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Mark Rechtin
Reference Mark
@markrechtin
Welcome to MotorTrend’s new Buying Guide and Ultimate Car Rankings e will shop for and buy cars again.
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Leases are up. Or maybe a long-held car is costing more to maintain than a new car payment. Certainly, some folks are masking up and braving the threat of COVID to go car shopping because they have to. With the average age of every car on the road being nearly 12 years, folks need new wheels. But many Americans are simply hunkered and bunkered at home, satisfied with their existing car and mildly troubled only by the occasional dead battery. This issue—and more important, MotorTrend’s revamped Buying Guide website—is for both audiences: those who need car-buying information now, and those who have time to kill and are researching what to purchase when this whole mess clears up. It also is an opportunity for MotorTrend to highlight its just-launched Ultimate Car Rankings, which will prove an invaluable tool for car shoppers hoping to whittle down their wish list. Most buying guides tend to list vehicles alphabetized by automaker, vehicles small to large—which doesn’t really help folks get a sense of where these vehicles live in the hierarchy. Instead, MotorTrend is listing vehicles in this issue (and online) by category, ranked in order of excellence. Zach Gale’s column on page 24 gives a more thorough explanation, but in short, using the term “ultimate” is not hype. Our proprietary algorithm sifts through dozens of scoring categories and reams of vehicle data and thus produces our in-segment rankings. It is more comprehensive than that of any existing publication or third-party consultancy. How do we know this? Because the team that created the basis for the ratings and rankings knows how the other, mostly subjective ranking systems fall short. We know our rankings are the best, most accurate, and most reliable. No other automotive entity has the ability or means to perform the scale of year-round testing that MotorTrend does. As MotorTrend enters its eighth decade, with records that go all the way back, our testing team brings more than a collective century of evaluation experience to the equation. If something isn’t right with a car—be it a rattle, a rough shift, a gravelly engine, or cheap materials—our testers can suss it out in a heartbeat. We then add our instrumented testing results, encompassing nearly 5,000 vehicles since 1997, so we can benchmark vehicles within their competitive sets. But testing and evaluating vehicles is only one part of the Ultimate Car Rankings. We consider crash test safety scores and technology as evaluated by the government’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and private-sector Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Active and passive safety technology—its availability but
also its effectiveness—also plays a role in scoring. Because everyone’s pocketbook takes a hit when buying a car, we incorporate statistics from MotorTrend affiliate IntelliChoice, which has developed a formidable database of vehicle depreciation stretching back decades. A bargain car may seem budget-priced, but if it doesn’t retain its value, it could cost more over time than a vehicle priced more at time of purchase. We also compare EPA and EQUA Real MPG fuel economy data to determine if the car is a budget buster at the pump. Finally, because a car purchase is inherently visceral, we factor in exterior and interior design. You want to love your car, and styling has a lot to do with it. And although design is subjective, our team has a pretty good idea of what works and what doesn’t. We also have extensively interviewed former heads of design and engineering from automakers to help balance and define this category. With all these data points to work with, we brought in some brilliant statisticians to create an algorithm that is customizable across every vehicle segment—because let’s face it, minivan buyers and sport sedan buyers have vastly different priorities as far as quarter-mile times and cargo space. The data is specific to its competitive set. What’s more, the algorithm is updateable, based on new vehicles and technologies arriving in dealerships. So go ahead, turn the page, and kick our tires. Know that what you see here is an abridgement of the trove of information you will find at MotorTrend.com/cars. Let us know how we are doing. Q
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We've been doing this a long time. Now we have a rankings and ratings system that compiles all our institutional knowledge into a reader-friendly format. IMAGES: MOTORTREND ARCHIVE
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FIRST LOOKS
Jeep Wrangler Goes Both Ways TWO FIRSTS IN THE WORKS FOR JEEP: A FACTORY-INSTALLED V-8 AND A PLUG-IN HYBRID he Jeep Wrangler identity is built on doing one thing and doing it well. Facing the future, the off-road brand’s flagship has decided to go both ways: green and mean. The Wrangler, like many vehicles, is caught between two worlds. In the world of today, customers are buying more power with less concern about fuel economy, and parent company FCA’s unofficial motto is to Hellcat all the things. In the world of tomorrow, strict regulations worldwide are pushing automakers toward hybrid and electric vehicles. Jeep has decided not to decide and just built both. On the same day, Jeep announced both the Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid and the Rubicon 392 Concept with a 6.4-liter V-8. One deals with the reality of today, the other with the reality of tomorrow.
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Believe it or not, Jeep has never offered a Wrangler with a V-8 from the factory. Ever since the Wrangler launched as a 1987 model (the code-named YJ generation), power-hungry enthusiasts and aftermarket outfits such as AEV have taken matters into their own hands, swapping all sorts of V-8s into their off-roaders. The last time Jeep’s famous utility vehicle, the pre-Wrangler CJ, was available with a factory-installed V-8 was in 1981. That vehicle had a 304-cubic-inch pushrod V-8 that made 125 horsepower and 220 lb-ft of torque. How time flies. The thoroughly modern Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept, on the other hand, is stuffed with a 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 rated at 450 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque. Jeep bolts the Hemi to strengthened engine mounts and hitches up an eight-speed automatic transmission to
route engine torque to stout third-generation Dana 44 axles with Tru-Lok electronically locking differentials and 3.73 gears. That last bit, the gearing, is intended to temper the V-8’s thick and broad torque curve. Despite wearing huge 37-inch Falken Wildpeak MT01 tires, the Rubicon 392 is said to sprint from zero to 60 mph in less than 5.0 seconds. To cope with that level of performance, the 392 Concept’s frame has been modified and uses a Selec-Trac two-speed, full-time four-wheel-drive transfer case (which spreads more widely throughout the Wrangler lineup for 2021). In addition to the obvious performance enhancement of the V-8, would-be Wrangler 392 owners can take advantage of an SRT-inspired dual-mode exhaust, which alters the sound profile at the push of a button. Jeep assures us that none of the Trail Rated goodness you have come to expect from the Wrangler lineup has been compromised. The concept’s Mopar-sourced Jeep Performance Parts 2.0-inch lift kit includes Fox aluminum monotube shocks for improved damping performance and enhanced thermal management over quick-cycling bumps and jumps; the extra height also improves wheel travel and axle articulation in the real rough stuff. Custom 17-inch beadlock wheels that grip the tires’ sidewalls allow for lower tire pressures (and improved traction), and there is a full complement of Rubicon rock rails, steel bumpers, a belly pan, and a Warn winch for protecting the 392 Concept and saving its bacon off-road. Thanks to the taller tires and ride height, approach (51.6 degrees), breakover (29.5 degrees), and departure (40.1 degrees) angles, as well as ground clearance (13.25 inches), have all been improved appreciably over the stock Wrangler. Water fording also increases from 31 to 34 inches. The raised performance hood partners with Jeep’s Sky One-Touch power top and the long-anticipated half doors (sans the holes we originally saw them sporting at the JL launch) and looks pretty damn awesome doing it. Notably, the rear glass of the power top has been removed, a feature we’ve been requesting since our first experience with the premium top. Drivers will be able to wrestle the 392 Concept’s
Aftermarket outfitters have proved a V-8 fits, but they don’t have to contend with crash safety regulations and the need to retain crumple zones like Jeep does. Thankfully, the engineers found a way to make it all work.
impulsive side machinations with a performance steering wheel, donated by the Gladiator Mojave. The 392 Concept’s production prospects haven’t been officially announced, but one sentence from Jeep’s press release is awfully telling: “Jeep enthusiasts have been clamoring for a V-8-powered production Wrangler in recent years, and the new Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept is an indication they may soon get their wish.” We take that to mean stay tuned for a first look at the production V-8-powered The hybrid Wrangler 4xe will only be identifiable by a badge and a charging port door; all the electric gear will hide up under the vehicle where it won’t impede off-road capability.
Wrangler later this year, and don’t be surprised if it has even more to offer than what’s teased here. Indeed, prototypes with similar performance hoods and quad exhaust tips have been spotted. On the other end of the spectrum, the Wrangler 4xe is due by the end of this year. The first production electrified Jeep in company history, it is part of FCA’s commitment to have 30 models with electrified powertrains by 2022, an ambitious target for an automaker that only has one currently.
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Thanks to spy shots and a recent social media teaser of the vehicle, as well as the Jeep Wrangler 4xe concept from CES, we’ve managed to glean quite a bit about the upcoming Wrangler model. Predictably, it will rely on an electric motor to boost power, improve fuel efficiency, and offer enough energy for short stints of all-electric driving. We expect Jeep to pair the torque-rich motor with the 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four that Jeep already uses in the Wrangler. Together, they should be able to provide more than enough torque for some serious off-roading. The hybrid parts will mount in a protective structure under the SUV between the exhaust and driveshaft so as not to impact off-road ability. The Wrangler 4xe is expected to offer up to 31 miles of electric-only driving, on-road or off. Because it’s a Jeep, we would not be surprised to see the Wrangler 4xe’s powertrain serve as an external power source for the likes of personal camping equipment. No matter how you see the future of Jeeps, off-roading, and automobiles in general, Jeep has the answers for you. We can’t wait to test both. Scott Evans, Sean Holman, Alisa Priddle OCTOBER 2020 MOTORTREND.COM 13
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Intake
2020 Audi S4
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ars like the Audi S4 have a complicated set of responsibilities. They have to be fast, high-tech, comfortable, well-built, efficient, safe, and satisfying to drive—not to mention goodlooking. Personally, I prefer the looks of the old car, but that doesn’t mean the new car isn’t handsome enough to satisfy those who can afford the $50,895 starting price. Audi’s adaptive dampers don’t give the S4 a Jekyll and Hyde duality—the changes in personality aren’t that extreme. But every time you switch from Sport to Comfort, the car relaxes and coddles you along the way. Ask for a heated massage from the red-trimmed sport bucket seats, and the calming effect is only heightened. Move the dynamic select switch in the other direction, and the S4 firms up, the eight-speed auto changing down with an energetic yowl from the quad exhaust pipes.
FIRST DRIVE
As I made my way out of the built-up areas of L.A. County, the roads started to get twisty and the “S” in S4 finally started to mean something. The 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6 in the S4 makes 349 horsepower, but this car is all about torque. Specifically, 369 lb-ft of the stuff. Jab the throttle at anything above 1,500 rpm, and you get a reassuring shove in the small of your back. The V-6 surges all the way through its rev range until power dies at around 6,500 rpm, then flick the “up” paddle behind the steering wheel to relive the swell all over again. The speed limit approaches and disappears quickly, even from a standstill. We didn’t get the chance to performance test the refreshed S4, but the mechanically similar 2018 car we tested hit 60 mph in 4.2 seconds. I stabbed the throttle into the carpet midway through a few bends as a brute force way of kicking the sport diff into
action. The good news is it worked, and you can feel the car overdrive the outside rear wheel to help it turn in from the driver’s seat. However, at that point you’re driving an S4 way too hard. We’ve talked for ages about how Audi’s sport sedans are prone to understeer, and it’s true, they are. They’re almost always nose-heavy, and this S4 has its engine block hanging out in front of the front axle. What matters, though, is how well a sedan like this manages its job as an everyday performance car, and as I neared my destination, it became clear that the 2020 S4 is very good at what it’s supposed to do. Despite the 19-inch Five-ArmTorsio-Design wheels wrapped in Bridgestone Potenza S001 summer rubber, tire noise is hushed. Wind noise is well suppressed at any speed. Audi’s interior is logically laid out, and the physical climate controls make using the system a cinch. Audi’s other sedans have a secondary touchscreen for climate controls that sits right at the top of the center console. The S4’s button layout is far more intuitive, and as a result I much prefer the smaller car’s setup. Sometimes more expensive doesn’t mean better. It didn’t fill me with adrenaline or set my hair on fire, and that’s because it’s not supposed to. What I want from a sport sedan is something quiet, comfortable, and sneakily fast, and the Audi delivered on all three. It plays all the averages without being in any way average. Nick Yekikian
SPECS Base Price $50,895 Vehicle Layout Front-engine, AWD, 5-pass, 4-door sedan Engine 3.0L/349-hp/369-lb-ft turbo DOHC 24-valve V-6 Transmission 8-speed automatic Curb Weight (F/R Dist) 3,909 lbs (57/43%) Wheelbase 111.0 in L x W x H 187.5 x 72.7 x 56.2 in 0-60 MPH 4.3 sec (MT est) EPA City/Hwy/Comb Fuel Econ 20/27/23 mpg Energy Cons, City/Hwy 169/125 kWh/100 miles CO2 Emissions, Comb 0.86 lb/mile 14 MOTORTREND.COM OCTOBER 2020
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REAR VIEW From the MotorTrend Archive ...
Intake
2021 Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 FIRST DRIVE
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he 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 proves that buying the badge doesn’t necessarily mean you’re buying a better Benz. This little engine is terrific, a punchy, pocket-sized dynamo of a crossover with 302 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. It pulls smoothly from near idle and really gets its game on from about 2,400 rpm as an oceanic swell of turbo boost washes over the power and torque curves. But that’s about as good as the Mercedes GLA 35 gets. The ratios in the eight-speed AMG Speedshift dual-clutch transmission feel too widely spaced. It’s not so much of a problem on manual upshifts, where a gearchange generally drops engine speeds back into the meat of the torque curve, but the transmission often won’t let you manually go back down through the gears as quickly as you’d like on corner entry. It makes the GLA 35 feel two steps behind the tango on a twisty road.
There’s plenty of stopping power in the brakes—and you need it, because the AMG arrives at corners in a hurry if you’re pressing on. The steering, both in Comfort and Sport mode, is as numb and lifeless as a video game, though. Oh, it’s accurate, but you really have no idea what’s going on where the rubber meets the road, and that makes it difficult to assess how soon you can go to the throttle in the corner. Getting on the gas a split-second too early results in jaw-clenching understeer. Adding to the general sense of discombobulation is a ride that’s a relentless carnival of jittery movement on anything but the billiard table–smooth roads you find only in Germany. The AMG suspension is simply too stiff, and the tires feel like they’re made of solid rubber. Every tiny imperfection in the road surface is instantly transmitted into motion— vertical, side to side, diagonal. And that’s with the suspension set in Comfort mode. At an estimated starting price of about $46,500, it’s hard to see the value. Sure, the engine’s fun. And you get the AMG badge and grille. But the ride is terrible—a long commute on most any U.S. urban freeway in this thing would be miserable— and the chassis and steering are nowhere near engaging enough to compensate. Angus MacKenzie SPECS Base Price $46,500 (est) Vehicle Layout Front-engine, AWD, 5-pass, 4-door SUV Engine 2.0L/302-hp/295-lb-ft turbo DOHC 16-valve I-4 Transmission 8-speed twin-clutch auto Curb Weight (F/R Dist) 3,400 lbs (mfr) Wheelbase 106.3 in L x W x H 175.0 x 71.0 x 58.2 in 0-60 MPH 5.0 sec (mfr est) EPA City/Hwy/Comb Fuel Econ Not yet rated
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OCT 1970 PRICE: $0.50
Just like in our October 2020 issue, our cover story 50 years ago this month was our New Car Buyer’s Guide for 1971. Much like how we broke our vehicles
down by segment this year, our 1971 buyer’s guide classified vehicles into common groups: Economy, Sport Economy, Business/Family, Luxury, Street High Performance, and High Performance.
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10
Well surprise, surprise—our cover story 30 years ago was the 1991 New Car Buyer’s Guide. By this point, the buyer’s guide had evolved into a model-by-model breakdown for the new model year, highlighting added features or awards, but little else.
In a nice change of pace, our October 2010 issue featured the new Ford Mustang GT taking on the BMW M3 for our cover story. By the skin of its teeth, the BMW M3 snuck away with the victory due to its superior chassis composure.
OCT 1990 PRICE: $2.95
OCT 2010 PRICE: $4.99
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Intake
MIKE CONNOR
2020 Hyundai Ioniq RANGE TEST
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ccording to the EPA, the facelifted 2020 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid, featured here in Limited trim, should return 55/54/55 mpg city/ highway/combined. Factor in its 11.9gallon fuel tank, and under ideal conditions, one should be able to make the 526-mile round trip from L.A. to Vegas and back with plenty of range to spare. So that’s exactly what I was going to try to do. In a perfect world, the Ioniq would net 654 miles on a single tank, meaning there was plenty of room for error. Could I do it? The EPA says yes, but we all know it’s not always easy to match their numbers. For 2020, the Ioniq gets a refresh inside and out that makes it a more premiumlooking car. Underneath, the mechanicals of the Hybrid are identical to those in the car that came before it: a 1.6-liter 104-hp Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder mated to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission with a 43-hp electric motor powered by a 1.6-kWh battery. Almost immediately, I had a problem. Traffic was moving at no less than 80 mph. Real-world conditions were part of the test, though, and I wanted to see if the
18 MOTORTREND.COM OCTOBER 2020
Ioniq could at least get close to its claimed 55 mpg despite the quickened pace. Five hours later, I had made it to Sin City, and as I was cruising down the strip, I realized the fuel tank was not in good shape. On the trip out, I had averaged 41 mpg, far off the estimated 55 miles per gallon I was hoping for. A quick look at the trip meter revealed I only had 190 miles of range left, and that wasn’t going to cut it. Sure enough, 170 miles later, the trip computer had an ominous message for me: There was 1 mile of range left. I had to pull off for some gas. Equally fast-flowing traffic and a headwind on the return trip meant my average mpg dwindled to just 38 mpg. I had lost, but I don’t blame the Ioniq for that. If anything, I probably could have done worse. Nick Yekikian
MT CONFIDENTIAL Maserati’s MC20 supercar has come together in record time. Sources in Modena say work on vehicle architecture ideas took place in 2018, but actual development of the car did not start until January 2019. With start of production scheduled before the end of this year, that means a development time of barely 24 months. “It’s the quickest program I have ever worked on,” one insider says. Maserati designers and engineers relied heavily on virtual tools to create and test fully digital versions of the car before constructing any prototypes. The process worked so well, our source says, that when engineers tested the first physical prototype, they found it delivered exactly the same performance and handling characteristics they’d tuned into the digital versions. With all-wheel drive, high ground clearance, and long-travel suspension, Ferrari’s Purosangue is an SUV in all but name. What it won’t be, Ferrari sources say, is a high-volume cash cow generating profits that will be plowed back into the development of sports cars, like Porsche’s Cayenne. Word out of Maranello is the Purosangue will be priced at more than $300,000 when it arrives in the U.S. in 2022. Production will be limited to no more than 10 percent of total Ferrari volume. The Purosangue will be built on the brand’s modular, PHEV-friendly GT architecture. It is rumored to be launching with a hybrid powertrain packing a total system output of about 700 hp. The bad news: BMW’s next-gen M3 gets the same Bucky Beaver grille treatment as the new M4 coupe. The good news: It gets two versions of the S58 twin-turbo inline-six under the hood, one with 480 hp, and a Competition-spec variant with 510 hp. Whispers out of Munich suggest the base M3 will be rear-drive, but a switchable AWD system similar to that in the M5 (which has rear-drive-only mode) will also be available. But wait, there’s more. Rumors abound of a stripped-back entrylevel version of the new M3 that will get a proper six-speed manual transmission. The face-lifted E-Class could be the last on the current MRA1 vehicle architecture, hint Mercedes-Benz insiders. When the current model is replaced in 2023, it will likely be built on a new platform designed for better integration and packaging of increasingly complex mild and plug-in hybrid powertrains, and to accommodate engines ranging from compact inlinefours to big V-12s.
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Frank Markus
Technologue Recycling Combustion: Might we soon buy gasoline made from CO2?
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Minimal energy is consumed in this step. Upgrading from ethanol to complex hydrocarbons involves novel but inexpensive zeolite catalysts involving indium and vanadium (InV-ZSM-5). The reaction takes place at atmospheric pressure without added hydrogen, and the process can tolerate water in the intake stream. It occurs at elevated temperature, but the overall net reaction produces its own heat. The resulting CO2-based crude stock contains no sulfur, benzene, heavy metals, or other impurities that petrochemical refiners must contend with. A third of the resulting liquid hydrocarbon mix includes chains of five carbons or more, and the calculated research and motor octane numbers are 105.7 and 90.6, respectively. The entire process can be operated with (clean) electrical input only and can be turned on and off quickly to match intermittent renewable energy supplies. Los Angeles just contracted a long-term purchase of solar energy at 1.997 cents/kWh. Presuming 60 percent electrochemical efficiency, the 36.3 kWh of energy in a gallon of Prometheus gasoline may require 61 kWh of input energy, or $1.22 worth of sunshine. This price doesn’t include the CO2 scrubbing or final refining and other costs, but neither does it presume carbon offset credits that may apply. Water usage in the CO2 scrubbing could be where Lucy yanks my football again, but BMW i Ventures just invested $12.5 million in June, and Prometheus has announced plans to start selling its gasoline in California at the end of 2020. Might I finally make contact with this football and split the uprights? Q
ILLUSTRATION: NIGEL BUCHANAN
admit that writing about this month’s subject makes me feel a bit like Charlie Brown running toward Lucy and her football. This particular football, as a general concept, is just so alluring: Take a problem (excessive atmospheric CO2) and turn it directly into a solution that lets us keep driving the vehicles we love—via carbon-neutral gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. This latest scheme solves many of the problems that have yanked the ball on my previous runs, giving me the courage to barrel toward it one more time. My three prior columns explaining ways of converting atmospheric CO2 into liquid fuels ran in July 2008, June 2012, and October 2018. The early ideas started by scrubbing CO2 from the air with an absorbent compound such as sodium hydroxide in water, isolating the CO2, cracking it into carbon monoxide, and then hydrogenating it via various catalytic reactions such as Fischer–Tropsch. Capital and energy input costs doomed these ideas. Ionic salts and formic-acid fuel cells running in reverse helped bring the projected energy input cost down to around $5–$8/gallon when I wrote my second column. Then Carbon Engineering (with backing from Bill Gates) leveraged pulp/paper mill tech to drop the CO2-scrubbing cost to about the price established for carbon-offset credits by the California Low Carbon Fuel Standard. Combined with anticipated drops in the cost of the proton-exchange membranes that were to provide the clean hydrogen, Carbon Engineering reckoned the per-gallon fuel price would fall to within 50 percent of higher 2018 pump prices. Now Prometheus Fuels is aiming three new silver bullets at this problem: Aqueous CO2 electrolysis using base-metal catalysts to turn CO2 directly into ethanol; Separating the ethanol from the water without an energy-intensive distilling process; and Upgrading the ethanol to gasoline, diesel, or jet fuels using exothermic catalytic reactions, which give off heat rather than absorbing it. The CO2 collection step still requires a large air-towater contact area like a cooling tower. But rather than trying to chemically isolate pure CO2, the electrolysis step can happen with just 2 percent CO2 in water. The electrolysis step employs sheets of graphene covered in carbon nanospikes doped with copper nanoparticles. This anode’s intense folds and spikes help reduce the CO2 to CO and then grab hydrogen from the water to form ethanol at a 63 percent Faradaic efficiency (the number of electrons that end up in the ethanol) with 84 percent of the CO2 becoming ethanol. Ethanol then gets separated from the water via carbon
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Interview Design Director, Polestar or most automotive designers, taking their CEO through a design review can be a fraught process. The auto industry is mostly run by accountants and engineers, number crunchers who rely on systems and processes to produce something that sells on emotion. Polestar design director Max Missoni has a slightly different challenge, however: His boss, Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath, is himself a designer. When Ingenlath left Volkswagen to become head of Volvo design in 2012, he brought with him to Sweden the Austrianborn Missoni, who’d worked for the German automaker since graduating from London’s Royal College of Art in 2002. Missoni was made vice president of exterior design for Volvo in 2014, and in 2018 he became Polestar’s design director after Ingenlath was made CEO of the premium electric vehicle brand. Missoni has been involved with Polestar since the beginning. The concept coupe he drew became the Polestar 1, he oversaw the design of the new Polestar 2 and the forthcoming Polestar 3 SUV, and his sleek, clinically crisp Polestar Precept concept shows where he wants to take the brand in gets that, and that’s the big advantage. design terms over the next decade. There’s much less complication.
F
What’s it like doing a design review for a CEO who’s a designer himself? I think
the big difference between a design review with a CEO who comes from the engineering side and a CEO who used to be a designer himself is twofold. One is you know that he knows. You don’t have the advantage of experience where you can say, “What do you know? I know this better than you.” But you don’t have to explain so much. You can just say, “You know what I mean, right?” Thomas totally The design elements in the Polestar Precept concept are all driven by aerodynamics and technology.
22 MOTORTREND.COM OCTOBER 2020
design features in the Precept come from aerodynamics and technology. They’re not just styling. You’re trying to communicate the Precept’s tech and capability through design rather than just making a pleasing shape? Big innovation in design normally
happens when there is technology innovation. In the periods in between it’s mostly for the hell of it. You try something else because, “Hey, we have a successor, it’s pretty much the same spec as the predecessor, we just have to get people excited about that car again.” And the more you can stick to the system solutions of the predecessor, the better your margins might be. We had the chance to create a new design language for a brand here and said, “OK, let’s embrace those things.” In other, more legacy-driven companies, you don’t want to alienate anybody who has liked you the last 50 years. Is the world ready for a new aesthetic? How difficult is it to lead rather than to follow? I personally don’t believe in doing
a very new or different proportion just for the sake of it. If it’s not driven by any technology, we shouldn’t make it different. We also know that as a small challenger, we need to give people a reason to get excited In terms of its design language, the about us, and apart from technology, design Polestar Precept is quite a step-change does that. We really believe in inspiring from what we’ve seen from Polestar so people and not necessarily following far. Why? Polestar 1 and 2 were partially recommendations. The consumer rooted in the Volvo design language that we all came up with seven years ago. Those electronics–inspired design language is what gives the Precept freshness. cars found a home in Polestar because they were quite extreme to start with and You’re also still working on Volvo exteriors didn’t really fit into the Volvo lineup. But it is now time to say, “Look, this is our plan with the Volvo team. That’s a very different mission … At the moment I’m this for the future. This is how pure and how split personality. I have the clean sheet progressive we want to look.” And all the business going on with Polestar, and I have to evolve Volvo, to take what we have created into a next generation. It’s a hell of a ride, but it’s great. It’s exciting to do both things at the same time, to try to carefully move a 100-year-old, 90-year-old brand into the next generation while at the same time I have a clean sheet and can go, “OK, now if we could do what we wanted to, what would we do?” Angus MacKenzie
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Your Say... On Future Cars As I was wandering through your cover story on future cars (July), it struck me: They all looked the same, with some notable exceptions. Vehicles of yore, pre-’70s and older, had style and class. Today, they just look the same with various frontal expressions of anger and wonderment. On the Mach-E, the taillights are Mustang, nothing more. The Tahoe is a clone trooper on tires. The Yukon finally looks like the truck that it is. The poor Escalade has gone middle age conservative. But the Cruise Origin—now you’re talking! The next Checker Marathon in the making! At least there is one vehicle with some style and uniqueness!
BETIM BERISHA
OWNER, BBI AUTOSPORT
Reader on location All of us have been spending more time at home than we’d like, so we’re living vicariously through the travels of our readers. Chris Scales of Exeter, New Hampshire, emailed us about his trip to India before COVID-19 was widespread in the U.S. Here’s what he had to say: “In mid-February, MotorTrend joined me for a bike trip along the Brahmaputra River and through many small villages in Assam, India. I was delighted to see that the electric ‘car’ revolution is reducing noise in small towns as noisy gasoline and natural gas tuk-tuks are replaced by silent electric ones.”
