Tech
Best midsize SUV for 2021: Toyota, Kia and more – CNET
Are you shopping for a midsize SUV? You and millions of other people are, and there is an incredible number of options on the market these days. It can make narrowing down an SUV shopping list a little daunting, that’s for sure. And some midsize SUVs are much better than others, trust us.
The midsize SUV isn’t too small, and not too large of a machine for so many buyers, making them a popular just-right option. We have a slew of options below, ranging from luxurious to budget-friendly SUVs, so scroll on down and let us help you find a new ride.
Craig Cole/Roadshow
There’s no One True Midsize SUV. Everybody has different needs and prefers different things about different vehicles. But if there’s one recent midsize SUV that stood out in a big way, it’s Kia’s redesigned Sorento.
The 2021 Kia Sorento is an exceptional midsize SUV in a sea of great ones. Borrowing some of its more aggressive aesthetics from the larger Telluride and the smaller Seltos, the Sorento has the right amount of character inside and out. You can keep it sparse, or if you want to throw some coin into the equation, you can kit it out with quilted leather and all that good, luxury-level stuff.
Folks who prefer different powertrains will enjoy the variety that the 2021 Sorento brings to the table. In addition to packing naturally aspirated and turbocharged inline-4 engine options, the Sorento also offers a hybrid and soon, a plug-in hybrid. No matter what’s under the hood, it’s quite the smooth operator.
Andrew Krok/Roadshow
We tried to avoid making this list a carbon copy of our best SUVs breakdown from earlier this year, but there’s just no denying how darned good the 2021 Genesis GV80 is.
The Genesis GV80 is an absolute home run. It’s the first utility vehicle from Genesis and it carries all the same luxury trimmings we’ve come to expect of the fancy-pants offshoot from Hyundai Motor Company. It has attractive styling inside and out, and there’s plenty of storage space behind the second row, although a third row is optional for folks who need to move more than five people on occasion.
Motive force is ample, thanks to an optional 3.5-liter V6 that puts out 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. But it’s not some sort of sports machine; this thing is made for steady, solid cruising down the highway, soaking up nasty roads and returning a soft ride. There’s plenty of tech on offer, too, including one of our favorite infotainment systems in any car on the market.
Emme Hall/Roadshow
Yes, the 2021 Lamborghini Urus is technically a midsize SUV. It’s a midsize SUV that costs as much as a house, mind you, but it fits within the definition nevertheless.
Part SUV and part supercar, the $218,000-plus Urus will not leave you wanting for power. Its 4.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V8 puts out 641 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, enough to throw you and all your belongings to 62 mph in about 3.6 seconds. It sounds like a Lamborghini, too, bouncing that sweet V8 sound off any hard surface within a surprising distance.
The Urus’ styling is just as bonkers as you’ve come to expect from VW Group’s most hardcore brand. The outside is a collection of sharp angles, while the inside looks like a freakin’ fighter jet, thanks in large part to the massive shifter assembly that rests just below the infotainment screens. If you ever wanted to feel like you’re driving a Gundam down Rodeo Drive, the Urus will turn that into a reality.
Craig Cole/Roadshow
Not every midsize performance SUV is some high-dollar bonanza straight out of Germany. American muscle has made its way to this segment, as well, and Dodge’s offering makes for quite the exciting three-row SUV.
The 2021 Dodge Durango SRT packs a standard 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine making 475 hp, which routes through all four wheels to send the SUV to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds, so it’s not too far off the Lamborghini Urus, but with a starting price around $64,000, it’s significantly more affordable. If you’re willing to shave a bit of power, the Durango R/T offers a 360-hp V8 with a starting price just over $45,000. That’s some seriously cheap speed in the grand scheme of things.
The Durango’s getting a little long in the tooth, but it’s still a solid choice for a three-row SUV. It offers ample space for both cargo and people, it can tow an absolute truckload (more on that later) and its Uconnect infotainment system remains one of our favorites.
Tim Stevens/Roadshow
The Toyota Venza used to be a frumpy crossover that rode a weird line between SUV and minivan. But now, the nameplate has been attached to a proper utility vehicle that offers both comfort and efficiency in spades.
The Venza uses a 2.5-liter, Atkinson-cycle I4 engine in conjunction with three electric motors to provide a net 219 hp, which might not seem like much, but it’s still plenty for what the Venza needs. Thrift is the name of the game here, with the EPA estimating the Venza’s efficiency at 40 miles per gallon highway, 37 mpg city and 39 mpg combined.
