The Best Cars for 2020
From the battle of mediocre sedans and monster trucks, the crème de la crème rises for each segment. Digital Trends routinely rounds up the best cars in all segments – whether sedans, SUVs, or hybrids – but it was high time we put all of our favorites of the year in one convenient place so you can see the best cars, best at a glance. Here you can easily find the Digital Trends selection for the best cars overall.
The best car of 2020: Jaguar I-Pace
Why should you buy this? It combines state-of-the-art design and technology in a very mobile electric vehicle (EV).
Who is it for Luxury SUV buyers who want technology and design at the highest level from a brand they know.
How much will it cost? $ 69,850 +
Why we chose the Jaguar I-Pace:
Contemporary electric vehicles have several performance advantages over their gas-powered brethren, and Jaguar turns any of these weapons into weapons. It starts with the platform that stretches the 90 kWh lithium-ion battery of the I-Pace over the ground. This gives the vehicle an extremely low center of gravity and distributes the weight evenly at the front and rear (50:50). Without the stress of the engine and transmission, Jaguar was able to push the wheels to the very ends of the body and thus improve cornering stability.
The I-Pace may not have the range of a Tesla Model X or the charging capacity of the Mazda CX-5, but it does have general dynamics, packaging, and driving experience. The car just disappears with thoughts when you commute, but still takes center stage when you drive through tight turns. It's only really disappointed by its infotainment system – a small price to pay for this level of ride quality.
Read our full Jaguar I-Pace review
The best small car: Mazda3
Why should you buy this: It's an economical car with a soul.
Who is it for: People who want more than just simple means of transport.
How much will it cost: $ 20,500 +
Why we chose the Mazda3:
The Mazda3 is a regular, compact economy car that emphasizes style and driving dynamics in ways that most of its competitors don't. A lot of normal cars feel like devices, but not this one.
The Mazda 3 is available as a sedan and hatchback and not particularly fast, but very nice to drive. The steering and chassis respond with an immediacy that other cars in this class lack, as does Mazda's Skyactiv four-cylinder engines. Engine options include a 2.0-liter four-cylinder, 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder, and a 2.5-liter turbocharger that produces 250 horsepower when burning 93 octane fuel. Buyers can choose between front-wheel and all-wheel drive, while transmission options include an automatic or a six-speed shifter.
Mazda's Kodo design language results in a car that is handsome and distinctive without resorting to excessive styling gimmicks. The current Mazda interior is a bit plain, but the 3's cabin is sensibly designed and the Mazda rotary infotainment controller is easy to use.
Like many popular cars these days, the 3 is also available with a range of electronic driver aids, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane departure warning, autonomous emergency braking and traffic sign recognition.
Read our 2019 Mazda3 AWD First Drive Review
The best truck: Ford F-150
Why should you buy this: It does everything well.
Who is it for: Almost anyone in need of a full size pickup truck.
How much will it cost: $ 28,745 +
Why we chose the Ford F-150:
This one has the basics below. The Ford F-150 has been the top selling vehicle in the US for decades, and it's easy to see why legions of truck buyers flock there every year. The F-150 doesn't dominate any particular category, but it does cover all bases with solid performance, impressive sophistication, and thoughtful design features.
Under the bonnet, the available 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 with two turbochargers offers plenty of torque and quick throttle response. This makes it a great choice when you're pulling a boat or just want to get away from the light quickly. Ford also offers a more traditional 5.0-liter V8, a fuel-efficient turbodiesel engine, and two other gasoline-powered V6 options. The truck itself features an aluminum body that Ford claims saves over 700 pounds compared to a traditional steel body. While the F-150 has relatively simple suspension, the ride is impressively quiet and comfortable. The styling is also a nice departure from the boxiness of traditional trucks.
The F-150 is available with the same Sync 3 infotainment system found on most Ford models. It's a solid system with a fairly simple menu and a nice touchscreen display. The layout of the dashboard makes it easy to use both the screen and the analog controls. Other notable technical toys include a surround view camera system and the Pro Trailer Backup Assist, which allow the truck to take over steering when securing a trailer. Even if you choose not to use these features, the ride quality, performance, and design of the F-150 should prove to be satisfactory.
Note that the current generation Ford F-150 is almost at the end of its life cycle. The 14th generation model is planned for the 2021 model year with more technology, a new design and, for the first time, an available hybrid powertrain.
View more truck picks
The best luxury car: Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Why should you buy this: It's the luxury sedan that says, "I did it."
Who is it for: Executives, entrepreneurs, rappers.
How much will it cost: $ 94,250 +
Why we chose the Mercedes-Benz S-Class:
The S-Class has been the flagship of the Mercedes-Benz series for decades. "It has long been the benchmark by which luxury cars are measured," we wrote as we drove the current version of it. It's well into its sixth generation but has recently been updated with minor visual improvements, new engines, and a lot more tech features under the skin.
