10 Best Vehicles of 2021 According to Consumer Reports
Most of the awards recognizing the best vehicles of 2021 have already been announced, starting with The Car Guide’s top picks.
Consumer Reports, which is another trusted source for North American car buyers, has just published its own annual list.
“We put thousands of miles on each test car and evaluate them for how people actually use them,” says Jake Fisher, head of auto testing at Consumer Reports. “That means we care more about how your next car or SUV performs when it comes to safety, comfort, and fuel efficiency than how quickly it can circle a race track.”
Each of the website’s award-winning vehicles must come standard with forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection.
Check out the photo gallery above to see the 10 best vehicles of 2021 according to Consumer Reports, in alphabetical order.
2021 Honda Ridgeline
Refreshed and improved for 2021, the Honda Ridgeline is the best midsize pickup according to both The Car Guide and Consumer Reports. Driving dynamics, ride quality, versatility and reliability are impressive.
2021 Kia Telluride
This is no surprise. The Kia Telluride is the best buy in the three-row midsize SUV segment in our opinion, too. Beautifully refined, spacious and powerful, it pleases families by offering a lot of bang for their buck.
2021 Lexus RX
In this segment, we prefer the Germans, but Consumer Reports opted for the popular Lexus RX. Comfort, safety and reliability are stellar, but the RX doesn’t lack performance or style, either. A hybrid variant is available on top of that.
2021 Mazda CX-30
Sexy, modern and athletic, the Mazda CX-30 continues to impress in 2021 with the addition of a turbo engine. It’s now a proper small luxury SUV fighter. Handling is just fantastic, as well.
2021 Toyota Camry
The Car Guide’s Best Buy in the midsize car segment, the Toyota Camry is also a top pick of Consumer Reports. It has everything for everyone including an efficient four-cylinder, powerful V6, hybrid variant, available AWD, long list of safety features and more.
2021 Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla is a safe, reliable and fuel-efficient compact sedan that also offers a five-door variant and a hybrid option. It’s definitely not the sportiest car, but it remains a smart purchase year after year.
2021 Toyota Prius
Similar to the Corolla, the Prius shines with amazing dependability and efficiency, plus available AWD. In plug-in hybrid variant (pictured above), it provides about 40 kilometres of EV range.
2021 Subaru Forester
Consumer Reports has named the Subaru Forester a top pick for eight years in a row. We prefer the Toyota RAV4, but its domestic rival boasts exemplary versatility and all-road potential thanks to an excellent AWD system. Safety and durability are other strong attributes.
2021 Subaru Outback
The Car Guide’s Best Buy in the midsize SUV segment, the Subaru Outback continues to earn accolades accross North America. Consumer Reports highlights the wagon’s versatility, safety, interior room, driving dynamics and adventurous spirit.