There are some great examples of technology in the 2021 Venza, too. The optional electrochromic sunroof can provide either transparency or opacity at the click of a button, letting in just the right amount of sun for a given situation. The optional 12.3-inch touchscreen runs Toyota’s latest infotainment system, which offers the right amount of information to keep driver knowledge high and distraction low. And then there’s the ride quality, which is so supple you could throw a Lexus badge on this thing and nobody would be the wiser.
Andrew Krok/Roadshow
The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E might not be the best Mustang on the block, but hoo boy, it’s definitely one of the best midsize SUVs we’ve driven in some time.
The Mustang Mach-E is seriously impressive. We’ve spent plenty of time with the First Edition trim, which packs a 98.8-kWh battery and electric motors that put down about 332 hp and 417 lb-ft of torque. Large and small batteries can mix with rear-wheel- and all-wheel-drive options, providing for all sorts of configurability based on your needs. Want to max out the range? Opt for the big battery and RWD, and EPA-estimated range pushes toward the 300-mile mark.
The technology in the Mustang Mach-E is pretty fab, too. A standard 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster combines with a 15.5-inch portrait display in the middle of the dashboard to provide access to, well, just about anything you could need. The Mach-E’s one-pedal driving mode will cause you to forget the brake pedal even exists, and while the ride errs more toward grand touring, it’s still fun to chuck this midsize electric SUV into some tight corners.
Craig Cole/Roadshow
Yes, we had to bring the Durango SRT back for a second time on this list. But then again, when you see how much the Dodge Durango can tow, you won’t be surprised at its reemergence.
Three separate variants of the 2021 Dodge Durango are capable of towing an impressive 8,700 pounds, which is about as much as you can haul before you have to rely on a truck or a full-size body-on-frame SUV. The SRT 392 and SRT Hellcat variants will tow that much without any additional equipment, while the 5.7-liter R/T requires a Tow ‘N’ Go package, but that’s it. Heck, even the V6 models can pull 6,200 pounds, so you don’t need to spend that much for some serious capability.
Jeep
The Ford Bronco doesn’t exist quite yet, so Jeep’s venerable Wrangler remains the midsize SUV to buy if you take off-roading seriously.
As in years past, the Wrangler is available in all manner of shapes, sizes and powertrains. You can have it with two doors, four doors, with a diesel engine or, in Rubicon trim, more off-road-ready equipment than most of us will ever need. Front and rear electronic locking differentials, electronic sway bar disconnects, an 84:1 crawl ratio, standard 33-inch all-terrain tires — the Wrangler Rubicon is more than happy to hang out on some rocks in the middle of nowhere.
Craig Cole/Roadshow
Another familiar face from our Best SUV roundup, the 2021 Kia Telluride remains one of the most impressive midsize SUVs on offer, and its three-row-friendly body means you can bring the whole family along for the ride.
In addition to its spacious cabin, the Telluride can be equipped to luxury-car levels without breaking the bank, loading the interior with leather, wood and metal. Of course, value still exists in this segment, so buyers can ignore all the frippery and walk away with a still-impressive SUV for well under the average new-car transaction price in 2021. The only downside we can think of is fuel economy, which falls under 25 mpg highway with all-wheel drive.
Andrew Krok/Roadshow
Whether you’re looking for cabin tech that wows passengers or infotainment tricks that make city driving easier, technology abounds in the 2021 Mercedes GLE, making it a seriously compelling option for technophiles.
When it comes to comfort, the GLE is the bee’s knees. You can heat and cool the cup holders and add massaging to the front seats. On the tech front, you can bolster the excellent MBUX infotainment system with augmented-reality turn-by-turn directions, and a $200 option adds an overhead camera and lasers that monitor the front row’s hand and arm movements to illuminate dark parts of the cabin where you may have stored a wallet or a phone. There’s a cabin-air purification system on offer with a built-in fragrance dispenser, heated front armrests and one of the best sound systems available on any car. If you want it, the GLE probably has it, even if you have to pay for it.
Hyundai
Hyundai has long been known for its stellar new-car warranties, and that’s no different on its latest midsize SUV, the redesigned 2021 Santa Fe.
