The Chicago Auto Show has no shortage of exciting displays including supercars, concept cars, and muscle cars, but after we got a good look at the 2020 mid-mounted V8 Chevy Corvette we made our rounds to the vehicles car shoppers actually buy, crossover SUVs. The good news is there is also no shortage of brand new models to get excited about whether you're looking for an affordable subcompact daily driver, an all-electric crossover that bears the Mustang name, or the first-ever crossover for the luxury Genesis brand. These are the 6 brand-new crossovers you should be familiar with.
1. 2020 Audi e-tron
The Audi e-tron is the luxury brand's first-ever all-electric crossover. Our favorite thing about it is that it doesn't sacrifice any style in the name of electrification, quite the opposite. The 2020 e-tron has a sleek exterior that follows Audi's handsome design language with a resemblance to the Q8 and the Allroad station wagon. Even with the conservative styling, a few striking elements caught our eyes including the dramatic grille and headlights.
The e-tron isn't just easy on the eyes, however, it offers the performance specs to back up its looks. Two electric motors (one for the rear and one for the front) offer up an estimated range of 204 miles, 355-horsepower, a 0-60 of just 5.5 seconds, and a top speed of 124 mph. On top of being quick, the e-tron can tackle the tough tasks at hand with an impressive 4,000-pound towing capacity when equipped with the optional towing package.
2. 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E
The Ford Mustang Mach-E may not be what you expect to see when you hear "Mustang" but the first crossover to carry the Mustang name is also ready to carry Ford into its electrified future. Although it will undoubtedly compete with the conservatively-styled Audi e-Tron, the Ford Mach-E sports futuristic and innovative styling which means it will also go head-to-head with the Tesla Model X. Even with the futuristic style, the Mach-E gives a nod to its muscle car namesake with a faux grille that resembles the traditional Mustang's trapezoidal grille. Its muscular body and fastback-style roofline also justify the Mustang moniker.
Three drivetrains are offered with horsepower equivalents of 255 horsepower, 282 horsepower, and 332 horsepower. If that's not enough power, Ford will also make GT and GT Performance versions of the Mach-E for 459 horsepower, and 612 lb-ft of torque. The overall driving range will be between 230 to 300 miles depending on trim. You'll have to wait until early 2021 to get your hands on the Mach-E with an estimated starting price of $60,000.
3. 2021 Genesis GV80
The GV80 is the first SUV to debut in the Genesis lineup. With its arrival, Genesis brings other firsts to the brand including a six-cylinder diesel engine, electronically controlled suspension with road preview, and active noise control. The unique rear-drive platform gives this crossover eye-catching exterior styling and better driving dynamics. The GV80 takes a minimalistic “less is more” philosophy in its styling with an exterior that projects athletic elegance. Despite the minimalist style, the GV80 caught our attention with details including the front fascia with an attractive crest grille and two-tier headlights.
The upscale styling continues on into the interior which is spacious and opulent. A unique two-spoke steering wheel with brushed metallic trim, a swooping lower door trim, and a wide waterfall center console make a striking first impression. With its launch in South Korea, the GV80 gets Genesis' first-ever 3.0-liter six-cylinder diesel engine. Here in the states, the GV80 will arrive with two gas engine options, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder 290 horsepower four-cylinder, and a 3.5-liter six-cylinder. Rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive will be available. The Genesis GV80 will come to our shores in the fall of 2020 with an expected starting price of $50,000.
4. 2020 Hyundai Venue
The brand new Hyundai Venue enters the Hyundai crossover lineup under the subcompact Kona and offers an affordable crossover option that is ideal for city-dwellers. A unique exterior that departs from the typical SUV on the road blending crossover and wagon styling. The Venue features full-volume wheel arches and strong character lines to make a statement in the big city.
A 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine mated to an Intelligent Variable Transmission offers 121 horsepower and is expected to get 32 miles per gallon (city/highway combined). Despite the affordable starting price of $16,850 for the SE trim, the Venue packs in the essential infotainment and safety tech across the lineup including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a rearview camera with cross-traffic alert, frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring.
Find Local Discounts on a Hyundai Venue
5. 2021 Kia Seltos
The 2021 Seltos is a brand new small SUV from Kia that slots between the subcompact Soul and the compact Sportage. We were happy to spot several styling cues from the rugged (and award-winning) Kia Telluride. This smaller crossover is intended to meet the needs of the adventurous driver who doesn't need the Telluride's 3-row configuration. Its strong presence with a tall front end, long wheelbase, and 7.2-inches of ground clearance hint at the Seltos' aptitude for adventure.
Inside the cabin, the Seltos features plentiful space in the front and rear rows along with flexible and a large cargo area that can expand with the adjustable luggage board. Under the hood, the Seltos gets one of two engine options, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder for 146 horsepower and a 1.6-liter Turbo engine for 175 horsepower. Front-wheel drive is standard in the Seltos with all-wheel drive optional. The 2021 Seltos is now available with pricing starting at $21,990.
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6. 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
Following the success of the Volkswagen Atlas 7-seater SUV, Volkswagen has built a 2-row, 5-seater model calling it the Atlas Cross Sport. In exchange for giving up a row of seats, the Cross Sport offers a bolder design with an attractive three-bar chrome grille and new light signature running the length of the middle bar. It has a coupe-like profile with a sculpted rear bumper for a more aggressive stance. The interior also stands apart from the 3-row Atlas with a redesigned steering wheel and available two-tone inserts with stitching accents on the door panels.
The 2020 Atlas Cross Sport will be available with two powertrains including a 235-horsepower four-cylinder turbocharged 2.0-liter engine and a 276-horsepower V6. Both engines are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and are both available with all-wheel-drive. The 2020 Atlas Cross Sport will be available this spring with a starting price of $31,565.
