2nd Stimulus Check:August's Best SUV Deals for Your Stimulus Check
Given recent industry trends, it doesn't seem that most Americans need much motivation to buy a new SUV. The market has been tilting that way for a decade. But now with historically advantageous incentives, rebates, and cashback rebate offers, the impetus to purchase a new SUV is that much greater.
Since the federal government is considered likely to authorize a second round of stimulus checks for most Americans, it could be a good time to make a new SUV purchase, depending on your personal circumstances. By combining an August stimulus check with currently available discounts, you could drive home in a terrific bargain unless you require your 2nd stimulus for other purposes.
Of course, you know that a low price or a big incentive won't guarantee you a satisfying purchase, so we have collected information on the deals that are currently offered on some of the very best SUVs available. We’re talking SUVs that have scored at or near the top in their segments in the annual J.D. Power Initial Quality Study (IQS) and the J.D. Power Automotive Performance, Execution, and Layout (APEAL) Study.
On the upcoming pages, we detail the current offers of the top SUVs in their classes. When we identify two SUVs in a class we present them in alphabetical order. Keep in mind that special deals are sometimes offered on a regional basis, so some of these programs might not be available in your area, but the descriptions are representative of the kind of savings you can expect if you choose to use your stimulus to buy now through Labor Day.
2020 Kia Soul: Small SUV
The 2020 Kia Soul small SUV is the subject of a wide variety of offers extending through the Labor Day weekend. For those seeking to purchase their next vehicle, Kia is offering 0% financing for up to 66 months or 0.9% for up to 72 months, plus $1,000 cashback. On the lease front, a 2020 Soul LX is available for $179 per month for 36 months with $2,199 due at signing. Alternatively, there is a cashback offer of up to $3,000 without any special finance rates.
The perky and versatile Soul is available in LX, S, GT-Line, X-Line, EX, and GT-Line Turbo trims with prices starting at $17,490. All come only with front-wheel drive. The small SUV topped its class in the latest J.D. Power Initial Quality Study.
Photo: Christian Wardlaw
2020 Toyota C-HR: Small SUV
For the month of August, the expressive 2020 Toyota C-HR small SUV can be leased for $292 per month for 36 months with no upfront payment at lease signing. Or, the same C-HR LE can be leased for $219 per month for 36 months with $2,499 due at signing. For those who prefer to buy, Toyota is offering 1.9% financing for 60 months or 3.9% for 72 months. Yet another offer is $1,250 in customer cash, which is available across the line.
Offered in LE, XLE, and Limited trims, the Toyota C-HR is a front-drive vehicle. Pricing for the base LE model starts at $21,295, while the luxurious Limited trim starts $26,350. The C-HR ranked number one in the J.D. Power APEAL Study (in a tie with the Mini Countryman) and number two in the J.D. Power Initial Quality Study in its class this year.
2020 Ford Escape: Compact SUV
The 2020 Ford Escape compact SUV is the subject of a wide variety of offers that are available through the end of August. The offers include 0% financing for up 72 months or a lease on an SE front-drive Escape for $259 per month for 36 months with $3,149 due at signing.
The 2020 Ford Escape is available in nine separate trim levels when you include hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions — S, SE, SE Sport Hybrid, SE Plug-in Hybrid, SEL, SEL Plug-in Hybrid, Titanium Hybrid, Titanium, and Titanium Plug-in Hybrid. Base price for the S trim is $24,885. The Ford Escape was the top-ranking compact SUV in the J.D. Power 2020 APEAL Study (in a tie with the Mazda CX-5).
2020 Hyundai Tucson: Compact SUV
Through Labor Day, most 2020 Hyundai Tucson models qualify for up to $2,750 in bonus cash. For those seeking a special financing deal, the compact SUV can be purchased with 0% financing for up to 72 months with no payments at all for the first 90 days. In many areas of the country, you can lease a front-wheel-drive 2020 Tucson SE for $169 per month for 36 months with $3,569 due at signing.
The Hyundai Tucson topped the 2020 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study rankings in the compact SUV segment. The SUV is available in six trims — SE, Value, SEL, Sport, Limited, and Ultimate. The base SE has a starting price of $23,700, while the midrange SEL has a starting price of $26,100. The well-equipped Ultimate starts at $32,050.