Mercedes lived up to its motto “The best or nothing” and made sure that the S is comfortable, regardless of whether the owner drives or is driven. The sedan pampers its occupants with a spacious, well-lit cabin that is as quiet as a bank vault, and has some of the most comfortable seats you will ever sit on.
There is an S-Class for every luxury buyer. The range includes an entry-level model with a six-cylinder under the bonnet, a V8 model, an immensely powerful variant from Mercedes-AMG and a pair of ultra-luxurious Maybach models. In addition to the sedan, Mercedes S-Class offers coupe and convertible models.
Mercedes-Benz will introduce a new S-Class for the 2021 model year.
Read our full Mercedes-Benz S-Class review
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The best car: Subaru Outback
Why should you buy this: It is the all-rounder.
Who is it for: Drivers are looking for a car that can do everything.
How much will it cost: $ 26,795 +
Why we chose the Subaru Outback:
Most automakers canceled their station wagons in the 1990s and filled the void with SUVs. Subaru stuck to the course because it found that it could continue to sell cars for profit by putting them on stilts and making them look a little more sturdy. Decades of experience make the Outback the best new station wagon in the US.
The Outback tries to be everything to everyone, and it works for the most part. Thanks to Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel drive system, it's relatively affordable, relatively efficient, and extremely powerful. It has been redesigned for the 2020 model year. The updates include an available 11.6-inch touchscreen with Subaru's StarLink infotainment system. Users can rearrange the icons in the start menu just like on a smartphone, and an available WiFi hotspot keeps every passenger connected on the go.
Outback technology can also help you disconnect. The infotainment system comes pre-installed with an app called Chimani, which contains information on more than 400 national parks across the US, including the history and highlights of each location. Access to any of the parks shouldn't be a problem thanks to the 8.7 inch ground clearance. The load capacity checks in at 32.5 with four occupants on board and 75.7 with the rear seats folded flat.
The entry-level engine is a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. That's not much for a vehicle of this size, so buyers can turn to a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder with a more generous 260 hp and 277 lb.-ft. of the torque. Both four-cylinders shift via a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
The best hybrid: Toyota Prius
Why should you buy this: The Prius continues to define the hybrid category.
Who is it for: Who hates going to the gas station.
How much will it cost: $ 24,325 +
Why we chose the Toyota Prius:
The name Prius is synonymous with “hybrid” for good reason. Toyota's best-selling hybrid continues to take precedence over fuel economy, and while efficiency is the primary goal, the Prius doesn't ask buyers to make any major compromises – except perhaps in the styling department. The jury is not yet occupied.
The most fuel-efficient hybrid on the market, the Prius has an Environmental Protection Agency-rated performance of 56 mpg in eco-trim. This is thanks to Toyota's proven hybrid synergy propulsion system and a 1.8 liter four-cylinder engine that achieves 40% thermal efficiency, which is much higher than most engines. The Prius also achieves a very low coefficient of drag of 0.24, which means that it is quite aerodynamic, which helps improve efficiency. Toyota's designers managed to do this while maintaining a spacious cabin and a useful hatchback shape.
The current generation Prius is also significantly sportier than previous models thanks to changes such as a lower center of gravity and a more sophisticated independent double wishbone rear suspension system. Like other Toyota models, the Prius comes standard with the Toyota Safety Sense suite with driver assistance functions (including adaptive cruise control and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection).
The Prius is still a champion in fuel economy, but the current version's focus on sporty handling and technology makes it a better all-round car than ever.
Read our impressions for the first time in the Toyota Prius
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The best SUV: Jeep Wrangler
Miles Branman / Digital Trends
Why should you buy this? It is the original off-roader for on the go.
Who is it for Those who want to explore the great outdoors.
How much will it cost? $ 28,295 +
Why we chose the Jeep Wrangler:
The Jeep Wrangler goes back to the original Willys, which was developed during World War II. It has evolved significantly over the past few years and generations. The revamped 2018 model eventually swallowed the tech pill that its predecessors didn't want to approximate, but its spirit is still the same. That said, it's easy, relatively affordable, and practically unbeatable off-road. In fact, it's relatively efficient when ordered with the turbodiesel engine.
The Wrangler range includes the standard two-door model and a more spacious four-door version. It also spawned a pickup truck called the Gladiator. All variants leave the factory with either a convertible top or a convertible top (a power-operated convertible top is offered at an additional cost), which makes the Wrangler one of the most affordable convertibles on the market. As a bonus, buyers who want serious off-roading can customize the Wrangler by purchasing parts direct from the Jeep or from a seemingly endless list of aftermarket suppliers.
While the entry-level Sport model remains relatively simple, the more upscale equipment variants are much nicer inside and even comfortable in the city. If you are the adventurous type, the Wrangler is your best bet in the SUV segment.
Read our full Jeep Wrangler review
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The best sports car: Audi R8
Miles Branman / Digital Trends
Why should you buy this: It's the everyday supercar.