“the best sandwich of your life purchased at an Agip gas station.” That hit home hard, and I realized that I was wrong Those rose-colored glasses are getting to you. Remove the badges of similar late ’50s about Mark. He gets it. I was fortunate to have Sicilian immiAmerican cars, and we’d bet many would have a hard time telling a Mercury from a grant parents who took me to Italy every Ford from a Pontiac from a Chevy.—Ed. summer, for the entire summer, until I was 14 years old. I have eaten in too many While I have been in quarantine, my gas stations on the Autostrada and have brother and I have been reading your arti- always looked forward to the incredible panino sandwiches served in their small cles a ton. We’re always so excited when “bars.” I even told my friends about this, our monthly subscription arrives. Lately, and they always had an incredible look of I’m seeing a lot of people writing to you saying how they want you to feature more confusion that translated to, “Gas station less-expensive, entry-level cars. I partially food? Are you nuts?” Until 2007, when I took my friend Eric to Italy for the first agree but mainly disagree. I think that time, along with my son and cousin, who many people actually really like reading were both 18 years old, on a guys-only trip about their lottery fantasies (plus they to celebrate their high school graduation. are just really fun to read about). I also We drove from Sicily to Rome in a Ford think that you guys should do even more Fiesta that we wedged ourselves into, like concepts and future cars. Overall I think a cannoli stuffed with the finest ricotta that MotorTrend is by far the best car filling. The first stop was an Agip gas magazine out there. (Maybe it is tied with station along the way for a quick lunch. the Top Gear issue that I got in London.) The look on their faces when they bit into Thanks so much! the sandwiches was priceless, and to this James and Leo Rabinowitz day it’s an essential part of the “trip story” Princeton, New Jersey told by any of us. There were many more We won’t hold that Top Gear comment stops along the way at rest areas where we against you and your brother. With Top ate panini, even though we had no need Gear America airing on MotorTrend On Demand (not to mention over 20 seasons of for fuel. Mr. Rechtin, thank you for reminding back episodes), it’s safe to say they’re part of me that there are many visitors to Italy the family, too.—Ed. who appreciate not only the finer details Say a Little Prayer of the Italian culture but also the unexpected experiences in the most unlikely I just started reading my June 2020 issue places. I pray for Bergamo, and all of when I came across the article by Mark Rechtin, titled “A Prayer for Bergamo.” My Italy, every day in hopes that its culture remains intact after this horrible period first reaction was, “Here we go, another article written by someone who has visited of time in world history. Andrà tutto bene. Italy a few times and is now an expert on Vincent Urdi Italian life.” That is, until I read the line via email Gregg Kludjian
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BUYING GUIDE
HOW WE RANK CARS MOTORTREND ULTIMATE CAR RANKINGS EXPLAINED W WORDS ZACH GALE
ith MotorTrend’s help, finding a new car doesn’t need to feel overwhelming anymore. Building on 70 years of experience testing and evaluating the latest new vehicles, the MotorTrend Ultimate Car Rankings are based upon the most sophisticated, comprehensive, and forward-thinking car-ratings system
Many models, such as the brand-new Ford Bronco, lack sufficient data for a ranking. We will continually update these online.
24 MOTORTREND.COM OCTOBER 2020
around. Your money is important, so when it comes to finding a new car, let the experts at MotorTrend help you make the most of it. For even more detailed data, head to MotorTrend.com/cars. In the pages that follow, check out how some of your favorites fared in our rankings, and see what changes are in store for next year’s models, too.
MotorTrend Ultimate Car Rankings recognize that one-size-fits-all rankings systems don’t make sense. Buyers of small sedans and three-row luxury SUVs don’t have the same priorities. Our proprietary algorithm weighs rankings criteria based on the varying needs of what buyers like you want in different vehicle classes.
Also crucial: Our rankings system emphasizes the performance of highersales-volume trims and powertrains.
between fill-ups or recharging. When it comes to electrics, we also factor how long it takes to recharge.
Our Car, Truck, and SUV of the Year process has been evolving for decades, and our rankings take their cue from those long-standing awards programs. Note: A subcompact SUV that scores a 7 isn’t necessarily as good (or bad) as a sports car that has the same rating—the scores are relevant only within their own segment, against their peers.
It’s not enough for new cars to offer impressive technology for their respective segments—the features need to work well, or drivers won’t use them. We also recognize that it’s not always about how big an infotainment screen is, but how intuitively it works in a variety of situations. Design innovation captures far more than whether a car’s design will turn heads. Beyond that, we’re talking about rear doors of family SUVs that conveniently open to nearly 90 degrees, clever storage bins where you wouldn’t expect them, smartly located USB ports, or a set of SUV roof-rail crossbars that are remarkably easy to use.
Driving performance lives at the core of Performance of Intended Function in our rankings system. By testing cars on a closed course, we can evaluate them at their limits as well as what they’re like around town—because no one plans a panic-braking stop. Our testing also provides data points for acceleration, something not everyone will care about until, say, your underpowered car needs to execute a pass. Our testing staff rates each vehicle in a number of key areas, including steering, handling, ride comfort, the transmission, brake feel (different from actual braking performance), and the powertrain. But we also capture data on how much space a vehicle has for people and their stuff.
With fuel economy important to the family pocketbook, we recognize the need to maximize your mpg. But it’s more than that. Even if you’re not considering a hybrid or electric car, a longer driving range means more time to get things done
KEY ALL-NEW
MAJOR
An addition to an automaker’s lineup
Significant sheetmetal redesign, powertrain, and/or feature changes
MINOR
UNCHANGED
Midcycle updates, minor powertrain or feature changes
Minor trim or package changes, new colors
NHTSA AND IIHS SAFETY RATINGS NHTSA and IIHS safety data are derived from recent model years. EPA RATINGS EPA ratings cover 2020 or 2021 models.
MotorTrend editors fully appreciate that you’re making payments for years after the new car smell fades. That’s why our value component is largely informed by the sharp folks at IntelliChoice. With decades of experience, IntelliChoice analyzes important five-year cost-of-ownership data, including depreciation, repair costs, insurance, maintenance, financing, and fuel. There’s far more to value than picking the cheapest car in your price range, and with IntelliChoice’s assistance, we’ve got your back. For instance, value is one way the gritty Jeep Wrangler—a former SUV of the Year winner—claws back ground against on-road-focused crossovers. Despite the Wrangler’s practical limitations compared to those CUVs, an extremely high value rating as well as excellent tech and design innovation scores keep it competitive for the unique buyer willing to sacrifice the strengths of a crossover for the unmistakable appeal of a Wrangler.
When it comes to safety, not all cars are created equal. In MotorTrend Ultimate Car Rankings, safety functions as a minor bonus for vehicles that earn top grades in IIHS or NHTSA tests.
If you do, that’s great! Enjoy the car you’ve been drooling over. But if you’re unsure about which SUV, car, truck, or van to pick, we’re here to help. Everyone’s automotive needs change over time. With MotorTrend Ultimate Car Rankings, you’ll be a little closer to making the smart choice. Q
OUR SOPHISTICATED CAR RANKING SYSTEM CAN HELP YOU FIND A NEW CAR IN A WAY ONLY MOTORTREND CAN OCTOBER 2020 MOTORTREND.COM 25
Subcompact Sedans #1 Kia Rio SCORE 7.7/10
Subcompact Sedan Base Price $17,000-$17,500* UNCHANGED The Rio proves that inexpensive and cheap are not synonymous—it feels nicer than its price would suggest. Firm yet supple ride quality, spritely steering, and progressive brake feel make it relatively fun to drive. That’s despite an underpowered engine, which is at least quiet, smooth, and efficient. Unfortunately, a manual transmission is no longer offered, so a CVT is mandatory. Overall, the Rio feels well assembled, particularly in its smartly arranged interior. This Kia’s minuscule size makes parking a breeze, but fitting passengers is a challenge. Cargo carrying, too, can be a headache; the base model lacks split-folding rear seats. Nonetheless, the Rio’s first-place ranking is well earned. Updates for 2021 are unlikely.
#2 Toyota Yaris SCORE 7.6/10
Base Price $16,605-$19,705
#3 Hyundai Accent Base Price $16,500-$20,500*
#4 Nissan Versa Base Price $16,000-$19,500*
#5 Chevrolet Sonic Base Price $17,595-$21,595
#6 Mitsubishi Mirage G4
2020 model pictured
0-60 mph 9.6 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 29-33/39-41 mpg Basic Warranty 5 years/60,000 miles IntelliChoice Value Rating Above Average
Pros Attractive exterior styling, likable features on higher trims, impressive value Cons Lethargic performance, dull interior, generally forgettable
0-60 mph 9.7 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 27-32/35-40 mpg Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars IntelliChoice Value Rating Poor
Pros Modish styling, modern tech features, big front-row legroom Cons Pitiful powertrain, noisy at speed, little second-row headroom
Subcompact Sedan DISCONTINUED Introduced for 2012, the Chevrolet Sonic makes its departure after 2020. With its standard turbo-four, the Sonic goes out as the segment’s performance car, though fuel economy suffered for that power. A small footprint plus quick steering made it fun to whip around, and the suspension provided good road isolation. Both rows of seats were supportive and comfortable. Interior material quality felt reasonable for the price point, but tech features weren’t the latest. As sales shift toward crossovers and newer vehicles that pack more standard features, Chevy couldn’t justify more investment in its aged entry-level sedan.
SCORE 5.8/10
Pros Good interior quality, strong safety scores, smooth automatic transmission Cons Harsh and noisy ride, unstable handling, old infotainment
Subcompact Sedan UNCHANGED All-new last year, the Versa is this segment’s latest entrant, and it feels the most modern. Numerous technology and driver assist features come standard, and no other subcompact sedan offers available adaptive cruise control. Get every driver aid available, because actually driving the Versa is terrible. Its weak engine and uncooperative CVT conspire for worryingly slow acceleration. Nor does the light, lifeless steering inspire confidence. The Versa rides comfortably and earns some style points, but it still ranks below older competitors. All features and specifications carry over from 2020.
SCORE 6.1/10
0-60 mph 9.4 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 30-32/39-40 mpg Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars IntelliChoice Value Rating Excellent
Subcompact Sedan UNCHANGED Resolutely adequate, the Accent suffices but doesn’t impress. Handling is predictable and unexciting, and the ride can get bouncy on imperfect pavement. Also unappealing is the lazy and concerningly slow powertrain. It’s quite noisy, too, as are the tires and HVAC system. That’s a disappointing surprise given this platform’s demonstrated spirit in other applications, such as the Kia Rio. On the plus side, the Accent’s exterior styling is handsome, and its cabin includes some nice materials. Build quality feels strong. Equipment and content, such as the bright infotainment display and two USB ports, are good on all but the base model. Respectable fuel efficiency adds to its value. It could use some updates, but it only gets a new paint color for 2021.
SCORE 6.6/10
Pros Surprising refinement, impressive build quality, enjoyable to drive Cons Underpowered, microscopic back seat, active safety tech optional
Subcompact Sedan DISCONTINUED Those seeking cheap, reliable transportation have one less choice in 2021—the Yaris is canceled. That’s a bit of a shame, as this long-standing nameplate had some redeeming attributes. Despite meager power output and slow acceleration numbers, the Mazda-built Yaris managed to feel almost zippy. The drivetrain felt well calibrated, and Sport mode actually made a difference. This lightweight sedan had nimble steering, but overall handling suffered from the tiny footprint and jittery ride. The seats, at least, were comfortable, and interior quality and detailing belied the Yaris’ price. However, its clumsy infotainment won’t be missed. Production has already ended, but there are 2020 models out there, awaiting new homes.
SCORE 7.4/10
0-60 mph 8.7 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 33/41 mpg Basic Warranty 5 years/60,000 miles IntelliChoice Value Rating Average
0-60 mph 8.1 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 26/34 mpg Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars IntelliChoice Value Rating Poor
Pros Punchy engine, agile handling, comfortable ride Cons No new tech, segment-worst fuel economy, stripped-down base model
Subcompact Sedan Base Price $16,500-$19,000* MINOR With all of 78 hp from its I-3 engine, the Mirage is the least powerful new car on sale. Resultantly, acceleration is almost scarily slow, and basic driving maneuvers require careful pre-planning. Steering feel is so sloppy that it’s difficult to know when the wheel is centered. Braking distances are fairly long considering the car’s light weight. Its ride is noisy and rough. Suffice to say, material quality is poor. A generous warranty might be the Mirage’s main appeal, as it adds new car peace of mind in a used car price bracket. For 2021 (2020 pictured), it gets a styling refresh to align its looks with Mitsubishi’s newer models.
26 MOTORTREND.COM OCTOBER 2020
0-60 mph 12.0 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 33-35/40-41 mpg Basic Warranty 5 years/60,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 4 Stars IntelliChoice Value Rating Below Average
Pros Long standard warranty, good fuel economy, comes in yellow Cons Disconnected steering, dubious crash safety, bicycles may pass you *estimated
Subcompact Hatchbacks #1 Honda Fit SCORE 8.4/10
Subcompact Hatchback Base Price $17,145-$18,555 DISCONTINUED Fun met practicality in the Honda Fit. Precise steering and stable handling made it a blast to toss around. It could be had with a manual transmission, though its full range of driver assist tech only worked with the CVT. Either way, don’t expect to win any drag races. Among hatchbacks, its interior was fantastically roomy and versatile. Check out the flat-folding front passenger seat and reconfigurable second row, which enabled transport of furniture or 8-foot surfboards— ask us how we know. Unfortunately, the Fit is finished. Despite revealing an all-new Fit for overseas markets, Honda has decided the vehicle doesn't, um, fit in its American lineup because the Civic Hatchback and Fit-based HR-V sell better. Current Fit production will conclude in 2020.
#2 Kia Rio SCORE 8.0/10
Base Price $18,000*
#3 Toyota Yaris Base Price $18,705-$19,705
#4 Chevrolet Spark Base Price $14,395-$17,395
#5 Mitsubishi Mirage Base Price $15,000-$18,500*
#6 Chevrolet Sonic
*estimated
0-60 mph 9.4 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 30-32/39-40 mpg Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars IntelliChoice Value Rating Excellent
Pros Attractive cabin details, strong safety ratings, good passenger space Cons Plenty of road noise, jittery ride, limited practicality
0-60 mph 10.7 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 29-30/37-38 mpg Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles IntelliChoice Value Rating Below Average
Pros Actually fun, cheerful color options, good standard tech Cons Underpowered and slow, noisy, few active safety features
Subcompact Hatchback MINOR The Mitsubishi Mirage’s good warranty coverage might attract buyers who’d otherwise shop for something used. Still, given its competitors’ comparable prices, the Mirage’s appeal is unclear. Any dynamic attribute is woefully—even concerningly—deficient. The feeble 78-hp three-cylinder engine is shaky and noisy, even at idle. Through loose steering, handling occurs. Cabin design and trim don't strike as any more than the bare minimum. Standard features are similar to other subcompact hatchbacks, but the Mirage’s driving experience simply is disappointing, even for those who just need A-to-B transport.
SCORE 6.5/10
Pros Nimble reflexes, class-above feeling, well equipped as standard Cons Limited practicality, lethargic acceleration, active safety features cost extra
Subcompact Hatchback UNCHANGED The Spark packs lots of character into its minuscule dimensions. Even though its engine makes only 98 hp and acceleration is poor, its handling is grippy and stable, allowing for some fun once momentum is up. That SUV-inspired Activ trim (wearing a tough body kit, roof rails, and a 0.4-inch suspension lift) is worth a chuckle, too. Cabin layout is quite basic, but everything feels well assembled—though road and engine noise are significant. Due to its cramped second row, the Spark might be best considered a two-seater. The 2021 Special Edition package adds unique wheels and trim details.
SCORE 6.6/10
0-60 mph 8.7 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 33/41 mpg Basic Warranty 5 years/60,000 miles IntelliChoice Value Rating Average
Subcompact Hatchback DISCONTINUED Yaris production has already ended, and 2020 will be its last model year. The final iteration of this little hatch made the best of its wheezy engine output—so long as there wasn't more than one person aboard. Its plush front seats felt reasonably spacious, and the cabin was nicely trimmed. But the Yaris wasn't always comfortable. Blame that on its stiff, jittery suspension and tiny footprint. Those combined for some nervous instability on rough roads or under panic braking. Still, in good conditions it steered well enough to generate smiles. The pesky infotainment system, however, was more prone to induce frowns. Good fuel economy and strong reliability helped the Yaris earn a segment-best value ranking. Find the last leftover examples on dealer lots now.
SCORE 6.7/10
Pros Available manual, astonishing cargo space, standard driver aids Cons Sometimes twitchy ride, not quick, tiny base infotainment screen
Subcompact Hatchback UNCHANGED Step into the Rio, and you’ll be surprised—it’s uncommonly refined for this segment. Much of that credit goes to how fun it is to drive. Underpowered engine aside, the lively steering, good brake feel, and well-calibrated suspension will please the Rio’s driver. Interior quality and design are excellent, even if material choices are pretty basic. Nonetheless, its list of standard tech and convenience features counters accusations of cheapness. Its cargo area and back seat are quite small; then again, so is the Rio. In an impressive feat for a subcompact hatchback, the Rio advanced to the finalist round of our 2018 Car of the Year competition. “After all,” we wrote, “it's a lot harder to build a great car for $20,000 than for $50,000.” No changes are expected for 2021.
SCORE 7.9/10
0-60 mph 7.9-8.9 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 29-33/36-40 mpg Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars IntelliChoice Value Rating Excellent
0-60 mph 12.0 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 33-36/41-43 mpg Basic Warranty 5 years/60,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 4 Stars IntelliChoice Value Rating Below Average
Pros Frugal fuel economy, generous warranty, adequate cargo capacity Cons Cheap in the bad sense, noisy, unrefined, rough, and uncomfortable
Subcompact Hatchback Base Price $20,295 DISCONTINUED Introduced in 2012, the Sonic represented Chevrolet’s goal to make a fun-to-drive subcompact car. It succeeded. Quick steering and a 138-hp engine—the segment’s most powerful—made the Sonic something of a hot hatchback. Aggressive styling backed up its performance intentions. Solid materials, supportive seats, and balanced suspension made this entry-level car actually comfortable to drive. But things have come a long way since 2012, and the Sonic had falled behind in technology and features. It’s officially been canceled, so 2020 will be its last year on sale.
0-60 mph 8.1 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 26/34 mpg Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars IntelliChoice Value Rating Poor
Pros Turbo engine, fun handling, relatively large cargo area Cons Outdated features, unimpressive fuel economy, cramped rear legroom OCTOBER 2020 MOTORTREND.COM 27
Compact Sedans #1 Honda Insight SCORE 8.6/10
Compact Sedan Base Price $24,000-$29,500* UNCHANGED The Honda Insight stands out in its crowded segment with superb fuel economy and exceptional, class-leading safety scores, but those aren’t its only strong points. It’s a surprisingly fun car to drive, and the way it comfortably travels over broken pavement deserves special praise. Standard, well-calibrated active safety features are another plus, and for 2021, EX and Touring models include blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Our only qualm is the Insight’s excessive engine noise when accelerating or ascending an incline at highway speeds. After the Insight earned a finalist nod in our 2019 Car of the Year testing, we decided to spend a year with one in our long-term fleet, and we were genuinely sad to let it go.
#2 Honda Civic SCORE 8.3/10
Base Price $21,000-$38,000*
#3 Volkswagen Jetta Base Price $20,000-$27,000*
#4 Kia Forte Base Price $19,000-$23,500*
#5 Toyota Corolla
0-60 mph 6.1-7.6 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 25-30/32-40 mpg Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars IntelliChoice Value Rating Above Average
Pros Roomy interior, fun-to-drive GLI variant, user-friendly infotainment Cons Driver assist tech locked in upper trims, unimpressive braking performance
0-60 mph 6.6-8.2 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 25-31/32-41 mpg Basic Warranty 5 years/60,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 4 Stars; IIHS: TSP IntelliChoice Value Rating Average
Pros Sharp interior and exterior design, sporty turbocharged GT model Cons Unpleasant CVT with base engine, rough ride over minor road imperfections
Compact Sedan Base Price $20,780-$26,680* UNCHANGED What the Corolla lacks in performance and plushness, it makes up for with tech, efficiency, and safety. Standard driver assist features are a definite plus, and the hybrid’s 52 mpg combined is exceptional. All variants offer an excellent value, though we don’t love the noisy, underpowered base engine. Updates for 2021 include standard Android Auto compatibility, available rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot monitoring, and a sport-tuned Corolla Apex Edition (pictured). The hatch gets a special edition and the option of 6 more cubic feet of cargo space—if you forgo the spare tire.
#6 Hyundai Elantra SCORE 7.5/10
Pros Best-in-class driving dynamics, standard active safety features Cons Slow and unintuitive infotainment, overdone exterior styling
Compact Sedan UNCHANGED Abundant style is one of the better reasons to rock a Kia Forte, both in terms of its tidy exterior and its relatively upscale cabin. Tech features are a highlight, too, with a large infotainment screen and standard active safety content, even on the base model. We don’t love the tuning of the base model’s CVT—it’s harsh, loud, and slow to respond—but the manual and dual-clutch options on the Forte GT somewhat mitigate that issue. With its full redesign for 2019 and the addition of the GT and GT-Line for 2020, we’re not expecting any major changes this year.
SCORE 7.5/10
0-60 mph 5.0-7.8 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 22-32/28-42 mpg Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars; IIHS: TSP IntelliChoice Value Rating Above Average
Compact Sedan UNCHANGED Volkswagen’s compact Jetta offers competent, composed performance with a comfortable ride and, in the case of the GLI performance variant, a load of fun. That said, the interior’s obvious cheap, cost-cutting materials overshadow its spaciousness and clean design. Infotainment is a strong point, with an intuitive touchscreen setup that’s upgraded to a next-gen system on the Jetta SEL and GLI Autobahn for 2021. The optional 10.3-inch Digital Cockpit allows for a customizable gauge cluster display, reminiscent of Virtual Cockpit offered by Audi and unlike anything else in this class. The other notable change is that top-spec Autobahn GLIs now include adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and automatic high-beams.
SCORE 7.6/10
Pros Impressive ride quality and steering, exceptional safety scores, clean styling Cons Invasive engine noise under load, not as efficient as a Prius
Compact Sedan UNCHANGED Honda’s Civic is consistently one of the best-selling compact cars, and it’s not difficult to see why. It’s an easy car to love and earns its accolades, and in a comparison test alongside the Mazda3 and Toyota Corolla, the Civic breezed to the win, nailing every one of our criteria. Even though it was last redesigned in 2016, Honda’s compact is still a segment leader, offering a fun and engaging driving experience, strong fuel economy numbers, and a spacious, cleverly packaged cabin. Its strengths overshadow an aging infotainment system and busy styling. The Civic sedan and hatchback are carryover models for 2021, but in a blow to enthusiasts, the coupe and Si variants will no longer be offered (for now). A track-focused Type R Limited Edition rounds out the changes.
SCORE 7.7/10
0-60 mph 7.3 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 51-55/45-49 mpg Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars; IIHS: TSP+ IntelliChoice Value Rating Above Average
0-60 mph 7.5-10.3 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 28-53/36-52 mpg Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars; IIHS: TSP IntelliChoice Value Rating Above AverageExcellent Pros Great value (especially the hybrid), standard active safety equipment Cons Loud, underpowered base engine, cheap-feeling interior materials
Compact Sedan Base Price $20,500-$27,500* MAJOR Hyundai has redesigning the Elantra for 2021 with dramatic styling in line with the current-gen Sonata. Interior styling gets a major update, too, with available wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto plus dual 10.3-inch screens on higher trims. In addition to the standard model, Hyundai has confirmed that an efficient 50-mpg hybrid and sporty N-Line variant are on the way. Other than the new hybrid powertrain and discontinued 1.4T, engines and transmissions from the previous generation carry over. With its standard active safety tech, knockout design, and new upscale feel, we can’t wait to see if the new model will up its ranking.
28 MOTORTREND.COM OCTOBER 2020
0-60 mph 6.9-8.9 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 26-48/33-53 mpg* Basic Warranty 5 years/60,000 miles IntelliChoice Value Rating Average
Pros New model’s sharp design, upcoming 50-mpg hybrid model Cons Coarse 2.0-liter engine *estimated
Compact Sedans #7 Subaru Impreza SCORE 7.3/10
Compact Sedan Base Price $19,500-$20,000* UNCHANGED The Impreza’s standard all-wheel-drive system distinguishes it from the rest of the segment, as do its impressively comfortable ride quality and spacious hatchback variant. Even the sedan feels roomy, and the build quality on display is notable. The user-friendly Starlink infotainment system features a responsive touchscreen and smartphone integration. Styling is conservative and fails to stand out, and the Impreza loses additional points for its underpowered engine, which requires some thrashing when you need to pass, merge, or climb a hill. We’re not expecting any significant changes for 2021, likely just minor feature additions or light cosmetic tweaks.
#8 Nissan Sentra SCORE 7.2/10
Base Price $20,000-$22,500*
#9 Mazda3 Base Price $22,500-$26,500*
Midsize Sedans #1 Honda Accord Base Price $25,500–$37,500*
#2 Subaru Legacy Base Price $24,00-$37,000*
#3 Hyundai Sonata
*estimated
0-60 mph 6.9-8.1 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 24-27/31-36 mpg* Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars; IIHS: TSP+ IntelliChoice Value Rating Average
Pros Sharp exterior styling, exceptional interior design, gutsy available turbo-four Cons Less fun than its predecessors, large blind spots on hatchback
0–60 mph 5.7–7.6 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 22-48/32-47 mpg Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars; IIHS: TSP IntelliChoice Value Rating Excellent
Pros Best-in-class driving dynamics, huge rear seating area Cons High level of road noise, cruise control can't maintain speed downhill
Midsize Sedan UNCHANGED Comfortable, economical, and spacious, the Subaru Legacy remains the only midsize sedan with standard all-wheel drive. Great build quality, a smooth and quiet ride, and a sizable trunk add to its family appeal. Subaru makes no changes to the Legacy for 2021 and continues to offer a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated flat-four alongside an available 2.4-liter turbocharged powerplant, both of which are paired with a CVT automatic. We don’t love the uninspiring base engine, and when pushed hard, the Legacy has a strong tendency to understeer. That said, the Legacy remains a smart, safe pick.
SCORE 8.0/10
Pros Stylish mini-Maxima exterior design, smooth ride Cons Underpowered engine, CVT tuning quirks, handling short of segment leaders
Midsize Sedan MINOR Spacious, great to drive, fuel efficient, and safe, the Honda Accord is a superb midsize sedan. Available with three powertrain options, including a 47-mpg hybrid and two turbo-four gas engines, and a CVT or 10-speed automatic, the Accord’s all-around excellence allows it to punch above its class. (The wonderful manual is dead.) We even named it the winner of a comparison against a base Audi A4. Honda hasn’t announced anything for 2021, but it has hinted to us that updates are coming later this year, likely a midcycle refresh given the model’s redesign for 2018. Our favorite midsize sedan is about to get even better.
SCORE 8.1/10
0-60 mph 8.0 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 28-29/37-39 mpg Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars
Compact Sedan MINOR When Mazda reinvented its compact sedan and hatchback for 2019, it deemphasized the 3’s sporting intentions to position the model as a more premium vehicle. The automaker succeeded in some respect; the exterior styling is elegant, and interior fittings feel a class above the rest of the segment. That said, the new rear suspension design doesn’t demonstrate the composure of the previously offered independent setup. New for 2021, Mazda reintroduced a 2.0-liter base engine and now offers a 2.5-liter turbo-four on upper trim levels. The cabin lets in a fair amount of road noise, and although the infotainment control dial is easy enough to learn, some functions would be better served by a touchscreen.