Whether or not you opt for a Santa Fe, Hyundai’s warranty is still top of the pops, offering a bumper-to-bumper warranty of five years or 60,000 miles. The powertrain’s warranty is good for 10 years or 100,000 miles, while the body is protected against corrosion for seven years and unlimited miles. The only place Hyundai is bested is in roadside assistance, where Lincoln offers unlimited coverage, but Hyundai’s still pretty solid with an offering of five years and unlimited miles.
Chevrolet
The Chevrolet Traverse is a solid three-row, mass-market SUV that appeals to buyers looking for solid transportation at an affordable price. It also happens to be hiding a serious amount of cargo capacity.
The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse offers the most cargo space of any midsize SUV. Fold down the second-row seats and the Traverse will handle 98.2 cubic feet of junk, which is an absolute ton, besting other impressive figures from the Buick Enclave (97.6 cu. ft.) and the VW Atlas (96.8 cu. ft.). In fact, those are the only three midsize SUVs with interior space that breaks the 90-cubic-foot barrier.
Craig Cole/Roadshow
We’ve already featured the Kia Telluride on this list, so for the passenger-space category, we’ll discuss the Telluride’s kissin’ cousin, the 2021 Hyundai Palisade.
Both the 2021 Palisade and 2021 Telluride offer plenty of space for humans across all three rows. Occupants in the second row get an impressive 42.4 inches of rear legroom, while people in the third row have access to nearly 3 feet of legroom, meaning even grown adults won’t have a bad time in the way-backs.
Andrew Krok/Roadshow
When it comes to quantifying safety, listing off standard driver-assistance systems is only part of the story. For this category, we’re looking beyond options lists and basing our choice on the vehicle that received the highest safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, which puts cars through a battery of tests that go above and beyond what the federal tests offer.
According to IIHS data, the 2021 Subaru Ascent takes the cake for the safest midsize SUV. It received the top score of Good in every IIHS crash test, including the tricky small-overlap front tests for both the drive and passenger sides. It’s one of a few vehicles to have all its headlights rated Good, as well as receiving a Good Plus rating for the ease of use of its LATCH child-seat hardware. The Ascent also received top marks for crash prevention in both car-to-car and car-to-pedestrian tests. Other midsize SUVs come close, but none can match the scores from the 2021 Subaru Ascent.
Comparison of the best midsize SUVs for 2021
| Category | Name | Base Engine | Output | Fuel Economy (mpg, city/hwy/combined) | Base Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best midsize SUV | 2021 Kia Sorento | 2.5L I4 | 191 hp / 182 lb-ft | 24 / 29 / 26 | $30,565 |
| Best midsize luxury SUV | 2021 Genesis GV80 | 2.5L I4 | 300 hp / 311 lb-ft | 21 / 25 / 23 | $49,925 |
| Best midsize exotic SUV | 2021 Lamborghini Urus | 4.0L V8 | 641 hp / 627 lb-ft | 12 / 17 / 14 | $218,000 |
| Best midsize performance SUV | 2021 Dodge Durango SRT | 6.4L V8 | 475 hp / 470 lb-ft | 13 / 19 / 15 | $65,490 |
| Best midsize hybrid SUV | 2021 Toyota Venza | 2.5L I4 Hybrid | 219 hp net | 40 / 37 / 39 | $33,645 |
| Best midsize electric SUV | 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E | Single electric motor | 255 hp / 306 lb-ft | 105 / 93 / 100 (MPGe) | $43,995 |
| Best midsize SUV for towing | 2021 Dodge Durango | 3.6L V6 | 293 hp / 260 lb-ft | 19 / 26 / 21 | $33,490 |
| Best midsize SUV for off-roading | 2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon | 3.6L V6 | 285 hp / 260 lb-ft | 20 / 24 / 21 | $40,210 |
| Best midsize SUV with three rows | 2021 Kia Telluride | 3.8L V6 | 291 hp / 262 lb-ft | 20 / 26 / 23 | $33,415 |
| Best midsize SUV for tech lovers | 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class | 2.0L I4 | 255 hp / 273 lb-ft | 19 / 26 / 22 | $58,300 |
| Best midsize SUV with a long warranty | 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe | 2.5L I4 | 191 hp / 182 lb-ft | 25 / 28 / 26 | $28,025 |
| Best midsize SUV for cargo space | 2021 Chevy Traverse | 3.6L V6 | 310 hp / 266 lb-ft | 18 / 27 / 21 | $30,995 |
| Best midsize SUV for passenger space | 2021 Hyundai Palisade | 3.8L V6 | 291 hp / 262 lb-ft | 19 / 26 / 22 | $33,700 |
| Best midsize SUV for safety | 2021 Subaru Ascent | 2.4L I4 | 260 hp / 277 lb-ft | 21 / 27 / 23 | $33,345 |
How we made our list
Roadshow’s editors spend countless hours on the road every year, evaluating the living heck out of vehicles across a variety of categories. Our collective experiences combine to create these lists, plucking the best of the best to highlight here. Of the many vehicles you could own in each of these categories, the ones we’ve chosen represent some of our favorites.
