Mini Cooper SE
Predicted Cost: $38,000
Love it or hate it, the Mini Cooper has become a very popular car. Some will credit Cooper’s popularity to its tiny body, which gives it the ability to park in some very tough places – sometimes even in a perpendicular fashion. Others will tell you that they love the car because of the powerful engine relative to the car’s price, mostly due to its very light build. The Mini Cooper SE is the first mass-produced electric car and has been making the rounds on roads since it was introduced back in 2017 (which feels now like a decade ago). The 2020 Mini Cooper SE carries a powerful 181 horsepower engine which gives a lot of performance due to its lightweight. It has a range of almost 170 miles, which should work for most daily commuters just perfectly.
Some of the new technologies that you’ll get with the model are regenerative braking, auto Start-Stop functionality, and Switch Point Display – which all come with the base version of the vehicle. The Cooper SE also charges itself slightly using a futuristic technology called “regenerative braking,” where the energy that’s lost through braking is recycled into the battery using an Intelligent Alternator Control and an Absorbent Glass Mat battery. Should you go for the Mini Cooper S or the SE? It depends mostly on your wallet, but the differences are respectable.
Cadillac XT6
Predicted Cost: $52,695
When people think of American cars, one of the first car companies that come to mind is Cadillac. The car company is often associated with luxury and power, from its boxy and bulky designs to the powerful and loud engines. Now that we’re entering into the new decade, Cadillac has updated its models and the commercially successful and critically acclaimed Cadillac XT6 car series also received some fantastic upgrades.
The XT6 is not as large as Cadillac Escalade, which is the manufacturer's most popular car among consumers. The car has three rows and seven seats, it’s a mean crossover that takes the best out of the SR6 and improves on it even further. In terms of performance, the XT6 will take you to your destination relatively fast and at only a slightly premium price, with just shy over 300 horsepower and a $50,000* price tag. Many critics have compared the car to the Lincoln Aviator and found it slightly better.
Dodge Viper
Predicted Cost: $120,000
Not many vehicles can be named after a snake and manage to pull it off with flying colors. The Dodge Viper is one of the rare cars that does exactly that, and it’s just as menacing as you’d hope. The Dodge Viper was first released back in the late ‘80s but was discontinued for various reasons. Sometime in 2008, rumors started proliferating about the possibility of return of the legendary Viper. Fans of the supercar were ecstatic when the rumors were finally confirmed by Dodge. It looks like the waiting has paid off, because the new Viper, which is set to arrive in late 2020, looks more badass than ever and has the horsepower to justify.
Dodge has reported that its supercar will have a turbocharged naturally-aspirated V8 engine boasting 550 horsepower of unbridled force. Valiant buyers will also have the option of purchasing an even stronger version of the supercar that reportedly has 700 horsepower. The Viper’s red colors are practically a must, with the only available colors of choice being either red or orange, which is quite fitting since the only people who would seriously consider buying one would certainly not mind the attention. There's a high chance that the car will be launched with an optional manual transmission for avid sports racers.
Ford Explorer
Predicted Cost: $36,675
Another reliable and recognizable Ford model that is loved by Americans all across the nation is the Ford Explorer. The 2020 version of this car comes with a massive trunk that has almost ninety cubic-feet of space. The Explorer can tow just about any large vehicle up to 5,600 pounds even in problematic areas, thanks to its 2.3L four-cylinder engine. For Ford fans that like some extra horsepower in their car, a more powerful version of the car can be purchased with a V6 engine that sports either 3 liters or 3.3 liters, depending on how much power you want.
Despite the 2020 Ford Explorer being a relatively large car (199″ L x 79″ W x 70″ H), it actually has very reasonable gas mileage at 27 miles per gallon in the city and 29MPG on the highway. If you’re looking for performance, the SE version of the Explorer boasts 400 horsepower, 415 lb.-ft. of torque and a top speed of 143 mph. Critics are fairly happy with the car and it is recommended as a contender for your next SUV, in case you’re in the market for one.
Hyundai Palisade
Predicted Cost: $31,550
Hyundai, the South Korean industrial conglomerate, has been a favorite car manufacturer for many consumers who love entry level cars that look good, are safe to drive and can produce a nice performance. Hyundai’s cars have generally gotten very favorable reviews from critics, and the 2020 Palisade is no different. The model has received an IIHS TSP+ Award and it was named by CNET as a “Top Safety Pick Plus” pick due to having extra headlights. The Palisade has eight seats, can tow up to 1,650 pounds and has a moderate gas-economy at 19 miles per gallon in the city and 26 on highways.
For just over $30,000 you can get the 2020 Hyundai Palisade. It’s an incredible car for families who put safety first and passed literally all safety tests with flying colors. ‘Cars.com’ even went as far to say that the Palisade “Crushed” the safety tests — especially if you get it with its optional LED headlights.