Top 2021 Mid-Size SUVs: Best Choices for Comfort and Performance
Explore the top mid-size SUVs of 2021, including the Kia Sorento, Hyundai Palisade, Honda Pilot, and Mazda CX-9. Discover their key features, trims, and pricing to find the perfect vehicle for your needs. These models excel in space, safety, and performance, making them ideal choices for families and daily drivers seeking quality and value.
Top 2021 Mid-Size SUVs for Quality and Value
Each year, automakers release upgraded and new mid-size SUV models, providing buyers with more options. While variety is beneficial, selecting the right vehicle within your budget can be challenging. To assist, here’s a list of the best mid-size SUVs of 2021, highlighting their key features, trim options, and starting prices. Discover which model aligns best with your needs and preferences.
Kia Sorento 2022
The Kia Sorento stands out with its impressive interior space and bold design. When the rear seats are folded, it offers around 87 cubic feet of cargo capacity, surpassing many competitors.
It features responsive steering, smooth handling, and a 3.8-liter V6 engine. With seating for seven or eight, depending on configuration, it offers flexibility. The standard front-wheel-drive version achieves approximately 20 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. Pricing starts at $35,000 for the base model, with the top SX trim around $42,000.
Hyundai Palisade 2022
The Hyundai Palisade in 2021 remains a top performer, equipped with advanced safety features like rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot detection, and integrated turn signals in side mirrors. Powered by a 3.8-liter V6 and an eight-speed automatic transmission, it offers a premium driving experience.
All trims accommodate seven or eight passengers and include features such as trailer wiring and sway control. Fuel efficiency averages 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. The second row can be adjusted with one-touch seats for easy access. An 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a remote vehicle app via Hyundai’s Blue Link further enhance convenience. Pricing begins at $34,000 for SE, up to approximately $47,000 for Calligraphy.
Honda Pilot 2021
This SUV combines style, comfort, and reliability, featuring a 280-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic. It can comfortably seat up to eight or seven with captain’s chairs in the second row. Standard safety includes lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise, and collision alerts. Its elevated driving position offers excellent visibility, aided by large pillars. Fuel economy for front-wheel-drive models is about 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. It’s available in six trims—LX, EX, Special Edition, Touring, Elite, and Black Edition—with features like paddle shifters and dual-zone climate control. Starting prices are around $33,000, with the Black Edition costing above $50,000.
Mazda CX-9 2021
Renowned for stylish design and dynamic handling, Mazda’s CX-9 boasts a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It offers seating for six or seven, with spacious, quiet interiors on the first and second rows. Standard features include cloth upholstery, heated seats, and adjustable driver’s seat, with options for leather and additional comfort features. The SUV has five trims: Sport from $34,000, Touring from $35,000, Carbon Edition at $41,000, Grand Touring at $42,000, and Signature at $46,000. The CX-9 perfectly balances style, performance, and comfort for mid-size SUV enthusiasts.
