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

Direct Answer

Looking back, 2020 was a watershed year for the mid-size SUV class. It was the debut model year of the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade, the fourth-generation Toyota Highlander (including its 36-mpg hybrid), and the rear-drive-platform redesign of the Ford Explorer.

After weighing reliability, safety, space, powertrain, period value, and how these trucks have held up as used buys, the Best Overall mid-size SUV of 2020 was the Kia Telluride, which launched at a base 2020 MSRP of $31,690 (and roughly $41,490 loaded in SX trim). It paired three genuinely usable rows, a 5,000-pound tow rating, and near-luxury materials with mainstream pricing, then went on to become one of the strongest resale performers in the segment.

The Best Value pick of 2020 was the Hyundai Palisade, the Telluride's corporate twin, which started at a base 2020 MSRP of $31,775 and undercut nearly every competitor on price-per-feature while delivering 291 horsepower, eight-passenger seating, and a five-star safety story.

Below is the full retrospective ranking, with period specs and where each one stands as a used buy today.

How We Ranked the Top 10

This retrospective re-scores the 2020 field using a fixed weighting, drawing on period reviews and long-term ownership data rather than first-drive hype:

• Reliability and ownership cost — 25%. J.D. Power predicted reliability, Consumer Reports history, and real maintenance and depreciation costs over the years since.
• Safety — 20%. IIHS Top Safety Pick / Pick+ status and NHTSA five-star results from the 2020 model year.
• Interior space and comfort — 15%. Second- and third-row usability, cargo volume, and material quality.
• Powertrain and efficiency — 15%. Horsepower, EPA combined MPG, hybrid availability, and drivability.
• Value in period — 15%. What you got for the 2020 MSRP versus rivals.
• Used value now — 10%. How well each has held resale and how sensible it is on the used market today.

Sources include period reviews from Car and Driver, MotorTrend, Edmunds, The Car Connection, and Cars.com, plus J.D. Power reliability scores, IIHS crash ratings, EPA fuel-economy data, and Kelley Blue Book and CarEdge depreciation figures. We did not invent models or prices; every figure below traces to period or current published data.

1. Kia Telluride 🏆 BEST OVERALL

2020 MSRP: $31,690 | Best for: families who want near-luxury for mainstream money

The Telluride arrived for 2020 as an all-new nameplate and immediately reset expectations. Its 3.8-liter V6 made 291 horsepower through an eight-speed automatic, returning an EPA-rated 20/26 mpg city/highway with front-wheel drive (19/24 with AWD) and towing 5,000 pounds when equipped.

The cabin seated seven or eight across three rows that adults could actually use, with 21 cubic feet behind the third row and 87 cubic feet with both rows folded. It earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and a J.D. Power predicted reliability score around 85 of 100, and as a used buy it has held value better than almost anything in class — early examples still command strong money years later.

Pros:

• Three genuinely adult-usable rows and class-leading cargo flexibility
• Near-luxury materials and design at a mainstream price
• Top Safety Pick+ plus standout predicted reliability
• Exceptional resale that softens the true cost of ownership

Cons:

• Strong demand meant little discounting when new, and used prices stay firm
• V6-only powertrain with no hybrid option that year

Verdict: The most complete mid-size SUV of 2020, and the one that aged into a used-market darling.

2. Hyundai Palisade 💎 BEST VALUE

2020 MSRP: $31,775 | Best for: value shoppers who want maximum content per dollar

The Palisade shared its platform, 291-horsepower 3.8-liter V6, and eight-speed automatic with the Telluride but layered on a more ornate, tech-forward look. EPA figures landed at 19/26 mpg with FWD and 19/24 with AWD, towing was 5,000 pounds, and it seated up to eight (seven with second-row captain's chairs).

Cargo measured 18 cubic feet behind row three and 86.4 cubic feet maximum. Like its cousin it earned top safety marks and a J.D. Power reliability score near 84, and it has actually retained slightly more of its value than the Telluride over five years — making it the sharpest value play of the class then and a smart used buy now.

Pros:

• Most content-per-dollar in the 2020 field
• 291 hp and a refined eight-speed automatic
• Eight-passenger capability with a plush, tech-rich cabin
• Strong resale and low predicted ownership cost

Cons:

• Polarizing front-end styling for some buyers
• Shares the Telluride's firm used pricing

Verdict: Functionally the Telluride's equal for the money — the best value in the segment.

3. Toyota Highlander

2020 MSRP: $34,600 | Best for: buyers prioritizing long-term reliability and a hybrid option

Fully redesigned for 2020 as a fourth-generation model, the Highlander offered a 295-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 good for 23 mpg combined (FWD), plus a standout hybrid rated at 36 mpg combined from a 2.5-liter four and two electric motors making a combined 243 horsepower.

It seated seven or eight and towed up to 5,000 pounds in V6 form. The third row remained tight for adults, but the Highlander's calling card was Toyota's reliability reputation, backed by strong J.D. Power and Consumer Reports history, and an IIHS Top Safety Pick.

