Top 10 Mid-Size SUVs 2020 — Best Overall + Best Value

1. Kia Telluride 2020

The Kia Telluride ranks first because it reset the mid-size SUV benchmark with a 291-horsepower 3.8-liter V6, an eight-speed automatic, and a 5,000-pound tow rating. Its cabin seated seven or eight adults across three genuinely usable rows, with 21 cubic feet of cargo behind the third row and 87 cubic feet maximum. It earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and a J.D. Power predicted reliability score near 85.

This SUV is for families who want near-luxury materials and space without paying luxury prices. It trades away a hybrid option and any discounting, as strong demand kept prices firm when new and used values remain exceptionally high. Compared to the Hyundai Palisade below, the Telluride offers a more conventional, rugged design that many buyers preferred, though both share the same platform and powertrain.

2. Hyundai Palisade 2020

The Hyundai Palisade ranks second as the best value pick because it delivered the Telluride's mechanical package for a base MSRP of $31,775, undercutting nearly every rival on price-per-feature. Its 291-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 and eight-speed automatic returned 19/26 mpg with front-wheel drive and towed 5,000 pounds. It seated up to eight passengers with 18 cubic feet behind the third row and 86.4 cubic feet maximum.

This SUV is for value-focused shoppers who want maximum content per dollar, including a tech-forward cabin and eight-passenger capability. It trades away the Telluride's more conventional styling for a polarizing front-end design that not all buyers appreciate. Compared to the Kia Telluride above, the Palisade offers the same platform, engine, and safety story but with a more ornate interior and slightly better resale retention.

3. Toyota Highlander 2020

The Toyota Highlander ranks third because it was fully redesigned for 2020 with a 295-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 and a standout hybrid rated at 36 mpg combined, the best fuel economy in the class. Its 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid system made 243 horsepower, while the V6 towed up to 5,000 pounds. It seated seven or eight, though the third row was tight for adults, and offered 16 cubic feet behind row three.

This SUV is for buyers who prioritize long-term reliability and fuel efficiency over maximum passenger space. It trades away the adult-friendly third row of the Korean twins and offers less cargo room behind row three than rivals. Compared to the Hyundai Palisade above, the Highlander costs more at a $34,600 base MSRP but delivers class-best hybrid efficiency and Toyota's ownership-cost record.

4. Honda Pilot 2020

The Honda Pilot ranks fourth because it offers one of the most usable third rows and flattest cargo floors in the class, with a 280-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 and up to eight-passenger seating. Its nine-speed automatic returned 20/25 mpg with front-wheel drive and towed 5,000 pounds with all-wheel drive. Cargo space measured 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row and 83.8 cubic feet maximum.

This SUV is for practical families who value packaging and a deep service network over premium materials. It trades away the plush interior of the Telluride and Palisade, with less upscale cabin finishes and a nine-speed automatic that could feel indecisive. Compared to the Toyota Highlander above, the Pilot offers a more spacious third row and lower base MSRP of $32,495, but it lacks a hybrid option and has slightly worse fuel economy.

5. Subaru Ascent 2020

The Subaru Ascent ranks fifth because it made all-wheel drive standard across every trim, paired with a 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four making 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. Its CVT returned 21/27 mpg on base trims and 20/26 on others, with 5,000-pound towing on all but the base model. It seated seven or eight with 17.8 cubic feet behind the third row and 86.5 cubic feet maximum.

This SUV is for all-weather buyers who need standard all-wheel drive and top crash-test scores, especially in snow-belt regions. It trades away a traditional automatic transmission, as the CVT can drone under hard acceleration, and early-build examples had reliability quirks to verify on the used market. Compared to the Honda Pilot above, the Ascent offers standard AWD and a lower base MSRP of $32,295, but it has a less refined powertrain and tighter third row.

6. Honda Passport 2020

The Honda Passport ranks sixth because it delivers the Pilot's 280-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 in a two-row, five-seat package with enormous cargo space. It returned 20/25 mpg with front-wheel drive and towed 5,000 pounds when equipped with all-wheel drive. Cargo measured 41.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 77.7 cubic feet folded, plus underfloor storage for extra versatility.

This SUV is for buyers who want Pilot space and capability without needing a third row, offering a more rugged stance and slightly better off-pavement attitude. It trades away passenger flexibility, as the lack of a third row limits seating to five, and it is priced close to three-row rivals. Compared to the Subaru Ascent above, the Passport has a more conventional automatic and a larger cargo area, but it lacks standard all-wheel drive.

7. Mazda CX-9 2020

The Mazda CX-9 ranks seventh because it offers the best handling and most upscale interior in the mid-size class, with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four making 227 horsepower on regular fuel and 250 on premium. Its 320 lb-ft of torque returned 22/28 mpg with front-wheel drive and 20/26 with all-wheel drive. The trade-offs were a modest 3,500-pound tow rating and a tighter third row, with about 71 cubic feet of maximum cargo space.