SCORE 8.5/10
Pros Spacious interior, excellent ride quality, great safety ratings Cons Underpowered engine, anonymous styling, excessive noise on Sport models
Compact Sedan UNCHANGED Nissan fully redesigned the Sentra for 2020, creating an eighth generation of its compact sedan, complete with a new platform and sharp mini-Maxima styling. That full redesign represented a huge step forward for Nissan but still falls short of the segment leaders. Its driving dynamics aren’t quite up to the level of the Civic or Jetta, but the Sentra rides with compliance and confidence while offering decent steering feel. The new interior design is spacious and practical, a significant improvement over this car’s predecessor, and top-spec trims even offer gorgeous quilted leather. Nissan makes no changes to the Sentra for 2021.
SCORE 7.0/10
0-60 mph 9.3-9.7 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 22-28/30-36 mpg Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars; IIHS: TSP+ IntelliChoice Value Rating Above Average
0–60 mph 6.1–8.1 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 24–27/32–35 mpg Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars; IIHS: TSP+ IntelliChoice Value Rating Excellent
Pros Comfortable ride, roomy interior, excellent safety scores Cons Underpowered base engine, disconnected steering
Midsize Sedan Base Price $24,500–$36,500* MINOR Hyundai transformed the Sonata into a real head-turner when it redesigned the sedan for 2020. Coupelike proportions, premium interior materials, and ample available tech features all help the Sonata stand out in a sometimes anonymous segment. Standard active safety content is much appreciated, as well. The available hybrid achieves impressive fuel economy (47–52 mpg combined city/highway), and although the base engine is underwhelming, the upgraded turbo engine gets the job done nicely. For those seeking more power, we’re expecting the Sonata N-Line with a 290-hp 2.5-liter turbo-four to join the range for 2021.
0–60 mph 5.9–8.5 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 25–50/33–54 mpg* Basic Warranty 5 years/60,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars; IIHS: TSP IntelliChoice Value Rating Average
Pros Bold design, efficient hybrid, intuitive infotainment and driver-assist tech Cons Snug rear seats, unimpressive base engine OCTOBER 2020 MOTORTREND.COM 29
Midsize Sedans #4 Toyota Camry SCORE 7.7/10
Midsize Sedan Base Price $26,000–$34,000* MINOR Safe and efficient, Toyota’s venerable Camry delivers on the family sedan basics. That said, we’ve found that the pre-2021 model’s fit and finish trail its closest competitors, and the driving experience is forgettable at best. For 2021, the base Camry L is gone, and the front fascia has been revised. Beyond that and a couple of trim upgrades, the most significant change is the improved active safety suite, which now includes bicycle and pedestrian detection and stop-and-go functionality for the adaptive cruise control system.
#5 Mazda6 SCORE 7.7/10
Midsize Sedan Base Price $25,000* UNCHANGED We’ve praised the outgoing Mazda6 (pictured) for its sporty handling, tastefully crafted interior, and handsome design, but its unremarkable base engine and stock tires hold it back. Given this generation’s introduction for 2014 and its refresh in 2018, it’s safe to assume the next-gen model is on its way. Leaked rumors earlier this year suggest Mazda will build the next-gen 6 with a longitudinally mounted I-6 driving the rear wheels, in opposition to the existing FWD, transverse-fourcylinder formula. We can’t wait. Unfortunately, we likely have to.
#6 Nissan Altima SCORE 7.6/10
Base Price $25,000-$36,500* UNCHANGED Available with all-wheel drive, the current Altima offers impressive driver assistance tech and generous standard equipment, and the new design that Nissan unveiled for 2019 looks sharp. That said, we don’t love its lifeless chassis, noisy standard engine, and unengaging, poorly tuned continuously variable transmission. The optional turbo engine is an improvement, but the CVT still mars the experience. Nissan’s only changes to the Altima for 2021 are to reposition the SV trim below the SR and to add an SV Premium package.
Base Price $24,000-$29,500* UNCHANGED Even with a significant refresh for 2020, the Passat’s dated infotainment tech and middling fuel economy leave it behind stronger competitors. The cabin is on the noisier side, too. A spacious interior and big trunk help, but not enough to elevate it past the bottom of its class. For 2021, the base model gets standard adaptive cruise control and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob. The SE trim adds 18-inch wheels and a moonroof, and the top-spec R-Line gets a new infotainment and audio setup, plus adaptive front lighting.
Base Price $24,500–$36,000* DISCONTINUED A low value rating, poor interior quality, and unimpressive handling hold the Fusion back, though its last-place ranking isn’t surprising seeing as it hasn’t been redesigned since 2013. That said, Ford offers its midsize sedan with available all-wheel drive and an impressive array of powertrain options, including a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid. The Fusion Sport was a bright spot, but that got the ax for 2020. The best case for buying a Fusion is the deal you might be able to get on the last few cars on the lot, as production will end by the time you read this.
0–60 mph 6.8-8.7 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 20-43/29-42 mpg; 109/97 mpg-e (PHEV gas+electric) Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars IntelliChoice Value Rating Poor-Above Average (hybrid) Pros Numerous powertrain options, available AWD Cons Subpar performance and handling, low-quality interior materials
Midsize Sedan Base Price $23,000–$34,500* UNCHANGED Chevrolet’s Malibu is not without redeeming qualities, but it fails to impress alongside recently redesigned, thoroughly modern peers. With the optional 2.0-liter turbo-four under the hood, the Malibu is one of the quickest midsize sedans we’ve tested, but the standard engine feels buzzy and overstressed. Likewise, there are no active safety features on lower trims, and interior quality is below average for the segment. The Malibu’s user-friendly infotainment system and comfortable ride help balance the equation, but this is still a tough car to recommend.
Kia K5 SCORE Not Yet Ranked
0–60 mph 7.8 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 23/34 mpg Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars IntelliChoice Value Rating Above Average Pros Plentiful interior space, large trunk, ample standard driver assist tech Cons Dated infotainment, noisy cabin at speed, unresponsive transmission
Midsize Sedan
Chevrolet Malibu SCORE Not Yet Ranked
0–60 mph 6.1–7.4 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 25–28/34–39 mpg Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars; IIHS: TSP IntelliChoice Value Rating Poor Pros Generous equipment on base car, excellent available ProPilot Assist Cons Chassis and suspension don’t match rivals, noisy standard engine, dull CVT
Midsize Sedan
#8 Ford Fusion SCORE 6.9/10
0–60 mph 6.4–7.9 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 23–26/31-35 mpg* Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars; IIHS: TSP+ IntelliChoice Value Rating Average Pros Excellent styling, nicely appointed cabin, balanced ride and handling Cons Underwhelming standard engine, dull SUV-spec tires
Midsize Sedan
#7 Volkswagen Passat SCORE 7.4/10
0–60 mph 5.8–7.6 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 22–51/31–53 mpg Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars; IIHS: TSP+ IntelliChoice Value Rating Above AverageExcellent Pros Light and rigid chassis, top-notch safety ratings, gutsy available V-6 Cons Feels cheap, disappointing TRD trim
0–60 mph 5.7–8.5 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 22–29/32–36 mpg Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 4 Stars IntelliChoice Value Rating Below Average-Average Pros Intuitive infotainment system, roomy interior, surprisingly good handling Cons Underpowered base engine, driver assist tech not offered on lower trims
Midsize Sedan Base Price $24,455–$31,455 MAJOR We appreciated the outgoing Optima for its comfort-oriented ride, standard driver assist features, and uncluttered infotainment system, but Kia is making big changes for 2021. Not only has the Korean automaker fully redesigned its midsize sedan, but it has also renamed it to K5. All-new fastback exterior styling and an updated interior will help the K5 stand out. Engine options include a carryover 1.6-liter turbo-four and a new 2.5-liter turbo-four under the hood of the K5 GT.
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0–60 mph 5.8–7.5 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 25-29/34-38 mpg* Basic Warranty 5 years/60,000 miles
Pros Distinctive exterior design, user-friendly infotainment, athletic K5 GT Cons Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto not available with larger display, no hybrid yet *estimated
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Full-Size Sedans
#1 Toyota Avalon SCORE 7.7/10
Full-Size Sedan Base Price $37,000–$43,500* MINOR Look beyond the Avalon’s questionable front-end styling, and you’ll find an impressive full-size sedan. The interior feels legitimately premium thanks to its good material quality, and there’s ample passenger space in either row of seating. XSE, Touring, and TRD trims offer a sportier demeanor with an amplified exhaust note and an available adaptive damping system to feed more road texture to occupants, but we prefer the smooth wafting of the Avalon XLE and Limited, which better capture what most Avalon buyers are after. The standard V-6 feels eager and strong, and the hybrid variant nearly doubles that engine’s city fuel economy numbers. For 2021, Toyota now offers the Avalon with AWD (with the four-cylinder), standard Android Auto, and an XSE Nightshade Edition.
#2 Chrysler 300 SCORE 7.3/10
Base Price $36,000-$43,000*
#3 Dodge Charger Base Price $31,500-$84,000*
#4 Nissan Maxima
Pros Entertaining old-school charm and style, available AWD Cons Cheap interior materials, unimpressive fuel economy
0–60 mph 3.6-6.4 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 12-19/21-30 mpg Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars IntelliChoice Value Rating Average
Pros Three available V-8s, old-school character, stance, and style in spades Cons Poor fuel economy
Full-Size Sedan Base Price $35,500-$43,000* UNCHANGED Nissan’s “four-door sports car” claims about the Maxima are a little optimistic at this point, but the V-6 engine is a strong, smooth powerplant that motivates a well-programmed CVT. The lack of a turbocharged or hybrid engine choice is a bit disappointing, though. Standard active safety tech bolsters this solidly built sedan. The interior is a highlight, too; it’s appropriately polished at this price point, but the tight rear seat and small trunk aren’t what many expect from a full-size sedan. The only update for 2021 is the addition of a 40th Anniversary Edition celebrating the history of the flagship sedan.
Kia Cadenza SCORE Not Yet Ranked
0–60 mph 5.3-7.0 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 16-19/25-30 mpg Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 4 Stars IntelliChoice Value Rating Average
Full-Size Sedan UNCHANGED Alongside its Chrysler 300 cousin, the Charger represents one of the last examples of a large American rear-drive sedan. Dodge’s iteration is the sportier of the two, and especially in its wide-body form, it boasts some of the strongest presence and swagger of anything with four doors. The Charger is a heavy, thirsty thing, but it just exudes confidence and character. Unfortunately, when the plumes of tire smoke dissipate, you still have to steer and brake, and neither is the Charger’s strongest suit. For 2021, Dodge has added even more power to the Hellcat Widebody with a 797-hp Redeye variant. Bonkers, we know. It’s clear Dodge knows what it stands for and who it’s selling to, and we have a feeling Dodge will stay this course as long as buyers keep lining up.
SCORE 7.1/10
Pros Nimble for its size, generous passenger space, premium-feeling interior Cons Garish front grille, noisy and stiff sporty models
Full-Size Sedan UNCHANGED The Chrysler 300 can be a satisfying large sedan if you focus more on its old-school style and less on some cheap interior materials and mid-2000s engineering roots. Throwback charm and presence make it feel refreshing among today’s sometimes forgettable crossovers. Plus, the available all-wheel drive and V-8 powertrains are much appreciated; the 300 accelerates authoritatively and handles with compsure, keeping its driver entertained. In a lot of ways, we’re surprised this thing still exists, but we’re glad that it does. An intuitive infotainment setup and the available driver assist tech help this old lug avoid obsolescence. For 2021, we’re expecting little more than some trim reshuffling and perhaps a new feature or two.
SCORE 7.2/10
0–60 mph 6.0-7.5 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 22-43/31-43 mpg Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars IntelliChoice Value Rating Above AverageExcellent
0–60 mph 5.8 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 20/30 mpg Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars; IIHS: TSP+ IntelliChoice Value Rating Poor
Pros Powerful standard V-6, standard active safety tech, excellent crash ratings Cons Less trunk and rear seat room than some smaller sedans, no hybrid option
Full-Size Sedan Base Price $35,000* UNCHANGED Kia reaches for a bracket above with the Cadenza, which offers a refined, high-tech interior, helpful driver assist features, and sharp, modern styling. Updates made in a 2020 refresh included design tweaks, some tech upgrades, and some chassis and suspention adjustments, but none of that was able to overcome its numb dynamics and unimpressive fuel economy. Nonetheless, some drivers will love this big Korean’s laidback character. It’s an especially comfortable, relaxing car to drive, but poor body control and unimpressive acceleration hold it back. We’re not expecting any significant changes for 2021.
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0–60 mph 6.5 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 20/28 mpg Basic Warranty 5 years/60,000 miles
Pros Quiet and relaxed driving experience, impressive luxury for the money Cons Excessive body roll, uninspired performance, mediocre fuel economy *estimated
Luxury Subcompact Sedans Acura ILX SCORE Not Yet Ranked
Luxury Subcompact Sedan Base Price $27,000-$31,000* UNCHANGED Although it's still based on the previous Civic platform, the ILX is reasonably entertaining. Acura’s entry-luxe car enjoys tight and agile handling; tossing it around corners is a pleasure. Zippy, naturally aspirated acceleration is aided by a smart dual-clutch automatic that shifts faultlessly for power on demand or efficient cruising. A smooth and quiet ride isn’t sacrificed for sportiness, and well-bolstered front seats keep occupants in place. There’s generous legroom up front, but certain drivers might not fit, as the curving roofline impedes headroom. Without split-folding back seats, versatility is reduced, and its button-riddled center console and dual-display infotainment are needlessly complex. We’ll have to wait for the next-gen version for a Type S.
Audi A3 SCORE Not Yet Ranked
Base Price $36,000-$43,000*
BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe Base Price $38,500-$46,500*
Cadillac CT4 Base Price $34,000-$45,500*
Mercedes-Benz A-Class Base Price $34,000-$46,000*
Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
*estimated
0-60 mph 4.7-6.0 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 24-26/33-35 mpg* Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles
Pros Straight-line quickness, featurepacked infotainment, fun color options Cons Confused handling, small back seat and trunk, shares FWD Mini platform
0-60 mph 5.1-7.0 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 20-23/28-34 mpg Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles IntelliChoice Value Rating Average
Pros Delightful RWD handling and balance, improved infotainment system Cons Uninspired interior design, tight back seat and trunk, recycled ATS styling
Luxury Subcompact Sedan UNCHANGED When “What’s the cheapest Mercedes I can buy?” is the question, the A-Class is the answer. Benz’s entry-level sedan carries elegant exterior styling and a tech-forward (if not high-quality) interior. It’s a fun little thing, too. Aided by a great dual-clutch auto, the A-Class is quicker than its engine output might suggest. When equipped with AWD, it exhibits tail-happy handling antics. As ever, AMG’s variant cranks up the performance. But poor ride quality undermines the A-Class’ luxurious intentions; choppy pavement sends alarming vibrations through the car. Introduced for 2019, the A-Class is unlikely to see any big changes for 2021.
SCORE Not Yet Ranked
Pros Striking futuristic interior, improved passenger space, no entry-level feel Cons Quattro AWD not standard, goofy fake vents and exhaust tips
Luxury Subcompact Sedan MAJOR This isn’t just a reworked ATS—the CT4 has extensive new development under its sharp bodywork. The CT4’s suspension is designed to provide better handling and comfort. Its reworked interior features Cadillac’s latest infotainment setup. On paper, the CT4-V falls short of its “V” predecessors, but the car is terrific from behind the wheel. Its big turbo-four feels burly yet refined, aided by a snappy transmission that keeps power on boil. Chassis balance recalls European competitors, and the variable brake pedal allows customizable responses. Cadillac’s Super Cruise semi-autonomous driving aid becomes available in 2021.
SCORE Not Yet Ranked
0-60 mph 5.4-6.5 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 23-28/31-37 mpg* Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles
Luxury Subcompact Sedan UNCHANGED What is the 2 Series Gran Coupe? Well, it’s about as “Gran” as it is a “Coupe.” It’s comfortable and quiet, except in the cramped second row; tiny back door apertures make access a challenge. It’s high-tech, when the right options are selected; adaptive cruise control is extra on all trims. Overall, its purpose seems to be providing cheaper access to roundel ownership. This crossover- and front-drivebased car doesn’t provide the excitement BMW is known for. Sure it’s quick, but there’s little steering feel, handling balance is sloppy, and hard braking can get sketchy. Fortunately, the rear-drive 2 Series (two-door) Coupe is still available, and it brilliantly exemplifies BMW’s rear-wheeldrive handling mastery.
SCORE Not Yet Ranked
Pros Fun and comfortable, sharp exterior styling, standard driver aids Cons Cramped interior, outdated infotainment, manual transmission deleted
Luxury Subcompact Sedan MAJOR Entry-level luxury becomes more attractive in the new A3. The reimagined design showcases Audi’s geometric precision but, in a departure from convention, contrasts it against organic sculpting along the side. Multifaceted headlights and taillights accentuate a technical focus. It becomes larger dimensionally, which helps improve passenger space. The driver-centric cabin looks upscale enough for Audi’s more expensive models. Materials appear much nicer than before, and technology abounds between the large touchscreen and standard digital gauge cluster. Audi will offer numerous active safety and driver assist features. A 2.0-liter turbo-four (potentially augmented by a mild hybrid system) and dual-clutch automatic serve as the standard drivetrain.
SCORE Not Yet Ranked
0-60 mph 6.8 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 24/34 mpg Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars IntelliChoice Value Rating Below Average
0-60 mph 4.7-6.8 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 24/31-35 mpg Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles IntelliChoice Value Rating Above Average
Pros Surprising quickness, numerous infotainment features Cons Flimsy interior materials, uncouth NVH, pricey options, complex MBUX system
Luxury Subcompact Sedan Base Price $38,000-$56,000* UNCHANGED Seeking sleekness without huge bills? Check out the second-generation CLA-Class, which made its debut in 2020 with improvements over its predecessor. Justifying the price bump from its A-Class counterpart is that swoopy styling and a slightly higher-grade interior, but insulation from the NVH demons remains an issue—not what one expects from a Benz. Steering feel is weighty and responsive, granting the CLA a sense of agility. The upgraded AMG CLA 35 is appreciably sportier, and the CLA 45’s stiff chassis and punchy engine make it thrillingly intense. Updates for 2021 might include basic trim changes.
0-60 mph 4.0-6.3 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 20-25/29-35 mpg Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles IntelliChoice Value Rating Poor
Pros Head-turning style, helpful tech features, AMG excitement Cons Noisy at speed, some clunky shifts, claustrophobic interior space OCTOBER 2020 MOTORTREND.COM 33
Luxury Compact Sedans #1 Genesis G70 SCORE 8.4/10
#2 Tesla Model 3 SCORE 8.3/10
Luxury Compact Sedan Base Price $37,000-$47,500* UNCHANGED MotorTrend’s 2019 Car of the Year is a tremendous first effort from Genesis. The G70’s turbo-four is fine yet not a standout, but it can be paired with a manual transmission—until the 2021 model year ends. Meanwhile, its twin-turbo V-6 borders on unhinged, highlighting the chassis’ tail-happy balance. And what a chassis it is. Its tuning is what BMW used to promise: superb communication while preserving luxurious smoothness. Attractive, high-quality materials abound in the cabin. Its infotainment system is the sole hint of parent company Hyundai, but it works well regardless. Come 2022, the G70 could be restyled to align it with newer models such as the G80 and GV80. See entry under “Mainstream Electric Vehicles”
Base Price $41,000-$51,000*
#4 Alfa Romeo Giulia Base Price $41,000-$200,000*
#5 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Base Price $42,500-$77,000*
#6 BMW 3 Series
0-60 mph 3.9-5.7 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 17-24/25-33 mpg Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles IntelliChoice Value Rating Poor
Pros 2018 Car of the Year, ravishing looks, high-quality materials Cons Snug seats, dinky base wheels, sun glare on infotainment screen
0-60 mph 3.8-5.5 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 18-24/27-35 mpg Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles Safety IIHS: TSP+ IntelliChoice Value Rating Below Average
Pros High-res digital gauge cluster, smooth transmission, AMG models Cons Rough ride, slow steering, long shelf life
Luxury Compact Sedan Base Price $42,000-$57,000* MINOR The 3 Series seems built to meet an adolescent perception of sportiness. Its powerful acceleration and strong brakes check basic performance boxes. Turning the too-thick steering wheel delivers precise responses, but the brutally stiff sport suspension feels tuned for smooth racetracks more than real-world roads. BMW’s intuitive iDrive infotainment earns some points. Factor in the 3 Series’ incohesive exterior and dull cockpit, though, and its midfield rating is solidly earned. The 330e plug-in hybrid goes on sale in 2021, and other variants could get trim and feature updates. An M3 is just around the corner.
#7 Volvo S60 SCORE 7.9/10
Pros Ample passenger space, excellent driver aids, bang for the buck Cons Styling sterility, lacks soul, dualclutch transmission fumbles
Luxury Compact Sedan MAJOR It appears that Mercedes is deep in the development process of a next-gen C-Class (current model ranked here). Photos of prototypes indicate exterior and interior cues akin to the upcoming redesigned S-Class. The next C-Class should receive dazzling tech, including a huge touchscreen running the latest MBUX infotainment system. Advanced driver assist features seem likely. Many models could get engines supplemented by Benz’s EQ Boost mild hybrid system—even the AMGs. Those could be powered by anything from a high-output turbo-four to a twinturbo V-8. The new C-Class may have been delayed by the pandemic.
SCORE 8.1/10
0-60 mph 4.2-5.7 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 20-24/27-32 mpg Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars IntelliChoice Value Rating Above Average
Luxury Compact Sedan MINOR Joyous driving defines this former COTY winner. The shapely Italian’s delicate steering and supple ride combine for brilliant handling, and its raucous turbo engine and snappy paddle-shifted automatic deliver irresistible acceleration. Its brakes can feel a bit mushy, but all told the Giulia is delightful. Inside and out, the styling is suave and seductive. Building on the hardcore 505-hp Quadrifoglio model, Alfa Romeo unveiled the Giulia GTA for 2021. Hopefully this stripped-out, big-winged track toy makes it to the U.S. Normal Giulias are unlikely to change for 2021, given last year’s successful infotainment, tech, and trim updates.
SCORE 8.1/10
Luxury Compact Sedan
Luxury Compact Sedan MINOR “Sporty” and “luxurious” are relative terms, as the A4 proves. It’s surprisingly quick and very agile, but driving simulator steering and clinical precision reduce the A4’s emotional appeal. The compact Audi is tech-packed and impeccably built, though interior materials and noise insulation could be improved. So is the A4 sporty and luxurious? Yes, mostly— depending on your definitions of the terms. In any case, standard AWD, 13 extra hp, a mild hybrid electrical system, and additional tech should let the 2021 A4 keep its high segment ranking. The 2021 A4 Allroad wagon also enjoys those power and tech increases, but the speedy S4 gets only the tech.
SCORE 8.2/10
Pros Value for money, terrific ride and handling, uncommon on the road Cons Slow-responding paddle shifters, just decent front seats, lack of brand cachet
Base Price $39,500-$56,000*
#3 Audi A4 SCORE 8.3/10
0-60 mph 4.5-7.2 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 17-22/25-30 mpg Basic Warranty 5 years/60,000 miles Safety IIHS: TSP+ IntelliChoice Value Rating Average
0-60 mph 4.2-5.4 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 22-25/30-34 mpg*; 64-72/71-80 mpg-e (PHEV gas+electric) Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles Safety IIHS: TSP IntelliChoice Value Rating Above Average Pros Fantastic powertrains, roomy back seat, good tech features Cons Uninspired interior, regressive performance “upgrades,” harsh suspension
Luxury Compact Sedan Base Price $37,500-$66,000* UNCHANGED Counterintuitively, the entry-level S60 might be the best trim level. Its turbo-four isn’t exactly thrilling, but it delivers solid all-around performance. That contrasts the powerful yet unrefined twin-charged midrange engine and the erratic top-end PHEV. In any case, the S60 (and its V60 wagon counterpart) are lovely. Exterior design is superb, and the cabin is a wonderful place to spend time, though the big-screen infotainment system has a slight learning curve. 2021 adds standard power-folding mirrors, adaptive headlights, and more driver assist features, increasing the S60’s already excellent value.
34 MOTORTREND.COM OCTOBER 2020
0-60 mph 4.5-8.0 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 21-28/32-34 mpg; 70/68 mpg-e (PHEV gas+electric)* Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars; IIHS: TSP IntelliChoice Value Rating Excellent Pros Timeless design, gorgeous interior materials, superb safety Cons Uninspiring performance, half-baked Polestar version *estimated
Luxury Compact Sedans #8 Cadillac CT5 SCORE 7.8/10
Luxury Compact Sedan Base Price $38,000-$51,500* MINOR From certain angles, the CT5’s styling makes a real impact. That impression fades behind the wheel, though. Despite a clever 10-speed automatic, its overworked turbo-four engine and lackluster dynamics make the standard CT5 a disappointment. This is why the CT5-V variant is such a surprise—it’s fabulous to drive. Its twin-turbo V-6’s abundant power awakens the chassis’ lively capabilities, aided by a trick electromechanical differential. Brake components are shared with the C8 Corvette. In any CT5, though, the interior is a mixed bag. Carbon-fiber trim and a sweet stereo contrast cheap-feeling switchgear. Changes coming in 2021 could improve that, but this year’s big news is availability of Cadillac’s semi-autonomous Super Cruise driving system.
#9 Acura TLX SCORE 7.3/10
Base Price $35,000-$48,000*
#10 Jaguar XE Base Price $41,000-$47,500*
#11 Infiniti Q50 Base Price $37,500-$57,500
#12 Lexus IS
0-60 mph 6.6-7.2 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 22-25/30-34 mpg Basic Warranty 5 years/60,000 miles IntelliChoice Value Rating Below Average
Pros Fun to drive, premium materials, long warranty Cons Bungling infotainment, small back seat and trunk, untested crash safety
0-60 mph 4.5-5.4 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 19-20/26-29 mpg Basic Warranty 4 years/60,000 miles
Pros Standard twin-turbo V-6, exterior styling, approachable base price Cons Brittle ride, buggy infotainment system, blah interior
Luxury Compact Sedan Base Price $40,000-$48,000* MAJOR Portly, underpowered, and lacking overall appeal, the outgoing Lexus IS ranks last in this segment. The incoming 2021 model (2020 ranked) hopes to earn a higher score. It’s built on the same platform as before, but Lexus did its damnedest to make the new IS look and feel new. Style-wise it’s unmistakably a Lexus, but the exterior is cleaner yet more sculpted. Its full-width taillight is particularly eye-catching. Inside, it gains a new touchscreen display, a welcome change from the joystick-controlled setup. Although the powertrains carry over, the stiffened chassis rides on swing-valve shocks behind lighter wheels for improved handling.
*estimated
Pros Driver-focused mission, paddle-shift 10-speed, improved active safety tech Cons Potential FWD torque steer, snug back seat, no hybrid model (yet)
Luxury Compact Sedan UNCHANGED Less luxurious than some of its competitors and not as fun as others, the Q50 can’t justify a higher ranking. Highlights are its twin-turbo V-6’s power and acceleration, countered by strong brakes. But absent a limited-slip differential, handling can feel sloppy. It isn’t improved by the unpredictable adaptive steering option. Infiniti’s dual-display infotainment setup is confusing. What’s more, it’s housed in a cabin that’s just not all that upscale. Driver assist features and a 360-degree parking camera become standard on more trims in 2021, better aligning the Q50’s features with those of its newer rivals.
