2021 Crossovers and SUVs: Every New and Updated Model

From subcompacts to full-sizers, there are plenty of new options for 2021.

ManufacturerWriterDec 23, 2020

American consumers love crossovers and SUVs . In order to satiate our appetite for these high-riding hatchbacks, automakers continue to tinker with the crossover and SUV formula—whether it's updating or redesigning existing vehicles or bringing entirely new models to market. These same companies are also expanding the lines of the vehicles they previously introduced with the reveal of new body styles or trims with high-performance gas, efficient gasoline-electric hybrid, or clean electric powertrain options. We've got 'em all covered in the following slides. That said, we did ignore new powertrain and trim options added to previously available models that either lacked some form of electrification or any noteworthy performance enhancements.

Click through to see the new and updated SUV and crossovers for 2021.

2021 Aston Martin DBX

Aston Martin formally enters the SUV segment with its all-new DBX . As the product of a sports car brand, the DBX comes standard with a 542-hp twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 engine, which ought to ensure this British SUV offers proper on-road performance for taking on the likes of the Lamborghini Urus . While it's no Land Rover or Jeep, the DBX is more capable off-road than any Aston Martin-badged vehicle has the right to be. Predictably, the 2021 Aston Martin DBX is a pricey piece, and it starts at close to $200,000.

2021 Audi E-Tron Sportback

The Audi E-Tron adds a slinky Sportback body style for 2021. Like its boxier sibling, the E-Tron Sportback relies on two electric motors, which produce a peak of up to 402 hp combined, for motivation. The Sportback's range, however, suffers compared to the standard E-Tron's, which returns an EPA-rated 222 miles on a full charge of its 95-kWh battery pack. The 2021 E-Tron Sportback, meanwhile, nets an EPA-rated range of 218 miles.

2021 Audi Q5

Audi updates the Q5 for 2021. Along with a facelift, the luxury brand's compact crossover welcomes a new Sportback body style to the line. Both Q5 models come standard with a 261-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four, however, the squarer Q5 also offers a 362-hp gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain. A 349-hp SQ5 model is available on both body styles.

2021 Audi RS Q8

If the wagon body style of the Audi RS 6 Avant fails to entice you, then the SUV-like looks of the Audi RS Q8 might to do the trick. Like the RS 6, as well as the RS 7 , the top-dog of the Q8 model line sports a 591-hp twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 engine under its hood. Per Audi, the RS Q8 rockets to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds. The RS 6, meanwhile, does the deed in a manufacturer-estimated 3.5 seconds. Whether the RS Q8's buffer styling is worth the small hit to performance is a matter of personal taste. That said, we're fans of the RS 6 Avant's lower-slung looks and dynamic superiority.

2021 Bentley Bentayga

It might not look much different at first glance, but the 2021 Bentley Bentayga sports thoroughly revised sheet metal and an improved interior. Three powertrain options are available: a 443-hp gasoline-electric hybrid, a 542-hp V-8 engine, and a 626-hp 12-cylinder in the top-of-the-line Bentayga Speed .

2021 BMW Alpina XB7

BMW enlists Alpina to turn its X7 into a true challenger to the Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 . Dubbed the XB7 , this full-size luxury SUV packs 612 hp and trots to 60 mph in a manufacturer-estimated 4.0 seconds. Predictably, the XB7's starting sum of $142,295 is a good deal more than that of the run-of-the-mill X7's $75,895 base price.

2021 Buick Envision

Buick envisions a new Envision for 2021. The compact crossover dons new styling and additional active safety equipment, not to mention a top-line Avenir trim .

2021 Cadillac Escalade

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade marks the model's fifth-generation since its debut in the late 1990s. With new styling, an independent rear suspension system, and a massive 38.0-inch dashboard display, the latest Escalade brings a true flagship experience to Cadillac's big SUV. As before, a long-wheelbase Escalade ESV remains on offer for those in need of more space for passengers or cargo. Regardless, both the standard Escalade and larger Escalade ESV are available with either a 420-hp 6.2-liter V-8 engine or a 277-hp turbo-diesel 3.0-liter I-6.

