Top 4 Mid-Size SUVs to Watch in 2021

Discover the top mid-size SUVs of 2021, featuring models like Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, Honda Pilot, and Mazda CX-9. This guide highlights key features, seating capacity, safety tech, and pricing to help you find the perfect vehicle that balances luxury, safety, and affordability within your budget.

Top 4 Mid-Size SUVs to Consider in 2021

Each year, automakers release newer, more advanced mid-size SUVs, offering a broad range of options for buyers. While variety is advantageous, selecting the perfect model within your budget can be challenging. To assist you, here's a list of the best mid-size SUVs for 2021, highlighting their features, trims, and starting prices. Continue reading to find the model that best fits your preferences and needs.

Kia Telluride 2022

The Kia Telluride stands out with its class-leading features and fierce competition against established rivals. It offers approximately 87 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats folded, surpassing many peers.

Powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine, it provides precise steering and smooth handling. Capable of seating seven or eight passengers depending on seating configuration, the front-wheel-drive version achieves around 20 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. The starting price for the Kia Telluride is $35,000, with the top SX trim costing about $42,000.

Hyundai Palisade 2022

Ranked among the top SUVs of 2021, the Hyundai Palisade Features advanced safety options like rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot detection, and integrated turn signals on side mirrors. Its powerful 3.8-liter V6 is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

All trims offer seating for seven or eight, a durable transmission cooler, trailer wiring, and sway control. Fuel efficiency stands at 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. The second row includes a one-touch seat fold for easier access. The infotainment system features an 8-inch touchscreen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth. Remote start, lock/unlock via Hyundai’s Blue Link app can be controlled through Alexa or Google Assistant. Prices range from $34,000 for SE to about $47,000 for Calligraphy.

Honda Pilot 2021

This SUV blends quality and style, equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 producing 280 horsepower paired with a nine-speed automatic. It seats up to eight, with optional captain's chairs reducing capacity to seven. Safety features include lane-keeping, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise, and collision detection. The SUV’s high driving position offers excellent visibility, complemented by large roof pillars. Fuel economy for front-wheel-drive models is approximately 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. The Honda Pilot is available in six trims, from $33,000 for basic models to over $50,000 for the Black Edition.

Mazda CX-9 2021

The Mazda CX-9 is renowned for its stylish design and impressive driving performance, powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It seats six or seven, with spacious, quiet front and second-row seating. Standard features include cloth upholstery, heated front seats, and a six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. Optional upgrades include leather seats, an eight-way driver’s seat, and a heated steering wheel. Starting prices are $34,000 for the Sport, with higher trims like Touring at $35,000, and Signature up to $46,000.