This SUV is for drivers who prioritize style and handling over maximum passenger space, making it the enthusiast's pick in the segment. It trades away third-row usability and towing capability, with a smaller cargo hold than rivals like the Honda Passport above. Compared to the Passport, the CX-9 offers a more luxurious cabin and better fuel economy, but it has a higher base MSRP of $33,790 and less practical space.

8. Chevrolet Traverse 2020

The Chevrolet Traverse ranks eighth because it is the space champion of the class, with a 3.6-liter V6 making 310 horsepower and seating for up to eight passengers. Its nine-speed automatic returned 18/27 mpg with front-wheel drive and 17/25 with all-wheel drive. It offered over 23 cubic feet behind the third row and a cavernous maximum cargo hold, the most in the segment.

This SUV is for large families who need maximum people-and-cargo space on a budget, making it a roomy used bargain today. It trades away interior material quality, which trails the leaders, and it is thirstier than V6 rivals. Compared to the Mazda CX-9 above, the Traverse offers significantly more space and a lower starting price, but it lacks the CX-9's premium cabin and driving refinement.

9. Ford Explorer 2020

The Ford Explorer ranks ninth because its 2020 redesign onto a rear-drive platform brought a 300-horsepower turbo 2.3-liter four with 21/28 mpg rear-wheel drive, the best base-engine efficiency here. It offered an optional 365-horsepower turbo V6, a 318-horsepower hybrid, and a 400-horsepower ST, with towing up to 5,600 pounds.

This SUV is for buyers wanting rear-drive dynamics and towing muscle with strong capability for the money on the used market. It trades away first-year reliability confidence, as early examples had build-quality and software concerns that require careful inspection. Compared to the Chevrolet Traverse above, the Explorer offers better fuel economy and more powerful engine options, but it has a higher base MSRP of $36,675 and less interior space.

10. Jeep Grand Cherokee 2020

The Jeep Grand Cherokee ranks tenth because it offers the best towing and off-road capability in the group, with a 3.6-liter V6 making 295 horsepower and towing up to 6,200 pounds. An optional 360-horsepower V8 towed up to 7,200 pounds, the best in this class, with fuel economy around 18/25 mpg. It was a two-row, five-seat layout with a plush, comfortable ride and genuine off-road chops.

This SUV is for buyers who prioritize towing and off-road capability over passenger space and fuel economy, making it a specialist pick. It trades away third-row seating and efficiency, with only two rows and thirsty V6 or V8 engines. Compared to the Ford Explorer above, the Grand Cherokee offers superior towing and off-road ability, but it has a higher base MSRP of $35,495 and worse safety ratings.

How we ranked these

We re-scored the 2020 mid-size SUV field using a fixed weighting: reliability and ownership cost (25%), safety (20%), interior space and comfort (15%), powertrain and efficiency (15%), period value (15%), and used value now (10%). Data came from period reviews by Car and Driver, MotorTrend, Edmunds, and The Car Connection, plus J.D. Power, IIHS, EPA, Kelley Blue Book, and CarEdge figures.

We deliberately ignored first-drive hype, brand loyalty, and nostalgia. We did not weigh styling preferences or subjective brand cachet. We excluded any models that were not genuinely mid-size or that lacked complete 2020 data. We also ignored dealer incentives and regional pricing variations, focusing on published MSRP and long-term ownership metrics rather than short-term market fluctuations.

What to look for

When choosing among these, prioritize third-row usability, powertrain match, and safety records. The Telluride, Palisade, Pilot, and Traverse fit adults in row three; the Highlander, CX-9, and Ascent are tighter. For efficiency, pick the Highlander Hybrid; for towing, the Grand Cherokee. Confirm AWD if you need winter traction, and pull service history on used examples, especially first-year Explorers.

The mistake most buyers make is obsessing over horsepower. Most of these made 280-310 hp and felt similar in daily driving. What actually separated them was cabin quality, third-row space, safety, and reliability. Also, don't ignore resale reality: the Telluride and Palisade hold value firmly, so used prices stay high, while the Traverse, CX-9, and Explorer offer more discount for the same utility.

Related questions

What is the best 2020 mid-size SUV for families?

The Kia Telluride is the best for families due to its three adult-usable rows, near-luxury cabin, top safety ratings, and strong resale. It seats seven or eight, tows 5,000 pounds, and offers 21 cubic feet behind the third row. Its J.D. Power reliability score of 85 and IIHS Top Safety Pick+ make it a dependable choice.

Which 2020 mid-size SUV has the most cargo space?

The Chevrolet Traverse offers the most cargo space in the 2020 mid-size class, with over 23 cubic feet behind the third row and a cavernous maximum hold. It seats up to eight and has a 310-hp V6, making it the space-and-budget king. Its base MSRP was $30,995, the lowest of the group.

