If you remember, SUVs were available only in one size, large. However, things have changed drastically over the last couple of years. The customers are now having a limitless choice of SUVs and crossovers. You can literally buy anything you want, from the most subcompact model to the large and powerful beast. Today, mid-size SUVs are the most popular category. Not only that, the mid-size SUV segment is the strongest segment among these types of vehicles.
Basically, the mid-size SUVs are offering a room for more passengers and larger cargo area than the compact models. Moreover, they are not as rugged as the full-size vehicles. Many models are deploying a V6 engine that provides more power and torque. Lastly, a four-cylinder turbocharged engine became a popular option as well. Overall, mid-size SUVs are perfect models that are serving multiple purposes, even the off-roading. Here are our five most reliable mid-size models for 2021.
2021 Acura MDX
The upcoming 2021 Acura MDX will arrive with plenty of refreshments. According to the first information, the MDX model will get numerous changes, and some reports are even reporting a new-generation model. Even if that not happen, MDX will surely deliver a lot of improvements.
The exterior will get a slightly different design. The new model will look sportier than its predecessor, and it will get a more premium appearance. The front fascia comes with a larger diamond-pentagon grille. Furthermore, this SUV will once again offer Acura’s iconic Jewel Eye LED headlights. On the other hand, the design isn’t as unique as some fans would like. Whatsoever, RDX and MDX are sharing a lot of components.
Inside the cabin, the 2021 MDX model remains a three-row SUV. However, Acura will deliver plenty of upgrades, mostly in terms of technology. This seven-seater will offer a higher level of comfort as well. Safety is another impressive thing about the MDX model. The credit goes to the AcuraWatch safety suite that is available on all of the trim levels. Upper trims are offering more luxury, such as leather seats and a power moonroof.
As for the performance, Acura MDX is riding on a reliable 3.5-liter V6. This engine is capable of producing 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of twisting power. A 9-speed automatic transmission is available, along with the optional Super-Handling AWD setup. A hybrid version will also become available, another reason to buy 2021 Acura MDX. Still, exact hybrid specs are not available yet. MDX crossover-SUV will go on sale this fall, and it will cost $46,000. The sportier Type S MDX will start at over $60,000.
Read our complete review of the 2021 Acura MDX HERE
2021 Honda Pilot
Here’s another amazing SUV on the list. The all-new 2021 Honda Pilot is surely one of the most reliable models on the market. A new version will host a couple of drastic changes. Still, the next-gen Pilot is around two years away. However, that didn’t stop Honda to provide additional updates to its best-selling SUV.
First of all, this mid-size SUV will gain more safety equipment. Moreover, the exclusive and premium Black Edition model is the range-topping trim level once again. Don’t expect a redesign, but mid-cycle refreshments are surely more than welcomed. This three-row SUV will gain sharper front fascia. The famous three-slat grille gets more chrome accents, and the new lower LED accents are looking very impressive. The taillights are slightly revised, and new optional wheels are in the offer.
The interior continues to offer a room for seven passengers, and Pilot will only get a couple of high-tech updates. Under the hood, Pilot SUV deploys the same 3.5-liter V6. This engine is good for 280 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. Honda is offering a front-wheel-drive system as standard. However, the optional AWD setup now comes with an advanced torque vectoring system. Thanks to that, the vehicle will take control of the amount of power of each wheel. The 2021 Pilot will start at $32,000. On the other hand, the Black Edition will be priced at $50,000. Pilot SUV is available in six trim levels, and it will go on sale in the second half of 2020.
Find out more about new 2021 Honda Pilot HERE
2021 Genesis GV80
New 2021 Genesis GV80 is about to arrive. Genesis is turning its concept into a real model called the GV80. It is a concept from 2017, and beside concept photos, we’ve seen a couple of low-resolution spy photos. GV80 is the company’s newest SUV that will look incredibly premium, both inside and outside.
First exterior photos leaked on Instagram recently. According to the very same photos, the production model slightly departs from the concept. The styling is slightly different, and it looks less futuristic. The front grille is larger, and the headlights are smaller. Some cues are borrowed from the G90 model. In terms of dimensions, they are the same as on the concept. The rear part comes with larger taillights that are stretching into the quarter panels.
