It’s an excellent time to shop for a midsize SUV because the market is simply packed with great choices. An overwhelming majority have brought the latest tech to the class—many have made Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration standard along with a full host of safety features. And fuel-efficient powertrains are on the rise too. There are more hybrid and plug-in hybrid choices than ever before. While the Mitsubishi Outlander and Nissan Pathfinder are on hiatus until 2022, here are all the details on the rest of the midsize SUV pack for 2021.
Totally Redesigned
2021 Toyota Venza
Starting Price: $33,645 | Rating 4.4
The Toyota Venza is an all-new two-row SUV that comes solely as an all-wheel-drive hybrid. It slots neatly between the smaller RAV4 and the larger three-row Highlander. Read More »
2021 Hyundai Santa Fe
Starting Price: $28,025 | Rating 4.7
The Sante Fe remains one of our most awarded SUVs. This year there are lots of upgrades to the popular ‘ute including new gas engines as well as hybrid and plug-in hybrid models. Plus, the exterior design has been re-styled, there’s a new Calligraphy top trim, and new safety features offered. Read More »
2021 Kia Sorento
Starting Price: $30,560 | Rating 4.7
The Sorento, Kia’s smaller three-row SUV is all-new this year and wears rugged sheetmetal on the outside and a clean, modern interior. The chassis is both lighter and stronger and to help boost fuel economy, Kia will offer a hybrid as well as plug-in hybrid models later this year. Read More »
Noteworthy Changes
2021 Dodge Durango
Starting Price: $33,260 | Rating 3.1
At first glance, it might not look like there’s a lot new with this capable three-row SUV. But dig deeper and you’ll find there’s a wild new 710-horsepower (!) SRT Hellcat model. And there are subtle upgrades to the entire Durango range. Most importantly is a small boost in towing capacity, wireless smartphone charging and integration, and an updated infotainment system. Read More »
Few or No Changes
2021 Subaru Ascent
Starting Price: $33,345 | Rating 4.3
Subaru’s largest vehicle, the exceptionally roomy three-row $33,345 Ascent is one of the few that has all-wheel drive on every model. It also offers many standard safety features. And for 2021, Subaru’s standard EyeSight driver assistance suite of tech has been upgraded. Headlights that respond to steering inputs with automatic high beams are now standard, as are new seat belt reminders. Read More »
2021 Honda Pilot
Starting Price: $33,370 | Rating 4.4
The Pilot receives a 9-speed automatic on all trims, complementing the strong standard V6. In addition, 2021 will bring a new mid-pack SE grade and the base LX Pilots now have a dual-zone climate control system. Oddly, the Black Edition is now available in Platinum White Pearl paint in addition to black. Read More »
2021 Kia Telluride
Starting Price: $33,160 | Rating 4.8
The Telluride has been a runaway hit for Kia. It’s not only comfy and roomy but looks tougher and more upscale than some more expensive SUVs. The Telluride motors into 2021 with just a few upgrades. First, there’s a new Nightfall Edition, which has darkened trim and aesthetics and should prove very popular. The other upgrades are minimal: remote starting has been added to the key fob and the trailer tow harness has been upgrade to 7-pin. Read More »
2021 Hyundai Palisade
Starting Price: $33,665 | Rating 4.6
The three-row Palisade was new last year and is the close cousin to Kia’s Telluride. As such the big Hyundai sees minimal changes for 2021. There’s a new Calligraphy top trim, and wireless smartphone integration, LED headlamps, and HD radio are standard for all models. The Palisade SEL receives a sunroof and LED interior lights and the trailer wiring harness is now a 7-pin unit. Read More »
2021 Toyota Highlander
Starting Price: $35,985 | Rating 4.5
The Highlander, well known for its dependability and fuel economy rolls into the new year with only a handful of changes. Most notably, there’s a sporty XSE trim level with larger tires, firmer suspension, and swanky styling cues. Beyond that, every Highlander wears LED headlamps and Toyota’s new Safety Sense 2.5 offers upgraded safety tech from Safety Sense 2.0. Read More »
2021 Volkswagen Atlas
Starting Price: $32,565 | Rating 4.1
The three-row Atlas is VW’s largest people mover. And for 2021, the Atlas wears fresh styling at both the front and rear ends. VW has also made the sweet turbocharged 4-cylinder engine available with all-wheel drive. And now the top trims can now be optioned with this engine. VW has additional driver assistance features and improved phone connectivity too. Read More »