SCORE 7.0/10
0-60 mph 4.5-6.5 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 20-23/29-31 mpg* Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles
Luxury Compact Sedan UNCHANGED Gaze upon the Jaguar XE—it’s gorgeous. But looks aren’t everything. This sporty sedan likes to play; it teases you to drive it harder. The chassis shows good adjustability and body control in rear-drive guise, making it one of the best handlers in this segment. Cruising along, however, the suspension amplifies road imperfections, and there’s an unbecoming amount of tire noise. Nor is the XE all that quick despite respectable power figures and good integration with the eight-speed automatic. A major refresh in 2020 markedly improved interior quality, yet its ergonomic quirks remain. Jag’s dual-display infotainment system is still slow and frustrating to use. So recently updated, the XE is unlikely to get any big changes for 2021.
SCORE 7.0/10
Pros Excellent automatic transmission, great rear legroom, improved infotainment Cons Numb AWD handling, tight rear headroom, that weird C-pillar
Luxury Compact Sedan
MAJOR Looking like it rolled straight out of Acura’s concept design studio, the redesigned TLX makes its debut for 2021—and it revives the legendary Type S subbrand. (The 2020 model is ranked.) Long, low, and wide, the TLX’s dramatic proportions wear angular sheetmetal. The cockpitlike cabin eschews traditional luxury themes; there’s a modern, technical ambiance. Built on a new performance-oriented platform, the TLX features control arm front suspension and brake technology it shares with the NSX supercar. What lies under that lengthy hood is exciting, too; the base 272-hp VTEC turbo-four is derived from the Honda Civic Type R. The TLX Type S gets a 355-hp turbo V-6 sending output through a new generation of Acura’s excellent all-wheel-drive system.
SCORE 7.2/10
0-60 mph 4.6-7.3 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 17-23/25-32 mpg Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars IntelliChoice Value Rating Excellent
0-60 mph 5.3-7.0 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 18-21/24-30 mpg* Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles
Pros Nice to look at, upgraded active safety systems, proven Lexus quality and reliability Cons Built on heavy last-gen platform, same old engines, small back seat OCTOBER 2020 MOTORTREND.COM 35
Luxury Midsize Sedans #1 Audi A6 SCORE 8.6/10
Luxury Midsize Sedan Base Price $55,895-$109,995 MINOR The Audi A6 is one of the most technology-packed sedans in its class, thanks to a well-executed, user-friendly infotainment system and many driver assist features. Impeccable build quality, excellent sound insulation, stable handling, and a comfortable ride make the A6 a pleasure on long trips. For those wanting a sporty all-weather performer, check out S6 sedan and RS 6 Avant. The latter will likely be a rare beast because wagons aren’t exactly popular among American consumers. Audi has added more standard and optional equipment on the base A6 Premium grade, including keyless entry/start, built-in navigation, and a 360-degree-view parking camera. Cosmetic upgrades such as the Black Optic package are now available on the A6 Allroad wagon variant.
#2 Mercedes-Benz E-Class SCORE 8.1/10
Base Price $55,000-$113,000*
#3 BMW 5 Series Base Price $55,195-$113,095
#4 Lexus ES Base Price $41,000-$46,000*
#5 Volvo S90
0-60 mph 3.0-6.2 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 15-25/21-33 mpg*; 62-65/68-75 mpg-e (PHEV gas+electric)* Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles IntelliChoice Value Rating Above Average
Pros Quiet interior, excellent ride comfort, M5 performance Cons Gimmicky tech, adequate base engine, abandons BMW’s past
0-60 mph 6.1-7.8 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 22-43/31-43 mpg* Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars; IIHS: TSP+ IntelliChoice Value Rating Excellent
Pros Spacious interior, comfortable seats, hybrid efficiency Cons F Sport isn’t sporty, complicated infotainment system
Luxury Midsize Sedan Base Price $52,000-$65,000* MINOR The loungelike cabin is one of the S90’s highlights; it creates an inviting ambiance and a sensation of tranquility, especially trimmed in two-tone leather coupled with natural wood trim. Supremely comfortable seats keep you coddled when you’re driving, making the S90 a good companion for devouring endless highway miles. Choose the T8 plug-in hybrid for improved efficiency and speed. Subtle design changes and trim repackaging highlight most of the updates on the Volvo S90. Although not atop the “fun to drive” list, this big Swede boasts outstanding build quality, an attractive modernist interior, great stereos, and a cushy ride.
#6 Acura RLX SCORE 7.1/10
Pros Powerful AMG models, spacious interior, lovely wagon variant Cons Underwhelming coupe variant, complicated infotainment system
Luxury Midsize Sedan UNCHANGED Long one of Lexus’ most popular models, the ES prioritizes comfort. Meticulous build quality remains a Lexus hallmark; you’ll find excellent materials and superb sound insulation inside the cabin. The hybrid model enhances the ES’ relaxed demeanor, offering acceptable power and superb fuel economy. Choose the 302-hp V-6 if you want better acceleration. Avoid the F Sport model because the handling improvements aren’t worth the sacrifice in ride comfort and increased noise levels. Other than minor equipment changes and possibly a new trim, the Lexus ES isn’t expected to receive any significant updates.
SCORE 7.7/10
0-60 mph 3.0-6.5 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 15-23/23-32 mpg* Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars IntelliChoice Value Rating Above Average
Luxury Midsize Sedan MINOR Once the gold standard for driving dynamics in its segment, the BMW 5 Series has devolved into a relaxed boulevard cruiser, even in M550i guise. High-speed, long-distance driving and occupant coddling are now the sedan’s strengths. You won’t get much satisfaction throwing the 5 Series into corners—unless you opt for the beastly M5, which now has a Track mode and grin-inducing road manners. The latest 5 Series receives subtle exterior design updates, a 48-volt mild hybrid system for the 540i, and a more powerful plug-in hybrid system in the 530e that now generates 288 hp combined. In Sport mode, 530e’s boost feature adds 40 hp for 10 seconds. BMW’s latest iDrive system adds Android Auto compatibility and a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen on all models.
SCORE 7.8/10
Pros Plush ride, class-leading interior quality, slick multimedia tech Cons Road noise with 21-inch wheels, anonymous exterior styling
Luxury Midsize Sedan MAJOR The Mercedes-Benz E-Class delivers one of the most comprehensive lineups, including four body styles and multiple performance tiers. In addition to design tweaks, the refreshed E-Class offers upgraded driver assistance features and swaps the old COMAND system for the frustrating MBUX infotainment interface. One of the highlights is the expansion of Mercedes’ EQ-Boost mild hybrid system. The E 450 ditches the old V-6 for the 362-hp 3.0-liter mild hybrid turbo I-6, which promises improved fuel economy. For the first time, the rugged-looking E-Class All-Terrain joins the North American lineup, replacing the standard E-Class wagon. Thankfully, the fire-breathing AMG E 63 returns in sedan and wagon flavors to light our hearts (and hair) on fire.
SCORE 7.9/10
0-60 mph 3.5-6.0 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 16-24/20-32 mpg* Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars; IIHS: TSP+ IntelliChoice Value Rating Above Average
0-60 mph 5.0-6.6 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 21-28/31-32 mpg; 58/64 mpg-e (PHEV gas+electric) Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles IntelliChoice Value Rating Average
Pros Slick interior, great driver assistance technologies, supreme ride Cons Unwelcome road and wind noise, dull to drive
Luxury Midsize Sedan Base Price $55,925-$62,925 DISCONTINUED Long one of the slowest-selling midsize luxury sedans, the Acura RLX will be euthanized after the 2020 model year. Should you want to get one of the last examples before they’re gone, opt for the hybrid variant, which offers strong acceleration and superb fuel economy compared to the base V-6. Acura’s SH-AWD system is standard on hybrid models, giving the RLX all-weather traction. The spacious interior means no one will feel claustrophobic. Just make sure you’re fine with the dated infotainment system because the dual-touchscreen layout isn’t responsive to inputs, and the graphics are grainy.
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0-60 mph 4.9-5.8 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 20-28/29 mpg Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars IntelliChoice Value Rating Above Average
Pros Good handling, powerful hybrid system, roomy interior Cons Anonymous styling, dated infotainment system *estimated
Genesis G80
Luxury Midsize Sedan
SCORE Not Yet Ranked
Base Price $48,725-$60,125 MAJOR The second-generation Genesis G80 has been redesigned and is now underpinned by the brand’s latest rear-drive platform. Flaunting Genesis’ latest design language with a massive grille and slim LED headlights, the G80 stands out. A new engine lineup promises both improved efficiency and more power. The base 300-hp 2.5-liter turbo I-4 offers ample performance, but if you want more, there’s also a 375-hp 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6. Like the GV80 SUV, the G80 gets Genesis’ newest interior approach, complete with a massive 14.5-inch screen as the dash’s centerpiece and cool two-tone color schemes for the leather upholstery. A long list of standard features, including slick driver assistance and the latest multimedia technologies, should make the G80 a strong, value-packed proposition.
Jaguar XF SCORE Not Yet Ranked
Luxury Midsize Sedan Base Price $52,000-$73,000* MINOR Excellent driving dynamics remain a Jaguar hallmark. However, you get a stiff ride in exchange for the sportiness, and its standard tires give up cornering traction too easily. Jaguar’s supercharged V-6 is the engine to get in the XF, giving you the power to smoke that Sunday driver blocking you. The spacious interior and big trunk make the Jaguar XF surprisingly practical for carpooling. Just make sure you’re OK with the inconsistent interior build quality. The XF is due for a refresh, and we expect the car to get subtle exterior design updates. However, the wagon variant could be discontinued due to slow sales.
Maserati Ghibli SCORE Not Yet Ranked
0-60 mph 5.2-6.4 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 17-20/27-29 mpg* Basic Warranty 5 years/60,000 miles IntelliChoice Value Rating Below Average Pros Cool interior design, distinctive exterior, lots of standard features Cons Pricier than before, adaptive dampers only on V-6 models
0-60 mph 4.5-6.5 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 18-25/25-34 mpg Basic Warranty 5 years/60,000 miles IntelliChoice Value Rating Poor
Pros Excellent handling, attractive exterior, lots of passenger and cargo space Cons Insufficient standard tires, finicky multimedia system, inconsistent build quality
Luxury Midsize Sedan Base Price $71,000-$79,000* MINOR The Ghibli’s lively driving experience remains a highlight; between the sonorous V-6 engine and sporty handling, you get plenty of satisfaction pushing the car enthusiastically on your favorite winding road. Too bad the interior falls short due to the lack of attention to detail befitting a vehicle sporting a starting price over $70,000. Everything from the switches to the touchscreen came out of the FCA parts bin; Maserati didn’t even bother reskinning them to differentiate from less expensive vehicles. Word has it the Ghibli is getting another refresh; a 330-hp mild hybrid variant featuring a 2.0-liter turbo-four joins the Ghibli lineup.
0-60 mph 4.7-5.0 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 16-17/24 mpg* Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles
Pros Sweet-sounding V-6 engine, sporty handling, highly customizable Cons Stiff ride, poor interior quality, dull throttle response
Luxury Full-Size Sedans #1 Audi A8 SCORE 7.8/10
Luxury Full-Size Sedan Base Price $86,500-$130,500* MINOR Audi’s technological flagship offers a spacious, quiet cabin and a supple ride, which makes road trips a joy, especially for rear-seat passengers. A modern, user-friendly infotainment system puts the A8 ahead of its competitors. Meticulous attention to detail adds to the interior’s luxurious feel, especially at night with the ambient lighting activated. This year, the A8 gains additional standard features, including ventilated front seats, a phone holder, and a 360-degree-view parking camera system. Under the Audi A8’s conservative exterior design is a car that's perfect for tech lovers.
#2 Genesis G90 SCORE 7.6/10
Pros Supremely comfortable ride, excellent tech features, ultra-quick S8 model Cons Bland exterior styling, rough stop/ start system
Luxury Full-Size Sedan Base Price $73,000-$79,000* UNCHANGED The Genesis G90 recently received a significant refresh that introduced the new face of Genesis. A spacious, comfortable cabin with excellent sound insulation and spiffy appointments is your fortress of solitude on wheels. Superb ride quality smooths out road imperfections, giving the G90 relaxed road manners. Powerful engine options provide effortless acceleration despite the sedan’s size, making high-speed cruising a cinch. The long list of standard tech and safety features, many of which cost extra in European rivals, only strengthen the G90’s value proposition. Just make sure you’re fine with the angry mug.
*estimated
0-60 mph 3.8-5.4 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 13-21/22-27 mpg*; 41/61 mpg-e (PHEV gas+electric) Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles IntelliChoice Value Rating Poor
0-60 mph 5.0-5.4 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 15-17/23-25 mpg Basic Warranty 5 years/60,000 miles Safety IIHS: TSP+ IntelliChoice Value Rating Poor
Pros Generous standard features list, luxurious interior, smooth engines Cons Blaring new front fascia, unremarkable fuel efficiency OCTOBER 2020 MOTORTREND.COM 37
Luxury Full-Size Sedans #3 BMW 7 Series SCORE 7.3/10
Luxury Full-Size Sedan Base Price $87,795-$160,495 UNCHANGED BMW freshened its largest sedan last year and gave the car a bucktooth grille so massive that even orthodontists cringe. And that’s not the only identity crisis the 7 Series continues to suffer. The big Bimmer doesn’t ride as smoothly as you’d expect from a full-size luxury sedan, and the handling doesn’t make up for the sacrifice in comfort. At least the powertrains operate smoothly, and the interior consists of materials on par with the rest of the class. BMW’s latest iDrive infotainment system is refined and intuitive. The autobahn-storming Alpina B7 or V-12-powered M760i are the range’s most powerful and exclusive models.
#4 Lexus LS SCORE 7.2/10
Base Price $76,500-$86,000* MINOR For its size, the Lexus LS is surprisingly agile, especially in F Sport guise, but it comes at the cost of a stiff ride. The hybrid variants offer great fuel economy for a big sedan. Gorgeous interior appointments remain a highlight. Are wood and metal interior trim too plain? No worries, Lexus lets you get your LS with patterned cut-glass inlays and hand-folded silk panels, instead. Tight rear seats and a complicated infotainment system ruin an otherwise wonderful in-cabin experience. Lexus’ overly complicated RWD hybrid powertrain detracts from the LS’ refinement because it doesn’t operate smoothly. The refreshed LS could gain the Lexus Teammate driver assistance suite, which builds on the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 with extras such as automatic lane changing.
Base Price $61,000*
Lincoln Continental Base Price $47,300-$78,860
Maserati Quattroporte
0-60 mph 5.2-5.4 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 18/25 mpg Basic Warranty 5 years/60,000 miles
Pros Luxurious interior, strong value, composed road manners Cons Anonymous exterior, explaining to neighbors why you didn't get a Lexus
0-60 mph 5.4-6.9 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 16-18/24-27 mpg Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars; IIHS: TSP+ IntelliChoice Value Rating Average
Pros Spacious and well-built interior, strong engines, cool Coach Door Edition Cons Lazy transmission, need for more refinement, forgettable exterior styling
Luxury Full-Size Sedan Base Price $101,500-$128,500* UNCHANGED Think of the Maserati Quattroporte as a big performance car masquerading as a luxurious full-size sedan. Thanks to its sporty chassis, the Quattroporte is fun to drive on your favorite winding roads and the track. Sweet-sounding engines provide strong acceleration and plenty of satisfaction when you’re driving enthusiastically. However, that comes in trade for lacking the latest driver assistance and convenience features. Additionally, the Quattroporte’s fit and finish fall short for a fullsize luxury sedan with a six-figure starting price. The touchscreen and nearly every button, knob, and stalk come from FCA’s parts bin.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class SCORE Not Yet Ranked
Pros F Sport handling, hybrid fuel economy, exquisite interior quality Cons Infuriating multimedia system, tight rear seats, rough ride
Luxury Full-Size Sedan DISCONTINUED After four years on the market, the Lincoln Continental will be discontinued after the 2020 model year. With its elegantly appointed interior, the Continental was the first car to hint at Lincoln’s future direction. The comfortable ride, superb fit and finish, infinitely adjustable Perfect Position 30-way power front seats, and powerful 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 made the Continental a textbook example of a luxurious American cruiser. Unfortunately, the big sedan lacked the refinement of its European and Asian competitors. Just before Lincoln discontinued the Continental, a special Coach Door Edition with suicide doors like the classic ’60s model was announced. Only 230 were made over two years, and they immediately sold out despite the six-figure price tag.
SCORE Not Yet Ranked
0-60 mph 5.2-5.5 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 18-25/27-33 mpg Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles IntelliChoice Value Rating Below Average
Luxury Full-Size Sedan UNCHANGED Yes, we put a Kia on the luxury list. And if value remains important to you, the K900 should be on your list, as well. This big Kia impresses with a long list of standard equipment, a ride rivaling vehicles costing double or more, intuitive driver assistance and multimedia technologies, and a super-luxurious interior. Kia’s twin-turbo V-6 is plenty powerful, offering strong acceleration and zero drama. The nicely balanced suspension gives the K900 stable handling and good body control even with the adaptive dampers in Comfort+ mode. We’re not expecting any major changes to the K900 for 2021 since it’s only been on the market for a little over two years. The K900’s low sales volume will likely put it at the bottom of the priority list for updates.
SCORE Not Yet Ranked
Pros Smooth powertrains, plenty of standard features, good build quality Cons Stiff ride, unexciting handling, retina-searing grille
Luxury Full-Size Sedan
#5 Kia K900 SCORE 7.1/10
0-60 mph 3.6-5.2 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 13-22/20-29 mpg; 52/61 mpg-e (PHEV gas+electric) Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles IntelliChoice Value Rating Average
0-60 mph 4.4-5.0 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 15-17/22-24 mpg Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles
Pros Sporty driving dynamics, sweetsounding engines, track capability Cons Inconsistent build quality, cheap switchgear, lack of popular luxury features
Luxury Full-Size Sedan Base Price $94,500-$204,000* UNCHANGED There’s a reason the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is the class benchmark, though we haven’t had sufficient seat time to test and rank it. Between its opulent interior, stellar ride, and powerful engines, the S-Class does exactly what you want from a big luxury sedan and then some. AMG models up the performance ante without ruining the big Merc’s traditional virtues, perfect for those high-speed runs to your next destination. For those seeking the most luxurious S-Class, the Maybach models offer excessive lavishness to complement the sedan’s ability to make road imperfections disappear. A new S-Class could arrive in the U.S. next year.
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0-60 mph 3.4-5.4 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 13-21/21-28 mpg; 58/73 mpg-e (PHEV gas+electric) Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles IntelliChoice Value Rating Poor
Pros Exquisite interior, excellent ride, powerful AMG variants Cons High starting price, pricey optional assistance and convenience features *estimated
Performance Coupes #1 Ford Mustang SCORE 8.1/10
Performance Coupe Base Price $28,000-$71,500* MINOR The Mustang Mach-E electric SUV is the big news for 2021, but all it shares is the name. The loudest news belongs to the Mach 1. Based on the retired Bullitt, the Mach 1 bridges the GT and Shelby by offering more power than a GT, the GT350’s six-speed manual, upgraded cooling, and the choice of two performance-oriented suspension tunes. The Shelby GT350 is retired, but the new 760-hp GT500 ought to scratch that itch. Those who prefer the wind whipping through their hair will be disappointed that the Shelby GT500 is coupe-only, unlike the rival Camaro ZL1.
#2 Chevrolet Camaro SCORE 7.9/10
Base Price $25,995-$63,995 UNCHANGED Although the Mustang is making some pretty big moves for 2021, there aren’t any significant changes to its Chevy rival. A new Wild Cherry Design package is mostly just some red paint and stick-on stripes. Other changes for 2021 include standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging on some trim levels, and the extension of the 1LE Performance package to V-8 SS models with the 10-speed auto. The Camaro convertible package may not be as compelling as the Mustang, but it does offer the availability of the ZL1’s 650-hp engine.
Base Price $29,500-$82,000*
#4 Subaru BRZ Base Price $29,500-$32,500*
#5 Toyota 86
0-60 mph 3.5-6.0 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 13-19/21-30 mpg Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars IntelliChoice Value Rating Average
Pros More Hellcat-powered variants, available AWD, five actual seats Cons Less track-friendly than Mustang or Camaro, thirsty engines
0-60 mph 6.3 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 20-24/27-33 mpg Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars IntelliChoice Value Rating Poor
Pros Great learning tool, handles great, lack of power doesn’t hurt fun factor Cons Insufficient torque, pricier than the Toyota
Performance Coupe Base Price $28,000* UNCHANGED Originally the Scion FR-S and now under the Toyota umbrella since the Scion brand was shuttered, the 86 is the twin brother of the BRZ. For 2021, at most we expect to see minor exterior tweaks announced. Rumors persist that the 86 and the BRZ will enter their second generation in the 2022 model year with more power courtesy of a turbocharged engine. Likely sourced from the Subaru Outback and Ascent crossovers, expect upwards of 250 hp and a manual transmission. Stay tuned.
#6 Nissan 370Z SCORE 6.7/10
Pros Exceptional drive, lots of engine options, 1LE Performance package Cons Its new face, small trunk, cramped convertible variant
Performance Coupe UNCHANGED Subaru still won’t listen to our pleas for a turbo for its adequately powered compact coupe. The BRZ soldiers on with a 2.0-liter flat-four making 205 hp with the standard six-speed manual, or 200 hp with the optional six-speed automatic. There might be minor exterior tweaks to the BRZ’s front fenders, nose, taillights, and rear deck. If you can wait until 2022, however, things could change. For those who can’t, you’ll be pleased to know that you’re scoring one of the purest sports car experiences on the road.
SCORE 7.0/10
0-60 mph 3.5-5.2 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 13-22/20-31 mpg Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars IntelliChoice Value Rating Average
Performance Coupe MINOR How can a car this old still be this much fun? The new Challenger SRT Super Stock is a late addition to the tire-smoking lineup. Based heavily on the discontinued Demon and current Hellcat Redeye, the Super Stock is an 807-hp drag race special. Aside from the 10-hp increase versus the Redeye, the Super Stock gets a wide-body kit, 18 x 11-inch wheels with drag radials, a new final drive ratio, and a retuned suspension with softer spring rates designed to improve the Super Stock’s launches and give it AWD-like acceleration.
SCORE 7.0/10
Pros The Shelby lives up to Carroll’s legacy: look great, sound even better Cons Frequent gas station visits, stiffly sprung, “Cars and Coffee” infamy
Performance Coupe
#3 Dodge Challenger SCORE 7.7/10
0-60 mph 3.6-5.3 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 12-21/18-32 mpg Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars IntelliChoice Value Rating Above Average
0-60 mph 6.2-7.5 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 21-24/28-32 mpg Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Safety IIHS: Good IntelliChoice Value Rating Poor
Pros Cheaper than the Subie, great handling, loves being flung into corners Cons Feels slower than it actually is, the Subaru is better-looking
Performance Coupe Base Price $31,000-$46,500* UNCHANGED Were you expecting anything else? Whereas the similarly ancient Dodge Challenger has received new engines, drivetrains, and transmissions, today’s 370Z hasn’t changed much since its 2009 debut. However, the long-awaited 400Z is expected to arrive next year for the 2022 model year. The 400Z will likely share its powertrain and platform with the Infiniti Q60, which would mean a twin-turbo V-6 and the performance capability to credibly challenge the Camaro and Mustang.
0-60 mph 4.8 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 17-19/25-26 mpg Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles IntelliChoice Value Rating Below Average
Pros Punchy V-6, slick six-speed manual, it’s consistent Cons Poor ride quality, outdated cabin, expensive considering its age
Performance Convertibles
#1 Mazda MX-5 Miata #3 Fiat 124 Spider SCORE 8.3/10
SCORE 8.0/10
Base Price $27,500-$33,500* (MX-5); $27,000-$31,000* (124) UNCHANGED We’re tacking the Miata to the end of the coupes section because Mazda offers a retractable hard top on the MX-5, and its sibling, the Fiat 124 Spider, is virtually identical. When shopping for a small sports car on a budget, few cars on the road are as enjoyable as this iconic, spritely little ragtop. The new Special Edition Miata celebrates 100 years of the automaker with a special coat of white paint, a red cloth top, red interior accents, and distinct badging. (If you’re desperate for the full performance convertible ranking, the Ford Mustang convertible comes in second with 8.1/10, the 124 Spider 124 ranks third at 8.0, and the Camaro lands in fourth place at 7.8.)
Performance Convertibles 0-60 mph 5.7-6.4 sec (MX-5); 6.3 sec (124) EPA Econ City/Hwy 26/34-35 mpg (MX-5); 25-26/35-36 mpg (124) Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles (MX-5); 4 years/50,000 miles (124) IntelliChoice Value Rating Above Average (124) Pros Fun to drive, easy-to-flip soft top, efficient excitement, Fiat’s Abarth version Cons Miata suspension tuning, tiny cabin, options get expensive OCTOBER 2020 MOTORTREND.COM 39
Premium Performance Coupes #1 Chevrolet Corvette SCORE 8.4/10
Premium Performance Coupe Base Price $59,995-$78,945 UNCHANGED Our 2020 Car of the Year had its launch pushed back due to COVID-19, but kudos to Team Corvette for continuing to make minor tweaks and changes for 2021. The biggest news is that GM’s fantastic Magnetic Ride Control is now available on all Corvette trims independent of an option package. Chevy has also added new red and silver paints, as well as a variety of new stripe packages to the C8. The Corvette is available with a removable targa top (standard) or a folding hard top. It edges our second-place finisher by the narrowest of margins.
#2 Porsche 911 SCORE 8.4/10
Base Price $99,000-$205,000* MAJOR The 911 is an icon for a reason—over the past 57 years, Porsche has made it more efficient, more powerful, more livable, and more enjoyable. Available with five powertrain variations, two drivetrain configurations, and two transmission options—not to mention as a hardtop, a softtop, and Targa (back for 2021)—there’s a 911 for everyone. No matter which you choose, you’ll find your 911 is always pushing you to become a better driver. This year’s additions—the Turbo and Turbo S Coupe and Cabriolet, the Targa and its Heritage Edition—only make it better.
Base Price $43,945-$56,945 MINOR If you’re looking for a bargain in the premium performance coupe space, the Supra is it, especially considering the changes made for 2021. For starters, Toyota introduced a 255-hp turbo-four base model, dropping the starting price significantly. The turbo I-6-powered Supra also gets a power boost to 382 hp. More important, Toyota buckled down and fixed the Supra’s suspension; gone is the tail-wagging-the-dog sensation of the 2020 original. In its place is a planted, composed sports car. Early adopters should have waited.
Base Price $59,000-$100,550* MAJOR The 911 is the heart and soul of Porsche, but the mid-engine 718 Cayman and Boxster lineup has introduced thousands of enthusiasts to the Porsche sports car experience. No matter the powertrain, the 718 is an entertaining ride thanks to phenomenal steering and an exceptionally composed chassis. For 2021 Porsche has added new standard features such as Apple CarPlay and auto-dimming mirrors. There’s also the new 718 GTS 4.0 with a 394-hp naturally aspirated flat-six, which now splits the difference between the 718 T and Boxster Spyder and Cayman GT4.
Base Price $62,625-$104,225 MAJOR The F-Type has steadily lost its “U WOT M8?” edge since 2015, and the heavily revised 2021 F-Type finally seems to do away with it completely. With softer—though still attractive—sheetmetal, a more refined suspension tune, and a quieter exhaust note, there’s little doubt the F-Type is more manageable on a good road. But some of the raucous, childish fun is lost—which is entirely the point of cars in this class. Other changes for 2021 include a reworked interior with a 12.3-inch TFT display replacing the old analog instrument cluster.