As a used buy it holds value well and the hybrid is a standout for high-mileage families.

Pros:

• Class-best hybrid efficiency at 36 mpg combined
• Toyota reliability and low predicted ownership cost
• Top Safety Pick crash credentials
• Strong resale across both V6 and hybrid

Cons:

• Tight third row for adults versus the Korean twins
• Less cargo room behind row three than rivals

Verdict: The reliability-and-efficiency benchmark of 2020, especially as a hybrid.

4. Honda Pilot

2020 MSRP: $32,495 | Best for: practical eight-seat families who value packaging

The Pilot carried a 3.5-liter V6 with 280 horsepower and a nine-speed (or six-speed) automatic, returning 20/25 mpg with FWD and 19/24 with AWD, towing 5,000 pounds with AWD (3,500 with FWD). It seated up to eight and offered one of the most usable third rows and flattest cargo floors in the class.

Honda's reliability record and resale strength are well established, and the Pilot earned solid safety scores. It is a sensible, no-drama used buy with a deep parts and service network.

Pros:

• Eight-passenger seating with a usable third row
• Honda reliability and strong resale
• Roomy, flexible cargo area
• Smooth, proven 280-hp V6

Cons:

• Nine-speed automatic could feel indecisive
• Styling and interior less plush than the Telluride/Palisade

Verdict: A dependable, family-first pick that still makes great used-buy sense.

5. Subaru Ascent

2020 MSRP: $32,295 | Best for: all-weather buyers who want standard AWD and top safety

The Ascent stood out by making all-wheel drive standard across the line, paired with a 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four making 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft through a CVT. EPA estimates were 21/27 mpg (base) and 20/26 on other trims, with 5,000-pound towing on all but the base trim.

It seated seven or eight, offered 17.8 cubic feet behind row three (86.5 maximum), and earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ plus a five-star NHTSA overall rating. For snow-belt families it remains a logical used pick, though its early years had some reliability bumps to check for.

Pros:

• Standard all-wheel drive on every trim
• Top Safety Pick+ and five-star NHTSA result
• 5,000-pound towing on most trims
• Roomy, family-friendly cabin

Cons:

• CVT drone under hard acceleration
• Early-build reliability quirks to verify on used examples

Verdict: The all-weather and safety standout, ideal where winter traction matters.

6. Honda Passport

2020 MSRP: $33,035 | Best for: two-row buyers who want space without a third row

The Passport slotted in as the two-row, five-seat sibling to the Pilot, using the same 280-horsepower 3.5-liter V6. It returned 20/25 mpg with FWD and 19/24 with AWD and towed 5,000 pounds when equipped. Skipping the third row freed up enormous cargo room — 41.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat, 77.7 cubic feet folded — plus underfloor storage.

With available AWD and a slightly more rugged stance, it suited active couples and small families, and it carries the same Honda reliability and resale strengths.

Pros:

• Huge cargo room for a two-row layout
• 280-hp V6 with available capable AWD
• Honda reliability and resale
• More off-pavement attitude than the Pilot

Cons:

• No third row limits passenger flexibility
• Priced close to three-row rivals

Verdict: The smart choice if you wanted Pilot space without the third row.

7. Mazda CX-9

2020 MSRP: $33,790 | Best for: drivers who prioritize style and handling

The CX-9 made the case for the mid-size SUV as a driver's car. Its turbocharged 2.5-liter four made 227 horsepower on regular fuel (250 on premium) with 320 lb-ft of torque, returning 22/28 mpg (FWD) and 20/26 with AWD. The trade-offs were a modest 3,500-pound tow rating and a tighter third row, with about 71 cubic feet of maximum cargo.

What you got in return was the best-looking, best-handling cabin in the class and genuinely upscale Signature-trim materials. As a used buy it is a stylish value, since it depreciated more than the segment darlings.

Pros:

• Premium, beautifully finished interior
• Sharpest handling in the mid-size class
• Strong torque from the turbo four
• Good used value relative to resale stars

Cons:

• Tight third row and smaller cargo hold
• Lower 3,500-pound tow rating

Verdict: The enthusiast's and stylist's pick, and a value on the used market.

8. Chevrolet Traverse

2020 MSRP: $30,995 | Best for: maximum people-and-cargo space on a budget

The Traverse was the space champion. Its 3.6-liter V6 made 310 horsepower through a nine-speed automatic, returning 18/27 mpg (FWD) and 17/25 with AWD. It seated up to eight and offered the most room of the bunch — over 23 cubic feet behind the third row and a cavernous maximum hold.

Owners rated reliability above average, and the low base MSRP of $30,995 made it the value leader on sticker. It depreciated more steeply than the Korean twins, which makes it a roomy used bargain today for big families.

Pros:

• Most interior and cargo space in the class
• 310-hp V6, the strongest naturally aspirated engine here
• Lowest base price of the group
• Strong used-market value today

Cons:

• Thirstier than V6 rivals
• Interior materials trail the leaders

Verdict: The space-and-budget king, and a used bargain for large families.

