SUVs are known for their utility and practicality, but some also offer excellent value thanks to low ownership costs. IntelliChoice, a part of the MotorTrend Group, recently released its 2020 Best Value of the Year awards and we’ve collected all the winners for SUV segments. In addition to prevailing in their respective classes, two SUVs (the Jeep Wrangler and Lexus NX 300h) took the top spot for 2020 Best Overall Value of the Year among mainstream and luxury models.
IntelliChoice determines the winners of its 2020 Best Value of the Year awards by calculating a vehicle’s five-year ownership costs and comparing it against expected costs. Everything from depreciation and repairs to financing and insurance are considered. State fees, repairs, and fuel costs are also part of assessing long-term value.
2020 Jeep Wrangler/Wrangler Unlimited
The Jeep Wrangler’s strong retained value of (82.2 percent for the two-door 2.0-liter turbo I-4 model) and low depreciation over five years allowed it to clinch the 2020 Best Value of the Year award for the compact utility segment. In addition to the compact utility segment, the Jeep Wrangler also won the 2020 Best Value of the Year award for the midsize utility class. As with the two-door variant, strong retained values at 84.2 percent for the turbocharged variant and 83.3 percent for the V-6-powered example helped the four-door Wrangler Unlimited get the nod.
2020 Toyota Highlander V-6
If you don’t a cozy third row, the Toyota Highlander remains a strong value propositions among large SUVs. High retained values (54.7 percent) and low repair costs allowed it to win the 2020 Best Value of the Year award in the full-size utility class. Throughout five years of Highlander ownership, you’ll only pay $1,788.38 in maintenance, the lowest figure in its class.
2020 Volvo XC90
Relatively low insurance and fuel costs helped the Volvo XC90 win the 2020 Best Value of the Year award for the luxury utility segment. At $55,512.50, the XC90 T5’s five-year total cost to own is about $5,000 less than the second-place player, the XC90’s more powerful T6 model.
2020 Lexus NX 300h
The Lexus NX 300h retains the most value in the premium compact utility class, with its 52.2-percent figure 1.2 percent higher than the second place Lexus UX 250h hybrid. Another contributing factor that allowed the NX 300h to win the 2020 Best Value of the Year award is its low operating costs.
The Lexus NX 300h also won the 2020 Best Overall Value of the Year for the premium vehicle segment. In addition to retaining most of its value and minimal operating costs, some of the credit also goes to the NX 300h’s excellent fuel economy. Over five years, the expected fuel costs are the second lowest in the segment after the UX 250h.
2020 Chevrolet Tahoe
Strong retained value (51.6 percent) and surprisingly low insurance costs helped the Chevrolet Tahoe get the 2020 Best Value of the Year award for the premium full-size utility segment. Right behind the Tahoe was the 2020 Ford Expedition in normal-wheelbase form.
Learn about the 2021 Tahoe here.
2020 Acura RDX
The Acura RDX’s upkeep costs are surprisingly low for a luxury SUV. Repair and insurance totals are the lowest in the class, which contributed to the RDX getting the 2020 Best Value of the Year award for the premium midsize utility segment.
Best SUV Values for 2020:
- Jeep Wrangler
- Toyota Highlander V-6
- Volvo XC90
- Lexus NX 300h
- Chevrolet Tahoe
- Acura RDX
The post Chevy, Acura, and Toyota Among These Six SUV Value Winners for 2020 appeared first on MotorTrend.