Pros Relatively affordable, finally handles as it should, turbo-four a nice addition Cons The “nice BMW!” catcalls, barren interior, turbo-four misses trick suspension
0-60 mph 3.5-4.7 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 16-21/23-27 mpg Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles IntelliChoice Value Rating Excellent
Pros Track-ready, surprisingly practical, rewarding to drive Cons Base 718’s “angry Subaru” exhaust note, long gearing
0-60 mph 3.3-5.4 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 16-23/24-30 mpg Basic Warranty 5 years/60,000 miles IntelliChoice Value Rating Above Average
Pros Still a stunner, potent powertrains, comfortable GT car Cons It’s heavy, not quite as fun as it used to be, under-braked
Premium Performance Coupe Base Price $159,500* UNCHANGED Although rumors persist of a hotter NSX Type R, we’re not holding our breath that 2021 is the year. Instead, expect the Ohio-built hybrid supercar to get some minor trim and color changes. The current NSX got off to a rocky start, but the 2019 refresh fixed the issues we called out at launch. In our recent hybrid sports car comparison test, the NSX won, wowing us with its remarkable balance, supple ride, and raucous twin-turbo V-6–electric motor powertrain. Whenever the NSX Type R graces us with its presence, it’ll be working off some solid bones.
BMW 8 Series SCORE Not Yet Ranked
0-60 mph 3.9-5.0 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 22-24/30-32 mpg Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles IntelliChoice Value Rating Excellent
Premium Performance Coupe
Acura NSX SCORE Not Yet Ranked
Pros A variant for every buyer, iconic looks, goes like hell Cons Expensive starting price, skyrocketing options prices, back seat is a parcel shelf
Premium Performance Coupe
#5 Jaguar F-Type SCORE 7.7/10
0-60 mph 2.3-3.8 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 16-18/22-24 mpg* Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles IntelliChoice Value Rating Excellent
Premium Performance Coupe
#4 Porsche 718 SCORE 7.9/10
Pros An American supercar, exceptional body control, daily driver–friendly Cons Busy styling, prone to understeer, awkward brake-by-wire system
Premium Performance Coupe
#3 Toyota GR Supra SCORE 8.0/10
0-60 mph 2.8-3.3 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 15/27 mpg Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles IntelliChoice Value Rating Excellent
0-60 mph 3.0 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 21/22 mpg Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles IntelliChoice Value Rating Excellent
Pros Comfortable daily driver, relatively efficient, good deals abound Cons Explaining its tech, lack of storage, parts bin interior
Premium Performance Coupe Base Price $88,995-$157,500* UNCHANGED It appears the 8 Series lineup is finally complete. With the recent launch of the Gran Coupe sedan and the M8 coupe and roadster, we don’t expect BMW to do much more than add a few minor color and trim details for the 2021 model year. The 8 Series, no matter the version or body style, is a big, heavy luxury grand tourer. Although the M8—especially in Competition form—and M850i are jaw-droppingly good on a back road, both are a touch too heavy to be considered true sports cars.
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0-60 mph 3.3-4.7 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 15-23/21-30 mpg Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles IntelliChoice Value Rating Above Average Pros M8 Comp a great drifter, great powertrain options, burns up the highway Cons Steering could be better, complex infotainment, sterile interior *estimated
Premium Performance Coupes Lexus LC SCORE Not Yet Ranked
Premium Performance Coupe Base Price $93,975-$98,535 MINOR The LC remains one of the most stunning luxury GTs on the road three years after its launch. But the almost-there driving experience has been a big miss. The 2021 LC aims to right those wrongs. Lexus has made changes to the hybrid to smooth out its powertrain response, and both it and the V-8 car lose some weight and get a few suspension changes to improve this GT’s performance across all driving spectrums. Finally, Lexus has added a few new colors, such as a cool seaweed green hue. Oh, and a convertible version has arrived to let drivers soak up the sun.
Mercedes-AMG GT SCORE Not Yet Ranked
Base Price $117,000-$390,000* MAJOR The Mercedes-AMG GT is many things—a former Best Driver’s Car winner for starters—but it is not nearly as known as its vintage gullwinged predecessor. The new-for-2021 AMG GT Black Series aims to fix that. Available solely in coupe form (Merc also offers a variety of GT Roadsters), the GT Black Series is designed to dominate at racetracks. Changes include a new Panamericana-style grille, a park bench–sized rear wing, and an upgraded suspension. Oh, and did we mention it’ll have more than 700 hp from a twin-turbo V-8? Where do we sign up?
Audi A5 Base Price $44,995-$75,500* UNCHANGED The full A5 lineup received a major update for 2020, which improved both styling and technology but didn’t upgrade the cars to the three-screen interior design we’ve seen on the A6 and other new models. That will have to wait for later, as 2021 updates consist of a 13-hp boost on four-cylinder models courtesy of a mild hybrid system and the addition of wireless Apple CarPlay, lane departure warning, and a built-in toll road transponder to the standard feature list. The A5 is also available as a convertible and four-door hatchback.
Base Price $46,000-$104,000* MAJOR This new coupe continues BMW’s proclivity for increasing size in all the wrong places. Look past the enormous grille as quickly as possible, and you may notice the 2021 model is larger all around. However, it also has less headroom inside and a smaller trunk than before. It’s heavier, too. Thankfully, it also has more power to make up for it, particularly in the M440i model with its 48-volt mild hybrid–enhanced six-cylinder engine. The high-performance M4 model is expected to make its debut either late in the 2021 model year or as an early 2022.
Base Price $42,500-$60,000* UNCHANGED Infiniti’s coupe is both its sportiest and prettiest vehicle, which says something about both Infiniti performance and styling because neither is a knockout. Thankfully, the dual-screen infotainment system got a much-needed upgrade for the 2020 model year, but despite bringing the upper screen up to date, tech-wise, it did little to improve functionality. At least it made Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard. A major overhaul is expected for the 2022 model year.
*estimated
Pros Impeccable build quality, excellent tech, incredible RS 5 Cons Underwhelming dynamics for A5 and S5, still lacking next-gen interior
0-60 mph 3.5-5.5 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 17-23/23-34 mpg* Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles IntelliChoice Value Rating Average
Pros More powerful than ever, latest tech, standard safety equipment Cons Face only a mother could love, bigger exterior but smaller interior and trunk
0-60 mph 4.8-5.4 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 19-20/26-28 mpg Basic Warranty 4 years/60,000 miles IntelliChoice Value Rating Poor Pros Best-looking car Infiniti makes, strong engine Cons Underwhelming handling, underwhelming interior, frustrating infotainment system
Luxury Compact Coupe Base Price $42,500-$66,000* UNCHANGED The smaller of the two Lexus coupes is also the sportier, and that’s especially true if you go for one of the RC F variants. Saddled with a heavy platform due to a planned convertible variant that never saw the light of day, weight tarnishes the performance and handling of every RC. Likewise, an aging interior and difficult infotainment system hurt its appeal. 2021 updates will be limited to special editions even though the mechanically related IS sedan got a relatively serious overhaul.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class SCORE Not Yet Ranked
0-60 mph 3.7-5.2 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 18-24/25-32 mpg Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles
Luxury Compact Coupe
Lexus RC SCORE Not Yet Ranked
Pros Less common than a 911, surprisingly comfortable, gorgeous cabin Cons Loud interior, base transmission can be laggy, explaining what it is
Luxury Compact Coupe
Infiniti Q60 SCORE Not Yet Ranked
0-60 mph 3.0-3.2 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 14-16/19-22 mpg* Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles IntelliChoice Value Rating Poor
Luxury Compact Coupe
BMW 4 Series SCORE Not Yet Ranked
Pros Exceptional interior, swoopy design, great V-8 Cons Hybrid suspension tuning, underpowered hybrid version
Premium Performance Coupe
Luxury Compact Coupes SCORE Not Yet Ranked
0-60 mph 4.7-4.8 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 16-26/25-34 mpg Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles IntelliChoice Value Rating Above Average
0-60 mph 4.3-7.0 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 16-21/24-30 mpg Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles IntelliChoice Value Rating Average Pros RC F’s wonderful V-8 engine note, standard safety equipment Cons Too heavy, frustrating infotainment system, dated interior
Luxury Compact Coupe Base Price $47,000-$77,500* MAJOR An all-new C-Class was expected for 2021 but at press time is suspected to have been delayed by the pandemic. Recently spotted prototypes show new exterior styling and an overhauled interior derived from the next-gen S-Class scheduled to make its debut soon. A massive center touchscreen should up the tech factor, and AMG models are expected to receive everything from standard AWD to a 416-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine to a hybridized twin-turbo V-8.
0-60 mph 3.7-6.2 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 17-22/26-31 mpg* Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles IntelliChoice Value Rating Below Average Pros Classy yet sporty looks, loaded with tech, incredible performance Cons Gets expensive real fast, needlessly firm sport suspension OCTOBER 2020 MOTORTREND.COM 41
Subcompact SUVs #1 Kia Soul SCORE 8.7/10
Subcompact SUV Base Price $18,610-$28,670 UNCHANGED The Soul doesn’t sacrifice practicality in the name of style. In its latest iteration, the Soul has matured into one of the most well-rounded vehicles in its segment thanks to improved road manners and one of the best infotainment systems available. Kia has strengthened the Soul’s value proposition with the addition of more standard driver assistance features on lower trims. For consumers in search of a quirky SUV sporting an alternative powertrain, the powerful, 243-mile Soul EV is expected to join the lineup soon. The Soul EV will be the only model to feature an independent rear suspension instead of a torsion beam. Quibbles? The Soul’s profile creates excessive wind noise, and the interior has plenty of hard plastics. And although it’s an SUV, there’s no AWD.
#2 Subaru Crosstrek SCORE 8.3/10
Base Price $23,295-$29,045
#3 Mazda CX-30 Base Price $23,000-$24,500*
#4 Hyundai Kona Base Price $21,500-$38,500*
#5 Honda HR-V
0-60 mph 7.6-7.8 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 24-25/31-33 mpg Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars; IIHS: TSP IntelliChoice Value Rating Average
Pros Well-built interior, good ride and handling, attractive styling Cons Limited cargo space, lane keeping assist intervenes too late
0-60 mph 6.4-8.3 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 25-28/29-33 mpg*; 258 miles/120 mpg-e* (electric) Basic Warranty 5 years/60,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars; IIHS: TSP IntelliChoice Value Rating Below Average Pros Sporty handling, punchy turbo engine option, intuitive multimedia system Cons Limited cargo space, low ground clearance, plasticky interior
Subcompact SUV Base Price $22,000-$30,000* MINOR The HR-V’s trump card is its flexibility and practicality. Based on the Fit hatchback, Honda’s smallest SUV maximizes interior space by mounting the fuel tank under the front seats. That allows rear seat cushions to flip up and allow seat backs to fold down low and flat. Together with a cabin shaped for maximum capacity, you can haul plenty of stuff in the HR-V. The 2020 car we ranked feels underpowered, and the interior gets noisy at highway speeds. We hope an upcoming refresh addresses these noteworthy shortcomings. For 2021, the Honda HR-V gets a new alloy wheel design on the Sport and higher grades.
#6 Nissan Kicks SCORE 7.6/10
Pros Great on- and off-road performance, standard driver assist, spacious interior Cons Underpowered base engine, bland exterior styling
Subcompact SUV UNCHANGED If sportiness and distinct styling are what you’re after in a subcompact SUV, place the Hyundai Kona on your shopping list. Available in gas and electric variants, the Kona offers surprisingly engaging driving dynamics, especially with the available turbocharged engine or the electric drive. Tech lovers can rejoice because Hyundai’s multimedia system is one of the best in the class, even in base form. If you haul a lot of gear, though, keep in mind that the Kona doesn’t have much space even with the rear seats folded. A limited-production Night Edition model joins the Kona lineup for 2021.
SCORE 7.6/10
0-60 mph 8.0-9.8 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 22-36/29-35 mpg; 99/80 mpg-e (PHEV gas+electric)* Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars; IIHS: TSP IntelliChoice Value Rating Excellent
Subcompact SUV MINOR Slotting between the CX-3 and CX-5 in Mazda’s SUV lineup, the oddly named CX-30 features a well-built interior and attractive exterior styling. The CX-30 is great to drive, offering spirited handling without sacrificing ride comfort. Underpinned by the Mazda’s newest compact car platform, think of the CX-30 as a Mazda3 hatch with a slight lift kit. Shorter in length and slightly more upright than the 3, the CX-30 can easily squeeze into tight urban roadways. However, interior space is a weak point; there’s not enough room for cargo and passengers due to the low roofline. Mazda’s new infotainment system forces you to use a set of knobs and buttons instead of a touchscreen. Thankfully, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard across the board.
SCORE 7.7/10
Pros Spacious interior, good ride and handling, intuitive multimedia system Cons Noisy interior, pricey turbo model, cheap interior materials, no AWD
Subcompact SUV MINOR A MotorTrend favorite, the Subaru Crosstrek is one of the best subcompact SUVs around. Thanks to a spacious cabin, balanced ride and handling, and good off-road capability, the Crosstrek does everything you expect and then some. Now available with a 182-hp 2.5-liter flat-four, the Crosstrek finally gets the power we’ve wanted from the small Subaru. Get the new Sport trim for cool yellow interior accents and contrast stitching, or go for the range-topping Limited grade if you want the extra grunt. Base and Premium models retain the underpowered 2.0-liter, which struggles to get the Crosstrek up to speed on the highway. There’s also a plug-in hybrid variant, but the battery cuts into cargo space significantly, making this version of the Crosstrek less practical.
SCORE 7.7/10
0-60 mph 6.5-8.3 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 25-29/31-35 mpg; 243 miles/114 mpg-e (electric) Basic Warranty 5 years/60,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 4 Stars; IIHS: TSP IntelliChoice Value Rating Above Average
0-60 mph 8.5-9.5 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 26-28/31-34 mpg Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars IntelliChoice Value Rating Above Average
Pros Spacious interior, excellent fuel economy, versatile seating configurations Cons Underpowered engine, cheap-feeling interior, noisy cabin
Subcompact SUV Base Price $20,500-$23,000* MINOR Strong value defines the Kicks thanks to its long list of standard features, including many active safety technologies. For just over $20,000, it proves that affordable transportation doesn’t always equal a penalty box. A compliant ride, secure handling, and excellent fuel economy make the Kicks a superb daily driver for city dwellers—and the available Bose sound system is excellent. The 122-hp engine, however, is short on power and requires patience to get up to speed. The 2021 model should benefit from updated styling and possibly additional safety and convenience tech. Winter tires are a must in the Snow Belt, as there is no AWD.
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0-60 mph 9.7 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 31/36 mpg Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles IntelliChoice Value Rating Average
Pros Generous standard equipment, good ride and handling, excellent fuel economy Cons Cheap interior, noisy cabin, frontwheel drive only *estimated
Subcompact SUVs #7 Hyundai Venue SCORE 7.5/10
Subcompact SUV Base Price $18,500* UNCHANGED Think of the Venue as Hyundai’s replacement for the Accent hatchback. Sharing a platform with the Kona and Accent sedan, the Venue is smaller than a Kona and has a tidy 99.2-inch wheelbase. Even the 121-hp 1.6-liter I-4 under the hood is the same one found in the Accent. Available only with front-wheel drive, the Venue offers plenty of value thanks to a generous list of standard equipment at a price that may make you think twice about the used car you’re considering. Features such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and automatic emergency braking are included in the base Venue. However, that low entry point comes at a cost; the interior is packed with hard plastic, the ride is harsh, and it can get very noisy. At least the Venue gets great gas mileage.
Base Price $29,950-$42,350
0-60 mph 4.9-9.3 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 23-29/30-33 mpg; MINOR The Countryman is one of the most customizable subcompact SUVs available thanks to a wide range of accessories and color schemes 74/72 mpg-e (PHEV gas+electric) Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles to choose from. Great handling adds to its overall personality, provided IntelliChoice Value Rating Average you can tolerate the stiff suspension, especially in S and JCW grades. The JCW model got a power boost last year to 301 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque, up 73 hp and 73 lb-ft, respectively. Unfortunately, the manual transmission has been dropped from the Countryman lineup. Mini recently Pros Good handling, appealing exterior refreshed the Countryman, adding cool LED taillights with a Union Jack design, roomy interior pattern, an available digital instrument cluster, and new interior color combinations. Be careful, though: Because the Countryman is a bit more Cons Underpowered base engine, lack of cargo space, disappointing hybrid mpg premium than other small SUVs, the price can climb quickly with options.
#9 Jeep Compass SCORE 6.9/10
Subcompact SUV Base Price $24,000-$33,500* UNCHANGED The Compass is one of only a few off-road-oriented entries in the subcompact SUV segment. Despite car-based underpinnings, the Compass drives like it’s a bigger SUV. Ride comfort isn’t sacrificed in favor of off-road capability; the Compass remains compliant on the pavement. Unfortunately, the unrefined powertrain is the Compass’ Achilles’ heel. The 2.4-liter I-4 struggles to move the SUV around, and the available nine-speed automatic is uncooperative. Its heft doesn’t help things, either. Two examples we’ve tested weighed in over 3,600 pounds, which is heavy for a subcompact SUV—even one that skews toward the larger end of the spectrum. Other than packaging changes and a special edition model, we don’t expect anything new for the Compass.
#10 Toyota C-HR SCORE 6.9/10
Base Price $22,500*
#11 Nissan Rogue Sport Base Price $24,500-$31,500*
#12 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
*estimated
Pros Good off-road capability, smooth ride, user-friendly multimedia system Cons Unrefined powertrain, cheap interior, unremarkable performance
0-60 mph 10.1 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 27/31 mpg Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars IntelliChoice Value Rating Above Average
Pros Good chassis, lots of standard equipment Cons Claustrophobic interior, minimal cargo space, underpowered engine
Subcompact SUV UNCHANGED Called the Qashqai in other parts of the world, the Rogue Sport is a tweener SUV that slots between the Kicks and the standard Rogue. Unfortunately, that’s created a compromised vehicle that falls behind the rest of the class. A dated-looking interior with subpar materials keeps the SUV’s cabin from feeling fresh. The Rogue Sport is far from sporty because of its soft, floaty suspension. An underpowered engine leaves this little rig feeling sluggish, and fuel economy lags both the Kicks and the standard Rogue. For 2021, the base model gets 17-inch alloys (instead of the 2020 model’s 16-inch steel wheels).
SCORE 6.8/10
0-60 mph 9.4-10.5 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 22-23/30-32 mpg Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 4 Stars IntelliChoice Value Rating Average
Subcompact SUV UNCHANGED If standing out is the only thing you want out of a vehicle, consider the Toyota C-HR. However, all that style comes at a steep cost. The rakish exterior sacrifices interior space, giving the C-HR minimal cargo and passenger space and atrocious outward visibility. The C-HR doesn’t make up for its impracticality in the driving experience, either. An underpowered engine generally feels strained, and its steering isn’t linear, detracting from an otherwise solid chassis. A poorly tuned CVT and lack of all-wheel drive further exacerbate the C-HR’s inability to back its unconventional looks with substance.
SCORE 6.8/10
Pros Distinctive exterior styling, good fuel economy, affordable starting price Cons Stiff ride, cramped rear seats, noisy at highway speeds
Subcompact SUV
#8 Mini Countryman SCORE 7.3/10
0-60 mph 8.8 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 27-30/33-35 mpg Basic Warranty 5 years/60,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 4 Stars
0-60 mph 9.8 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 24-25/30-32 mpg Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles IntelliChoice Value Rating Poor
Pros Comfortable ride, lots of safety features Cons Subpar fuel economy, poor off-road performance, underpowered engine
Subcompact SUV Base Price $24,000-$30,000* UNCHANGED If the polarizing exterior design doesn’t make you cringe, the Eclipse Cross’ lack of competitiveness will. This oddball SUV suffers from cheap interior materials, an unintuitive multimedia system, and middling cargo space complete with a Prius-like double rear window setup. Things don’t get better out on the road. The 1.5-liter turbo I-4 is underpowered and inefficient regardless of the drivetrain configuration. It doesn't offer much cargo room, either; its 48.9 cubes with the seats down is unimpressive even for a small SUV. A refreshed Eclipse Cross with a revamped interior and infotainment system arrives next year.
0-60 mph 8.8-9.0 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 25-26/26-29 mpg Basic Warranty 5 years/60,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars IntelliChoice Value Rating Below Average
Pros Easy to maneuver in town, wellequipped midlevel SE trim Cons Underpowered engine, poor ride and handling, cheap interior OCTOBER 2020 MOTORTREND.COM 43
Subcompact SUVs #13 Jeep Renegade SCORE 6.5/10
Subcompact SUV Base Price $24,000-$32,000* UNCHANGED Small and adorably styled, the Jeep Renegade excels when the pavement ends. You’ll go far off the beaten path, especially in the Trailhawk model, which gets specific suspension tweaks and extra ground clearance. An intuitive multimedia system helps the Renegade appeal to a younger audience. The trade-off, however, is sloppy on-road handling and an unrefined powertrain with excessive amounts of lag. Although the optional 1.3-liter turbo-four provides good power, you can’t exploit the mill’s generous midrange torque because of the nine-speed automatic’s lazy responses and hesitation to downshift. Other than the usual special editions and possible equipment changes, the Renegade is expected to carry over unchanged.
#14 Fiat 500X SCORE 6.4/10
Pros Off-road capability, user-friendly infotainment system, cute exterior styling Cons Unrefined powertrain, poor fuel economy, sloppy on-road handling
Subcompact SUV Base Price $26,000* UNCHANGED The Fiat 500X is cute and packed with character, especially in bright exterior colors. Unfortunately, the goodness ends there because of a poorly tuned transmission that amplifies the engine’s turbo lag. Even with AWD standard, the 500X’s driving experience isn’t particularly noteworthy. Throw the little SUV into a corner, and it’ll plow through it. Poor body control makes you feel like you’re getting thrown around and won’t give you confidence once the road starts turning. Numb, disconnected steering keeps the 500X from being fun to drive. Further complicating things, the suspension bounces you around even on the smallest road imperfection. The vibrant interior falls short, too. Hard seats, cheap plastics, and flimsy-feeling controls complete the package.
#15 Ford EcoSport SCORE 6.3/10
0-60 mph 8.9-9.3 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 21-24/27-32 mpg Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 4 Stars IntelliChoice Value Rating Below Average
0-60 mph 8.3 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 24/30 mpg Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles IntelliChoice Value Rating Below Average
Pros Expressive exterior styling, standard AWD, intuitive multimedia system Cons Cramped interior, poorly tuned suspension, unrefined powertrain
Subcompact SUV Base Price $21,435-$29,155 UNCHANGED A user-friendly multimedia system and ease of parking are the only appeals of the Ford EcoSport. Everything else falls short. Underpowered engines make accelerating and passing a struggle. To make matters worse, both engine choices are inefficient. The EcoSport delivers sloppy road manners and a tipsy feel through turns. To make things worse, the EcoSport doesn’t ride well; even the smallest bump upsets the little SUV, and it crashes over potholes. For the 2021 model year, a six-way power driver’s seat is now standard on the SES and above trims, and an ActiveX faux leather is included on the Titanium model. A side-opening cargo door makes it impossible to carry long items and complicates loading and unloading your stuff.
Chevrolet Trailblazer SCORE Not Yet Ranked
Base Price $19,995-$27,895
Kia Seltos
0-60 mph 8.5-10.0 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 26-29/30-33 mpg Basic Warranty 3 Years/36,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 4 Stars
Pros Good infotainment system, cool exterior styling, spacious interior Cons Not very powerful, base engine isn’t fuel efficient
Subcompact SUV Base Price $23,110-$29,010 ALL-NEW The Seltos arrives as a strong contender in the subcompact SUV class. The new Kia’s slightly larger footprint gives it a spacious interior that matches some vehicles a class above. Kia’s infotainment system continues to shine thanks to its ease of use even with the SX’s 10.3-inch touchscreen. Although it shares many parts with the Hyundai Kona, the Seltos distinguishes itself with AWD standard on all but the S grade, and it has a longer wheelbase. AWD-equipped models get an independent rear suspension for improved ride and handling, replacing the torsion beam on the FWD S model. Choosing the turbo engine infuses the Seltos with quick acceleration. Just make sure you’re OK with the seven-speed dualclutch automatic’s clunky operation.
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Pros User-friendly infotainment system, easy to park Cons Inconvenient side-opening cargo door, underpowered engines
Subcompact SUV ALL-NEW The Trailblazer nameplate returns as a subcompact SUV slotting below the Trax in price. Beyond the standard trims, two distinct flavors are available: Activ and RS, the former of which gets unique shock tuning and quasi-all-terrain tires. The Trailblazer has generous interior space, and the cabin features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, as well as a responsive touchscreen. The Trailblazer is offered with one of two turbocharged three-cylinder options; the more powerful one makes the SUV feel punchy and responsive after some initial turbo lag and a noticeable amount of vibration. Despite that, the Trailblazer shows real potential in a huge segment. AWD is available with the 155-hp 1.3-liter unit, which gets a nine-speed automatic instead of a CVT.
SCORE Not Yet Ranked
0-60 mph 9.9-10.7 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 23-27/29 mpg* Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 4 stars IntelliChoice Value Rating Below Average
0-60 mph 7.3-8.5 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 25-29/30-34 mpg Basic Warranty 5 years/60,000 miles
Pros Great ride and handling, roomy interior, intuitive multimedia system Cons Build quality could be better, turbo model’s transmission isn’t smooth *estimated
Compact SUVs #1 Honda CR-V SCORE 8.5/10
Compact SUV Base Price $26,000-$36,000* UNCHANGED The CR-V remains the class benchmark because it does nearly everything well. A roomy cabin packed with clever storage solutions provides families exceptional flexibility. Sporty handling, good steering feel, and a comfortable ride give the Honda impressive road manners. Both powertrain options also offer a nice balance of power and efficiency. If you’re into tech, however, the CR-V will likely fall short. The dated infotainment system is slow to respond to inputs, and the main touchscreen is small by today’s standards. A hybrid version arrived for 2020 with more power than the base turbocharged engine and boosted fuel economy ratings. AWD is also standard on the CR-V Hybrid, as are the virtues that make the standard CR-V such a strong contender.
#2 Mazda CX-5 SCORE 8.3/10
Base Price $26,500-$38,500*
#3 Subaru Forester Base Price $25,500-$35,500*
#4 Jeep Wrangler Base Price $30,000-$52,500*
#5 Toyota RAV4
0-60 mph 8.3 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 26/33 mpg Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 stars; IIHS: TSP+ IntelliChoice Value Rating Above Average
Pros Spacious interior, AWD standard, lots of standard active-safety features Cons Underpowered engine, conservative design, infotainment screen interface
0-60 mph 6.9-8.0 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 17-22/23-29 mpg* Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles IntelliChoice Value Rating Excellent
Pros Excellent off-road, intuitive multimedia system, cool retro styling Cons Loose steering, gets expensive quickly, noisy interior
Compact SUV Base Price $27,000-$42,500* MINOR Toyota is spanning the spectrum here. Beyond the core model with its great interior design, mix of materials, and ergonomics, the RAV4 offers an Adventure trim for an outdoorsy look and a TRD Off-Road package for those who want to get muddy. If maximum efficiency is important, the RAV4 Prime (pictured) boasts 42 miles of all-electric range, an estimated 600 miles of total range, and impressive acceleration. All that said, the RAV4’s ride is jolty, and the engine thrashes while it generates power. Changes include the addition of an XLE Premium trim on the RAV4 Hybrid, plus a new skidplate for the RAV4 TRD Off-Road.
#6 Ford Escape SCORE 7.7/10
Pros Attractive exterior, powerful turbo engine, sporty handling Cons Underwhelming base engine, finicky infotainment, tight interior space
Compact SUV UNCHANGED Between the easily recognizable exterior design and legendary off-road capability, the Wrangler blends heritage and the ability to go anywhere. The current Wrangler has gained many refinements, including an improved on-road ride and one of the best infotainment systems in the industry. Available diesel and turbocharged engines blend good fuel economy and power. However, the SUV still has some shortcomings; the loose steering makes the Wrangler hard to keep centered at highway speeds, and the interior lacks sound deadening even with the optional hard top. Our 2019 SUV of the Year.
