A popular car on any car buying guide, a red 2021 Mazda CX-30 is parked in front of trees and a mountain.

The 15 Best Cars, Trucks, and SUVs for 2021

If you start looking at all of the vehicles available from the auto industry, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. You have so many to choose from that narrowing down your options can become a full-time job. That’s when it helps to have a buying guide that you can look at to at least point you in the right direction for what you’re looking for.

I can’t tell you exactly which vehicle will be best for you since it really comes down to what you’re looking for. But, I can provide you with some of the highlights of this year and let you go from there. You can find more information about specific models at your favorite dealership, but for now, I’ll get you started with what to consider.

The Best SUVs

Mazda CX-30

Kicking things off, we have the Mazda CX-30, which is an amazing option if you’re looking for a subcompact crossover SUV. This is certainly a small model but offers an incredibly luxurious interior with great standard and available options. The engine is rather powerful for the price, and with the amazing features it offers, you really can’t go wrong here.

Honda CR-V

If you’re more interested in a compact crossover SUV, then the Honda CR-V is a terrific option. Despite its small size, the CR-V has a surprisingly spacious interior with plenty of standard and available features that really take your driving experience to the next level. This is also a great choice with fuel efficiency in mind, so it’s a terrific option for a long road trip.

Porsche Macan

For a compact option that provides truly exceptional performance and luxury, the Porsche Macan is an amazing choice. It is the perfect blend of SUV functionality and sports car power and speed, offering something you just won’t find anywhere else. While the standard features are a little lackluster, the performance is amazing, and the available options take it to the next level.

Kia Telluride

If you’re looking for something a bit larger, then the Kia Telluride is one of the best midsize SUVs on the road. When you first sit inside it, the luxurious and sophisticated interior will have you thinking it should cost a lot more than it does. But the Telluride delivers an affordable option that doesn’t feel cheap – it’s perfect for long road trips and growing families.

Ford Bronco

While the Jeep Wrangler has been the dominant off-road SUV for many years, it’s about to have some serious competition thanks to the all-new Ford Bronco. Available in either a two-door or four-door model, the Bronco has some of the most impressive off-road features you’ll find anywhere, including best-in-class ground clearance and an off-road suspension that can’t be beat. This is definitely one of my favorite new models this year and one you should know about if you like to go off-road.

Chevy Suburban

Finally, if you need something much larger than the previous models I mentioned, then the all-new and updated Chevy Suburban is an amazing choice. It’s larger than ever before, and that translates to more interior space for passengers and cargo, with luxury and tech features that can rival pretty much anything else out there. This model might not be the easiest one on your bank account, but if you want a large SUV, then the Suburban is an amazing choice.

A gray 2021 Honda Ridgeline is driving in the snow in front of evergreen trees and snow-covered mountains.

The Best Trucks

Honda Ridgeline

Although a midsize pickup isn’t for everyone, if you’re looking for something with impressive performance and a modest size, then the Honda Ridgeline is fantastic. Despite its small size, it has a welcoming, spacious interior that definitely puts comfort first. This is a great choice for both work and play if you want a midsize truck.

Ram 1500

For a full-size option, the Ram 1500 is definitely one of the best trucks on the road. It offers excellent power and performance, with a luxurious, sophisticated interior that has essentially set the bar for all of its competitors. The Ram 1500 also delivers excellent power and performance for both towing and payload, so this is a great work truck and the perfect model for a mobile office space.

Ford F-150

Of course, the Ford F-150 continues to be one of the most dominant trucks out there, and the latest generation is better than ever before. With numerous options for engines, cab and bed configuration, and innovative features throughout, the F-150 remains the ideal truck for every ford lover. The return of the F-150 Raptor and an available all-new full hybrid engine really showcase the way that Ford continues to innovate and lead the industry.

A blue 2021 Kia Rio sedan is driving in front of an office building.

The Best Cars/Hatchbacks

Kia Rio

If you’re looking for a modest and affordable option, then the Kia Rio is definitely one of the best choices available to you. This is a subcompact car that can easily fit into even the most downscaled lifestyles while offering surprisingly impressive tech options and features. The rear seats are a bit small, and it lacks a lot of cargo space, but that’s to be expected for its size, and it still offers a terrific driving experience.

Honda Civic

A bit larger, the Honda Civic is a terrific choice if you’re looking for a compact car and still want decent interior space for passengers and cargo. You get plenty of room inside the Civic, and you have a lot of options regarding different trims and the available features you can get. It’s not the most fuel-efficient option out there, but it’s a lot of fun to drive, quite practical, and just a great overall choice.

Kia K5

What was once the Optima is now the Kia K5 with an all-new generation that has made it one of the most desirable family sedans on the road. The new look is gorgeous inside and out, with plenty of standard and available luxury and tech features that really set it apart. Best of all, the K5 is surprisingly fun to drive, with a responsive engine and terrific handling, which means you’ll enjoy taking those road trips just a little more than you used to.

BMW M5

For pure luxury, it doesn’t get much better than the BMW 5-Series, and the BMW M5 takes that sophistication and packs a tremendous amount of power into it. The M5 is a performance-focused luxury sedan that features all-wheel drive and acceleration that is an absolute dream come true. It might not have the bold exterior of some other sports cars out there, but the put-you-back-in-your-seat acceleration and gorgeous luxury more than make up for it.

Tesla Model S

For an electric luxury car, you really can’t do better than the Tesla Model S, the legendary leader in the industry. While the Model 3 is a great option for a more modest budget, the luxury and technology packed into the Model S are truly extraordinary. All of that is combined with acceleration and performance that demonstrates the incredible power that electric cars are bringing to the industry.

Chevy Corvette

Of course, for raw performance, the redesigned Chevy Corvette absolutely dominates the road. With the change to a mid-engine design that shifts the weight of the engine back behind the cabin, the latest Corvette model has become an absolute beast that is incredibly fun to drive. Acceleration, raw power, and handling are amazing with the mid-engine Corvette, and while it might not be a practical choice, it’s quite affordable for its supercar performance.