The Best New SUVs In 2021

Intended to rival the likes of the Nissan Juke and Volkswagen T-Cross, the Ford Puma is a compact crossover that shares the same nameplate as an older sports coupe by Ford that was discontinued in 2002.

Now with a new body, the latest Puma is based on the Fiesta, but with a sportier take. That’s right, it has a sporty edge to it and not just in the stylish design, but also in the way it drives.

Like the Fiesta, it is a lot of fun with agile handling. In fact, the Puma is a class leader in this department for the crossover sector. It also has a mild hybrid powertrain for greater fuel-efficiency, good build quality, and strong practicality with a large boot.

It comes well-equipped as standard and has excellent safety tech as well.

The Mercedes-Benz GLA is essentially a beefier version of the A-Class with a raised ride height and dashing SUV looks.

Inside the cabin, the similarities continue with practically everything lifted from the A-Class and CLA models. Naturally, as a Mercedes this isn’t a bad thing in the slightest, because like those other models, the GLA enjoys premium build quality, a suitably plush interior, and high standards applied throughout. In short, it’s everything you’d expect from the world-renowned marque.

The all-new GLA, updated in 2021, builds on the past, improving the good looks and increasing the cabin quality, with more space, more equipment (including an excellent MBUX infotainment system), and even more safety tech.

The 2021 update of the Jaguar F-Pace is more of a slight facelift rather than an all-new model, with tweaked styling, an improved interior, and the option of a mild hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrain. Nevertheless, it remains one of the best SUVs on the market and a class leader.

It offers a fantastic driving experience that is a lot of fun, with agile handling, a lightweight body, and excellent performance power.

Inside, it is very practical with a large boot and it is supremely comfortable and spacious too. It also comes well-equipped as standard and enjoys lots of useful safety tech.

Like the Jaguar F-Pace, the all-new Ford Kuga is a sports utility vehicle with a driver’s focus.

It’s also one of the best to drive in the sector, which is little surprise as the Kuga has the same platform and choice of engines as the mighty Ford Focus. This mid-size crossover is now available with three different hybrid powertrains as well, including plug-in and self-charging variants. Whichever option you choose, the Kuga provides great fuel efficiency.

It’s also spacious and stylish, with a comfortable cabin and a practical boot. Furthermore, it comes well-equipped as standard with an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, front and rear parking sensors, cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, and lane keep assist.

The 2021 Peugeot 2008 comes with bold new styling and a slightly larger body for increased space and comfort.

The stylish and sporty compact crossover is built on the same CMP (Common Modular Platform) small car architecture as the 208, offering a mix of powertrains, including an all-electric model as well. In addition, the latest version has improved build quality, which adds to its appeal.

When it comes to driving, the 2008 has excellent manners, with a comfortable cabin, a good level of refinement, and strong performance. It’s also practical with a sizeable boot and it comes fairly well-equipped as standard, including handy rear parking sensors.

First on the scene in 2013, the Renault Captur is now in its second generation. The all-new version of this market-leading crossover sports a larger body with a more spacious cabin for added leg and headroom and increased levels of comfort. It’s also built on a new platform designed to take full advantage of hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains.

With stylish good looks, a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, and an affordable starting price, the Renault Captur is a great all-rounder of an SUV.

It also comes generously equipped as standard, with various tech and lots of safety kit, such as autonomous emergency braking, traffic sign recognition, lane keep assist, and e-call automated emergency call.

Released at the end of 2017, the Volkswagen T-Roc came late to the SUV crossover market compared to other manufacturers. That being said, the T-Roc still manages to stand out from the crowd with a unique design and sporty looks.

It also offers a fun driving experience that matches its styling, proving to be agile and a good performer with precise handling that is similar to a hatchback.

There are five different trim levels to choose from, a wide variety of efficient, yet powerful engines, and the option for four-wheel drive. You can also enjoy the latest T-Roc as a convertible, which certainly adds to its appeal and to its suave exterior.

The Cupra Formentor is a brand new nameplate for 2021 from a new manufacturer, albeit an off-shoot marque from Seat and as such, it is also part of the Volkswagen Group. It sits on Volkswagen shared MQB platform, which underpins the Seat Ateca and Volkswagen Golf, plus it shares the same chassis, gearbox, and infotainment system as the new Seat Leon. The crossover SUV is a stylish looking car, with strong and rugged looks.

On the road, it enjoys excellent manners and a nice sporty edge, proving sprightly and agile for driving around the city and comfortable and refined for long motorway journeys.

Overall, it’s a great new crossover to join the market, offering practicality and a fun driving experience.

The all-new DBX is a luxury five-seater SUV from Aston Martin, the company’s first foray into the world of sports utility vehicles. As you’d expect from the premium marque, it is an excellent car, with strong build quality and a rich finish.

It has a stylish exterior and a suitably plush cabin, lined with soft materials and a panoramic sunroof.

It has all the practicality that you’d want from an SUV, plus it genuinely feels like an Aston Martin, from its looks and premium feel, to the way it drives.

On the tarmac, it’s a lot of fun, with excellent performance power and agile handling for the sector. It’s also capable for going off the beaten track too, with a brilliant four-wheel drive system.

The Q3 is the first SUV in Audi’s superb range to get the RS ‘go-faster’ makeover, which turns the small sports utility vehicle into something of a powerhouse. In fact, it’s one of the fastest in its class with a top speed of 174mph. It goes without saying (although we’ll still say it) the high-performance RS Q3 is a lot of fun, with a raucous soundtrack from the five-cylinder, turbocharged engine.

Inside, little has changed from the Q3. In other words, RS versions enjoy the same high-quality cabin, plush materials, and comfortable seats. It’s also just as spacious and practical, although the boot is slightly reduced.

It’s an enjoyable family crossover that is particularly well-suited to those looking for a bit more power in their daily commute.