Photo by Hyundai Motor Group
Look, I get it. Walking into a dealership today feels like signing up for a second mortgage. But here’s what nobody tells you: back in 2020, automakers were dropping SUVs that packed luxury features, tank-like safety, and buttery-smooth rides into shockingly sensible packages. Fast-forward four years, and these gems haven’t just aged well – they’ve become smarter buys than ever. I’ve put serious miles on all of them, spilled coffee in their cupholders, and tested their limits. Let’s cut through the hype and get real about why these four still deserve your attention – and where they might make you sigh.
2020 Kia Telluride
Remember when this thing dropped? Dealers couldn’t keep them on the lot. And honestly? It’s still a showstopper. Slide into the driver’s seat, and you’ll feel it instantly – that third row isn’t some sad afterthought. I’ve stuffed three full-grown friends back there on a road trip, and nobody threatened mutiny. The smooth 3.8L V6 isn’t just powerful (291 horses!) – it actually sings when you punch it, a rarity in this class.
Open the door on a rainy Tuesday, and it still feels special. Soft-touch dash, knurled metal knobs, ambient lighting – it shames SUVs costing twice as much. Safety? Flawless. Top scores across the board, with automatic braking that’s saved my bumper more than once in city traffic.
But here’s the catch: Finding one under 40,000 miles feels like hunting unicorns. They hold value fiercely, so expect to pay a premium. And while it corners confidently, don’t expect sports-car thrills – this is about serene composure, not racetrack dreams.
Perfect for: Families who want Escalade space and presence without the bankruptcy filing. “It’s the SUV that makes carpooling feel like a VIP lounge.”
2020 Mazda CX-9
Nobody expects a Mazda to feel this posh. Then you grip the steering wheel – stitched leather, warm to the touch – and glance at the real Santos Rosewood trim glowing under soft dashboard lighting. Suddenly, you’re questioning why anyone pays BMW prices. This isn’t just a pretty face, though. Drive it. That turbocharged 2.5L engine (250 hp) pulls like a freight train without gulping gas, and the handling? Magic. It dives into corners like it’s 500 pounds lighter, with steering so precise you’ll grin on backroads.
Tech’s a silent hero: The infotainment clicks like your smartphone, with Apple CarPlay beaming onto a crisp 10.25-inch screen. It’s intuitive at 70 mph – no stabbing at menus while merging.
The reality check: That third row? Coffin-tight. Fine for kids under 12 or grocery bags. Adults? Only for very short, very patient relatives. And while the Bose stereo’s lush, wind noise sneaks in on concrete highways.
Ideal for: Empty-nesters or couples who miss their sport sedan’s soul but need space for Costco runs or weekend getaways. “It’s for drivers who refuse to sacrifice joy just because they own a vacuum cleaner.”
2020 Honda Pilot
Let’s be honest: nobody buys a Pilot for fireworks. You buy it because it’ll chug along for 200,000 miles while barely blinking. Honda’s reliability rep? Earned. I’ve met owners with 300k on the clock who’ve only done brakes and oil changes. Step inside, and the genius screams at you: those Magic Slide seats. Need to cram a booster seat and a giant dog crate? Slide the second row sideways. Kid puked in the third row? Tumble a seat one-handed while holding a grocery bag. It’s family chaos, tamed.
Safety isn’t optional here – it’s standard. Honda Sensing watches your blind spots, keeps you centered, and slams the brakes if you space out in traffic. It swallows eight humans or 4×8 sheets of drywall without drama.
The trade-off? Styling screams ‘sensible shoes.’ It’s handsome in a dentist-waiting-room-magazine way. And pushing it hard reveals its heft – this is a comfort cruiser, not a canyon carver.
Buy it if: You want a no-nonsense partner for the next decade. “The SUV equivalent of that indestructible kitchen appliance your grandma still uses.”
2020 Hyundai Palisade
Open the door, and the first thing you notice? Silence. Hyundai doubled down on acoustic glass and active noise-canceling tech, making highway drones vanish like magic. Then there’s the back seat – especially in Calligraphy trim. Heated? Ventilated? Reclining? It’s first-class airline seating for your in-laws (suddenly they’re less annoying).
That warranty is the mic drop: 10 years or 100,000 miles of powertrain peace of mind. Tech feels fresh even now: A widescreen display with split-view maps and music, wireless charging, even rear-seat alerts so you don’t forget sleeping kids.
But nuance matters: Driving dynamics lean plush. Bumps vanish, but corners invite gentle understeer. It’s less athletic than the Telluride, trading sportiness for serenity. And touch-sensitive climate controls? Frustrating with gloves on.
Perfect match: Luxury seekers allergic to $70,000 price tags. “For when you want Lexus hush and Volvo seats but have a real-world budget.”
How They Stack Up in the Real World (No Boring Tables)
Hauling a youth soccer team? The Chevy Traverse wins on sheer square footage, but the Honda Pilot’s clever seats make daily chaos easier.
Craving backroad thrills? The Mazda CX-9 dances like nothing this big should, leaving the Telluride and Palisade feeling composed but cautious.
Worried about resale? Kia Tellurides still command crazy money – proof people pay for the hype. The Pilot’s a close second thanks to Honda’s bulletproof rep.
🛠️ Pro Tips From the Trenches
Mileage sweet spot? 30,000–50,000 miles. You dodge the steepest depreciation hit, but the SUV’s still tight and fresh. Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) is gold here – especially for Hyundais and Kias – adding years of warranty.
SEE A TELLURIDE UNDER $35K? GRAB YOUR KEYS. I’ve watched clean, sub-40k-mile examples sell same day. They’re rare unicorns now.
Beware the “too-good” deal: No service records? Walk away. Check for:
-
Rust under doors or on frames (especially up North)
-
Transmission hesitation (mostly Fords, but test all at highway speeds)
-
Worn infotainment screens (delaminating displays plague some Hyundais/Kias)
Your Turn: Owned one? Spill the truth below. Did the Telluride’s AC conk out at 60k? Did the CX-9’s turbo make you giggle? Help your fellow car warriors out!
