Toyota Prius Prime
Predicted Cost: $27,600
The Toyota Prius Prime is one of the auto maker’s most popular vehicles and is both loved and hated by many. When the hybrid car first inserted itself into the markets at a time when eco-friendly cars were just starting to gain steam, it proved to be among the first reliable environmentally aware cars that are affordable, reliable and fun to drive. The new 2020 Prius Prime is a hybrid car with electric-only capabilities that is extremely practical, in addition to having an insane fuel economy milestone of 56 miles per gallon, making it one of the most cost-effective cars to drive. If you’re looking for a purely electric car, this is definitely not the car for you because its electric-only mode will only take you just around 25 miles on a full charge.
Although the Prius’ design is considered to be a bit boxy and out-dated, it’s still definitely one of the more recognizable designs and immediately makes you think of “hybrid technology” when you see it, which is perhaps one of the reasons for the car’s continuous popularity. Some of the upgrades in this year’s version include upgraded interiors, a sun visor extender, black trim instead of white, Sirius XM radio and new USB ports for rear passengers. While not groundbreaking in any way, these improvements just add slightly more value to an already solid model that manages to keep up with the times.
Toyota Yaris Hatchback
Predicted Cost: $18,705
Another popular and affordable car on our list that has been on the market for quite a while is the Toyota Yaris. This small car is a perfect entry-level vehicle for anyone looking for a cheap car that is well-equipped, safe and reliable. The 2020 Yaris can be purchased in either a sedan or hatchback version, depending on your preference, and includes the L-trim version as its cheapest option.
Like most of the 2020 lineup, even this cheap vehicle is equipped with the latest in safety and entertainment tech such as touchscreen audio controls, keyless entry capabilities, and a pre-collision system, with the latter continuously proving itself to be a true life-saver. The engine of the 2020 Yaris is a standard 1.5-liter four-cylinder that provides 1016 horsepower with estimated gas mileage of around 40 miles per gallon, according to Toyota. In case you're wondering about potential speed capabilities, the car comes with a sports mode that allows you to pretend you're driving a faster vehicle, if only for a moment. While the Yaris isn’t the prettiest car to look at, it’s definitely a great bang for your buck and is likely to be on the wishlist of many young families and students who are looking for their first vehicle.
Jeep Wagoneer
Predicted Cost: $140,000
The Jeep Wagoneer’s fans have been clamoring and begging for a worthwhile upgrade to the beloved series for many years now, with a new version being promised ever since 2014. Unfortunately for off-road customers eager to get their hands on the wheel of this contender in the 4x4 market, the new Jeep Wagoneer will only ship out next year in 2020, making it the 2021 Wagoneer. This new iteration of the popular series aims to compete with other large trucks such as the Ram 1500, the Chevrolet Tahoe and the Ford Expedition while retaining its SUV-like design and posture.
It's been rumored that the Wagoneer will feature an optional four-corner air suspension system for optimal ride and aerodynamic performance, which will help improve ride quality both on the road and off. It packs a standard 8-speed 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 with eTorque, 5.7-liter HEMI V8, and 5.7-liter HEMI V8 with eTorque. The return of the Wagoneer has been a long-awaited one, with the vehicle expected to be manufactured at the Warren Truck Assembly Plant.
Bentley Continental GT
Predicted Cost: $201,225
Oh boy, it’s the Bentley Continental GT. Often reserved for the most upper-class citizens and most easily spotted in front of only the most prestigious hotels and mansions, the Continental GT takes the idea of a car and turns it into a true work of art, much akin to The Sistine Chapel or Da Vinci's Mona Lisa. This year’s version of the ultra-luxury car features an improved exterior that makes it look even better than before, with the dual options of either a twelve-cylinder or an eight-cylinder engine. The car is a loud, scary and delightful drive, with critiques describing the sound of acceleration as “an elephant being stabbed”.
Other improvements to the already impressive set of features found inside and outside the cabin include better handling, upgraded electronics, a fantastic foldable touch screen and even better sound canceling and smooth suspension when driving in rough roads. Buying the 2020 Bentley Continental GT will set you back a minimum of $200,000* and a monthly salary in annual car insurance, but if you’re able to afford it and want to truly drive or be driven in the absolute best an executive can get, you’ll be very happy with Bentley’s new creation.
Volvo V60 Cross Country
Predicted Cost: $45,100
Volvo has always been a fantastic contender when you’re looking for the best technology and features while maintaining sane price tags. It exists somewhere between luxury brands such as Mercedes and BMW, and the cheaper entry brands like Nissan and Toyota. Every year Volvo attempts to create new technology that’s unique to them for the sake of better customer experience and safety, which makes us like and respect the automaker even more.
The 2020 Volvo V60 Cross Country is no different in this sense and serves as a wonderful cross between an SUV and a mid-sized wagon. The V60 ads three inches to its height and has a sleeker and more aerodynamic build, which makes it an optimal candidate for the occasional off-road driver. The interiors of the Cross Country remain mostly unchanged except for some improvements to the touchscreen, this is perfectly fine since Volvo is already known for providing extensive and comfortable interiors that often rival those of Audi and BMW. The car features a 250 horsepower 2.0-liter inline-four engine that produces 258 pound-feet of torque. You can get this one for a starting cost of $45,000.