2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban

Like its Cadillac Escalade kin, the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban undergo a complete redesign for 2021. While the bow-tie-badged SUVs lack the Caddy's sweet 38.0-inch dashboard display, the Tahoe and Suburban both benefit from the same new independent rear suspension system and available turbo-diesel engine.

2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer

The Chevrolet Trax gets a little brother in the form of the Trailblazer . Despite its name, the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer shares little else with the body-on-frame SUV that Chevy sold more than a decade ago. While its styling is attractive, the Trailblazer is marred by its rather dull powertrain options, loud cabin, and stiff ride.

2021 Dodge Durango

Dodge revamps the Durango for 2021 and adds a hot SRT Hellcat trim to the mix. Like the brand's other Hellcat-badged vehicles, the Durango SRT Hellcat packs a more than 700-hp (710, to be exact) supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 engine under its hood. Regardless of trim, all 2021 Durangos benefit from a redesigned dashboard and reworked front and rear styling.

2021 Ford Bronco

Ford sets its sights on the Jeep Wrangler with the 2021 Bronco . Available in two- and four-door forms, the four-wheel-drive Ford Bronco promises impressive off-road-ready capability in even its most entry-level form. Thanks to its removable doors and roof panels, the reborn Bronco offers those within it the opportunity to get even closer to their surrounding environment, too.

2021 Ford Bronco Sport

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport brings the styling of its bigger Bronco sibling to a smaller, more affordable segment. Although its unibody underpinnings are shared with the on-road-oriented Ford Escape , the all-wheel-drive-only Bronco Sport still offers surprisingly formidable off-road chops and is mechanically beefed up .

2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E

An electric Ford Mustang SUV ? It may sound like sacrilege, but somehow the Blue Oval's made it work. The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E offers attractive Mustang-y looks, a reasonably exciting driving experience, up to 300 miles of EPA-rated range , and a performance-oriented GT trim with 480 hp.

2021 Genesis GV80

Hyundai's luxury brand, Genesis, finally enters the SUV space with the 2021 GV80 . While its infotainment system is rather unintuitive, and its standard 300-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine feels a wee bit underpowered, the GV80's exterior and interior styling certainly turn heads. It's even reasonably quick when equipped with the optional 375-hp twin-turbo V-6.

2021 GMC Yukon

Like its Cadillac and Chevy kin (the Escalade, Escalade ESV, Tahoe, and Suburban, respectively), the GMC Yukon and longer Yukon XL benefit from a complete redesign for the 2021 model year. Despite its different exterior styling, most of the Yukon family shares its cabin design with its Chevy counterparts. The top-line Denali , however, nets a trim-specific dashboard design.

2021 Hyundai Santa Fe

The Hyundai Santa Fe undergoes a significant refresh for 2021 . Along with updated exterior and interior styling, the model welcomes a bigger and more powerful turbocharged engine option and a new gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain.

2021 Jaguar E-Pace

Jaguar's entry-level crossover goes under the knife for the 2021 model year. The refreshed 2021 Jaguar E-Pace sports a fresher exterior look and a revised interior, the latter of which includes a new infotainment system that displays on an 11.4-inch touchscreen.

2021 Jaguar F-Pace

It's not only the E-Pace that is updated for 2021, as the larger Jaguar F-Pace also enters the new year with fresh looks inside and out. Like the E-Pace, the F-Pace features an improved infotainment system with an 11.4-inch touchscreen. A new I-6 engine replaces last year's V-6, too (lower-level F-Pace models still rely on a four-cylinder powerplant for motivation). Meanwhile, the 550-hp F-Pace SVR sees its torque output swell from 502 lb-ft to 516.

2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe

Jeep enters the plug-in gasoline-electric hybrid space with the 2021 Wrangler 4xe . With 375 hp from its gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain, the 4xe promises to combine power with efficiency and off-road capability. It's also Trail Rated, just like a Wrangler should be.

2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392

Jeep finally shoves a V-8 engine under the Wrangler's hood . Meet the 2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 . Those three digits represent the displacement—in cubic inches—of the 470-hp engine that powers it. We wager it's only a matter of time until Jeep fits the 707-hp V-8 from the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk into a Wrangler.

