2021 Best New SUVs/Crossovers
Published Date: 16th Mar 2021
SUV/Crossover vehicles have been part of a boom car segment over the last few years, with most manufacturers having two, three or more of them in their line-up.
There and some differences between an SUV and a Crossover in the strictest sense, but if you see a vehicle described as either you will be getting a vehicle with a higher stance/driving position and usually more rugged exterior styling.
Other features of an SUV/Crossover may include additional drive modes for tackling more demanding driving conditions and AWD/4WD, although many Crossovers are built primarily for urban driving and will be available in 2WD with the option in some cases of 4WD/AWD on higher grade models. A pure SUV will be probably offer 4WD as standard.
The SUV/Crossover segment is getting crowded, especially in the mid-sized sector, so it can be one hell of a job, doing your research and picking the right vehicle for your needs.
Here are some recommend SUV/Crossovers that you should put on your shortlist:
- Nissan Qashqai - Britain’s best-selling Crossover, affordable and a great all-rounder.
- VW Tiguan - Spacious, practical SUV with quality interior.
- Ford Puma - Compact Crossover that’s great fun to drive.
- Renault Kadjar - Spacious and affordable mid-sized SUV/Crossover
- BMW X1 - BMW quality and in a small Crossover that is rewarding to drive.
- Hyundai Tucson - A mid-sized SUV with quality interior and excellent tech.
- Ford Kuga - Mid-sized SUV/Crossover combines affordability with good levels of standard equipment.
- Peugeot 5008 - Large SUV offering 7 seats and classy interior.
2021 Nissan Qashqai
The Nissan Qashqai has been around longer than most Crossovers and it is a great all-rounder than doesn’t hit the pocket as hard as some alternatives.
Facing stiffer competition than ever for its crown of the best-selling SUV/Crossover in the UK, a new model will be released later in 2021 that responds to the competition.
The all-new Nissan Qashqai will represent a huge leap forward featuring new exterior styling with more coupe-like looks, Nissan’s latest semi-autonomous driver tech, a new larger colour touchscreen infotainment system which is a big upgrade on the old system and upgraded interior build quality.
We wrote an in-depth review of the all-new 2021 Nissan Qashqai here, if you would like to know more about pre-ordering you can contact the UK Car Discount team on 0161 946 3500.
2021 VW Tiguan
The Tiguan is Volkswagen’s spacious SUV with a premium quality interior, although it won’t set you back as much as some ‘premium’ badged alternatives.
The latest VW Tiguan model sees some subtle exterior tweaks, new alloy wheels and LED lights.
Inside the new Tiguan gets the latest version of VW’s excellent infotainment touchscreen system with Android Auto/Apple CarPlay for smartphone mirroring (higher grade models get integrated navigation). As you move up the trim-level line-up to R-Line (which also offers sports suspension and some additional sports styling) and Elegance models, you get the impressive 10-inch digital cockpit display (can be added as an optional extra on other models).
We have covered in more detail the latest VW Tiguan trim-levels and what’s new here.
2021 Ford Puma
The Puma is Ford’s stylish and compact SUV which is built on the same platform as the Fiesta. Although it shares the same underpinnings as the Fiesta, it is wider and longer and with higher centre of gravity, so you might not be flinging it around corners quite as aggressively as a Fiesta. However, it still inherits a lot of the Fiesta’s traits and it is great fun to drive.
All models including the entry-level Titanium Edition are very well equipped and include alloy wheels with locking wheel nuts. Inside there is an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with integrated sat nav plus Android Auto/Apple CarPlay support.
There are also plenty of driver aids and tech on offer as standard, including rear parking sensors, automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist and lane departure warning.
ST-Line and ST-Line X models add interior and exterior sports styling/features and a 12-3 -inch digital driver display. While the Vignale Edition offers more comfort and luxury with features like premium leather interior and heated front seats.
You can read our detailed review and comparison of the new Ford Puma trim levels and specs here.
2021 Renault Kadjar
The Kadjar is Renault’s spacious & affordable mid-size SUV/Crossover, with current discounts you can pick one up for under £19,000. It forms part of Renault’s strong SUV/Crossover line-up sitting inbetween the compact Captur and the large 7-seater Koleos.
Thanks to the Nissan-Renault alliance it shares the same platform as the Nissan Qashqai which can’t be a bad thing as the Qashqai has been around longer than most SUVs. The Kadjar does offer more room inside though, meaning from and rear passengers get a tad more leg room than in the Qashqai.
As well as being extremely practical and affordable, the Kadjar is pretty-well kitted-out. All models get alloy wheels, dual zone climate control and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto/Apple CarPlay support for smartphone mirroring.
There are also plenty of driver aids too, even entry-level Iconic models get rear parking sensors, rear camera, cruise control with speed limiter, lane departure warning, emergency brake assist, automatic parking brake and tyre pressure monitoring. You also get other useful aids like automatic headlights and windscreen wipers.
In a three-tier trim-level system the S Edition is the next grade adding goodies like a panoramic roof and LED headlights/fog lights. The top-of-the-range GT Line adds some extra comfort and luxury with full leather upholstery, heated front seats, handsfree parking and premium Bose audio.
