the Suburban is also about to receive a complete overhaul in the next year. The iconic SUV has been around for decades and the new generation is about to bring a lot of novelties. Once again, count on things like weight reduction, independent rear suspension, new engines etc.
Compared to Tahoe, the 2020 Chevrolet Suburban will feature a longer wheelbase and we count on a couple of more inches compared to the outgoing generation, which will provide even more space on the inside and make it competitive with the Ford Expedition Max.
In terms of the styling, all new SUVs from Chevy are expected to follow the design language that has been established by the new Silverado.
This would also include interesting air curtains on the front bumper, which won’t just have an aesthetical effect but should also provide better aerodynamics and more fresh air for brakes.
2020 GMC Yukon
GM prepares a lot of novelties for the next year and besides new SUVs from Chevy, we are also about to see a completely new 2020 GMC Yukon. The fifth generation of this SUV will continue to share mechanics with the Tahoe. Therefore, count on the same upgrades and improvements that we’ve already mentioned. On the other side, the Yukon will come with its own aesthetics, based on the brand’s new design language. Practically, we count on the same front end you can see on the new Sierra.
Compared to Tahoe, this should be a little bit more luxurious truck. Therefore, we expect to see finer materials on the inside, but also more features. An independent rear suspension will probably be a standard feature, while the advanced Super Cruise self-autonomous system should be in the offer as well. Under the hood, the 2020 GMC Yukon should also come with a new turbo-four engine in the offer.
2020 Chevrolet Traverse
While there is a lot of novelties to come in the body-on-frame family, GM won’t bring too many changes to its crossovers in the next year, at least when it comes to the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse. The large crossover will carry on in the same way, which is pretty much expected, considering that the current generation came to a couple of years ago. Eventually, we could see a couple of additions in terms of standard equipment and new exterior colors. Rest of the features will remain unchanged, including two familiar powertrain options.
Base models are equipped with an efficient turbo-four unit, while a more powerful V6 is reserved for higher trims. Both engines are paired with a smooth-shifting 9-speed automatic transmission. Still, the strongest point of this crossover isn’t powertrain, but a large cabin, which offers plenty of room in all three rows of seats.
2020 Dodge Durango
This crossover is expected to be redesigned in the near future, so the 2020 Dodge Durango may be the last year model of the current generation. Therefore, it should come without more important changes. Count on familiar design characteristics, starting from the styling, spacious cabin and great infotainment system. Another well-known fact is that this crossover comes with amazing powertrain lineup. While the base model comes with a familiar V6 engine, there are also two powerful V8 options, with a max output of either 360 or 475 horsepower.
If you’re considering purchasing this model, it could be better to wait for another year, as the company prepares huge changes for the upcoming redesign. Allegedly, the next-generation Durango will feature a body-on-frame platform and will be a real SUV, capable of doing much more things. It should also get bigger and compete in the full-size segment, with models like Chevy Tahoe and Ford Expedition.