2021 Kia Seltos

If the Kia Soul's boxy styling and lack of all-wheel-drive leave you wanting, then the 2021 Kia Seltos might just do the trick. Sure, its styling is more forgettable than that of the squarer Soul, but the Seltos brings with it a surprisingly roomy cabin, solid dynamics, and all-wheel drive.

2021 Kia Sorento

Kia redesigns its Sorento mid-size SUV for 2021 . The latest Sorento boasts squarer styling, a posher cabin, and a number of powertrain choices, including two gasoline-electric hybrid options.

2021 Land Rover Defender 90

While theMotorTrendSUV of the Year-winning Land Rover Defender initially arrived in four-door form for the 2020 model year, the off-road-ready model finally welcomes its smaller two-door kin to our shores for 2021. Christened the Defender 90 (the four-door goes by the name Defender 110 ), the stubbier Defender body style cuts 17.1 inches from its wheelbase and sacrifices interior space for a lower cost of entry and a better breakover angle—in other words, it's even better off-road than its four-door sibling.

2021 Land Rover Discovery

Land Rover updates the infotainment systems of its Discovery , Discovery Sport, Range Rover Evoque, and Range Rover Velar SUVs , however, only the Discovery benefits from an exterior refresh for 2021. Yes, it's difficult to see the changes at first glance, but those with keener eyesight will note the 2021 Land Rover Discovery features updated front and rear fascias, as well as headlights and taillights. Inside, an 11.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system complements the likes of a reworked dashboard, center console, and steering wheel.

2021 Lincoln Nautilus

Lincoln lightly touches up the front end of the Nautilus for 2021 . The bigger news, however, resides within the confines of the luxury SUV, where Lincoln fits a new dashboard with a 13.2-inch touchscreen running the brand's latest infotainment setup.

2021 Maserati Levante

A new grille and reworked taillights help the 2021 Maserati Levante stand apart from its 2020 counterpart. Inside, the luxury crossover runs Maserati's latest infotainment system on an 8.4-inch touchscreen display.

2021 Mazda CX-30 2.5T

Like the 2021 Mazda 3 , the 2021 CX-30 welcomes an optional turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine under its hood. The 250-hp (227 hp on anything but premium fuel) unit pairs with a six-speed automatic transmission, which sends those horses to all four wheels by way of the turbocharged SUV's standard all-wheel-drive system.

2021 Mercedes GLA-Class

Mercedes redesigns its GLA-Class for 2021 . With its more modern design and a tech-heavy cabin, the littlest Mercedes SUV is one of the cheapest ways to call one of the German automaker's vehicles your own. As before, the GLA-Class comes in Benz and AMG varieties. The former dons the GLA 250 nomenclature and comes standard with a 221-hp four-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive (all-wheel-drive is optional). AMG pins its name to two GLA-Class models: the GLA 35 and GLA 45. Both come standard with all-wheel-drive, although the racier—and more expensive— GLA 45's 382-hp four-cylinder engine bests the GLA 35's weaker four-pot by 80 hp.

2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class All-Terrain

Mercedes borrows Volvo's Cross Country formula and applies it to theMotorTrendCar of the Year-winning E-Class for 2021. Limited to the E 450 guise, the All-Terrain comes standard with a 362-hp turbocharged I-6 and all-wheel drive.

2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE-Class Coupe

The Mercedes GLE-Class regains a fastback counterpart for 2021. Dubbed the GLE-Class Coupe , the mid-size model differs from its squarer sibling both in looks and trim. Whereas Mercedes offers both Benz- and AMG-badged iterations of the upright GLE-Class, the GLE-Class Coupe comes exclusively in AMG guise, two versions of which are available: the 429-hp GLE 53 Coupe and the 603-hp GLE 63 S Coupe.

2021 Mercedes-AMG GLS 63

The 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 offers plentiful interior space and performance. With three rows of seats, 603 hp, and manufacturer-estimated 0-60 mph time of 4.1 seconds, the latest GLS 63 is the perfect SUV for hauling asses and ass.

