If vehicles had astrological years, 2020 would be the 12 months of the small crossover. That is our takeaway from the unofficial begin of the brand new automotive 12 months—the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Present, which runs by December 1, the place precocious 2021 autos strut their stuff on the silver flooring, and people 2020 fashions late within the womb lastly emerge into the new white mild of expectation. 

What do you have to anticipate from subsequent 12 months’s new vehicles, primarily based on the handfuls of autos launched in LA? A handful of stars that transfer the business ahead such because the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E are complemented by a number of supporting autos that signify the occasions, such because the 2020 Land Rover Defender. Then there may be the B film, the Tesla Cybertruck concept car launched final week that dominated social media feeds. It can seemingly by no means arrive on roads as designed, however such is the fantasy actuality of Los Angeles. 

Right here’s to the celebs and supporting solid which may not be the flashiest or the very best, however promise to do effectively once they arrive on vendor tons subsequent 12 months.

STARS

2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E

Ford’s all-electric crossover with a focused 300-mile vary is the Blue Oval’s most vital car because the aluminum 2015 F-150 pickup, and could be crucial car for the model this millennium. Certain, it’s not a Mustang regardless of the title and badging, however the Mach-E is neither a C-Max or Ford Focus electrical compliance automotive. The Mach-E is a devoted EV with a definite and trendy persona meant to promote in bigger numbers. The lengthy nostril and coupe-like roofline evoke the Jaguar F-Tempo and Germanic sport crossovers, whereas the efficiency potential borrows from Tesla’s playbook of constructing spectacular vehicles that simply occur to be electrical. Provided in two battery capacities and in rear- or all-wheel drive, the Mach-E targets a more recent and youthful crowd than the beloved Mustang. A 15.5-inch vertical touchscreen dominates the cabin, which is in any other case spartan and clear. The cargo space has two load flooring heights, indicating a thoughtfulness to make use of each area to capability. Buttons on the doorways change door handles to enhance aerodynamics and provides it a flush, futuristic vibe. We’ve heard it rides effectively, “remarkably well-finished and tight, with no squeaks or rattles,” wrote John Voelcker in Green Car Reports. It’s due late subsequent 12 months. 

2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime

Among the finest-selling crossovers will get a cost with a 39-mile electrical vary and extra efficiency. The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime is a plug-in hybrid that makes use of the identical Atkinson-cycle 2.5-liter inline-4 as the normal hybrid however energy is boosted by electrical motors to make 302 horsepower complete (the normal hybrid is 219 hp and 163 pound-feet of torque). With all-wheel drive, the RAV4 Prime can hit 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, which makes it the second quickest Toyota within the lineup behind the Supra. The RAV4 Prime goals for a candy spot with crossover drivers who can use the electrical vary for many day-to-day driving however then hit the street with out vary nervousness on the weekend. The plug-in will come within the sporty SE and XSE trims with normal lively security options. It’s due in the summertime. 

2020 Chevrolet Corvette

Yup, it appears to be like even higher in particular person. Arguably probably the most anticipated car of the 12 months, the mid-engine 2020 Chevrolet Corvette C8 is a mind-boggling power on the spec sheet: 495-hp 6.2-liter V-8 with a dual-clutch 8-speed automated that may hit 60 mph in simply three seconds (with the Z51 bundle). America’s supercar is beautiful to behold, much more so when you think about the notoriously nickel-and-diming Common is promoting it for less than $60,000 in base trim.  

2020 Porsche Taycan 4S

The entry-level model of Porsche’s first all-electric car is a blistering efficiency sedan that factors the best way ahead for Porsche. Electrical will be thrilling and environment friendly and nonetheless retain that Stuttgart DNA. Beginning at about $106,000, the Taycan 4S isn’t an electrical automotive for the lots, however it’s additionally extra affordable than the $187,000 Taycan Turbo S, which hits 60 mph in a whipsaw of two.6 seconds. The 4S does it in 3.8 seconds. The rear seats don’t depart a lot leg room, however the design is eye-catching from all corners of the ground.

SUPPORTING CAST

2020 Lincoln Corsair

Lincoln’s small crossover primarily based on the Ford Escape is extra a cameo than a star. The inside is easy, understated, refined, and effectively achieved, with the textured metallic or wooden trim piece above the vents operating from door to door, a slim middle console, and people beautiful Lincoln seats. The Grand Touring plug-in hybrid debuted in LA, with a 25-mile vary and all-wheel drive. Lincoln is making good vehicles once more, however they’re pricing them like they realize it. A loaded Corsair Reserve can high $60,000, and whereas Grand Touring PHEV pricing hasn’t been introduced, we’re anticipating it to be greater than $50,000. 

2020 Nissan Sentra

Compact sedans nonetheless promote, and the redesigned 2020 Nissan Sentra is bigger, extra highly effective, extra environment friendly, and comes with extra normal security options than the sedan it replaces. Nissan guarantees it’s extra enjoyable to drive, with a stronger 149-hp 2.0-liter inline-4  and new steering and suspension programs. A rear USB port, in addition to higher toe room beneath the seats, targets the youthful customers who could also be lugging round mates. It can value lower than $20,000 in base variations when it rolls into vendor tons late in January. 

2020 Land Rover Defender

The Defender is again, with the boxy off-roading SUV coming as both a two-door Defender 90 and the bigger four-door Defender 110. The rugged 110 X is cool, uncovered rivets and all, however all that superior know-how in such an off-road supposed car ought to include its personal restore staff. Due in spring. 

2021 Chevy Trailblazer

2020 Mazda CX-30

2021 Kia Seltos

All small crossovers, all new. All of them have black cladding across the wheels and sills, they’ve daring grilles and hatches with built-in spoilers. The CX-30 has probably the most highly effective engine, whereas the Trailblazer and Seltos have extra environment friendly turbocharged choices. They’re all extra related than totally different, with out there all-wheel drive and normal lively security options, apart from the Seltos. 

As new automotive season rolls on, the category of 2020 and 2021 guarantees to usher in additional excessive horsepower efficiency vehicles, extra brand-defining electrical autos, and a crossover to fill each spot within the lineup.