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Starting Price: $35,715 | Rating 4.1
Jeep’s popular and capable SUV is about to get a full redesign. Still, there are some small but subtle changes this year like an 80th Anniversary Edition based on the Limited. And speaking of Limited Grand Cherokees, these models can now be optioned with the Sun and Sound package which includes a sunroof and improved audio. A new Laredo X trim adds more standard equipment and gloss black trim. Read More »
2021 Nissan Murano
Starting Price: $33,605 | Rating 3.7
This year there are just few upgrades to the Murano, Nissan’s two-row midsize SUV. The Safety Shield 360 grouping of technologies now comes standard. In addition, Nissan is offering three new colors as well as a special edition package with 20-inch dark wheels, dual-panel moonroof, and more. Read More »
2021 VW Atlas Cross Sport
Starting Price: $32,050 | Rating 4.0
The sporty, two-row version of VW’s Atlas is exceptionally roomy and was all-new last year. So, it rolls into the new year with minimal changes. The SE trim has a new infotainment system and SEL models have Travel Assist and Emergency Assist features. Read More »
2021 Chevrolet Blazer
Starting Price: $29,995 | Rating 3.8
Far from the capable mud-slinging Blazers of the past, this crossover is a composed crossover with optional all-wheel drive and a turbocharged four-cylinder that delivers great fuel economy. For 2021, the Blazer has a Safety Assist Package standard on the 2LT trim and a trailering package is optional on front-drive V6 models. Read More »
2021 Honda Passport
Starting Price: $33,710 | Rating 4.2
Looking for a smaller, sportier, and more off-road-capable two-row version of the Pilot? That’s the Passport. And for 2021, Honda’s reliable SUV has standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as Honda’s sweet Display Audio infotainment system. Read More »
2021 Subaru Outback
Starting Price: $27,845 | Rating 4.6
The Outback has always been a contrarian’s SUV. More car than truck, the Subaru wagon comes standard with all-wheel drive and a serious dose of dirt capability thanks to 8.7 inches of ground clearance. New this year are active LED headlamps, a rear seat reminder, and a new chime and light to warn occupants they’ve forgotten to buckle up. Read More »
2021 Ford Edge
Starting Price: $33,000 (est) | Rating 3.5
The Edge receives a new 12-inch touch screen and the latest SYNC 4a infotainment system. And cloud connectivity allows for speedy searching through the internet. Ford has also added two more USB ports (for a total of four), new wheel choices, and two new colors. Read More »
2021 Ford Explorer
Starting Price: $33,470 | Rating 3.8
The Ford Explorer is one of the true midsize SUV pioneers. It’s been around for 31 years. The latest model, fully redesigned for the 2020 model year is an admirable performer. And because it’s so new, there are few changes. Those include some upgrades to the XLT trim like heated seats an optional sport appearance package, and heated steering wheel. Top models have an 8-way power passenger’s seat, but the Limited trim drops some standard features and makes them optional. Read More »
2021 Mazda CX-9
Starting Price: $35,060 | Rating 3.7
In some ways, the Mazda CX-9 feels like a luxury SUV. The interior is upscale and the suspension is tuned to feel athletic when the road twists. This year the CX-9 gains a new Carbon Edition trim, a big new 10.25-inch touchscreen with a revised infotainment system and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration making one of our favorite three-row SUVs even better. Read More »
2021 GMC Acadia
Starting Price: $30,995 | Rating 3.9
When it comes to three-row SUVs, the GMC Acadia is one of the best deals out there. At $30,995, it’s one of the least expensive ways to haul seven people. And for 2021, the deal is further sweetened with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. SL and SLE models have a new steering wheel with audio controls and SLE and SLT trims have a new optional Elevation package. Read More »
2021 Chevrolet Traverse
Starting Price: $30,995 | Rating 4.2
There are few three-row SUVs that offer the roominess of the Traverse. It’s absolutely cavernous and can fit a ton of luggage—even when every seat is taken. Apparently, Chevrolet thinks the Traverse, which is like a longer and roomier version of the GMC Acadia, is just right as it is. There are no changes for 2021. Read More »