Your mileage may vary, as every family’s needs are different from the next. We also can’t evaluate long-term reliability; editors traditionally receive about a week with each car, although some of our long-term testers give us the chance to experience a specific vehicle for an entire year. It’s also worth noting that, while base prices are listed here, it’s up to each dealership to set pricing individually, and incentives may vary from dealer to dealer.
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Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
- Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
- Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
- Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
- Best Buy Canada
- Walmart Canada
- EB Games (GameStop)
- Amazon Canada
- The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
- Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
- Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
- Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
- Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
- Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
- Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
- Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
- Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
- Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
- Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
- AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
- Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
- VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
- Alan Wake 2
- Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
- Demon’s Souls
- Dragon’s Dogma 2
- Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
- Gran Turismo 7
- Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
- Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
- Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
- $699.99 USD
- $949.99 CAD
- £699.99 GBP
- €799.99 EUR
- ¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
Google has launched its next generation of Pixel phones, setting the stage for a head-to-head competition with Apple as both tech giants aim to integrate more advanced artificial intelligence (AI) features into their flagship devices. The unveiling took place near Google’s Mountain View headquarters, marking an early debut for the Pixel 9 lineup, which is designed to showcase the latest advancements in AI technology.
The Pixel 9 series, although a minor player in global smartphone sales, is a crucial platform for Google to demonstrate the cutting-edge capabilities of its Android operating system. With AI at the core of its strategy, Google is positioning the Pixel 9 phones as vessels for the transformative potential of AI, a trend that is expected to revolutionize the way people interact with technology.
Rick Osterloh, Google’s senior vice president overseeing the Pixel phones, emphasized the company’s commitment to AI, stating, “We are obsessed with the idea that AI can make life easier and more productive for people.” This echoes the narrative Apple is likely to push when it unveils its iPhone 16, which is also expected to feature advanced AI capabilities.
The Pixel 9 lineup will be the first to fully integrate Google’s Gemini AI technology, designed to enhance user experience through more natural, conversational interactions. The Gemini assistant, which features 10 different human-like voices, can perform a wide array of tasks, particularly if users allow access to their emails and documents.
In an on-stage demonstration, the Gemini assistant showcased its ability to generate creative ideas and even analyze images, although it did experience some hiccups when asked to identify a concert poster for singer Sabrina Carpenter.
To support these AI-driven features, Google has equipped the Pixel 9 with a special chip that enables many AI processes to be handled directly on the device. This not only improves performance but also enhances user privacy and security by reducing the need to send data to remote servers.
Google’s aggressive push into AI with the Pixel 9 comes as Apple prepares to unveil its iPhone 16, which is expected to feature its own AI advancements. However, Google’s decision to offer a one-year free subscription to its advanced Gemini Assistant, valued at $240, may pressure Apple to reconsider any plans to charge for its AI services.
The standard Pixel 9 will be priced at $800, a $100 increase from last year, while the Pixel 9 Pro will range between $1,000 and $1,100, depending on the model. Google also announced the next iteration of its foldable Pixel phone, priced at $1,800.
In addition to the new Pixel phones, Google also revealed updates to its Pixel Watch and wireless earbuds, directly challenging Apple’s dominance in the wearable tech market. These products, like the Pixel 9, are designed to integrate seamlessly with Google’s AI-driven ecosystem.
Google’s event took place against the backdrop of a significant legal challenge, with a judge recently ruling that its search engine constitutes an illegal monopoly. This ruling could lead to further court proceedings that may force Google to make significant changes to its business practices, potentially impacting its Android software or other key components of its $2 trillion empire.
Despite these legal hurdles, Google is pressing forward with its vision of an AI-powered future, using its latest devices to showcase what it believes will be the next big leap in technology. As the battle for AI supremacy heats up, consumers can expect both Google and Apple to push the boundaries of what their devices can do, making the choice between them more compelling than ever.
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