SCORE 7.8/10
0-60 mph 6.4-8.3 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 22-25/27-31 mpg Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars; IIHS: TSP+ IntelliChoice Value Rating Above Average
Compact SUV UNCHANGED The Forester prioritizes safety and sensibility, making it a solid family SUV. A spacious interior ensures you can fit a lot of gear in the back while retaining enough room for a baby seat or two. Credit the Forester’s boxy profile and squared-off cargo area for its versatility and practicality. Subaru’s EyeSight driver assistance suite, which is standard, gives you peace of mind on the road. Too bad the 2.5-liter flat-four is sluggish and doesn’t accelerate with any authority. The CVT works hard to get the most out of the engine; however, the transmission can sometimes feel jerky when accelerating from a standstill. Changes this year include adaptive LED headlights and automatic high-beams as standard on all models. The Forester is a solid value.
SCORE 8.0/10
Pros Great driving dynamics, spacious interior, excellent fuel efficiency Cons Dated infotainment system, limited towing capacity
Compact SUV MINOR Mazda’s strong-selling CX-5 remains one of the most attractive and sportiest compact SUVs available. Responsive handling, good body control, and communicative steering make the CX-5 the driver’s choice. Thanks to the well-tuned suspension, the CX-5 rides superbly, too. Higher trims deliver an interior with near-luxury levels of material quality and a powerful turbocharged engine. Beware the infotainment system’s steep learning curve and the high price tag on upper grades. Interior space for people and stuff is limited because of the swoopy exterior styling. Expect Mazda to continue giving the CX-5 updates. Word has it that Mazda may add a larger screen to the infotainment system beyond the 7.0- and 8.0-inch displays available on the 2020 model.
SCORE 8.2/10
0-60 mph 7.5-7.7 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 27-40/32-35 mpg Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars; IIHS: TSP IntelliChoice Value Rating: Above Average
0-60 mph 5.8-8.2 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 25-41/32-38 mpg*; 105/84 mpg-e (PHEV gas+electric) Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars; IIHS: TSP IntelliChoice Value Rating Above Average Pros Excellent fuel economy, generous standard driver assist tech Cons Choppy ride, unrefined base engine, expensive options list
Compact SUV Base Price $26,000-$40,000* UNCHANGED The Escape remains one of the sportier compact SUVs thanks to its carlike handling. Available hybrid versions provide excellent fuel economy, and the long list of standard driver assistance technologies gives you an extra set of eyes on the road. Should you want more power, the Escape is available with a 250-hp 2.0-liter turbo-four on the SEL and Titanium grades. Too bad the Escape’s interior isn’t a place where you want to spend time. Excessive hard plastics all over the cabin (even on higher trims) exudes an aura of cheapness. Other than reshuffled packaging and cosmetic tweaks, the Escape is unchanged.
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0-60 mph 6.9-8.7 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 23-44/31-38 mpg; 109/91 mpg-e (PHEV gas+electric) Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars; IIHS: TSP IntelliChoice Value Rating Below Average Pros Good handling, lots of standard driver assistance tech, available hybrid Cons Unrefined base engine, cheap interior, uncomfortable seats *estimated
Compact SUVs #7 Hyundai Tucson SCORE 7.6/10
Compact SUV Base Price $25,000-$34,500* UNCHANGED The Hyundai Tucson sets itself apart by being easy to live with. An agreeable ride makes commuting a cinch. Higher trims treat you to a nicely finished interior. The infotainment system is one of the most intuitive to use. Unfortunately, the Tucson’s fuel economy lags behind nearly every vehicle in the segment—odd because neither engine option offers zesty acceleration. If you’re patient, a next-gen Tucson will arrive as a 2022 model underpinned by a new platform and more powerful engines. The next-generation Tucson is expected to offer a fuel-efficient hybrid variant for those wanting to maximize economy. Parents looking to get the kids to practice quickly may also be in luck because a speedy N-Line flavor is rumored to be in the cards, too.
#8 Kia Sportage SCORE 7.6/10
Base Price $25,000-$36,000* UNCHANGED Quirky looks and generous standard equipment allow the Kia Sportage to stand out. Kia’s infotainment system deserves credit for being easy to use and intuitively laid out. Unfortunately, the Sportage’s poor fuel economy—even with the less powerful base engine—keeps it from becoming a class leader. Additionally, the cramped interior sacrifices cargo capacity and rear-seat space, limiting the Sportage’s practicality. Although the suspension provides good ride and handling on most surfaces, it tends to get floaty over freeway expansion joints and big bumps. For 2021, the S trim will be available with the Nightfall Edition package, which adds black exterior trim pieces and tailgate badges, plus 18-inch alloy wheels with blacked-out center caps.
Base Price $26,500-$35,000*
#10 Chevrolet Equinox Base Price $25,000-$37,000*
#11 GMC Terrain
0-60 mph 8.0-8.5 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 25-28/33-34 mpg* Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles
Pros Roomy interior, excellent fuel economy, available semi-autonomous driving assists Cons No off-road or hybrid variants
0-60 mph 6.6-9.5 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 22-26/28-31 mpg Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars; IIHS: TSP IntelliChoice Value Rating Poor
Pros Powerful 2.0-liter turbo I-4, userfriendly infotainment system, roomy interior Cons Cheap build quality, sloppy handling, noisy cabin
Compact SUV Base Price $26,500-$41,000* MINOR The GMC Terrain distinguishes itself from its sibling, the Chevy Equinox, with slightly better materials, a boxier greenhouse, and superior powertrain calibrations—but it’s not worth the extra dosh. Both engine options play well with the nine-speed automatic, giving the Terrain more robust acceleration. Choose the optional 252-hp 2.0-liter turbofour if you want your Terrain to have quick straight-line performance. Downsides? The Denali trim’s large alloy wheels hurt ride quality, and the interior is drab even in two-tone options. For 2021, GMC’s Safety Pro Plus driver assistance suite is now standard on all models.
*estimated
Pros User-friendly infotainment, plentiful standard equipment, ride and handling Cons Poor fuel economy, floaty suspension, cramped interior
Compact SUV MINOR The Equinox lags behind the rest of the segment for multiple reasons. Poor road manners, a noisy base engine, and an uncooperative transmission make driving the Chevy a chore. The interior, though spacious, reeks of cheap materials and lets in excessive amounts of road noise. The 2.0-liter turbo I-4 and nine-speed automatic improve the driving experience at the cost of fuel economy. At least the infotainment system is user-friendly and responsive and has logical controls with shortcut buttons. Changes on the 2022 Equinox include an RS trim, a new front fascia, and expanded availability of driver assistance features.
SCORE 7.1/10
0-60 mph 8.1-9.0 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 19-23/24-30 mpg Basic Warranty 5 years/60,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars; IIHS: TSP IntelliChoice Value Rating Average
Compact SUV MAJOR The next-gen Rogue marks the start of Nissan’s product offensive. As the brand’s top-selling product in the U.S., the Rogue unveils a slew of new technologies, including an updated infotainment system with larger touchscreens, an optional digital gauge cluster, and a head-up display. Higher trims get an upgraded ProPilot Assist semi-autonomous driving assist that uses navigation data to anticipate turns, allowing the Rogue to corner smoothly while the system is active. A new range-topping Platinum trim offers upscale appointments with semi-aniline leather upholstery in both rows. Although the 2.5-liter I-4 under the hood is new, it’s only slightly more powerful than the outgoing mill. We look forward to seeing whether the 2021 Rogue can improve upon the 2020 model’s ninth-place finish in our rankings.
SCORE 7.2/10
Pros Intuitive multimedia system, good road manners, higher trims’ luxurious interiors Cons Poor fuel economy, slow acceleration, merely competent
Compact SUV
#9 Nissan Rogue SCORE 7.3/10 (2020)
0-60 mph 8.8-9.7 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 21-23/25-28 mpg Basic Warranty 5 years/60,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars; IIHS: TSP IntelliChoice Value Rating Average
0-60 mph 6.8-9.2 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 21-26/26-30 mpg Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars IntelliChoice Value Rating Below Average
Pros Spacious interior, good powertrains, intuitive infotainment system Cons Stiff ride, finicky gear selector, middling fuel economy OCTOBER 2020 MOTORTREND.COM 47
Compact SUVs #12 Volkswagen Tiguan SCORE 7.0/10
Compact SUV Base Price $26,000-$40,000 UNCHANGED You’d think the Volkswagen Tiguan would be a solid compact-plus-size SUV because it shares MQB underpinnings with the excellent Golf family. Unfortunately, that’s not the case; the Tiguan’s slick tech features, handsomely appointed cabin, and high-speed stability can’t make up for its weaknesses. An underpowered engine is barely enough to motivate the Tiguan. The eight-speed automatic transmission paired to the standard 2.0-liter turbo-four constantly makes rough shifts and hesitates to downshift, preventing you from getting the most out of the engine’s limited output. To add insult to injury, the Tiguan’s fuel economy ratings are poor, and it has sloppy handling. We hope the refreshed 2022 model addresses the current car’s shortcomings.
#13 Jeep Cherokee SCORE 6.9/10
Base Price $27,500-$39,500* UNCHANGED Off-road capability remains one of the Jeep Cherokee’s strengths, especially in Trailhawk guise, which has additional ground clearance, a retuned suspension, and extra goods to help it tackle rough terrain. The available 3.2-liter V-6 and 2.0-liter turbo-four provide good power and improve the Cherokee’s performance off the beaten path. Unfortunately, the trade-off is a trucklike feel on the pavement. Across the lineup, the interior doesn’t have much cargo capacity and is riddled with cheap materials on lower trims, but FCA’s Uconnect interface is easy to use and responsive with the standard 7.0-inch touchscreen or optional 8.4-inch unit. Other than some equipment reshuffling and maybe a special edition, don't expect major changes on the 2021 model.
0-60 mph 6.6-9.5 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 18-23/24-31 mpg Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 4 Stars IntelliChoice Value Rating Below Average
Pros Off-road chops, strong optional engines, intuitive infotainment system Cons Rough ride, small cargo area, cheap interior
Compact SUV Base Price $29,995-$64,995 ALL-NEW Ford’s legendary off-road SUV is back and ready to take on the Jeep Wrangler. The reborn Bronco is underpinned by a new body-onframe platform that will also be shared with the next Ranger. The SUV’s boxy retro exterior design harkens back to past Bronco generations, as do cues such as the round headlights, removable doors and roof, and the two-door configuration. For the first time, the Ford Bronco will also be available as a four-door. The Wildtrak and Badlands variants offer further off-road capability with unique suspension calibrations, massive allterrain tires, and additional drive mode options, including a Baja mode for high-speed desert running. Add the Sasquatch package, which is optional on all Bronco models, for optimum off-road capability.
Ford Bronco Sport SCORE Not Yet Ranked
Pros Nicely appointed interior, generous standard features, high-speed stability Cons Sloppy driving dynamics, poor fuel economy, underpowered engine
Compact SUV
Ford Bronco SCORE Not Yet Ranked
0-60 mph 8.6-8.9 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 20-22/27-29 mpg Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles Safety IIHS: TSP IntelliChoice Value Rating Below Average
0-60 mph 6.9-7.5 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 16-20/21-24 mpg* Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles
Pros Off-road capability, cool retro styling, endless customizability Cons Higher trims get expensive quickly, body too wide for some trails
Compact SUV Base Price $28,115-$39,995 ALL-NEW Is the standard Bronco too big for you? Not to worry, Ford has you covered with the slightly smaller Bronco Sport. Sharing unibody underpinnings with the unibody Escape, the Bronco Sport sees revised suspension and standard AWD (with torque vectoring on the Badlands trim) for improved off-road capability. Like its big brother, the Bronco Sport features retro styling cues such as round headlights and a boxy profile shrunken into a compact SUV. Under the hood are turbocharged three- and four-cylinder engines retuned for off-road duty. The Bronco Sport gets trick features such as a cargo floor that doubles as a makeshift table, available rubber interior surfaces that you can hose off, and an optional roof-mounted tent.
0-60 mph 6.8-9.0 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 20-24/28-31 mpg* Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles
Pros Downsized Bronco styling, AWD standard, camping-friendly features Cons Higher trims are pricey, an Escape underneath, not a real off-roader
The new Ford Bronco is available in two- and four-door configurations.
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*estimated
Midsize SUVs #1 Subaru Outback SCORE 8.3/10
Midsize SUV Base Price $28,000-$41,000* UNCHANGED The Subaru Outback’s lifted-wagon shape provides big interior capacity without the high-roof handling clumsiness of some SUVs. Subaru’s best-seller makes shop runs or distant adventures easy with its smooth ride, modern interior, and standard driver assist tech. Renowned all-wheel-drive capability keeps it rolling when the pavement ends. The XT model’s 260-horsepower, 277-lb-ft turbocharged engine remedies the base flat-four’s lethargy (just 182 hp and 176 lb-ft from that engine), but the continuously variable transmission is a weak link regardless. Redesigned last year, the Outback is largely unchanged for 2021—and it remains a great crossover. We hope recent updates to the 11.6-inch screen will improve the unintuitive infotainment system.
#2 Hyundai Santa Fe SCORE 8.0/10
Base Price $28,000-$39,500*
#3 Kia Sorento Base Price $28,500-$41,500*
#4 Ford Edge Base Price $32,500-$44,500*
#5 Chevrolet Blazer Base Price $30,000-$44,000*
#6 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Pros Sharp exterior design, attractive, upscale, and enlarged interior Cons Fake exhaust outlets, potential shifting issues with a dual-clutch
0-60 mph 6.1-7.6 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 19-22/26-29 mpg Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars; IIHS: TSP IntelliChoice Value Rating Below Average
Pros Strong turbo engines, roomy interior and cargo area Cons Busy ride, chintzy interior materials, clunky transmission
0-60 mph 6.1-7.8 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 18-21/25-28 mpg Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars IntelliChoice Value Rating Poor
Pros Rad styling, sporty RS model, spacious interior Cons Dull base models, cheap quality, bad bang for the buck
Midsize SUV Base Price $35,495-$88,895 UNCHANGED Until the all-new Grand Cherokee arrives in about a year, the 2021 model should offer the same old-school charms (and limitations) as the 2020 model. This aging segment stalwart has expected Jeep capability off-road, but it’s surprisingly refined on pavement, too. That’s especially true in higher-end trims, which also have luxurious materials in abundance—contrasted by basic switchgear also found on entrylevel variants. If the basic V-6 or Hemi V-8 aren’t enough, choose the Trackhawk’s screaming supercharged unit. We hope the next-gen model will be a bit more efficient and have much better IIHS safety scores.
*estimated
0-60 mph 7.0-8.5 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 20-25/25-33 mpg* Basic Warranty 5 years/60,000 miles
Midsize SUV UNCHANGED The Blazer’s sporty looks match its RS trim’s strong power, accurate steering, and impressive chassis tuning. But that magic doesn’t extend across the whole lineup. The base 2.5-liter I-4 engine lacks potency, and in lower trim levels, basic convenience and active safety features are absent where competitors include them standard. We hope that will change for the 2021 model. Its low-quality cabin suffers some ergonomic annoyances and poor materials choices. Eye-catching design and a spacious interior give the Blazer appeal, but overall it’s not a good value. A seven-seat Blazer XL model could be on the way.
SCORE 7.3/10
Pros Lots of cargo space, easy infotainment on a larger screen Cons Frightening front-end styling, cramped occasional-use third row
Midsize SUV MINOR Ford’s Edge is starting to dull with age, but its big interior and punchy turbocharged engines preserve some appeal. Still, the Edge’s busy ride, clunky transmission, and mediocre interior quality inhibit its premium intentions. Extra punch comes in the Edge ST with its 335-hp, 380-lb-ft 2.7-liter twin-turbo V-6; the ST also gains a heated steering wheel for 2021. If the ST’s looks appeal more than its performance, Ford recently began offering the ST Line appearance package. 2021 models get noise-reducing laminated windows and a slick updated infotainment system running on a 12.0-inch touchscreen.
SCORE 7.6/10
0-60 mph 7.8-9.0 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 20-25/25-33 mpg* Basic Warranty 5 years/60,000 miles
Midsize SUV MAJOR Borrowing design cues from the award-winning Telluride, the next-generation Kia Sorento makes its debut for 2021. It’s built on a new platform with a slightly longer wheelbase and length, which contributes to greater interior space. New turbo-four drivetrains are available, including a 1.6-liter hybrid setup and a torquey 2.5-liter connected to an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic. Styling now makes the new Sorento stand out. The exterior is angular and art deco; notice the geometric lighting elements and distinctive fin on the window line. Inside it’s a huge step up from the third-place-ranked 2020 model, with the rotary shifter, ambient lighting, and big digital displays elevating the Sorento toward the premium league.
SCORE 7.7/10
Pros Luxurylike suspension, spacious and versatile interior, strong value Cons Soulless CVT, gutless base engine
Midsize SUV MAJOR There’s no ignoring the 2021 Santa Fe’s menacing maw. The new face with its fancy LED accent lights are the Santa Fe’s most noticeable update, but much has also changed beneath the skin. It’s built on a new platform, which should improve ride and handling while preserving excellent crash safety—all traits that led to the 2020 model’s second-place showing in our rankings. Those underpinnings allegedly increase interior space, already a highlight in the outgoing Santa Fe. Engine choices are unknown, but a hybrid (and potential plug-in) might join the standard four-cylinder range. Glance around the cabin, and you’ll notice some recycled parts, but a larger infotainment screen and cascading center console lend a modern ambiance.
SCORE 7.9/10
0-60 mph 6.1-8.7 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 23-26/30-33 mpg Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars; IIHS: TSP+ IntelliChoice Value Rating Above Average
0-60 mph 3.3-7.7 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 11-19/17-26 mpg Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars IntelliChoice Value Rating Above Average
Pros Well-calibrated drivetrains, smooth and refined ride, off-road chops Cons Plasticky details, lack of latest tech, thirst for fuel OCTOBER 2020 MOTORTREND.COM 49
Midsize SUVs #7 Honda Passport SCORE 7.1/10
Midsize SUV Base Price $33,000-$45,000* UNCHANGED Thanks to its fantastic packaging, the Honda Passport seems bigger inside than it looks outside. Check out its cavernous cargo hold (50.5 cubic feet behind the second row, 100.7 with those seats folded), numerous cubbies, and hidden underfloor storage. Or its spacious second row, which folds flat to make space for gear—or a nap. The V-6 engine feels eager and makes a great noise, but the transmission can have moments of clumsiness, and ride and handling could use some tightening up. It looks and feels bland, minimizing emotional appeal, but if you can look past plain styling, you’ll see what it's really built for: to be a spacious, comfortable, quick midsize two-row crossover. The Passport enters the 2021 model year unchanged.
#8 Nissan Murano SCORE 7.0/10
Base Price $32,500-$46,500*
#9 Toyota 4Runner Base Price $37,000-$51,000*
Toyota Venza
Pros Cushy and spacious, strong V-6, many standard safety features Cons Outdated tech, roll-prone handling, unpredictable steering
0-60 mph 8.0 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 16/19 mpg Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 4 Stars IntelliChoice Value Rating Above Average
Pros All-terrain capability, big second row and cargo area, tough looks Cons Unimpressive economy, outdated cabin, throwback manners
Midsize SUV Base Price $33,590-$40,920* ALL-NEW Toyota has revived the Venza, again providing a middle ground for those who want a more premium experience than the RAV4 offers but less size than the three-row Highlander. Built on Toyota’s TNGA-K platform, the Venza is exclusively a hybrid. Its 2.5-liter fourcylinder and electric motors provide AWD, 219 hp, and an estimated 40/37 mpg city/highway. Styling falls short of gorgeous, but the swoopy front end and full-width taillight give it distinction. Distracting capactitive buttons aside, the cabin borders on luxurious, with abundant soft-touch materials, large digital displays, and an optional Star Gaze electrochromic glass roof among its notable features. Toyota’s focus on making a relaxing cabin is evident.
Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SCORE Not Yet Ranked
0-60 mph 7.3 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 20/28 mpg Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars IntelliChoice Value Rating Below Average
Midsize SUV UNCHANGED As a daily driver, most modern crossovers work better than the truck-based 4Runner. For off-roading, though, few vehicles can match this ’Yota’s proven capabilities. But there’s no avoiding its ancient underpinnings; this 4Runner made its debut in 2009. Newer turbo-fours best its 270-hp, 278-lb-ft 4.0-liter V-6 in feel and fuel economy, and its five-speed automatic has been showing its age for years. The interior, however spacious, holds old design and technology, even with the addition of new safety tech and infotainment offerings. 2021 brings standard LED front lighting to every 4Runner. A cooler- and roof rack– equipped Trail Edition is new for 2021, and the TRD Pro gets exclusive gray paint, stronger wheels, and a retuned suspension.
SCORE Not Yet Ranked
Pros Segment-best interior volume, great driver assist systems, quick acceleration Cons Forgettable looks, sloppy suspension, low IntelliChoice value rating
Midsize SUV UNCHANGED Although it’s getting up there in age, the Murano still has certain redeeming qualities. Its engine delivers confident, quiet power despite the uninspiring CVT it’s connected to. As ever, the Murano is very comfortable thanks to its supple ride and plush interior, but major body roll impedes handling. Technology appointments such as the pixelated infotainment display and parking cameras date the Murano most. An 11-speaker Bose audio system is standard on the SL and Platinum grades, and a 7.0-inch gauge cluster display comes standard on all models. For 2021 it gains standard driver assist features such as adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist, though it’s an older, somewhat clumsy system. Nissan also added two new paint options.
SCORE 6.1/10
0-60 mph 6.2 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 19-20/24-25 mpg Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars IntelliChoice Value Rating Below Average
0-60 mph 7.5 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 40/37 mpg* Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles
Pros Hybrid AWD, impressive fuel economy, standard active safety tech Cons Lack of cargo space, short wheelbase, capacitive buttons
Midsize SUV Base Price $31,565-$50,815 UNCHANGED Trendy fastback SUVs are going mainstream. Volkswagen took its Atlas family hauler, sliced the roof down, ditched the third row, und sieh da, Atlas Cross Sport. It reduces the standard Atlas’ hulking presence but maintains big SUV dimensions inside and out. Because it’s only a five-seater, row two is mounted farther back, providing loungelike legroom for rear passengers. For 2021, VW adds more infotainment and driver assist features. Drivetrain and chassis hardware are unchanged, resulting in dynamics just like the standard Atlas. That is to say, underpowered and ponderous.
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0-60 mph 7.3-9.0 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 16-21/22-24 mpg* Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles
Pros Debonair styling, substantial passenger space, long standard warranty Cons Sloppy dynamics, underpowered engines, mediocre fuel economy *estimated
Midsize Three-Row SUVs
#1 Kia Telluride SCORE 8.4/10
Midsize Three-Row SUV Base Price $33,160-$45,260 UNCHANGED MotorTrend’s 2020 SUV of the Year looks great, with strong build quality completing attractive finishes. Comfort pervades in the Telluride. Its ride is exceptionally refined, and the cabin is quiet all the while. Each seat enjoys thoughtful amenities, though the third row is sized for kids. High-end models impress, but Kia doesn’t sell true luxury on the cheap; the cabin conceals some hard plastics. Handling is crisp, yet some drivers may want more power from the V-6. Even so, it can spin the front tires and deliver torque steer—choose all-wheel drive to avoid such antics. For 2021, the optional Nightfall Edition adds a stealthy blacked-out aesthetic. Key fob remote engine start and a seven-pin trailer harness become standard, as well.
#2 Subaru Ascent SCORE 8.2/10
Base Price $33,000-$46,500*
#3 Honda Pilot
0-60 mph 7.0 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 20-21/26-27 mpg Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars; IIHS: TSP IntelliChoice Value Rating Above Average
Pros Standard safety tech, relaxing interior ambiance, torquey turbo-four Cons Snug third row, overeager throttle, bland exterior styling
Midsize Three-Row SUV Base Price $33,370-$51,040 MINOR The Pilot receives some small feature changes for 2021, but the standard transmission is bigger news. It’s now a (previously optional) ninespeed automatic, with paddle shifters and auto stop/start included. That gearbox is still a little rough but works well with the Pilot’s rev-happy V-6, combining for class-leading 0–60 acceleration—you didn’t learn about the secret launch control programming from us. With direct steering and responsive suspension, too, the Pilot is fun to drive for an SUV. Standard and well-calibrated active safety features benefit the Pilot’s pilot. However, Honda’s infotainment isn’t the most user-friendly. Regardless, smart packaging and a useful, easy-access third row mean the Pilot suits its purpose very well.
#4 Hyundai Palisade SCORE 7.9/10
Pros All-trim appeal, quiet and comfortable, extensive standard features Cons Slightly underpowered engine, FWD torque steer, middling mpg
Midsize Three-Row SUV UNCHANGED This big Subie’s low-end torque and sporty-for-thesegment handling could help drivers pretend it’s a lifted three-row WRX. It feels quicker than its 0–60 time suggests, and it remains confidently stable at higher speeds. For parents seeking a comfortable, safe, and well-appointed family machine, the Ascent is near the peak. The cabin’s materials, quality, and color choices are top-notch. Numerous cupholders, USB ports, and storage cubbies will keep every passenger appeased. Third-row riders could feel a bit cramped, though. Ever committed to safety, Subaru adds adaptive LED headlights, automatic high-beams, and adaptive cruise control to all trims—improving the Ascent’s value appeal. High-end trims get a new upholstery color choice.
SCORE 8.1/10
0-60 mph 6.9-7.2 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 19-20/24-26 mpg Basic Warranty 5 years/60,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars; IIHS: TSP IntelliChoice Value Rating Below Average
0-60 mph 6.2 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 19-20/26-27 mpg Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars IntelliChoice Value Rating Excellent
Pros Spacious third row, agile reflexes, excellent safety features Cons Forgettable looks, slow and clunky infotainment, no third-row USB ports
Midsize Three-Row SUV Base Price $33,665-$48,890 UNCHANGED Hyundai’s rise out of the bargain bin is exemplified by the Palisade. Bold styling, upscale appointments, and cool available tech give it a premium demeanor. Cubbies and bins abound in the cabin. Like the mechanically similar Kia Telluride, the Palisade has great space in the first two rows and easy access to the slightly snug third. Unlike its corporate counterpart, suspension tuning and seat cushioning are overly stiff, limiting the Palisade’s luxurious aspirations. A new range-topping Calligraphy trim adds distinction with nicer upholsteries, intricate 20-inch wheels, a unique grille treatment, and more.
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0-60 mph 6.9-7.1 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 19/24-26 mpg Basic Warranty 5 years/60,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars; IIHS: TSP IntelliChoice Value Rating Below Average
Pros Stylish interior, massive practicality, clever tech touches Cons Ho-hum powertrain, overly firm seats, brow-raising exterior looks *estimated
Midsize Three-Row SUVs #5 Toyota Highlander SCORE 7.7/10
Midsize Three-Row SUV Base Price $36,000-$48,000* UNCHANGED The Highlander is not a segment standout, but it still delivers. Interior trim and features are better than ever, and its storage nooks come in handy. But some layout bugs, such as the oddly inset driver’s seat or tight third row, limit functionality. So does the relatively small cargo area. Then again, the Highlander isn’t as tough to park or fit into a garage as some competitors. Most of the time it drives just fine— dull but comfortable. However, on bumpy or choppy roads, the ride can become bouncy and unsettled. The standard V-6’s roughness increases the quieter and more efficient hybrid variant’s appeal. The biggest 2021 Highlander news is an XSE model, which gets an updated suspension plus sporty exterior and interior design tweaks.
