2021 SUVs And Crossovers We Can’t Wait To Drive

Unless your name is Charmin, Purell, Netflix, or a select few others, you no doubt felt the crunch that most corporations, small businesses, and consumers went through these past 12 months. The automotive industry was certainly not exempt, as new vehicle sales were down 15% from 2019, coming in under 15 million units for the first time since 2011. During the darkest month, April, the US sold nearly 60% fewer cars than we did in April 2019. Auto plants laid-off workers and showrooms across the country were forced to close their doors.

But as Americans always do, we rebounded.

Driven by low interest rates, cabin fever, and a vaccine on the horizon, consumers marched into dealerships during the back-half of 2020. And in a turn of events, new car sales topped 2019 numbers in two of the last four months of 2020, something forecasters thought impossible just weeks prior.

For those SUV-minded shoppers out there, there’s cause to be even more optimistic as well. While total sales sunk in 2020, SUV sales were only off 11%. And while this isn’t your typical year, the LMC Automotive prediction we stated back in 2018 did come true. SUV sales in 2020 topped the 50% mark of total new cars sold.

OK, so it may be the ‘lipstick on a pig’ way of looking at an overall poor auto year, but real excitement for 2021 is bubbling. The SUV lineup is stacked! From big to small and exotic to budget, this upcoming year is chock full of new names, old friends, and much-needed refreshes.

Let’s take a look at some of 2021 SUVs we’re most excited to get behind the wheel of. (Beyond the Bronco, of course.)

2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe/Rubicon 392

For 2021, Jeep gives us two new and VERY intriguing trim options of the JL Wrangler. The first of which is a Plug-In hybrid—the 4xe.

Purists may raise an eyebrow, but the 4xe is sure to capture hybrid customers that the Wrangler may not traditionally appeal to. Initially, the 4xe will only be offered on the Sahara and Rubicon models. We’re guessing we’ll likely see it trickle down to the more budget-friendly Wranglers. But, like many other electric vehicle origins, you’ll pay the plug-in premium to be an early adopter.

As far as performance, it’s certainly more Tesla than Prius. The turbocharged 2.0L I-4 boasts 375 HP and 470 lb-ft of torque. And the 6.0-second 0-60 time means it would be the quickest production Wrangler to date.

That is, until we get to the other new Wrangler for 2021…

As the trend of smaller super/turbocharged and electrified engines continues, Jeep offers us a refreshing anomaly for 2021: a naturally aspirated V8. It’s been nearly 40 years since we cracked the hood of a Wrangler and found one of these modern relics, but with the Rubicon 392, it’s back with a vengeance.

FCA stuffed the 6.4L Hemi found in SRT models throughout the lineup inside the 392, giving it 470 HP and 470 lb-ft of torque. Partnered with the Rubicon 8-speed transmission, the 392 makes the trip from 0-60 in a bonkers 4.5 seconds. Pricing has not been officially released, but don’t be surprised if the Rubicon 392 sits between $70-80K when the dust settles.

2021 Kia Seltos

The crowded compact CUV space continues to flourish, with South Korea leading the charge. The Seltos was available to the global market last year, but is all-new for the 2021 US market. With ample ride-height, a roomy cabin, and plenty of tech, it hits that sub $30K sweet spot Americans just can’t get enough of.

Options include adaptive cruise, lane centering, automated emergency braking, and a 10.3” infotainment screen. With 27 cubic-ft of cargo space and optional AWD, we’re pinning the Seltos to have quite a broad appeal—from college grads to budding families.

While not for the more reserved driver, we enjoy the fun and flashy colors creeping into the CUV market. For a bit of cosmic pop, check out the Seltos in Starbright Yellow, Neptune Blue, and Mars Orange—available with a contrasting black roof.

2021 Alfa Romeo Tonale

Always turning heads since its reintroduction to the US market, it was only a matter of time before Alfa Romeo strutted into the small CUV space. The Tonale will slot just below the Stelvio in the 2021 crossover lineup. While many details are still under wraps, we’re sure that style and driving excitement will be at the forefront.

Pricing details aren’t yet concrete, but shoppers of the X1, E-Pace, and Range Rover Evoque should also add the Tonale to their short-list. Expect Alfa to offer a plug-in hybrid and high-performance Quadrifoglio model to round out the trim levels—if not at launch, then soon after.

2021 Land Rover Defender 90

The 2021 MotorTrend SUV of the year is adding a new family member, and its smaller footprint has big shoes to fill. The 2021 Defender 90 cuts out two doors and 17” from the central floor section, exciting the wide-eyed fans of the compact off-road segment. And while the Defender 90 shares the same powertrains, suspension, and transmission as the big brother Defender 110, 40% of its parts are completely unique.

Make no mistake, as a Land Rover you can expect a plush interior and a bevy of safety, comfort, and drive-mode technology, but the 90 feels just as at home in the dirt as the pavement. The smaller wheelbase will prove more nimble and agile on and off road, while keeping the same approach and departure angles as the bigger 110.

So, if you’re looking for compact capability but want something with a bit more English refinement than a 2-door Wrangler or Bronco, the Defender 90 deserves proper consideration.

2021 Genesis GV80

We continue to be impressed by the handsome vehicles Hyundai’s luxury arm keeps churning out. The mid-sized GV80 enters the market with its sights set on the BMW X5, Audi Q7, and Mercedes-Benz GLE. And for those of you that may immediately dismiss the South Korean automaker, it’s time to take another look. The GV80 holds its own with its Bavarian brethren and boasts a price thousands, if not tens-of-thousands lower.

The upgraded 3.5L V6 twin turbo makes a stout 375-hp, reaching 0-60 in a brisk 5.3 seconds. Combine this with a smooth 8-speed automatic and you’ll get surprisingly precise handling from an SUV tipping the scales at over 5,000 lbs.

But the thing that draws us the most to the GV80 is the interior. They really nailed the “upscale minimalist” aesthetic. The use of burled wood, metal, and accent lighting creates an opulent cocoon for the driver, without feeling overwhelming. Genesis achieves this through a massive 14.5 in. touchscreen to house many of the controls.

Starting at under $50K and topping out slightly north of $70K, you won’t find a better bargain in the mid-sized luxury space. Your neighbor might confuse it for a Bentley, and that certainly isn’t a bad thing.

2021 Chevrolet Suburban

Certainly the largest vehicle on the list as well as the Chevy SUV lineup, the Suburban enters its twelfth generation with a much needed refresh. Visiting the same surgeon as the latest Silverado, the Suburban receives significant mechanical and technology upgrades to go along with the facelift.

Perhaps the most notable improvements come in the form of its first ever independent rear suspension and Duramax Diesel engine offering. Optional adaptive dampeners and adjustable air suspension allow for either manual or automatic ride-height regulating. This improves aerodynamics and ground clearance along with freeing up cargo area room on the interior with a flatter, lower floor. Passengers will enjoy more legroom, as well as cabin Wi-Fi hotspot capability, and optional dual 12.6 in. screens mounted behind the front seats.

Needless to say, it’s a great time to be a shopper! As the crossover and SUV market continue to swell, competition will heat up. Generally, that translates to better incentives for YOU.