- How is the best SUV for 2021 determined?
- The 2021 Genesis GV80 could be the best SUV for 2021 ($48,900 – $65,550)
- The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser is an excellent contender ($85,665 – $90,678)
- The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E could win it all ($42,895 – $59,900)
- 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid feels like an underdog ($29,050 – $37,350)
- The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Sport might be the best SUV (MSRP: $31,440)
- 2022 Lexus RX is last but not least ($45,320 – $55,790)
It’s time for the FINAL COUNT DOWN! We, the MotorBiscuit editors, have been reviewing vehicles first-hand, and now we get to determine the best SUV for 2021 based on six finalists. Honorable mentions include the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, Toyota Land Cruiser. But only one can be the best SUV.
How is the best SUV for 2021 determined?
MotorBiscuit Vehicle Awards – Best SUV for 2021 | MotorBiscuit
We have been busy driving different SUV models all year long. We’ve spent a week with each best SUV for 2021 contender to learn everything we can. Sometimes it was hard to give them back. The SUVs have been ranked in 10 different areas to determine a fair score.
Each vehicle we review receives a score for various areas such as comfort, affordability, performance, efficiency, capability, and more. The highest-ranking SUVs made the list, and we’re voting to see which one is best overall.
The 2021 Genesis GV80 could be the best SUV for 2021 ($48,900 – $65,550)
2021 Genesis GV80 | Genesis
The 2021 Genesis GV80 provides stiff competition for rivals, with a MotorBiscuit expert rating of 8.4 out of 10. As a newer luxury model to consider, the Genesis GV80 offers tons for premium comfort and value.
While the third row might be a little light, the Genesis GV80 has a large, spacious interior filled with high-quality materials. The leather could be softer, but the contrasting shades create an attractive look.
The base model comes with heated 12-way adjustable front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a hands-free power liftgate. You can opt for the panoramic moonroof, a wireless phone charger, ventilated seats, and all-wheel drive.
Skip over the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine for the twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 with 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 5.3 seconds. The steering is responsive, and the handling feels sporty, but the heft of this 3-row vehicle can be felt around turns.
The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser is an excellent contender ($85,665 – $90,678)
2021 Toyota Land Cruiser | Toyota
With a score of 8.4, the Toyota Land Cruiser could be the best SUV for 2021, despite having a higher price tag. It’s the go anywhere, do anything luxury SUV that’s been around for over 60 years. However, this year is its last.
Getting comfortable in the Toyota Land Cruiser is easy, thanks to massive leather seats that provide plenty of support. The second row is spacious as well, but the third row is pretty tight.
Plenty of value is included with the price. The base model has heated and ventilated seats, four-zone automatic climate control, a heated steering wheel, and a 9-inch infotainment system. Although, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto aren’t included.
The 5.7-liter V8 engine pumps out 381 hp and 401 lb-ft of torque for a peppy acceleration. The ride is smooth, and the interior is quiet, but there’s a lot of heft and body roll around curves.
The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E could win it all ($42,895 – $59,900)
2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E | Allison Barfield, MotorBiscuit
The 2021 Mustang Mach-E is the only electric option on our list of contenders for the best SUV of 2021, with a score of 8.4. It offers an affordable price and plenty of range. The Select model provides an EPA-estimated 230 miles of range, and the extend-range Premium models offer a 300-mile range.
Unlike gas-powered models, the Mach-E provides plenty of space in the front and second row. However, taller adults may feel cramped in the rear. Interior storage is adequate, and the trunk is massive. The frunk or front trunk is a bit small, but it has a drainage plug and can be used as a cooler.
The interior is crafted with luxury materials and offers plenty of support for comfortable daily drives. But it’s also pretty engaging with three different driving modes that change the suspension settings and interior lighting. Everything is controlled by the massive 15.5-inch center touchscreen.
With the extended range battery, you get 480 hp and 600 lb-ft of torque. The Mach-E flies from 0 to 60 mph in about 4.8 seconds. In Unbridled mode, the suspension is a bit stiffer to provide an optimal racing performance. Whisper mode is incredibly quiet and smooth.
2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid feels like an underdog ($29,050 – $37,350)
2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid | Hyundai
The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid could be our best SUV with a score of 8.2 out of 10. It has a fresh and confident exterior design with a brand new interior that fails to disappoint critics. Plus, it includes plenty of value.
You’ll find that the interior features premium quality with soft-touch surfaces and plenty of leather. The seats in the front and rear are supportive and spacious. The Tucson Hybrid offers more passenger space than the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.
The 10.25-inch touchscreen looks great and is very responsive. Notable standard features include adaptive cruise control, a push-button start ignition, 17-inch wheels, and auto climate control.
For a hybrid, the Tucson provides plenty of power. The 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and 44.2-kW electric motor generate 226 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. It corners well with responsive handling but features a little body roll. AWD is standard, and the interior is tranquil.
The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Sport might be the best SUV (MSRP: $31,440)
2021 Subaru Crosstrek Sport | Subaru
Welcome to Subieville with the impressive 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Sport. It earned a MotorBiscuit score of 8 out of 10 for being both practical and capable as a daily driver and for adventuring.
The Crosstrek Sport is comfortable, but the interior features hard plastics. This may take away from the luxury feel, but unique touches such as yellow stitching make it attractive. The Limited trim adds leather seats.
Plenty of tech is included with the Crosstrek, such as X-Drive, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, optional built-in navigation, and Bluetooth connectivity. But the system is a little cluttered and difficult to use.
The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine whips up 182 hp, but it’s pretty sluggish. The Crosstrek Sport offers responsive handling with limited body roll. Despite having a taller ride height, the Crosstrek Sport feels confident, well-planted, and agile.
2022 Lexus RX is last but not least ($45,320 – $55,790)
2022 Lexus RX 450h F Sport | Joe Santos, MotorBiscuit
The final contender for the best SUV for 2021 is the 2022 Lexus RX. It earned a MotorBiscuit score of 8.0 out of 10 for being value-packed. The interior could use a refresh, but it still provides a modern feeling.
It’s hard to find something negative to say about the comfortable interior that’s pillow-soft. The soft-touch surfaces and premium leather craft a relaxing and engaging experience. You can opt for the L model if you need a third row.
Standard features include an 8-inch touchscreen, 18-inch alloy wheels, 10-way power-adjustable front seats, a power tailgate, rain-sensing wipers, and dual-zone automatic climate control.
The 3.5-liter V6 engine with 295 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque provides plenty of pep. The Lexus RX has a smooth ride and a quiet luxury interior. It corners well and features responsive handling. You can turn up the fun with the F Sport model for a sport-tuned adaptive suspension and electronic steering.
Our best SUV for 2021 will be revealed soon. Out of these SUV options, which one do you think will win? The MotorBiscuit team has voted on this list after reviewing each vehicle, and the winner will be announced by the end of the year.
Keyword: MotorBiscuit Announces 2021 Best SUV of the Year Finalists