#6 Chevrolet Traverse SCORE 7.6/10
Base Price $32,000-$54,000*
#7 Mazda CX-9 Base Price $35,000-$47,500*
#8 Ford Explorer Base Price $35,000-$60,000*
#9 GMC Acadia Base Price $31,000-$50,000*
#10 Volkswagen Atlas
*estimated
0-60 mph 7.1 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 20-22/26-28 mpg Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars; IIHS: TSP+ IntelliChoice Value Rating Poor
Pros Great looks and drive, quiet cabin, excellent safety scores Cons Uncompetitive technology, limited interior space, old-school six-speed auto
0-60 mph 5.3-7.7 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 16-27/23-29 mpg Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars IntelliChoice Value Rating Excellent
Pros Quick ST model, good hybrid efficiency, solid trailering capability Cons Slapdash interior, adult-unfriendly third row, rough standard powertrain
Midsize Three-Row SUV UNCHANGED After a 2020 restyle, the Acadia enters 2021 with a few packaging changes. Cargo capacity is generous given the Acadia’s small-for-the-segment dimensions, but it’s too snug to be a comfortable three-row family SUV. Material quality is lackluster, even in “luxurious” Denali trim. Last year it gained a bold new front fascia, retuned rear suspension, and revised powertrains. The conventional gear lever was swapped for selector buttons, which freed space in the center console. The off-road-ready Acadia AT4 was also introduced. GMC’s active safety tech package is now standard on SLT and up, and it’s available on SLE.
SCORE 6.8/10
Pros Segment-best interior capacity, adept nine-speed, size-belying dynamics Cons Spacious but uncomfortable second and third rows, subpar material quality
Midsize Three-Row SUV UNCHANGED Now riding on a rear-drive platform, the Explorer’s fun-to-drive quotient is better than ever. Any variant is pretty quick, even the Hybrid, and especially the ST. Still, that’s not enough to counter this segment originator’s many foibles. Despite a ground-up redesign, the Explorer feels stuck in the past. Interior quality is awful, and the cabin is packed with chintzy materials and unfinished details. Space in the first and second row is good, but the two-seat third row is cramped. All told, the Explorer feels outclassed and overpriced. Introduced last year, minor trim and feature updates are applied for 2021.
SCORE 6.9/10
0-60 mph 6.4 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 17-18/25-27 mpg Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars IntelliChoice Value Rating Below Average
Midsize Three-Row SUV UNCHANGED The CX-9 won’t leave enthusiast drivers wanting—it’s the most fun vehicle in this segment. Its peppy turbo-four engine feels strong despite the old-school six-speed automatic. Combined with sharp steering and balanced suspension, the CX-9 is genuinely rewarding to whip around. Back-seat riders won’t be as thrilled, though, due to the cabin’s tight packaging; accessing the third row is tricky. Ask yourself: Are you buying an SUV for you or for them? Updated last year with additional torque, active safety features, optional second-row captain’s chairs, and more, the CX-9 probably won’t change for 2021. That means the infotainment is still frustrating to use. Even so, we hope Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will become standard on the base Sport trim.
SCORE 6.9/10
Pros High-value hybrid, great safety scores, fancy top-end trims Cons Unrefined V-6, limited passenger and cargo space, ergonomic annoyances
Midsize Three-Row SUV MINOR The Traverse features sharp styling changes such as new headlights, taillights, grille shaping, and wheel styles. Fresh trim choices could remedy some cheap-feeling interior touchpoints. Safety features such as forward collision warning with automatic braking and lane keep assist become standard, with expanded availability of adaptive cruise control. Tech enhancements like a larger gauge cluster display and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are optional. Mechanically, the Traverse is unchanged. Its interior doesn’t force a choice between fitting passengers or cargo. Smooth drivetrain calibration and sharp steering add enjoyment to driving despite the roll-prone ride. Originally slated to be a 2021 model, Chevrolet postponed it to the 2022 model year.
SCORE 7.0/10
0-60 mph 7.2-8.2 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 20-36/27-35 mpg Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars; IIHS: TSP IntelliChoice Value Rating Excellent
0-60 mph 6.4-8.2 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 18-21/25-28 mpg Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars IntelliChoice Value Rating Poor
Pros Carlike reflexes, solid cargo capacity, useful daily versatility Cons Tiny third row, plasticky interior, active safety tech still optional
Midsize Three-Row SUV Base Price $32,565-$45,215 MINOR After making its debut three years ago, the Atlas gets refreshed for 2021. Most visible is the restyled front end, which provides a sleeker look and improves pedestrian impact safety. It also adds about 3 inches of length. The interior changes are subtle. Infotainment software is better, and all but the base trim gain a larger touchscreen. Previously FWD only, the standard turbo-four can now be had with AWD. The Atlas remains utilitarian but needs an extensive mechanical makeover to escape its last-place ranking. The underpowered engines and jerky transmission hinder acceleration, and its suspension feels tuned to induce carsickness.
0-60 mph 7.3-9.0 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 16-21/22-24 mpg Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars IntelliChoice Value Rating Average
Pros Humongous cargo capacity, third-row space, snazzy digital gauge display option Cons Poor suspension tuning, thirsty and underpowered engines, same VW interior OCTOBER 2020 MOTORTREND.COM 53
Full-Size Three-Row SUV Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban SCORE Not Yet Ranked
Tahoe RST
Full-Size Three-Row SUV Base Price $49,295-$73,595 MAJOR Once essentially truck chassis with enclosed bodies on top, the Tahoe and Suburban receive a transformative change: independent rear suspension. Ditching the previous live rear axle makes a profound difference in comfort and capabilities. Ride quality and handling should feel better than ever. Because there’s no longer a differential “pumpkin” bouncing around, the rear floor is mounted several inches lower, increasing cargo space and loading ease. That and the longer wheelbase and body provide significant gains in passenger space. New semi-unibody construction is said to improve rigidity and crash safety. This new suspension arrangement may decrease towing capability, but in any other measure, the 2021 Tahoe and Suburban seem like the best yet.
Dodge Durango SCORE Not Yet Ranked
Base Price $32,500-$84,500*
Ford Expedition Base Price $51,000-$82,000*
GMC Yukon Base Price $51,995-$75,395
Nissan Armada
0-60 mph 6.2-6.9 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 16-17/21-23 mpg Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars IntelliChoice Value Rating Above Average
Pros Capable V-6 engine, lots of USB ports, reclining third-row seats Cons Homely styling, clunky transmission, small-ish infotainment display
0-60 mph 5.2-7.8 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 14-18/19-23 mpg* Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles
Pros Clever touches, increased passenger and cargo space, off-roading tech Cons Beauty in eye of beholder, cheap GM parts bin bits
Full-Size Three-Row SUV Base Price $49,000-$70,000* MAJOR Nissan says to expect a big update to the Armada soon. Details remain scant, but the recently refreshed Middle Eastern–market Nissan Patrol—the Armada is essentially a spruced-up Patrol—might preview what’s to come. That vehicle wears front and rear styling that’s more aerodynamically contoured. New headlights have bold LED accents, and reworked taillights get sequential turn signals. Inside, a dual-display infotainment system is added, and materials quality looks like a step up from before. Truth be told, any changes are welcome—the archaic Nissan Armada only has room for improvement.
Toyota Sequoia SCORE Not Yet Ranked
Pros Sinfully powerful engines, upgraded infotainment, adult-sized third row Cons Unrepentant fuel economy, AWD not standard, mediocre crash safety
Full-Size Three-Row SUV MAJOR Just like its Chevrolet Tahoe counterpart, the 2021 GMC Yukon is built on new architecture featuring independent rear suspension. Among the unique items aimed at differentiating the GMC from the Chevy is an electronic limited-slip rear differential, which might give the Yukon an edge in cornering and off-road traction. Potentially useless but definitely awesome, stability control allows slight drifts and “hurricane turn” capability, which lets the Yukon spin donuts in an area not much longer than its wheelbase. Interior design, materials, and options are also quite different from the Chevys’, setting a distinctive ambiance.
SCORE Not Yet Ranked
0-60 mph 3.6-7.6 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 11-19/17-26 mpg* Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 4 Stars IntelliChoice Value Rating Above Average
Full-Size Three-Row SUV UNCHANGED There’s an implicit notion that SUVs of this size are ponderous beasts, but the Expedition avoids that bias. It drives quite well given its dimensions, aided by accurate steering and a smooth, quiet ride. Don’t worry that there’s no V-8 available—the standard twin-turbo V-6 has impressive power and towing capability. However, the 10-speed automatic sometimes shifts roughly. Inside, styling is trucklike and uninspired, but the cabin’s spaciousness, versatility, and excellent packaging are more noteworthy. Last year the Expedition won our comparison test between the other vehicles in this segment, an indication of its great overall execution. 2021 brings new colors and wheel styles, plus adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist on more trims.
SCORE Not Yet Ranked
Pros V-8 and turbodiesel I-6 options, tons of tech, improved comfort and quality Cons Intimidatingly big, poor fuel economy, potentially reduced max towing
Full-Size Three-Row SUV MINOR This high-riding muscle car’s surprising agility makes it a true driver’s SUV. Sharp steering and quick pedal responses add to the high-performance feel. Of course, any muscle car is all about its engine, and on that front there’s devilishly delightful news: For 2021, the new Durango Hellcat gets Dodge’s notorious supercharged V-8. That 710-hp variant is slated as a one-year-only special, but a spruced-up exterior and fully restyled dashboard aim to keep other trims appealing. Larger infotainment displays running updated software help modernize Dodge’s aging SUV. The new Tow N Go package improves performance while towing. Although it's smaller than most of its competitors, each of the Durango’s three rows is spacious, but some competitors hold more cargo.
SCORE Not Yet Ranked
0-60 mph 5.2-7.8 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 14-18/19-23 mpg* Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles
0-60 mph 6.2-6.8 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 13-14/18-19 mpg Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 4 Stars IntelliChoice Value Rating Poor
Pros Strong V-8 engine, large cargo volume, good towing capability Cons Top-heavy handling, terrible fuel economy, tiny third row
Full-Size Three-Row SUV Base Price $51,500-$70,500* UNCHANGED The Sequoia is appropriately named given it has been around nearly as long as the trees. We kid. A bit. The Sequoia, which made its debut in 2007, is defined by antiquity. Vague steering makes keeping the Sequoia pointed straight ahead a constant exercise, so plot corners carefully. Its V-8’s power is adequate though accompanied by vibrations and lazy shifts. Infotainment and technology appointments are decidedly last-generation. But third-row space and cargo volume are astonishingly large. Changes beyond different exterior colors or upholsteries are unlikely. This old SUV is ready for the lumberyard.
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0-60 mph 6.6 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 13/17 mpg Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles IntelliChoice Value Rating Above Average
Pros Colossal interior capacity, Toyota reliability, off-road potential Cons Cheap-feeling cabin, half-baked adaptive cruise, outclassed and outdated *estimated
Luxury Subcompact SUVs #1 Volvo XC40 SCORE 8.0/10
Luxury Subcompact SUV Base Price $35,000-$55,000* MINOR We love the XC40 for its knockout interior and exterior design, strong safety ratings, spacious cabin, and superior build quality—even if it’s a little noisy at speed. For 2021, Volvo is releasing its first fully electric battery-powered vehicle in the form of the XC40 Recharge P8 AWD. The stylish Swedish subcompact also sees the same standard active safety updates (blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, LED headlights with automatic high-beams) included across the 2021 Volvo lineup. And of course, it’s among the safest vehicles in the segment.
#2 BMW X1 SCORE 7.8/10
Luxury Subcompact SUV Base Price $36,000-$38,000* UNCHANGED An eager engine and athletic reflexes mean the X1 drives how you’d expect a BMW to, even if it rides on a repurposed Mini Countryman platform. Despite the X1’s small dimensions, the cabin feels plenty roomy. That said, cheap interior material choices and insufficient seat support keep this Bimmer (and its stylish X2 sibling) out of the top spot. The second-gen X1 made its debut as a 2016 model and got a midcycle refresh for 2020, so although we’re not expecting much for 2021, it’s safe to expect a full redesign in the next year or so.
#3 Lexus UX SCORE 7.5/10
Base Price $33,500-$37,500* UNCHANGED We appreciate the teeny Japanese crossover for its strong fuel economy and the value proposition that comes with its expected reliability and resale value. The interior design and material usage impress, too. But the luxury impressions are marred by stiff ride quality and unrefined, underpowered engine options in both the standard UX and the hybrid. Infotainment is a weak point, as well, with the clumsy Lexus touchpad controller. Having been introduced for 2019, any major changes to the UX this year would be unlikely.
Base Price $36,995 UNCHANGED We see Audi’s subcompact ute as a sharp-looking, surprisingly spacious little thing with impressive available tech. That said, the comfortable suspension enables too much body roll in corners, and the plasticky interior will disappoint some luxury buyers. For 2021, Audi adds standard power front seats, lane departure warning, and steering wheel–mounted shift paddles. The Q3’s Prestige package has been dropped, with most of its equipment shifted to the Premium Plus trim and some features rearranged in new option packages.
Base Price $41,000-$54,500* UNCHANGED For now, our recommendation is to avoid Jaguar’s subcompact cute-ute unless you’ve really fallen in love with the styling. Its cabin squeezes passengers, and Jag’s infotainment tech has been notoriously glitchy. Suspension tuning is also on the harsher, stiffer side of the segment. It is a fun driver in this class without sacrificing fuel economy, but those don’t make up for the E-Pace’s faults. At least it’s a looker. We were expecting a midcycle refresh for the E-Pace this year or next, but things have been pretty quiet out of Coventry.
*estimated
0-60 mph 6.4-7.8 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 21/27-28 mpg Basic Warranty 5 years/60,000 miles IntelliChoice Value Rating Below Average
Pros Elegant exterior styling, surprisingly fun drive, solid fuel economy Cons Harsh ride, glitchy infotainment, tiny interior space
Luxury Subcompact SUV Base Price $37,280-$60,000* MAJOR Mercedes is introducing a redesigned second-generation GLA-Class for 2021, replacing the Infiniti collaboration with a car that’s all German. In addition to revised SUV-like exterior design cues and a new dual-screen interior, the GLA-Class gains the modern MBUX digital assistant and infotainment system. The base turbo-four sees a 13-hp bump, the Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 now makes 382 horsepower from a hand-built turbocharged four-cylinder, and a new midrange AMG model dubbed the GLA 35 joins the lineup.
Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class SCORE Not Yet Ranked
0-60 mph 7.8 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 19/27 mpg Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 stars IntelliChoice Value Rating Average Pros Dazzling standard and available tech, sharp styling, spacious second row Cons Unsettled ride quality, not-fantastic plastic interior, thirsty engine
Luxury Subcompact SUV
Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class SCORE Not Yet Ranked
0-60 mph 8.1-8.7 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 29-43/37-41 mpg Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 stars; IIHS: TSP IntelliChoice Value Rating Excellent Pros Stylish, upscale interior, impressive fuel economy, strong value Cons Unimpressive performance, clumsy infotainment, tight second row/cargo area
Luxury Subcompact SUV
#5 Jaguar E-Pace SCORE 6.9/10
0-60 mph 6.8 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 23-24/31-33 mpg Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars IntelliChoice Value Rating Above Average Pros Smooth powertrain, precise handling, surprising off-road chops Cons Cheap-feeling interior, unsupportive front seats, numb steering
Luxury Subcompact SUV
#4 Audi Q3 SCORE 7.0/10
0-60 mph 4.7*-7.8 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 22-23/30-32 mpg; 200-mi range/115 mpg-e* (electric) Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars; IIHS: 2020 TSP IntelliChoice Value Rating Above Average Pros Superb styling, clever packaging, user-friendly infotainment Cons Loud cabin, minor ergonomic nitpicks
0-60 mph 4.3-6.8 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 22-25/28-34 mpg* Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles IntelliChoice Value Rating Average
Pros Larger interior, punchy engines, raucous AMG models Cons Touchpad infotainment, pricey options packages
Luxury Subcompact SUV Base Price $39,045-$50,000* MINOR We’re fans. It drives like a tall, comfortable sedan that’s relaxing to drive but still happy to scoot through a gap or pass on the highway. A tall driving position and large windows give great visibility, and the GLB is easy to park. For all its strengths, though, a noisy cabin, cheap-feeling materials, an overly complicated infotainment system, and the puny optional third row hold this SUV back. Mercedes-Benz adds a 302-horsepower AMG 35 for 2021.
0-60 mph 5.1-6.9 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 23/28-31 mpg* Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles IntelliChoice Value Rating Below Average Pros Carlike handling, comfortable driver’s seat, spacious first two rows Cons Loud cabin, finicky infotainment, cramped optional third row OCTOBER 2020 MOTORTREND.COM 55
Luxury Compact SUVs #1 Volvo XC60 SCORE 8.0/10
Luxury Compact SUV Base Price $42,000-$70,500 UNCHANGED We adore the XC60’s uniquely Scandinavian exterior design, rich-feeling interior, and wealth of strong powertrain options. Admittedly, lower-level four-cylinder options feel coarse at times, and plug-in hybrid examples struggle to smoothly blend gas and electric power delivery. A sometimes-jittery ride and tricky infotainment system detract from the experience, but the equipment level and feeling of quality overshadow any gripes. The XC60 doesn’t see any model-specific updates, but there are some new features Volvo is adding to its entire 2021 lineup. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, LED headlights and foglights, and power-folding side mirrors are now standard on all trims. Look for a midcycle refresh and a possible electric variant next year.
#2 Lincoln Corsair SCORE 7.9/10
Base Price $37,500-$55,000*
#3 Acura RDX Base Price $39,000-$41,000*
#4 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Base Price $43,500-$85,000
#5 Lexus NX
0-60 mph 6.4 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 21-22/26-28 mpg Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 stars; IIHS: TSP+ IntelliChoice Value Rating Above Average
Pros Excellent drivetrain and chassis, upscale interior, smart center console Cons Awful rear visibility, vague brake feel, confusing infotainment interface
0-60 mph 3.2-5.4 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 16-23/22-29; 67/70 mpg-e (PHEV gas+electric) Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles IntelliChoice Value Rating Excellent
Pros Fun to drive, high-quality interior, quiet cabin Cons Busy ride quality, overcomplicated infotainment
Luxury Compact SUV Base Price $38,000-$40,500* UNCHANGED Even though it’s been around since 2015 and rides on a previous-gen RAV4 platform, the NX is a smooth, comfortable compact with ample standard active safety tech. We just don’t love it. Performance is uninspiring with either powertrain, and we’ve come across numerous ergonomic issues. Lexus’ touchpad-controlled infotainment system remains problematic, and there’s no touchscreen functionality. The NX sees no major changes for 2021 beyond a Black Line Special Edition aesthetic package, which includes a two-piece Zero Halliburton luggage set. Frankly, we’re sick of waiting for the next one.
#6 BMW X3 SCORE 7.6/10
Pros Comfortable and composed ride, luxurious interior, strong powertrain options Cons Poor transmission and brake tuning, gets pricey quickly, small cargo area
Luxury Compact SUV UNCHANGED A former SUVOTY winner, the compact GLC is quick and luxuriously appointed, offering one of the more well-rounded driving experiences in the segment. That said, ride quality feels stiff and busy even on smooth pavement. An unrefined base engine and cramped interior (especially in the case of the sloped-roof GLC Coupe) limit the Benz’s practicality. Plus, we’ve had issues with the steep learning curve that comes with the MBUX infotainment system. Mercedes gave the GLC-Class a midcycle update for 2020, so we’re not expecting any changes beyond a new color or some standard equipment changes.
SCORE 7.7/10
0-60 mph 6.5-7.3 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 21-22/28-29 mpg*; 109/91 mpg-e (PHEV gas+electric) Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 stars; IIHS: TSP IntelliChoice Value Rating Excellent
Luxury Compact SUV UNCHANGED The RDX is one of the most compelling vehicles in its class thanks to strong driving dynamics, an excellent powertrain, and a spacious, cleverly packaged interior that feels decidedly upscale. Its styling is sharp, too, especially in A-Spec guise. The compact Acura handily dispatched the Cadillac XT4 and Infiniti QX50 to earn a first-place finish in a recent MT comparison test. Our complaints after spending a year with our long-term RDX? Squishy brakes and a needlessly distracting touchpad-controlled infotainment system top the list. Poor rearward visibility is another disappointment. But as a package, the RDX is a strong pick. With its redesign for 2019, we don’t expect any major changes to Acura’s compact crossover for the upcoming model year.
SCORE 7.8/10
Pros Handsome design, generous standard features, excellent seats and stereos Cons Unsettled ride, complicated infotainment, disappointing Polestar variant
Luxury Compact SUV MINOR A tastefully crafted interior, gutsy turbocharged engines, and a soft but controlled ride make the Corsair a strong choice in the segment. Just be mindful of its sometimes-hesitant transmission and tight cargo area. Although this Lincoln MKC successor is based on the new fourth-gen Ford Escape, modern Lincoln does a bang-up job elevating its cars beyond their humble beginnings. This is a lower, wider car than the Escape; it’s no gussied-up Ford. The big news for the 2021 Corsair is the Grand Touring plug-in hybrid powertrain, following in the steps of the larger Aviator plug-in. New for 2021, Monochromatic and Sport Appearance packages both include unique 20-inch wheels and body-color exterior trim.
SCORE 7.9/10
0-60 mph 5.1-6.5 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 20-26/27-29 mpg; 56/57 mpg-e (PHEV gas+electric) Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars IntelliChoice Value Rating Excellent
0-60 mph 6.9-8.3 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 22-33/27-30 mpg Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 stars; IIHS: TSP+ IntelliChoice Value Rating Excellent
Pros Smooth luxury-car ride, great safety gear, comfortable cabin Cons Underpowered drivetrains, tricky infotainment interface, cramped interior
Luxury Compact SUV Base Price $43,000-78,000* UNCHANGED We’re fans of the X3’s quiet and composed character, back road dynamics, and of course the driftable and lively (if a little stiff) X3 M variant. The standard X3 doesn’t feel quite as luxurious inside as some of its competitors, though, and we experienced troubling reliability issues during our yearlong loan with an X3 M40i. BMW’s X4 rides on the same underpinnings and features athletic coupelike styling inspired by the larger X6. Although we haven’t received info on the 2021 model, we’re expecting a midcycle refresh this year or for 2022. BMW has confirmed an electric iX3 but has nixed its plans to bring the model to the U.S.
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0-60 mph 4.0-6.3 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 14-25/19-29 mpg, 59/61 mpg-e (PHEV gas+electric) Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 stars IntelliChoice Value Rating Above Average Pros Composed ride, adept steering and handling, quiet cabin Cons No standard active safety tech, spartan interior, uninspiring reliability *estimated
Luxury Compact SUVs #7 Alfa Romeo Stelvio SCORE 7.5/10
Luxury Compact SUV Base Price $42,500-$82,000* UNCHANGED The Stelvio is a quick little ute that’s great fun to drive, though we wish the cabin didn’t feel quite so tight. Even with the additional weight that comes with the crossover body style compared to a sedan, the Stelvio delivers on the nimble driving dynamics we love with the Giulia. The Quadrifoglio spec is particularly outrageous from behind the wheel. If only the Stelvio wasn’t saddled with a Below Average value rating. With a minor update last year to upgrade the infotainment system, we’re not expecting any big changes to Alfa’s compact SUV for 2021.
#8 Audi Q5 SCORE 7.4/10
Base Price $44,500-$54,000* MINOR We appreciate the Q5 for its sharp exterior styling and handsome, tech-filled cabin. The gutsy turbo-four means it feels quick. Despite its front-biased AWD system, the Q5 is a strong performer off-road. We just wish the best features weren’t limited to upper trims. The 2021 Q5 (pictured) gets a midcycle refresh with Audi’s new SUV design language and standard LED lighting. Also new, Audi’s third-gen infotainment system has a higher display resolution and faster processing, and the base model and SQ5 get improved performance
Base Price $38,500-$40,500* UNCHANGED Infiniti’s compact SUV boasts impressive active safety tech (even if ProPilot Assist is only offered on the highest trims), a strong value rating, and a beautifully designed, high-quality interior. It’s exceptionally comfortable, to boot. But the engine and transmission tuning is a disqualifier. Power delivery is anything but linear, and the CVT automatic transmission is aggravatingly ill-suited to the miraculous, world-first variable-compression engine. With its redesign for 2019, we’re not expecting many changes for the QX50 this year.
Base Price $46,500-$81,500* UNCHANGED The F-Pace distinguishes itself with athletic driving dynamics and knockout design, especially in the case of the 550-hp SVR. That said, the infotainment system has been glitchy in our experience, and there’s a lot more plastic in the noticeably cramped interior than we’d like for a Jaguar at this price point. The Jag did, however, win a comparison against the Mercedes GLC and the Porsche Macan. With its introduction in 2017 and minor updates in 2019, we won’t be surprised to see a redesigned F-Pace at some point in the next couple years.
Base Price $37,000-$39,500* UNCHANGED The XT4 is tough to recommend. When compared to the leading lights in the segment, the XT4 is unlikely to impress. Its cheapfeeling interior, forgettable driving experience, and unrefined powertrain overshadow highway cruising comfort and a decent infotainment system. All models for 2021 will get a standard power liftgate, the base model receives newly optional leather seating and a Driver Awareness package, and higher trims get mirror-integrated turn signal indicators. Hopefully Cadillac will deliver a meaningful powertrain and interior refresh for 2022.
Base Price $44,000-$57,000* UNCHANGED Once we looked past the littlest Rover’s attractive design and respectable on- and off-road athleticism, we found an overpriced vehicle with inconsistent build quality, an underpowered base engine, a jittery and unpleasant ride, a clumsy transmission, and a below-average value rating. Plus, it’s small for a compact. Given its full redesign for 2020, we’re not expecting anything of significance from the Evoque this year or any time soon. Land Rover does other vehicles well. This one does not deserve the badge.
Buick Envision SCORE Not Yet Ranked
*estimated
0-60 mph 3.7-7.0 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 16-22/21-27 mpg Basic Warranty 5 years/60,000 miles IntelliChoice Value Rating Average
Pros Sporty driving dynamics, impressive off-road, looks great—sounds better Cons Finicky infotainment, tight interior, inconsistent materials quality
Luxury Compact SUV
#12 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque SCORE 6.4/10
0-60 mph 6.3 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 22-23/28-29 mpg Basic Warranty 4 years/60,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars IntelliChoice Value Rating Above Average Pros Supremely comfortable cabin, lovely interior design, lush materials Cons Clumsy engine-trans pairing, safety tech optional, complicated infotainment
Luxury Compact SUV
#11 Cadillac XT4 SCORE 6.9/10
0-60 mph 5.0-5.5 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 18-25/23-29 mpg; 64/66 mpg-e (PHEV gas+electric) Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars IntelliChoice Value Rating Below Average Pros Strong powertrain, technoluxe interior Cons Desirable features limited to upper trims, tendency to understeer
Luxury Compact SUV
#10 Jaguar F-Pace SCORE 7.0/10
Pros Sport sedan driving manners, gorgeous design, sensational Quadrifoglio Cons Slightly cramped back seat, no hybrid option
Luxury Compact SUV
#9 Infiniti QX50 SCORE 7.2/10
0-60 mph 3.3-5.4 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 17-22/23-29 mpg Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles IntelliChoice Value Rating Below Average
0-60 mph 7.5 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 22-24/29-30 mpg Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars IntelliChoice Value Rating Below Average Pros Sharp exterior design, comfortable cruising, user-friendly infotainment Cons Coarse, unrefined engine, low-quality interior materials, cramped, noisy cabin
Luxury Compact SUV 0-60 mph 7.4-8.1 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 20-21/26-27 mpg Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles IntelliChoice Value Rating Below Average
Pros High-fashion styling, legitimate off-road capability, agile handling Cons Rough ride quality, poor interior packaging, glitchy infotainment
Luxury Compact SUV Base Price $35,500* MAJOR Buick is introducing a new Envision for 2021, replacing what had been sold in the U.S. since 2016. The most noticeable change is the new exterior design, which is lower, wider, and much more attractive than that of its aging jellybean predecessor. A new interior features a 10.0-inch smartphone-compatible touchscreen infotainment display. The first-gen Envision’s optional 2.0-liter turbo-four will be standard on the 2021 model, as will a suite of active safety features.
