Best Family SUVs of 2021
Article By Michael Satterfield, TheGentlemanRacer
If you’re in the market for a new crossover or SUV, it can be hard to determine which vehicle is the right fit for your family. Finding a vehicle that can accommodate the kids plus all the accessories that come with them (strollers, sports equipment, papier-mâché volcanos, etc.), can be a daunting task. On top of being functional, it still needs to be safe, look good, and be a good value. If you’re not sure where to start, we have been driving the latest crossovers and SUVs and selected our top pick in each category.
Compact: 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime Plug-In Hybrid AWD
Toyota has built by far the best vehicle in this category with the RAV4 Prime Plug-In Hybrid, with up to 42 miles of electric range, the RAV4 can handle most daily driving around town without a drop of gasoline. Offering the benefits and cost savings of an all-electric without the range anxiety, thanks to the 2.5-liter I-4 engine. Styling is bold and the two-tone roof of the Prime give the RAV4 a higher end look. Inside, the RAV4 Prime has a lot to offer like heated front seats, great infotainment, and over 33 cubic feet of cargo space. Toyota RAV4 Prime Plug-In Hybrid starts at $38,250.
Mid-size: 2021 Kia Telluride
Kia has been offering buyers a lot of value for their dollar for years and the Telluride is no exception. With a base MSRP of $32,190, seating for up to eight, a long standard equipment list, it is no surprise that the Texas Auto Writers Association awarded the Telluride with the trophy for ‘SUV of Texas.’ The higher SX trim level offer comparable equipment as many luxury brands like Nappa Leather, Heated/Ventilated Seats, and a Harman Kardon sound system for thousands less. Plus, the Telluride can town 5,000 lbs. and still comes with Kia’s industry-leading bumper-to-bumper warranty of 5 years/60,000 miles and an engine/powertrain warranty of 10 years/100,000 miles. Kia Telluride starts at $32,190.
Full-size: GMC Yukon & Yukon XL
GMC has been redefining the full-size luxury SUV market for years and their latest Yukon line up offers something for everyone from the off-road focused Yukon AT4 to the ultra-luxury Yukon Denali. New for 2021 is the 3.0-liter inline-six turbodiesel which gives the Yukon a maximum towing capacity of up to 8,400 lbs. Thanks to all the combinations of trim levels and options the Yukon can be tailored to suit almost any lifestyle, for the active family looking for a full-size SUV that can do it all the Yukon is a great choice. It is hard to even compare the Yukon to the competition like the Ford Expedition or the Toyota Sequoia simply because the Yukon offers more engine choices, higher available towing capacity, and class leading cargo capacity. GMC Yukon starts at $51,000.
Michael Satterfield is an award-winning journalist, photographer, and founder of TheGentlemanRacer.com, a men’s site focused on cars, luxury lifestyle, and adventure. Michael has been featured in Forbes, Society Texas, Western Lifestyle Retailer, and Velocity. After moving to Texas three years ago, he has made his home in the Brazos Valley.