Crossover vehicles have been the hottest trend in the American auto industry for the last five years, and we expect that popularity to continue into 2020. A less expensive alternative to traditional SUVs, crossovers offer the interior space of an SUV with less bulk and better fuel economy. Here are three of the best new crossovers of 2020, according to Kelley Blue Book.

2020 Hyundai Santa Fe: a great affordable crossover

Number three in Kelley’s rankings is the Hyundai Santa Fe. Reviewers were impressed with the Santa Fe’s quiet ride, automatic windshield wipers, and extended warranty. The vehicle has a bulky and aggressive exterior style, with seating for five, which allows extra legroom for taller passengers. The interior has some hard plastic components that detract from the comfort, but that is more than made up for by the extra interior space.

The basic SE model engine is a 2.5-liter, 4 cylinder that can have some trouble getting up to highway speed; however, the next level SEL offers a 2.0 turbocharge, for a faster pick-me-up. If you are looking for the basics, the Hyundai Santa Fe SE starts at $26,995, and you can move up to the turbocharged SEL for only $2,000 more.

The highest trim, the Limited 2.0T, runs up to $38,600, and you can add all-wheel drive to all trims for an additional $1,700. Overall, you’ll find the Santa Fe pricing runs about average for its class.

2020 Honda Pilot: one of the most reliable crossovers

The Honda Pilot received excellent reviews for sturdiness and dependability. Every model sports a refined 3.5-liter V6 engine pushing 280 horsepower. The Pilot has both front and all-wheel drive options, and AWD trims are coupled with an advanced torque-vectoring system that adjusts the amount of power going to each wheel.

The interior is roomy, with basic seating for up to eight people, and safety features in the base model include lane-keeping assistance, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The higher-end Touring trim offers a useful hands-free tailgate option, for ease of access. 

The Pilot comes in six trim levels, starting at $32,645 and increasing about $2,000 for each level up. For a fully loaded, top of the line Pilot Black Edition, you can expect a price closer to $50,715. These prices are in line with similar vehicles in the same class, including the Toyota Highlander and Subaru Ascent. In keeping with its dependable nature, the Honda Pilot is among the best in its class for resale values. 

2020 Volvo XC40: great safety features

At the top of Kelley’s list is the 2020 Volvo XC40. The XC40 is has been described by its designer, Ian Kettle, as a “tough little robot”, and the rugged, bold exterior lives up to that description.

It comes with both front-wheel and all-wheel drive options, and reviewers appreciated the XC40’s smooth maneuverability. The XC40 is equipped with a 4-cylinder engine which melds well with its smooth 8 speed automatic transmission. A 2.0 liter turbocharged option is available in the T5 AWD model.

The designers made excellent use of interior space, with numerous cubbies and foldable storage options. A variety of safety features round out the package. Some of these include lane-keeping assistance and automatic emergency braking. These safety features are included in the base model, at no additional charge. If you are looking for an eco-friendly option, keep an eye out for the fully electric XC40 soon to be on the market.

The suggested price for the FWD T4 base model starts at $34,695, and the turbo AWD T5 has a starting price of $36,695. On the higher end, a fully loaded XC40 with all the bells and whistles can run upwards of $53,000. The price puts the XC40 on par with the Mercedes-Benz GLA and Lincoln MKC crossovers, but the XC40 includes better safety features in its basic package.

Crossovers are here to stay

The crossover’s unique marriage of economical space, maneuverability, and fuel efficiency has made this design a mainstay of the American automotive industry. As technology drives the production of ever more fuel-efficient and hybrid vehicles, experts predict that the crossover is here for the long haul.