2020 Chevrolet Blazer: Midsize SUV
Chevrolet has two offers on the 2020 Blazer midsize SUV. As part of its national Chevy Open Road sales event, the brand is offering 12% of manufacturer's suggested retail price as a cashback rebate. That could have a value of up to $6,091, depending upon trim level. In many areas of the country, you can lease a front-drive 2020 Blazer LT for $269 per month for 36 months with $1,219 due at lease inception. Mileage is limited to 10,000 miles per year without penalty.
Blazers are available in L, 1LT, 2LT, 3LT, RS, and Premier trims. Prices start at $28,800 for the L, $32,300 for the 1LT, and $42,700 for the Premier. The Chevy Blazer was top-ranking in APEAL and second in IQS among midsize SUVs this year.
2020 Nissan Murano: Midsize SUV
The elegantly styled Nissan Murano midsize SUV is the subject of a wide variety of offers extending through the Labor Day weekend. Nissan is offering 0% financing for 36 months with up to $3,500 in cashback. An alternate offer is a total of $5,000 in savings off the suggested list price, but without a special financing deal. For those who might prefer a lease, a front-drive 2020 Murano S with a Tech Package and other equipment is available for $279 per month for 36 months with an initial payment of $2,849.
The 5-passenger Murano is available in S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims with prices starting at $31,730. The SUV topped the latest J.D. Power Initial Quality Study and was second in the J.D. Power APEAL Study among midsize SUVs.
2020 Kia Sorento: Upper Midsize SUV
The 2020 Kia Sorento is available with a significant $6,000 cashback offer through Labor Day as well as a number of other enticing deals. The 2020 Sorento can be financed at 0% for up to 66 months or 0.9% for up to 72 months accompanied by $3,000 in customer cashback. Among several special lease offers is a 2020 Sorento LX for $239 per month for 36 months with $2,499 due at lease inception.
The Kia Sorento is offered in five trims — L, LX, S V6, EX, and SX. Pricing for the base L model starts at $26,990. The Sorento ranked number one in the upper midsize SUV segment in the J.D. Power Initial Quality Study this year.
2020 Jaguar E-Pace: Small Premium SUV
This month, Jaguar has two compelling offers on its 2020 E-Pace small premium SUV. For those interested in buying, Jaguar is offering 0% financing for up to 72 months on all E-Pace trim levels. For those with leasing in mind, a 2020 Jaguar E-Pace SE P250 is available for $389 per month with $3,995 due at signing, which includes $2,711 down, $0 security deposit, $895 acquisition fee and the first month's payment.
The 2020 E-Pace is available in two trims — E-Pace and E-Pace SE. Starting price for the base model is $39,950, while the SE starts at $43,700. The E-Pace was the top-ranking small premium SUV in both the J.D. Power 2020 APEAL and Initial Quality studies.
2020 Cadillac XT4: Compact Premium SUV
This month, most 2020 Cadillac XT4 models are offered with 0% financing for up to 60 months and with a $1,500 in customer cash allowance. In many areas of the country, you can lease a front-drive XT4 Luxury trim for $339 for 36 months with $2,294 due at signing.
The XT4 topped the 2020 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study rankings in the compact premium SUV category. The SUV is available in Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport trim levels. The base Luxury model has a starting price of $35,695, while the Luxury Premium has a starting price of $39,795. The Sport starts at $39,795 as well.
2020 Lexus GX: Midsize Premium SUV
Lexus is offering 0% financing for up to 60 months on the 2020 GX 460 with no payments for up to 90 days. An alternative deal is $4,000 in cashback, and Lexus is also offering $1,500 in "loyalty cash" to current Lexus owners. Customers can lease a 2020 GX 460 Premium for $519 per month for 36 months with $3,999 due at lease inception. The lease has a mileage limit of 30,000 miles.
The GX is available in GX 460, GX 460 Premium, and GX 460 Luxury trims. Prices start at $53,000 for the GX 460, $55,790 for the GX 460 Premium, and $64,265 for the GX 460 Luxury. The GX was the top-ranking midsize premium SUV in IQS this year.
Wrap-up
With the strong possibility that a sizable government stimulus check is on the way, a new SUV purchase could be an excellent financial decision if your situation allows for it. After all, the federal stimulus money may never come again.
Combine that with attractive cashback, lease and financing offers as we've spelled out here and you have the makings of an unprecedented good deal. That deal is made even better by the fact that it will be on a vehicle identified by its owners for its stellar quality and/or overall performance. And since inventory of new 2020 SUVs is dropping as we write this, it makes sense to shop now.