2020 is finally here. The 2010’s have come to a close with many new technologies and hundreds of exciting models having been released since the decade started.
Auto manufacturers always look to get started on a good note at the beginning of each New Year, but with the start of a new decade, expectations are higher than ever before. Despite whatever expectations exist, we will only be able to look back at all these models and definitively say whether or not they were good or bad.
Until the future arrives, we still have to speculate as to the best models that will be here this year… So, we will. Here is The Unlimited Driver’s prediction for the five best 2020 model year vehicles.
Genesis G90:
The G90 is not an all-new model, but it is completely redesigned. Some – including myself – aren’t the biggest fan of the new styling, but it is decidedly luxurious, a goal that Hyundai set for themselves and achieved thus far. It starts at more than $70,000 – which is a lot – but that does make it tens of thousands less than its target competition.
The G90 has already won numerous awards in the past several years for its incredible value. Genesis continues that trend improving on the already refined and value-packed G90. This may be one of the best sedans on the market today and possibly one of the best ones in the past several years.
Hyundai Venue:
Unlike the G90, the Venue is an all-new vehicle for 2020. Additionally it’s an SUV… a very small SUV. In fact, the Venue will be one of the smallest vehicles for sale and the smallest SUV available on the market. Despite its size, or lack thereof, the Venue makes good use of its space with its upright stance. Cargo and passenger space may be limited, but they are both very reasonable given the Venue’s tiny dimensions.
The performance is said to be lackluster by those who have had the chance to drive the Venue, but does anybody really expect performance to be a top priority? Instead, Hyundai decided to make the Venue incredibly affordable, usable for its size, and equipped with some pretty impressive tech. Even really good vehicles usually come with at least a few drawbacks, and we don’t think the lack of performance from the Venue’s engine will create any roadblocks for Hyundai in real-world scenarios.
Chevrolet C8 Corvette:
To nobody’s surprise, the C8 Corvette was highly anticipated and delivered the goods. It has already been named Motor Trend’s 2020 Car of the Year, it still has a naturally-aspirated V8 engine, and it is the first Corvette ever to have a mid-mounted engine. The best thing about the C8, though, is its price: $60,000. Of course, nobody will pay just $60,000 for a C8 as that is the MSRP for the lowest trim with no options added. Still, the C8 presents a pretty amazing value for the performance even at a higher price point.
Purists will doubtless still complain that it isn’t really a Corvette because of its new powertrain setup – and the fact that it is not offered with a manual transmission. But, the reality is, that a mid-engine Corvette has been a long time coming, and this is the next logical step in the evolution of the iconic American sports car.
Mercedes-Benz GLB:
It is no secret that SUVs are all the rage. As a result, auto manufacturers have to constantly come up with new and innovative ways to satiate consumers’ appetites for more of them. The Mercedes-Benz GLB may just be the ticket. It can seat up to seven, but it comes in a smaller overall package than most other seven-seat SUVs on the market. Additionally, it has a few off-road technology features that make it a bit more eager to get muddy than most other SUVs on the road.
Don’t think for a second that the GLB is the next Range Rover or a Jeep Wrangler dressed up in a suit. You won’t be able to scale mountains on a large scale, but you will have a truly capable, luxurious, and unique SUV in overcrowded SUV market.
Lincoln Corsair:
Lincoln’s transformational journey from rebadged Ford to legitimate luxury contender continues with the 2020 Corsair. The new Navigator announced what Lincoln was truly capable of when it was introduced a couple years ago, and the Nautilus and Aviator have followed suit. It is now the Corsair’s turn, and it doesn’t disappoint.
It brings interior elements from its big brothers, which is a wonderful thing. Lincoln’s new compact SUV starts at a reasonable sub-$37,000 price tag and includes pretty decent tech for the price. Its handsome styling makes the Corsair one of best-looking SUVs on the market, but that alone won’t make it a success. It has the potential to be a strong contender in a saturated compact SUV segment, and if Lincoln plays their cards right, they will certainly make BMW, Mercedes, and Audi rethink their own strategies.
