A Guide to 2021 Cars
From the Kia Telluride to the Ford F-150, here are the best cars, trucks, and SUVs made in 2021.
Written by Brittni Brinn
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
The Honda Accord, the Kia Telluride, and the Ford F-150 shone in their categories this year, joining the Volkswagen Golf GTI, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and GLE, and the Chevrolet Corvette as the best cars of 2021. With safety features and driver-assistance technology at the forefront of auto innovation, the best models of 2021 were often the safest as well.
2021 wasn't that long ago, and it's easy to overlook these outstanding models in favor of
buying a new car
. However, the best cars of 2021 set some high standards for safety and autonomous tech that left their mark on the industry. Plus, they're still really good cars, especially if you're on the hunt for a five-star driving experience.Let us take you on a tour of the best that 2021 has to offer. From some stalwart holdovers to brand-new contenders, these are the best cars of 2021.
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The best cars of 2021
When we say "best cars," we also mean the best SUV, the best luxury vehicles, and the best truck of the year as well! Here are the seven outstanding vehicles of 2021.
The best car of 2021: Volkswagen Golf GTI
Starting price: $29,690
Powertrain: A 228-hp four-cylinder engine with manual and automatic transmission options
What makes it special:
The
Volkswagen Golf
GTI has topped the Car and Driver 10Best list multiple times, making it a solid pick for drivers looking for an outstanding driving experience.The Golf GTI does more than impress with its speedy and nimble handling, cargo-friendly interior, and excellent fuel efficiency (24 mpg city and 32 mpg highway with the automatic transmission). Even though it doesn't come standard with most safety features that a 2021 car should, the Golf GTI still rocks a five-star
NHTSA safety rating
.The best luxury car of 2021: Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Starting price: $66,000
Powertrain: A 255-hp turbocharged four-cylinder or a 362-hp turbocharged inline-six-cylinder with a 48-volt hybrid system and 9-speed automatic transmission.
What makes it special:
Both a 2021 top pick from Edmunds.com and given an Editor's Choice badge from Car and Driver, the 2021
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
exemplifies all-around luxury.This model adds revised front and rear styling, an all-new steering-wheel design, a state-of-the-art MBUX infotainment system, and enhanced driver-assistance technology. From the smooth engine performance to the voice-activated infotainment center, the E-Class provides a comfortable and extravagant driving experience.
The best SUV of 2021: Kia Telluride
Starting price: $33,415
Powertrain: 3.8-liter V-6 engine with eight-speed automatic transmission
What makes it special:
Although the 2021
Kia Telluride
seems like your average family vehicle, it received rave reviews across the board, earning a 10Best pick and 10/10 rating from Car and Driver.This
three-row crossover
keeps things simple yet stylish, providing a solid ride for an affordable price—add-on packages and optional all-wheel-drive give this pick the edge over the competition. With forward-collision and lane-departure warning, automated emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring as the base model standard, it's no wonder the Telluride has a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA.MORE: What's the best Kia SUV?
The best luxury SUV of 2021: Mercedes-Benz GLE
Starting price: $55,800
Powertrain: A 255-hp turbocharged four-cylinder, a 362-hp hybrid with a turbocharged inline-six and a 48-volt electrical system, or a 504-hp twin-turbo V-8. All with 9-speed automatic transmission.
What makes it special:
With technology and safety features galore, the
Mercedes-Benz GLE
provides a sleek and luxurious exterior and equally comfortable interior.The GLE is capable as well as covetable, with some off-roading tricks built-in—including adjustable air suspension. Boasting excellent fuel economy as well as a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, the Mercedes-Benz GLE is the top luxury SUV of 2021.
The best family car of 2021: Honda Accord
Starting price: $25,985
Powertrain: A 192-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder or a 252-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 10-speed automatic transmission. A four-cylinder, two electric motor hybrid is also available.
What makes it special:
The 2021 model is no different—with a 10 Best and 10/10 rating from Car and Driver, the Accord does it again, offering practicality, affordability, and style that keeps it relevant in today's market. With a handsome and spacious interior and a five-star safety rating, the Accord is the perfect family vehicle that you'll love to drive.
The best sports car of 2021: Chevrolet Corvette
Starting price: $60,995
Powertrain: 490-hp 6.2-liter V-8 engine with 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission
What makes it special:
With supercar performance, the
Chevrolet Corvette
races past the finish line for the best sports car of 2021.The Corvette comes as a coupe or convertible, providing both back and front trunk spaces with enough cargo room for running errands, hitting the golf course, or taking a short road trip. This model introduces standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, new options for the digital gauge display, and a Buckle-to-Drive safety feature.
However, it's the spectacular driving power that gives the Corvette the edge over the competition. The V-8 engine (mounted behind the passenger seat) can make 490 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, rushing from 0 to 60 in a mere 2.8 seconds!
The best truck of 2021: Ford F-150
Starting price: $30,985
Powertrain: Several options: a 290-hp 3.3-liter V-6; a 400-hp 5.0-liter V-8; a 325-hp twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V-6; a 400-hp twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6; or a 400-hp 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 and 35 kW electric motor hybrid powertrain. All come with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
What makes it special:
The
Ford F-150
was a highlight for many in 2021—and that has a lot to do with the sheer number of choices you had when it came to customizing.The F-150 has several engine options, including a hybrid powertrain for the very first time in its history. These powerful and capable trucks also come with the choice of three cab configurations and both long and short beds as options.
What cars came out in 2021?
2021 was an unprecedented year in many ways, with the global pandemic interrupting supply chains and car manufacturers keeping their inventories low. However, the changes to the auto industry may have had some positive outcomes, including improved online catalogs, increased demand for EVs, and new partnerships to secure a steady supply for a high-demand market.
Here are some of the standout vehicles that were released into the brave new world of 2021.
Model | Vehicle type | Engine | Starting price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Luxury electric | Two 204-hp permanent-magnet synchronous AC motors and 75.0-kWh lithium-ion battery pack | $61,200 | The second in Volvo's electric performance line | |
All electric crossover | Two permanent-magnet synchronous AC with an 88.0-kWh lithium-ion battery pack and combined 346-hp | $43,995 | The Mach-E won EV of the year from Car and Driver | |
SUV | A 6.2-liter V-8 or a new turbo-diesel inline-six | $77,790 | Began a new generation of Cadillac's flagship SUV | |
Large SUV | 355-hp 16-valve V-8 | $51,195 | A fresh take on the SUV, the Tahoe earned an Editor's Pick badge from Car and Driver | |
SUV | A 12.0-liter four-cylinder or a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder | $23,165 | Kia's brand-new SUV offering | |
Smaller SUV | A 181-hp, turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder or a 245-hp turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder | $28,710 | Smaller off-road-ready brother to the Ford Bronco | |
Genesis GV80 | SUV | A 300-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder or a 375-hp twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 | $49,945 | 10Best pick with 10/10 rating from Car and Driver rating |
Sport sedan | A twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six | $70,895 | Kicked off the sixth-generation, with a nod to its history with a manual transmission option |
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What was the most popular car in 2021?
The Ford F-150 was by far the most popular car of 2021.
What was the fastest car in 2021?
With a top speed of 347 mph, the Devel Sixteen was the fastest car in 2021. However, this supercar is still in development.