The interior looks impressive. The 2021 GV80 hosts a taller center console, and it separates the front two seats. The electronic dial is sitting in front of the driver’s seat so the driver can shift gears with ease. A round touchpad looks great, and it sits next to the numerous buttons. The dash comes with an infotainment system, and navigation is really practical. Upper trim levels are coming with a digital instrument cluster, and the driver can configure it with no problems at all. On the other hand, the base trim level will deploy more conventional analog gauges.
As for the performance, GV80 will be a rear-wheel-drive setup. Its potent V6 engine will be offered as standard. Another possibility is the V8 powertrain, but that is less likely. Whatsoever, the V8 engine could be in the offer in 2022 GV80. A plug-in hybrid powertrain is another solution. Some reports are saying the hybrid version will go on sale this year. Some other reports are convinced that the hybrid model won’t arrive before 2022. Lastly, upper trim levels are offering an AWD system as standard. New GV80 mid-size SUV will rival models such as Volvo XC90, Mercedes-Benz GLE, and BMW X5. The price should start at $50,000 or slightly above.
Read full 2021 Genesis GV80 review HERE
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee
The all-new 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee is another model that should arrive with numerous upgrades. One significant upgrade is happening for sure as Grand Cherokee is getting an optional third-row in 2021. So far, spy shots are available. Under the heavy camouflage, some changes are visible at first glance. For a start, the mid-size SUV is getting a longer wheelbase. Moreover, the rear overhang looks more prominent, so the interior room will be more generous. Because of the new three-row layout, Jeep will change the styling, and it will deliver new styling cues. Thinner headlights are looking impressive, along with the famous seven-slot grille.
New 2021 Grand Cherokee will get most of its drastic upgrades inside the cabin. This model is getting a 12-inch touchscreen. A similar unit can be found in a new Ram 1500 pickup truck. As we said, the interior room is now more generous thanks to the longer wheelbase. Still, the only big news is a new and optional third-row. Thanks to that, the number of seats is increased from five to seven. Remember, third-row is optional, so the five-seat layout remains standard.
Under the hood, the mid-size SUV continues to roll with a 3.6-liter V6 engine. It delivers 295 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. A 5.7-liter Hemi V8 is optional, and it generates 360 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of twisting power. Diesel is another possibility. Grand Cherokee will offer a 3.0-liter V6, and the eTorque mild-hybrid system is also the most likely outcome. Still, the real performance is available in SRT trim level. Grand Cherokee SRT will offer a 6.2-liter V8 that is producing 707 horses and 645 lb-ft of torque. As for the prices, the newest Jeep’s SUV will cost $33,000. If you want the SRT version, you’ll have to pay around $70,000, if not even more. Grand Cherokee will hit the dealerships this summer.
For more information about 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee click HERE
2021 Cadillac XT5
The brand-new 2021 Cadillac XT5 is the last model on our list of the most reliable mid-size SUVs. This model comes with plenty of luxury and is available as a four-door model. XT5 should arrive as the next-gen model in 2023. For that reason, the 2021 variant will get mid-cycle improvements. Cadillac offers numerous trim levels, and XT5 is one very customizable model.
The exterior looks elegant, and Cadillac did a great job with sharper edges. Styling is truly impressive, but we are not sure how many changes will automaker provides. Design is based on the Escala concept, and XT5 will slot between XT4 and XT6 models. Jeweled headlights are looking gorgeous, along with the luxurious 18-inch wheels. If you want larger rims, 20-inchers are optional. For 2021, Cadillac should offer larger headlights and reshaped taillights. The rest of the exterior will largely remain.
Inside, new 2021 XT5 will gain a lot of technology upgrades. That includes numerous driver-assistance features and a brand-new self-driving system. So far, this system can be used on the highways only. For instance, the Cadillac CT6 sedan is offering the very same system. The interior looks impressive, and Cadillac provides plenty of luxury. That includes nice wood and chrome accents. The second-row legroom is ample, and the comfort is at a really high level. Lastly, new interior color schemes are in the works.
Under the hood, Cadillac XT5 offers a 3.6-liter V6. This reliable powertrain can generate up to 310 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel-drive comes as standard, along with the 8-speed automatic gearbox. An AWD setup will be optional once again. A 2.0-liter turbo-four output is also available, and it delivers 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of twists. While not as powerful as the larger 3.6-liter V6, this turbo-four comes with better fuel efficiency. The price of the 2021 XT5 starts at $41,000. If you want the range-topping trim level, you’ll have to pay up to $75,000.
Read more about next 2021 Cadillac XT5 HERE