The best new cars coming to Australia in 2020

Justin Hilliard

Head of Editorial

CarsGuide

25 May 2020 • 1 min read

The Ford Escape mid-size SUV will be one of the most important new releases of 2020.

As one decade ends, another one begins, which means a fresh crop of new metal is set for Australian showrooms.

And given Australia’s new-vehicle market remains in decline, there is no better time than now to get a brand-new set of wheels.

Don’t worry, we’re just as excited as you, which is why we’ve prepared this list of some of the best new models arriving in 2020.

Ford Escape – Third quarter

The new-generation Escape mid-size SUV is a big deal for Ford Australia. While any new model riding on a fresh platform is significant, the Escape is more so because it will be the first Ford sold in Australia with the option of a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain.

Pairing a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine (running on the Atkinson cycle) with an electric motor, the PHEV has a solid combined power output of 165kW.

Needless to say, the Escape will be gunning for the award-winning Toyota RAV4 harder than ever when it arrives in the third quarter.

Ford Escape

3.7

Ford Escape

From

$34,760

Kia Carnival – Fourth quarter

The Kia Carnival was once again the king of people movers in 2019.

Let’s face it, the Kia Carnival owns the people-mover segment, with a massive 54.8 per cent share in 2019.

And the dependable favourite will only grow stronger in the fourth quarter of 2020, when a new generation will arrive to bus families around.

No details have been released yet, but expect the Carnival to take another big step forward and therefore increases its sales monopoly.

Kia Carnival

From

$50,150

Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)

Mercedes-Benz GLA – Third quarter

The most popular small premium SUV is going to be making moves in 2020, with its second generation set to arrive in the third quarter.

While shorter in overall length, the new GLA is bigger in all other key dimensions, especially height (+104mm), meaning more headroom for passengers.

The GLA will also lob with Mercedes-Benz’s most extensive suite of advanced driver-assist systems yet, ensuring its safety credentials are strong.

Mercedes-Benz GLA

3.9

Mercedes-Benz GLA

From

$62,900

Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)

Subaru XV and Forester Hybrid – March

Yes, Subaru’s XV and Forester SUVs are hardly new, but in March, they will take a big step into the future by adding self-charging Hybrid variants.

Aptly dubbed e-Boxer, the new powertrain will make its way into two of Subaru’s most important models and formally kick off its electrification era.

With improved fuel efficiency promised, the XV and Forester Hybrid will inevitably provide a small taste of what Subaru’s future will like, so we’re more than intrigued.