Last Year Saw Plenty of Beloved New Cars Hit Show Rooms
The car market rebounded in 2021 after a slow 2020. And some carmakers returned with aplomb, featuring Tesla, Ford, and Kia.
Written by Tom Hindle
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
Table of Contents
- Tesla continues to make a mark
- Other popular models
- 2021's most popular SUVs
- Popular luxury offerings in 2021
- Coverage for 2021's most popular rides
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After 2020 upended the car market, 2021 saw a resurgence in sales and delayed models finally hitting showrooms. Quite a few vehicles made their mark last year with regular consumers and car enthusiasts alike. Here's a look at some of the most popular and consequential models of
2021
.Tesla continues to make a mark
And whatever you think of Elon Musk, Tesla continues to deliver. In 2021, the Model Y shone. The company's crossover SUV, the Tesla Model Y, has a range of 303 miles, while its Long Range model can last 326 miles on a single charge. You'll also find plenty of legroom in the five-seat Model Y, and cargo space is generous at 68 cubic feet.
The Tesla Model 3 comes in three trim levels. The first, the Standard Range, has a 54-kWh battery and single rear motor, which can get you 263 miles on one charge. The Long Range and the Performance versions have dual motors and 82-kWh batteries, but the former has a range of 353 miles, while the latter only gets you 315 miles.
Whether you buy a Tesla Model Y or 3, you'll get a 15-inch touchscreen, on which you can play games, and the same love-it-or-hate-it steering yoke found in all Teslas. You'll also get some solid advanced safety features and the fortune of driving one of the most popular cars on the road today.
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Other popular models
MORE: What's the Biggest Reason Why People Want EVs?
The Urus is Lamborghini's high-performance SUV, and it's quite impressive with a powertrain that can hit 60 mph in just 3 seconds (faster than a Huracan EVO sports car), and maxes out at 190 mph. If you buy the Urus for daily use, just remember, even if you're running late, you can't hit those speeds in a school zone.
Toyota overhauled its Tundra for the first time in 15 years and improved its powertrain, exterior and interior. The former Tundra came with a V8, but this model comes with a V6 that generates more horsepower and torque than its predecessors. And inside, you'll find some serious tech upgrades and a bevy of advanced safety features.
The Ford Mustang Mach-E continued to make waves in 2021, in part because of Ford's semi-controversial decision to dub it a Mustang. But whatever the name, the Mach-E is a solid EV, offering a maximum range of 314 miles (for the California Route 1 variant) and rapid acceleration.
2021's most popular SUVs
The 2022 Ford Bronco follows last year's reinvention of the automotive icon with numerous accessory options that let customers make their cars their own. Beyond customization, the baseline Bronco is a beast with 37-inch tires, standard 4WD, and a 2.3-liter turbo-four engine paired with your choice of a seven-speed manual or 10-speed automatic transmission.
The 2022 Mazda CX-5 is well-positioned as a high-performing crossover, with standard AWD, new exterior styling, improved suspension, and a more responsive six-speed transmission. It's also full of the same advanced safety features that earned the 2021 model a Top Safety Pick+ designation by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
For those looking for a solid three-row SUV, the Kia Telluride delivers. Powered by a 3.8-liter V-6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic, you'll get 291 hp on the base trim, along with 20/26 mpg city/highway. You'll also get spaciousness and comfort, as well as solid tech. No wonder the Telluride remains a popular passenger option.
Popular luxury offerings in 2021
The Genesis GV80 created a bit of buzz, given its new entrant status in the market. Though some note its road performance is less refined than some of its competitors, the GV80's interior styling, such as quilted leather seats with diamond stitching, wood trim, and heated seats, definitely made it stand out.
Of course, the Genesis did not displace well-known luxury brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz. All models of the 2021 BMW 5 Series have excellent powertrains and handling, though it's in refined luxury and comfort where the BMW really shines. And that classic BMW exterior styling means every owner will ride in high style.
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class was also a popular model in 2021. With some of the best semi-autonomous tech on the market along with 64 color ambient lighting, the E-Class also boasts a spacious interior and a sporty performance that makes each ride smooth and enjoyable.
Coverage for 2021's most popular rides
The sophistication of a luxury ride like the Genesis stems from precision manufacturing and unique components. When you purchase a GV80 or other vehicles with unique designs like a
Tesla
or Lamborghini, you must get the appropriate warranty and car insurance
. A malfunction or accident can set you back thousands or even tens of thousands in repairs.It can be difficult to obtain insurance coverage at competitive rates with sophisticated cars like these. And even with more common vehicles like the Telluride, it can be difficult to sift through dozens of insurers to find the right rate at the right price.
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