9. Ford Explorer

2020 MSRP: $36,675 | Best for: buyers wanting rear-drive dynamics and towing muscle

Redesigned for 2020 onto a rear-drive platform, the Explorer offered a 300-horsepower turbo 2.3-liter four (21/28 mpg RWD) and an optional 365-hp turbo V6, plus a 318-hp hybrid and a 400-hp ST. It towed up to 5,600 pounds with the V6 and offered a quiet, spacious cabin.

The catch was a rocky launch: period reviews flagged a clunky transmission, firm ride, and early build-quality issues, and reliability ratings for the first year were mixed. On the used market it can be a lot of capability for the money, but buyers should inspect early examples carefully.

Pros:

• Rear-drive platform with the best base-engine MPG here
• Up to 5,600-pound towing and a hybrid option
• Spacious, quiet cabin
• Strong used-buy value given depreciation

Cons:

• Early build-quality and software concerns
• Clunky transmission and firm ride noted in period reviews

Verdict: Capable and efficient, but the riskiest first-year used buy — inspect closely.

10. Jeep Grand Cherokee

2020 MSRP: $35,495 | Best for: off-road and towing buyers who want two rows of capability

By 2020 the Grand Cherokee was a veteran, but it still earned a spot on real capability. Its 3.6-liter V6 made 295 horsepower (with optional 360-hp V8 and wild 475- and 707-hp performance variants), towing up to 6,200 pounds with the V6 and 7,200 with the V8 — best in this group.

The trade-offs were fuel economy around 18/25 mpg and a two-row, five-seat layout. Period reviews praised comfort and capability but dinged efficiency and safety scores. As a used buy it offers serious off-road and towing chops for the money, with reliability that lagged the Japanese and Korean leaders.

Pros:

• Best towing in the group, up to 7,200 pounds
• Genuine off-road capability
• Plush, comfortable ride and cabin
• Affordable used-market pricing

Cons:

• Thirsty and only two rows of seating
• Reliability and safety scores trailed class leaders

Verdict: The capability specialist — pick it for towing and trails, not space or economy.

Buyer Decision Tree — Which One Was Right for You?

What to Look For in a 2020 Mid-Size SUV (Then and as a Used Buy Now)

When these were new and now that they are used, the same fundamentals matter:

• Third-row usability. The Telluride, Palisade, Pilot, and Traverse fit adults; the Highlander, CX-9, and Ascent third rows are best for kids or short trips.
• Powertrain match. Choose the Highlander Hybrid for efficiency, the Traverse or Grand Cherokee for muscle, and the Telluride/Palisade for the best balance.
• All-wheel drive. Standard on the Ascent; optional elsewhere. Confirm it is present if you need winter traction.
• Safety records. Prioritize the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ earners — Telluride, Palisade, and Ascent (with upgraded headlights).
• Service history and recalls. On used examples, pull the records — especially on first-year Explorers with known early build issues.
• Resale reality. The Telluride and Palisade hold value firmly, so used pricing stays high; the Traverse, CX-9, and Explorer offer more discount.

One honest note: outright horsepower matters less than nostalgia implies. Most of these made between 280 and 310 hp and felt similar in daily driving. What actually separated them — and still does on the used lot — was cabin quality, third-row space, safety, and reliability, not bragging-rights output.

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.

Bottom Line

The 2020 model year reshaped the mid-size SUV class. The Kia Telluride stands as the best overall — a complete, well-built family hauler that became a used-market icon — while its twin, the Hyundai Palisade, was and remains the best value. The Toyota Highlander set the reliability-and-hybrid bar, the Subaru Ascent owned all-weather safety, and the Chevrolet Traverse delivered the most space for the least money.

The redesigned Explorer and veteran Grand Cherokee brought capability with caveats. Years on, the smartest used buys depend on your priorities: chase resale-proof excellence with the Korean twins, lock in reliability with Toyota or Honda, or grab a roomy bargain with the Traverse.

Sources

• Cars.com — 2020 Kia Telluride, Palisade, Highlander, Pilot, Passport, Ascent, CX-9, Traverse, Explorer, and Grand Cherokee research pages
• The Car Connection — 2020 model overviews and ratings for the segment
• Edmunds — 2020 Kia Telluride and Subaru Ascent reviews and features/specs
• Kelley Blue Book — 2020 MSRP, specs, and depreciation data across the class
• J.D. Power — 2020 reliability and consumer ratings, including Grand Cherokee and predicted-reliability scores
• IIHS — 2020 Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ crash-test results
• EPA (fueleconomy.gov) — 2020 fuel-economy ratings for all listed models
• CarEdge and CarBuzz — Telluride and Palisade depreciation and resale-value analysis
• Consumer Reports — 2020 Toyota Highlander reliability and ownership history
• TrueCar — 2020 pricing and trim overviews for the segment

*Mid-size SUV review — 2020 mid-size SUV reviews, rating, best mid-size SUV 2020, and a retrospective review of the top used family SUV picks for buyers.*