Who is it for: Those who want high performance without sacrificing comfort.
How much will it cost: $ 169,900
Why we chose the Audi R8:
The Audi R8 is an anomaly. Audi has built a car as sophisticated as a luxury two-door with the power of a hypercar.
The deep-seated coupe differs from smaller sports cars with sharp folds, carbon fiber accents, and a mid-engine layout, but it doesn't attract the same amount of attention as the competition. Its 5.2-liter V10 develops 562 hp and 406 lb.-ft. Torque on all four wheels via a seven-speed dual clutch transmission. Acceleration is blistering: zero to 60 mph takes less than 3.4 seconds, and the top speed is a lightning-fast 201 mph. If that's not enough, Audi also offers a performance badged variant with 602 hp.
In the cabin, the occupants are pampered with a great engine scream and first-class comfort features. The 12.3-inch virtual cockpit display from Audi gives the driver access to all vehicle functions and reduces clutter. Audi Drive Select adjusts the suspension damping to change the ride quality from gentle to aggressive in the blink of an eye. Not only is it fast and sharp, it's also high tech.
At a price of less than $ 200,000, the Audi R8 McLaren 570S, Porsche 911 Turbo S, Acura NSX, Aston Martins V12 Vantage S and Mercedes-AMG GT R invite you to take on challenges. Every vehicle is amazingly fast, attractive and desirable. The R8 is the only super sports car that is just as exciting on a track as it is in a neighborhood.
Read our full Audi R8 V10 Plus 2017
The best sedan: Honda Accord
Miles Branman / Digital Trends
Why should you buy this: It's the epitome of a midsize sedan.
Who is it for: Who needs a car.
How much will it cost: $ 24,270
Why we chose the Honda Accord:
Along with its rival, the Toyota Camry, the Honda Accord has long been the standard choice for a wide variety of US car buyers. The Accord name is so associated with quality and reliability that Honda could probably sell it even if the seats were spiked. But the latest deal definitely deserves its reputation.
The latest redesign added some pizzazz to the deal, which is known to be incredibly competent and somewhat boring. The current model borrows stylistic elements from the smaller Honda Civic and gives it a more stylish appearance that doesn't offend buyers who just want to blend in with the traffic. Honda also increased the rear legroom and trunk.
The agreement also represents good technical value. Every Accord equipment variant includes the safety functions of Honda Sensing (forward collision mitigation, descent mitigation, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and traffic sign recognition) as well as a reversing camera. A 7.0-inch touchscreen display is standard, and an 8.0-inch device with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility is optional.
Read our full Honda Accord review
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The best electric sedan: Tesla Model 3
Tesla Motors
Why should you buy this? It is the first EV that fulfills the promise of long range and low (ish) price.
Who is it for Tesla fans on a budget and drivers ready to take the all-electric leap.
How much will it cost? $ 37,990 +
Why we chose the Tesla Model 3:
The Tesla Model 3 is modest on the outside, luxurious on the inside, surprisingly fun to drive and available with a range of up to 322 miles. It checks all the correct boxes. But this is just the beginning. What really impresses the Model 3 is its innovative comfort and safety features (including some of the best semi-autonomous driving aids in the business) and its future-proof technology. Thanks to the wireless updates from Tesla, the Model 3 is constantly being improved and can be reconfigured according to your needs and wishes – even after you buy the car.
Tesla offers three variants of the Model 3 named Standard Range Plus, Long Range and Performance. The first has rear-wheel drive while the latter two have all-wheel drive. In its fastest configuration, the Model 3 offers a range of up to 299 miles and a sprint of 3.2 seconds to 60 mph.
Read our full Tesla Model 3 review
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The best coupe: Ford Mustang
Alex Kalogianni / Digital Trends
Why should you buy this: It's an American legend that lives up to the hype.
Who is it for: Anyone who's seen Bullitt.
How much will it cost: $ 26,670 +
Why we chose the Ford Mustang:
The Ford Mustang is an icon, but that doesn't mean every version was a good car. However, this is the case with this one. The current generation Mustang was introduced for the 2015 model year and has been significantly updated for the 2018 model year. It has the spirit of the original from the 1960s, but also what it takes to be an outstanding performance coupé in the 21st century.
Mustangs were almost always good at driving fast in a straight line, but Ford added curves to the resume of the current generation model by adding independent rear suspension (with adaptive dampers as part of the optional performance pack) and the hardcore track created -focused Shelby GT350, GT350R and GT500 variants. Tech-wise, Ford's Sync 3 infotainment system is a major improvement over the automaker's earlier efforts, and a 12-inch digital instrument cluster is on the option list.
A real Mustang needs V8 muscles and Ford doesn't disappoint. The Mustang GT makes 460 hp and the Shelby GT500 makes 760 hp effortlessly. At the other end of the spectrum, Ford offers a turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine that combines a muscle-car capable car with 25 MPG and still delivers 310 hp.
Read our full Ford Mustang GT review
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