2021 Mercedes-Maybach GLS-Class

Mercedes extends the reach of its Maybach sub-brand to the GLS-Class full-size SUV . The ultra-luxury model dons the GLS 600 moniker to denote its 550-hp V-8 powertrain. With a starting price of $161,550, the Mercedes-Maybach costs more than twice as much as the entry-level Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 .

2021 Mini Countryman

The 2021 Mini Countryman arrives with freshened front and rear ends, as well as new features such as an available 5.0-inch digital gauge cluster. Cooper, Cooper S, Cooper SE, and John Cooper Works trims remain available, offering various levels of electrification (the plug-in gasoline-electric hybrid Cooper SE) and performance (up to 301 hp in JCW guise).

2021 Nissan Armada

Tougher looks, more power, and a reworked dashboard and center console highlight the changes Nissan makes to its Armada full-size SUV for 2021 . While we appreciate all of the Armada's updates, we're most pleased to see the prior SUV's clunky infotainment system replaced by a more modern 12.3-inch touchscreen setup.

2021 Nissan Kicks

Nissan kicks the styling of its Kicks SUV up a notch for 2021 . Accompanying its more handsome design are new features such as standard adaptive cruise control, rear disc brakes, and an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system on higher-end SV and SR trims. The lowly S still makes do with regular-old cruise control, rear drum brakes, and a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment setup. That said, the entry-level Kicks S does gain Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

2021 Nissan Rogue

The Nissan Rogue is redesigned for 2021. With fresh styling and modern technologies, the 2021 Rogue looks to steal the thunder from compact crossover stalwarts such as the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.

2021 Subaru Crosstrek

The Subaru Impreza hatchback's butcher brother goes under the knife for 2021. The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek arrives with updated styling and a newly available 2.5-liter flat-four engine that pumps out 182 horses—30 more than the standard 2.0-liter unit. A plug-in gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain remains an option for those in search of additional fuel efficiency.

2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime combines efficiency with performance. Thanks to its plug-in gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain's 18-kWh battery pack, the all-wheel-drive Prime is capable of traveling an EPA-rated 42 miles on electricity alone. Boot the accelerator, though, and the most powerful RAV4 model summons its powertrain's 302 horses to rocket the compact SUV from 0-60 mph in a manufacturer-estimated 5.7 seconds. Prime, indeed.

2021 Toyota Venza

Toyota dusts off the old Venza nameplate and applies it to its newest SUV model. Like its forebear, the 2021 Venza competes in the mid-size SUV space. Unlike the prior Venza, though, the new model relies strictly on a gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain. Sorry, fans of the prior Venza's V-6 engine.

2021 Volkswagen Atlas

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas benefits from reworked styling that more closely mirrors its lower-slung Cross Sport stablemate , which the German brand introduced for the 2020 model year. As before, the Atlas relies on either a 235-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter I-4 or a 276-hp 3.6-liter V-6 for motivation. New for 2021, Volkswagen gives buyers the opportunity to pair the base four-cylinder engine with all-wheel drive. Previously, the four-cylinder Atlas was a front-drive-only affair.

2021 Volkswagen ID4

Volkswagen enters the electric SUV arena with the 2021 ID4 . With its 82-kWh battery pack, the ID4 is capable of traveling an EPA-rated 250 miles on a full charge. Power comes courtesy of a rear-mounted 201-hp electric motor. All-wheel-drive ID4s, which features a second motor powering the SUV's front wheels, are due to arrive later in 2021, likely as 2022 model year vehicles.

2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge

The 2021 Volvo XC40 adds a battery-electric powertrain option for 2021. Christened the Recharge, the most powerful XC40 model packs 402-hp by way of two electric motors (one at each axle). A 78-kWh battery pack affords the XC40 Recharge a respectable, but far from groundbreaking, 208 miles of EPA-rated driving range.

2021 Volvo V90 Cross Country

Like the run-of-the-mill Volvo V90 , the tougher-looking V90 Cross Country welcomes a handful of minor styling tweaks, as well as some minor content revisions, for the 2021 model year.