0-60 mph 7.0 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 20/25 mpg* Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles IntelliChoice Value Rating Poor Pros Powerful turbocharged engine, handsome styling, standard active safety tech Cons Lack of value, brand mired in sub-luxury consideration set OCTOBER 2020 MOTORTREND.COM 57
Luxury Midsize SUVs #1 BMW X5 SCORE 7.7/10
Luxury Midsize SUV Base Price $60,395-$106,095 MINOR The X5’s transition to BMW’s CLAR architecture for 2019 transformed the family hauler into a dynamic athlete, complete with a wealth of satisfying six- and eight-cylinder powertrain options. BMW unleashed the 617-hp X5 M and X6 M early this year, and for 2021, an inline-six plug-in hybrid offers up to 30 miles of electric range. The evolutionary design is nothing special, and the interior layout is relentlessly familiar. Pricey option packages can inflate the sticker price quickly. Sublime road manners and excellent build quality make up for minor faults.
#2 Land Rover Range Rover Velar SCORE 7.4/10
Base Price $57,500-$92,000* MINOR The Range Rover Velar was introduced for 2018 as a sleeker, more affordable alternative to the larger Range Rover and Range Rover Sport. With its powertrain update last year in the form of the SVAutobiography Dynamic’s supercharged V-8, we’re not expecting any significant changes for 2021. We appreciate the Velar for its seductive styling, impressive on- and off-road capability, and rich interior. The slow, archaic infotainment system and stingy standard equipment are bummers, but it’s a sweet ride, nonetheless.
#3 Lexus RX SCORE 7.1/10
Base Price $45,000-$51,500* UNCHANGED The RX serves as a strong example of the car-based SUV, with an efficient hybrid variant and available (if claustrophobic) third-row seating. This midsize Lexus is exceedingly comfortable and easy to drive smoothly. Ample standard safety tech, exceptional build quality, and an above-average value proposition bolster its strengths. That said, the infotainment system is still frustrating to control. Changes for 2021 are minor. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are now standard, and a Black Line Special Edition model includes dark aesthetic touches.
Base Price $55,500*-$114,945 MINOR With its spacious, well-appointed interior, the GLE is a proper luxury SUV. The AMG tuning division gets its oil-stained hands on the SUV and its hunchbacked coupe sibling for 2021 with the mild hybrid–assisted Mercedes-AMG I-6 GLE 53 and V-8 GLE 63 S, supplementing the already impressive range of powertrain offerings.As much as we love the modern GLE’s superlative build quality alongside the polish and refinement of higher trims, the coarse turbo-four engine and inexcusably awful suspension of the base model hold back this SUV.
Base Price $49,925-$60,175 ALL-NEW Genesis breaks into the SUV space for 2021 with the GV80. It’s a two- or three-row, five- or seven-seat luxury machine with RWD standard and optional AWD. Buyers can choose a 300-hp turbo-four or a 375-hp twin-turbo V-6. Our brief experience with a Korean-market example revealed a serene driving experience. The luxurious interior is filled with geometric patterns, real wood trim, quilted leather seating, and a high-res 14.5-inch infotainment display. When it reaches U.S. shores this year, we expect it to provide stiff competition.
0-60 mph 6.8-7.6 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 18-31/25-28 mpg Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 4-5 Stars; IIHS: TSP IntelliChoice Value Rating Above Average Pros Well-appointed interior, standard driver assist safety tech, fuel-sipping hybrid Cons Clumsy infotainment system, polarizing design, cramped optional third row
0-60 mph 3.7-7.6 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 15-20/20-27* mpg Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles Safety IIHS: TSP+ IntelliChoice Value Rating Above Average
Pros Exceptional ride on air suspension Cons Poor ride/handling balance on base suspension, unintuitive infotainment
0-60 mph 5.0-6.7 sec* Basic Warranty 5 years/60,000 miles
Pros Opulent interior, comfortable ride, generous standard equipment Cons Cramped optional third row, no hybrid variant at launch
Luxury Midsize SUV Base Price $51,000* ALL-NEW For the first time since 1997, Land Rover is selling a Defender in the U.S. The venerable off-roader has been fully redesigned after being largely unchanged since the U.S. debut of the Land Rover 110 in 1983. It will be offered in two-door 90 and four-door 110 configurations, with two-row seating for five or six or an optional third row and seven seats on the 110. Like its forebears, the new Defender has been optimized for off-road capability with a rugged 4WD system and impressive ground clearance and approach, breakover, and departure angles.
Cadillac XT5 SCORE Not Yet Ranked
Pros Knockout design, delightful driving dynamics, well-appointed interior Cons Frustrating infotainment system, underpowered base four-cylinder engine
Luxury Midsize SUV
Land Rover Defender SCORE Not Yet Ranked
0-60 mph 4.3-7.7 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 15-21/20-27 mpg Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles IntelliChoice Value Rating Below Average
Luxury Midsize SUV
Genesis GV80 SCORE Not Yet Ranked
Luxury Midsize SUV
Luxury Midsize SUV
#4 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class SCORE 6.9/10
0-60 mph 3.7-5.3 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 13-21/18-26 mpg; 47/54 mpg-e (PHEV gas+electric) Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 4 Stars IntelliChoice Value Rating Above Average Pros Responsive handling, excellent powertrains, sweet-sounding V-8s Cons Underwhelming rear seats
0-60 mph 5.8-7.7 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 17-18/20-22 mpg Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles
Pros Massive off-road capability, sweet retro styling, on-road usability Cons Third row too snug for adults, notoriously tricky Land Rover infotainment
Luxury Midsize SUV Base Price $45,000-$53,000* UNCHANGED Cadillac’s best-seller received a refresh for the 2020 model year. A well-tuned suspension gives it a comfortable ride and good handling. The 237-hp 2.0-liter turbo-four and 310-hp 3.6-liter V-6 deliver good power, but the Caddy never feels sporty; the nine-speed automatic always goes to the highest gear and hesitates to downshift. For 2021, the infotainment system gets a host of upgrades, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
58 MOTORTREND.COM OCTOBER 2020
0-60 mph 6.4-7.2 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 18-21/25-28 mpg Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars IntelliChoice Value Rating Above Average Pros Solid engines, good ride and handling balance, intuitive multimedia system Cons Uncooperative transmission *estimated
Luxury Midsize Three-Row SUVs
#1 Lincoln Aviator SCORE 8.4/10
Luxury Midsize Three-Row SUV Base Price $52,500-$70,000* UNCHANGED Lincoln’s newest luxury SUV seriously impresses with a powerful twin-turbo V-6, cushy ride quality, and tasteful, distinctive design. In fact, the Aviator is so luxurious that you can barely tell it’s closely related to the Ford Explorer. The whole experience gives the big SUV an identity that’s distinctly American in feel and execution, especially when you get inside the cabin. After its introduction as a 2020 model, changes for 2021 amount to a slightly revised color palette and minor trim level reshuffling. The plug-in hybrid Aviator Grand Touring has V-8-like power but needs a bit of drivetrain tuning, and some editors complained about the unconventional door release buttons. As a complete package, though, Lincoln’s three-row is an undeniable success.
#2 Volvo XC90 SCORE 8.3/10
0-60 mph 5.4 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 17-22/24-26 mpg; 45/58 mpg-e (PHEV gas+electric) Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars IntelliChoice Value Rating Excellent
Pros Handsome design, comfortable air suspension, impressive audio Cons Hybrid lurches from a stop, door releases can be tricky
Luxury Midsize Three-Row SUV Base Price $49,500-$74,500* UNCHANGED The XC90 took home our SUV of the Year award in 2016, and with a refresh for 2020, it’s still a strong contender in the segment. More than four years after arriving on the scene, the current Volvo XC90 looks modern in the Swedish minimalist sense. Age has been kind to this luxurious rig, and it still stands out even among newer competitors. Updates for 2021 include standard blind-spot monitoring and rear crosstraffic alert, standard curve-adaptive headlights with automatic highbeams, a standard wireless charging pad, and minor feature content additions. Even if the ride’s a bit stiff and it’s not the strongest performer in the segment, the XC90’s Swedish style, clever tech, and impressive fuel economy make it a worthwhile contender.
0-60 mph 5.0-7.5 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 18-26/26-30 mpg; 58/52 mpg-e (PHEV gas+electric) Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars IntelliChoice Value Rating Excellent
Pros Knockout design inside and out, intuitive infotainment, standard active safety Cons Overly aggressive driver assist tech, firm ride, middling performance
Luxury Midsize Three-Row SUVs #3 Audi Q7 SCORE 7.8/10
Luxury Midsize Three-Row SUV Base Price $55,945-$85,995 UNCHANGED The Q7’s rich technoluxe interior and calm, composed road manners make it a strong pick in this class, even if it hasn’t been fully redesigned since the 2016 model year. After a midcycle refresh for 2020, Audi adds standard blind-spot monitoring and reorganizes certain equipment packages. The three-row German loses points for its cramped third row and underwhelming base powertrain, but the impressively quiet cabin, abundant and impressive tech, and 500-hp SQ7 variant make this big Audi attractive. Just don’t expect the Q7 to turn many heads. Although the exterior looks clean and timeless, it’s conservative and blends into the crowd even in SQ7 guise—perfect if you want your speedy family SUV to fly under the radar.
#4 Cadillac XT6 SCORE 7.6/10
Base Price $49,000-$56,000*
#5 Acura MDX Base Price $46,500-$50,000*
#6 Buick Enclave Base Price $41,000-$57,500* UNCHANGED Buick’s big three-row minivan surrogate surprises with accurate handling, graceful composure, and huge cargo capacity. Considering it made its debut for the 2018 model year, we’re not expecting any significant changes for 2021, though a midcycle refresh with updated styling is a possibility. The existing model is mechanically stout, with a capable AWD system and a strong powertrain, but the cheap-feeling interior, limited standard active safety tech, and the comparative lack of included equipment make the Enclave less enticing than its competitors, which offer more for similar or lower sticker prices.
0-60 mph 5.0-6.3 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 19-26/25-27 mpg (2020) Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars IntelliChoice Value Rating Above Average
Pros Clever AWD system, comfortable and quiet ride, entertaining hybrid model Cons Indecipherable center-stack switchgear, transmission engages slowly
0-60 mph 7.0-7.4 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 17-18/25-26 mpg Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars IntelliChoice Value Rating Poor
Pros Surprisingly balanced handling, well-matched engine and transmission Cons Unimpressive materials quality, desirable features stuck in higher trims
Luxury Midsize Three-Row SUV Base Price $45,500-$47,500* UNCHANGED There’s loads of space in all three rows of the QX60, but beyond that, it does little to stand out. Because this Infiniti made its debut way back in 2013, it’s starting to feel outdated and uninteresting against its much newer competition. We derided the current model for its slow steering, poor ride quality, and outdated technology. It earns points for strong safety scores, but the aging Infiniti remains a difficult car to recommend. A new QX60 is coming soon—potentially revealed in 2021 as a 2022 model—and could ride on the same underpinnings as the next Nissan Pathfinder. The Infiniti will likely get a unique, upscale interior and a new version of Infiniti’s infotainment system with larger displays. Expect the next QX60 to get ProPilot Assist 2.0 semi-autonomous capabilities.
Land Rover Discovery SCORE Not Yet Ranked
Pros Good ride and handling, user-friendly infotainment, top-notch safety ratings Cons Dated and cheap-feeling interior, mediocre cargo space, unimpressive
Luxury Midsize Three-Row SUV
#7 Infiniti QX60 SCORE 6.9/10
0-60 mph 6.8-7.9 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 17-20/24-27 mpg* Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars; IIHS: TSP+ IntelliChoice Value Rating Average
Luxury Midsize Three-Row SUV MAJOR With the current generation having been released for 2014 and a redesigned MDX Type S leaked from an internal Acura presentation, we’re expecting big things from the next-generation MDX for 2021 (2020 pictured). If it follows the same formula of the new TLX Type S, it’s likely we’ll see a new twin-turbo V-6 powerplant and significantly updated styling to match Acura’s latest design language. We like the current model for its smooth, comfortable ride and engaging hybrid variant, but the needlessly complex infotainment system and unrefined transmission are areas that need improvement.
SCORE 7.1/10
Pros Excellent digital instrument cluster, quiet and controlled ride Cons Tiny third row, yawn-worthy styling, underwhelming turbo-four base engine
Luxury Midsize Three-Row SUV MINOR The XT6, Cadillac’s latest take on a non-Escalade three-row SUV, is a mild disappointment. Performance and fuel economy trail its competitors, and within its segment, this Cadillac doesn’t make a strong case for itself. 2021 brings a new base Luxury trim with a standard turbo-four engine instead of the now-optional V-6. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity are now wireless, plus there’s a new wheel design and a few new paint options. Even with athletic handling, intuitive infotainment, and impressive safety scores, the XT6 fails to stand out; as a whole, it comes across as merely adequate.
SCORE 7.2/10
0-60 mph 4.3-7.0 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 15-19/21-25 mpg* Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles
0-60 mph 7.7 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 19-20/26-27 mpg Basic Warranty 4 years/60,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars IntelliChoice Value Rating Below Average
Pros Spacious in all three rows, easy third-row access, great safety ratings Cons Archaic tech and infotainment, uninspiring drive
Luxury Midsize Three-Row SUV Base Price $53,500* UNCHANGED The Discovery sits on the more off-road-focused side of the Land Rover portfolio rather than the Range Rover line of luxury machines. It offers a nice blend of on-road comfort, interior luxury, and off-road capability at a more affordable price point than the Range Rover Sport. Although two-row seating for five is standard, an available (but difficult to access) third row expands seating capacity to seven. The infotainment system can be tricky and glitch-prone, though, and handling feels decidedly top-heavy. Expect a midcycle refresh in the next year or so. The Discovery’s available 3.0-liter turbodiesel V-6 could also be on the chopping block because of dwindling demand in North America. Expect a gas inline-six or a V-8 to replace it.
60 MOTORTREND.COM OCTOBER 2020
0-60 mph 6.1-8.2 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 16-21/21-26 mpg Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles IntelliChoice Value Rating Poor
Pros Impressive off-road capability, spacious cabin with ample storage Cons Illogical infotainment, difficult third-row access, top-heavy handling *estimated
Luxury Full-Size Three-Row SUVs #1 Lincoln Navigator SCORE 8.3/10
Luxury Full-Size Three-Row SUV Base Price $78,000-$80,000* UNCHANGED The Navigator put Ford’s upscale division back on the luxury map. Get inside, and you’re greeted with a lavishly appointed cabin with a distinct Americana vibe. For the snazziest interior, opt for the Black Label trim, which has expressive two-tone color schemes and leather everywhere. Lincoln’s version of the corporate infotainment system has cool schemes and graphics that add to the cabin’s luxurious ambience. Even the drive modes have fun names and slick graphics on the digital cluster for each one. With its twin-turbo V-6, the Lincoln Navigator accelerates effortlessly for a big SUV. As long as you don’t opt for the largest alloy wheel options, the Navigator rides like you’re on a cloud, making it an excellent road trip vehicle.
#2 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class SCORE 7.4/10
Base Price $77,000-$200,000*
#3 BMW X7 Base Price $75,000*-$142,295
#4 Infiniti QX80 Base Price $68,000-$93,000*
#5 Lexus LX Base Price $88,000*
Cadillac Escalade
*estimated
0-60 mph 4.0-5.7 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 13-20/18-25 mpg* Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles IntelliChoice Value Rating Average
Pros Strong acceleration and braking, sumptuous interior appointments Cons Beaver-teeth grille, clumsy road manners
0-60 mph 6.3 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 13-14/19-20 mpg Basic Warranty 4 years/60,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 4 Stars IntelliChoice Value Rating Average
Pros Large cargo area, improved infotainment system, powerful engine Cons Poor fuel economy, cramped third row, sloppy road manners
Luxury Full-Size Three-Row SUV MINOR A special edition called the Inspiration Series #2 joins the Lexus LX lineup. Based on the three-row version, the Inspiration Series #2 is swathed in black inside and out. One of the last body-on-frame luxury SUVs, the Lexus LX balances off-road prowess and on-road comfort superbly thanks to its standard adaptive suspension. You can cruise through town in total isolation and go into the wilderness and crawl through trails without any fuss. Unfortunately, the LX’s dated engine guzzles fuel at an alarming rate. The nicely crafted interior is ruined by an infuriating infotainment system and a claustrophobic third row.
SCORE Not Yet Ranked
Pros Luxurious interior, powerful engine options, capable off-road Cons Infuriating multimedia system, cramped third row, choppy ride
Luxury Full-Size Three-Row SUV UNCHANGED Infiniti’s aging flagship SUV got a recent refresh. The new exterior looks more attractive than before, but the engineers couldn’t do much with the QX80’s mediocre ride and handling. Standard V-8 power gives the QX80 good acceleration; however, this 6,000-pound beast exhibits excessive body roll through turns due to its high center of gravity. The interior is nicely appointed with good-quality materials, and there’s comfortable seating in the first two rows. The upgraded infotainment system finally adds Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, making the two-screen interface easier to use.
SCORE 6.4/10
0-60 mph 3.4-5.8 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 12-19/18-23 mpg* Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles IntelliChoice Value Rating Below Average
Luxury Full-Size Three-Row SUV MINOR The big X7 offers excellent build quality and a comfortable ride. Just don’t throw the X7 into a corner too enthusiastically—its road manners are sloppy compared with what people expect from a BMW. Although all three rows are spacious, you’ll get wet in the rain waiting for the motorized second-row seats to allow access to the third row. A specially tuned two-axle air suspension promises a comfortable ride and sporty handling. Designwise, the huge grille and thin headlights take some getting used to. Need more power? The new Alpina XB7 delivers 612 hp, along with glass infotainment system controls and skylike LED lighting for the panoramic sunroof (the latter two shared with the M50i). A low-volume Dark Shadow edition based on the M50i is headed to the U.S.
SCORE 6.8/10
Pros Spacious third row, strong engine, luxurious interior Cons Not very fuel efficient, busy ride with large wheels, excessive body motions
Luxury Full-Size Three-Row SUV MINOR “The S-Class of SUVs,” the GLS offers excellent powertrains, a comfortable ride under most circumstances, and well-appointed interiors with all the opulence you expect from a flagship SUV wearing the threepointed star. However, the unintuitive infotainment interface will drive you bonkers. Although few will take it off-road, the GLS is quite capable in those surroundings. Two new variants join the lineup: the lavish Maybach GLS 600 luxobarge and the potent AMG GLS 63 road-going cruise missile. The four-seat Maybach model takes the already-plush GLS-Class into truly high-end territory, complete with over-the-top appointments. As for the AMG GLS 63, the 603-hp twin-turbo V-8 and suspension upgrades give it moves that belie its massive size.
SCORE 7.2/10
0-60 mph 5.9 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 16/21-22 mpg Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars IntelliChoice Value Rating Above Average
0-60 mph 7.0 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 12/16 mpg Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles IntelliChoice Value Rating Below Average
Pros Off-road capability, luxurious interior, standard driver assistance tech Cons Horrible fuel economy, dated infotainment system, cramped third row
Luxury Full-Size Three-Row SUV Base Price $77,490-$80,490 MAJOR The Escalade gets a massive overhaul. Available in standard or long-wheelbase variants, it rides on the latest body-on-frame architecture shared with GM’s full-size trucks, though it trades the solid rear axle for an independent suspension to improve ride and handling. Alongside the standard 6.2-liter V-8, Cadillac offers a diesel for the first time on the Escalade. Cadillac’s pièce de résistance, however, is an overhauled interior with curved OLED displays measuring 38 inches. The Escalade comes in two flavors: Luxury, swathed in chrome trim for a traditional luxury SUV look, and Sport, with black exterior trim for an understated appearance.
0-60 mph 5.9-6.8 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 14-18/19-26 mpg* Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles IntelliChoice Value Rating Average
Pros Slick multimedia system, snazzylooking interior, powerful V-8 engine Cons Expensive with options, poor fuel economy with V-8 OCTOBER 2020 MOTORTREND.COM 61
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Midsize Trucks #1 Chevrolet Colorado SCORE 8.0/10
Midsize Truck Base Price $26,395-$44,395 MINOR The back-to-back 2015 and 2016 MotorTrend Truck of the Year continues to lead the midsize truck segment thanks to its bandwidth, from a simple runabout pickup to an off-road conqueror. Changes for 2021 are mild, with the most significant being the cancellation of the “base” trim level, effectively raising the starting price by $4,000. This makes the Work Truck trim the base, and its price goes up by $500. Otherwise, all Colorados get new front-end styling and tailgates, with the ZR2 model getting particularly aggressive looks, but no mechanical changes.
#2 GMC Canyon SCORE 7.9/10
Midsize Truck Base Price $23,890-$45,690 MINOR The more upscale cousin to the blue-collar Chevrolet Colorado, the Canyon benefits from the Chevy’s engineering, plus a bit of pizazz reserved for the GMC brand. 2021 brings mostly cosmetic changes, as most of the mechanical stuff stays the same. That means it still has surprising road manners, accurate steering, and a quiet cabin. The All Terrain trim becomes the AT4 under GMC’s new product plan and gets more aggressive shocks and 31-inch Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac tires. AT4s also see unique design elements, such as dark chrome accents, a larger grille, red tow hooks, and special stitching and badges throughout the interior. The top-shelf Denali model also gets a new grille. The rest of the lineup stays pretty much the same.
#3 Honda Ridgeline SCORE 7.7/10
Base Price $35,000-$45,000*
#4 Jeep Gladiator
Pros Great bones with fancier clothes, tougher off-road model, a version for everyone Cons More money for Chevy hardware, interior still not updated
0-60 mph 6.2-7.0 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 19/24-26 mpg Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars IntelliChoice Value Rating Average
Pros Drives like a car, clever features, best safety ratings Cons Higher starting price, lower towing and payload capacity, looks like an SUV
Midsize Truck Base Price $35,000-$47,500* MINOR After decades away, Jeep is back in the pickup game with the Gladiator. Although it looks like a stretched Wrangler Unlimited, it rides on a unique chassis that borrows from the exceptional Ram 1500 and gives it the best tow rating in the class. Even though it’s still fresh on the market, Jeep is already adding serious hardware for 2021. First up is the all-new Mojave trim level with specialized suspension bits for high-speed desert running, followed by a diesel engine option on most trims. Jeep is also adding a full-time four-wheel-drive system to the options list for all models and introducing two new special editions.
#5 Toyota Tacoma SCORE 6.7/10
0-60 mph 6.8-9.1 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 17-20/24-30 mpg Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 4 Stars IntelliChoice Value Rating Below Average
Midsize Truck UNCHANGED Honda’s unibody truck continues to do things differently in the midsize class with clever features unique to its construction. Not having a ladder frame to contend with opens up a lot of storage and packaging possibilities, as does the fully independent suspension. The Ridgeline got a minor update for 2020 with a new standard nine-speed automatic, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and standard Honda Sensing, the company’s suite of passive and active drive aids. Having the aids helps it score the highest safety rating in the class. If you’re in the market for a lifestyle pickup with a carlike ride, the Ridgeline is a solid option. But if you need a hard-working machine, it struggles to keep pace with its more traditional competition.
SCORE 7.4/10
0-60 mph 6.4-9.7 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 16-20/18-30 mpg Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 4 Stars IntelliChoice Value Rating Below Average Pros Drives great, model for every use case, unstoppable ZR2 model Cons Interior is still dull, ZR2 design is polarizing
0-60 mph 7.8-8.1 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 16-20/22-29 mpg* Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles IntelliChoice Value Rating Below Average
Pros Looks awesome, goes anywhere, tows the most Cons Removable roof makes for a loud interior, gas V-6 inefficient for the class
Midsize Truck Base Price $27,500-$45,000* UNCHANGED The Tacoma is still the best-selling truck in its class and has a deeply loyal fan base, even if the current model has been on the market since 2015. Along the way, Toyota has updated the engine, transmission, interior, and more. For 2020, the Tacoma received standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as standard Toyota Safety Sense P, a suite of passive and active driver aids. Most 2020s also got new grilles and headlights, top trims got a 360-degree camera option, and TRD models got a special forward-looking camera option to see low obstacles directly ahead. 2021 updates consist mostly of special edition models.
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0-60 mph 6.8-8.5 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 17-20/20-24 mpg Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 4 Stars IntelliChoice Value Rating Excellent
Pros Great-looking interior and exterior design, great off-road capability Cons Poor powertrain options, cramped cabin, rough ride *estimated
Midsize Trucks #6 Ford Ranger
Midsize Truck
SCORE 6.5/10
Base Price $27,000-$40,000* UNCHANGED After taking a few years off, the Ranger returned for the 2019 model year, courtesy of Ford’s Australian arm and some elbow grease from the North American team. It’s the only truck in the class to employ a turbocharged gas engine, which gives it more than competitive power from a four-cylinder engine in a class of six-cylinders. The aging chassis and interior components, however, undermine the modern turbo engine. For 2020, the Ranger gains a few exterior color options, and for 2021 Ford rejiggered some feature packages and added a few more colors and a blackout trim package. Otherwise, the Ranger soldiers on unchanged. An all-new replacement based on the Bronco platform is expected in the next few years.
Nissan Frontier
0-60 mph 6.3-6.8 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 19-21/18-26 mpg Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 4 Stars IntelliChoice Value Rating Poor
Pros Excellent powertrain, top-of-theclass payload, well-specced bed Cons Sloppy ride and handling, cramped and outdated interior, some old tech
Midsize Truck
SCORE Not Yet Ranked
Base Price $28,000-$38,500* MINOR Nissan is a company that takes the old “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” adage to heart, which is why the Frontier has been on sale basically unchanged for 12 years and mechanically unchanged for 16. Until now, that is. In preparation for an all-new Frontier coming soon, Nissan finally swapped out the ancient engine and transmission for an all-new 310-hp V-6 and a nine-speed transmission borrowed from the new Titan for the 2020 model year. The four-cylinder is gone, raising the base price substantially. Nissan did upgrade the infotainment system a few years back, but even then it wasn’t cutting edge. The interior is likewise old; we called it “aging” back in 2014. Otherwise, it’s the same old truck you’ve known since before the Great Recession.
0-60 mph 7.0-7.5 sec* EPA Econ City/Hwy 17-18/23-24 mpg Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 4 Stars IntelliChoice Value Rating Below Average
Pros Improved fuel economy and performance with new powertrain Cons Seriously outdated interior and technology, expensive for such an old truck
Full-Size Trucks #1 Ram 1500 SCORE 8.3/10
Full-Size Truck Base Price $34,000-$61,000*
0-60 mph 5.9-8.5 sec EPA Econ City/Hwy 15-22/21-32 mpg Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles Safety NHTSA: 5 Stars IntelliChoice Value Rating Average Pros Looks great inside and out, loaded with tech, drives nicer than the competition Cons Curb weight continues to impinge on payload ratings, price keeps creeping up
MINOR After winning our Truck of the Year three times in the past seven years, it’s safe to say the Ram 1500 is a MotorTrend favorite. With the best interior in the class and a smoother-riding coil- or air-sprung rear suspension, the Ram is the most comfortable truck in the segment while maintaining capability and ratings commensurate with the best the competition has to offer. After a major redesign for 2019, Ram has kept its flagship pickup fresh with added features, and it continues this strategy for 2021. The flashiest update is the TRX model, designed to go toe to toe with the Ford F-150 Raptor off-road. *estimated
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