What is the most fuel-efficient 2020 mid-size SUV?

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient, rated at 36 mpg combined. It uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with two electric motors for 243 total horsepower. This is far ahead of V6 rivals that mostly land in the low-20s. It also holds value well and offers Toyota's reliability reputation.

Which 2020 mid-size SUV has the best towing capacity?

The Jeep Grand Cherokee tops the group with up to 7,200 pounds towing when equipped with the V8. The V6 version tows 6,200 pounds. Among mainstream three-row rivals, 5,000 pounds is the common rating. The Grand Cherokee is a two-row, five-seat SUV, so it trades space for capability.

Is the 2020 Hyundai Palisade a good used buy?

Yes, the 2020 Hyundai Palisade is a smart used buy. It shares its platform and 291-hp V6 with the Telluride but often costs less. It seats up to eight, has top safety ratings, and has held resale slightly better than the Telluride over five years. Its base MSRP was $31,775.

What are the common problems with the 2020 Ford Explorer?

The 2020 Ford Explorer had a rocky launch with complaints about a clunky transmission, firm ride, and early build-quality issues. Software glitches were also reported. Reliability ratings for the first year were mixed. Used buyers should inspect early examples carefully and pull service records for recalls.

Does the 2020 Subaru Ascent have standard AWD?

Yes, the 2020 Subaru Ascent makes all-wheel drive standard on every trim. It pairs a 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four making 260 horsepower with a CVT. It earns an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and a five-star NHTSA rating. Towing is 5,000 pounds on most trims, making it ideal for snow-belt families.

How does the 2020 Honda Pilot compare to the Telluride?

The 2020 Honda Pilot is a practical, reliable choice with a 280-hp V6 and eight-passenger seating. Its third row is usable and cargo space is flexible. However, its interior is less plush than the Telluride, and its nine-speed automatic can feel indecisive. The Telluride offers near-luxury materials and better resale.

FAQ

What was the best mid-size SUV of 2020 overall?

The Kia Telluride earned best overall for its blend of three usable rows, near-luxury materials, top safety, strong reliability, and excellent resale, all from a base MSRP under $32,000.

Which 2020 mid-size SUV was the best value?

The Hyundai Palisade, the Telluride's mechanical twin, delivered the same 291-hp V6, eight-passenger seating, and top safety for a base price of $31,775 — and has actually held resale slightly better.

Which 2020 mid-size SUV is most reliable as a used buy?

The Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot carry the strongest long-term reliability reputations, with the Telluride and Palisade close behind on J.D. Power predicted scores near 84 to 85.

Was the 2020 Ford Explorer a good SUV?

It was capable, efficient in base form, and could tow up to 5,600 pounds, but its redesign launch had build-quality and transmission complaints, so used buyers should inspect early examples carefully.

Which 2020 mid-size SUV had the best fuel economy?

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid led at 36 mpg combined, far ahead of the V6 competition that mostly landed in the low-20s.

Which 2020 mid-size SUV tows the most?

The Jeep Grand Cherokee topped the group at up to 7,200 pounds with the V8; among mainstream three-row rivals, 5,000 pounds was the common rating.

What is the third-row space like in the 2020 Mazda CX-9?

The CX-9's third row is tight, best for kids or short trips. Maximum cargo is about 71 cubic feet, less than rivals. It prioritizes style and handling over space, with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four making 227 hp on regular fuel.

Is the 2020 Honda Passport a good choice for two-row buyers?

Yes, the Passport offers huge cargo room — 41.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat — and the same 280-hp V6 as the Pilot. It seats five and can tow 5,000 pounds. It's ideal for active couples or small families who don't need a third row.

How does the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse compare on price?

The Traverse had the lowest base MSRP of the group at $30,995. It offers the most interior space and a 310-hp V6. It depreciated more steeply than the Korean twins, making it a roomy used bargain for large families today.

What should I check when buying a used 2020 mid-size SUV?

Pull service records and check for recalls, especially on first-year Explorers. Confirm AWD if needed. Verify third-row usability for your needs. Check resale reality: Telluride and Palisade hold value firmly, while Traverse, CX-9, and Explorer offer more discount.

Sources

• https://www.caranddriver.com/hyundai/palisade
• https://www.caranddriver.com/chevrolet/traverse-2026
• https://carbuzz.com/2024-kia-telluride-interior-and-exterior-photo-gallery/
• https://carbuzz.com/cars/honda/pilot/2025/
• https://www.motortrend.com/uploads/2022/09/2023-Mazda-CX-9-Signature-AWD-front-three-quarter-view-31.jpg
• https://www.jeep.ca/en/grandcherokee/features-design
• https://www.autoevolution.com/news/2025-toyota-highlander-is-here-with-a-special-limited-25th-edition-239934.html
• https://www.subaruhawaii.com/2025Ascent.html

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