You can read our detailed article about the new Renault Kadjar trim levels and specs here.
2021 BMW X1
The X1 is BMW’s small SUV that is rewarding to drive and offers plenty of engine options. There is a selection of petrol, diesel and a plug-in hybrid option that can do up to 32 miles in full electric mode. Although diesels are losing their popularity, you cannot argue with a BMW diesel, they are smooth and offer everything from excellent running costs to extremely impressive performance at the top-end.
The latest X1 is front-wheel drive and offers significantly more boot space and some extra cabin space too bringing it closes to some rivals for passenger and stowage space.
Despite BMW improving ride comfort, the X1 still feels sportier than a lot of rival SUVs, however it can get quite pricey when you move up to the high-end sportier models that pack a punch.
An entry-level SE model will get you an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with integrated navigation, previously the entry-level trim offered a 6.5-inch screen (by todays standards small) so the larger screen is welcome. The BMW infotainment platform is one of the best around and functions smoothly and it’s intuitive. The SE trim also offers 17-inch alloy wheels, dual zone climate control, power tailgate and front/rear LED lights. You also get a good selection of driver aids including front and rear parking sensors, cruise control and ‘Active Guard; which is a front collision warning and auto braking system.
M Sport models get sports suspension and M Sport styling plus other luxuries like heated front seats, xLine models feature unique styling like exterior satin aluminium trim, heated front seats and leather ‘Dakota’ upholstery. Sport models get unique styling like high gloss black exterior trim and exclusive Sport front/rear bumpers. Inside Sport models you get Sensatec and cloth upholstery, an instrument panel with contrast stitching and front sports seats.
You can compare all new BMW X1 specs, trim levels and deals here.
2021 Hyundai Tucson
The Tucson (formerly badged the ix35) is Hyundai’s mid-sized SUV, and it represents an important milestone for Hyundai, an SUV that could compete with some premium brands when it comes to interior quality and tech, without the premium price-tag.
There is no diesel option, but you get a choice of petrol engines with mild hybrid technology and a full hybrid option that can do up to 30 miles in full electric mode. The hybrid is quite plucky too, capable of 0-62mph in 8 seconds.
Exterior styling of the Tucson is pretty stylish but inside is where the Tucson really excels and is looking to compete with premium badged alternatives. Standard across the range is the 10.3-inch digital driver display and a second 10.3-inch widescreen infotainment/entertainment system. The infotainment screen boasts a very sharp picture which will compete with some of the best systems currently available.
All models get plenty of tech integrated into the infotainment system as standard, including smartphone mirroring with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, navigation, Bluetooth and DAB radio. Higher grade models get wireless smartphone charging and a premium Krell sound system.
The interior build quality is incredibly good, you’ll find plenty of high-quality materials and soft touch finishes making the Tucson a viable, cheaper alternative to premium badged competitors.
The Tucson is also a winner when it comes to interior cabin and boot space, a couple of large adults in the rear outer seats is no problem, while a third squeezing in the centre rear seat will more of a stretch, boot space is generous too and competes with the best in class.
You can compare all new Hyundai Tucson specs, models, and deals here.
2021 Ford Kuga
The Kuga is Ford’s mid-sized SUV, formerly a ‘boxy’ looking SUV, the latest version boasts a redesign and much more stylish looks.
Other improvements and additions to the new Kuga include improved interior space, and new tech, including a GEO Awareness system for hybrid models that alerts the driver when entering zero emissions zones.
All models get an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment as standard with integrated navigation and Android Auto/Apple CarPlay support. There is also plenty of driver tech across the range, all models get cruise control with speed limiter, front/rear parking sensors, pre-collision assist and automatic emergency braking.
You can check out our in-depth comparison of the new Ford Kuga trim-levels and specs here.
A range of petrol and diesel engines are available, some with mild hybrid technology and there’s a plug-in hybrid option (not available with entry-level Zetec models) that can cover up to 34 miles in full electric mode.
The Ford Kuga offers plenty of options and good blend of affordability vs standard equipment, if you are looking for a mid-sized SUV you should put it on your shortlist.
2021 Peugeot 5008
The Peugeot 5008 is a large SUV that was once an MPV, offering 7 seats and an impressive interior.
Offered with a range of petrol and diesel engines there is an option for everyone. The 1.2-litre petrol might sound a little underpowered for such a big car, but it is surprisingly plucky. If most of your driving is around town and with another passenger or ferrying a couple of children around, it is more than good enough and delivers power smoothly.
If you need more torque you can look at one of the diesels (although they tend to not be as smooth as the petrol models) and there is a 1.6-litre petrol option available with auto gearbox only.
The 2.0-litre diesel is the best for towing with a braked towing limit of 1750 kg which should cover the majority of 4-6 birth caravans, the 1.6-litre petrol has a braked towing limit of 1300kg and 1.5-litre diesel offers a braking towing limit of 1200kg.
It’s a pretty stylish looking SUV but once you get inside is where the 5008 really shines. There is a real hi-tec cockpit feel and there are plenty of soft touch finishes and a feeling of quality.
The customisable 12.3-inch digital drivers display is standard across the range (something many rivals offer as an optional extra) and it is very impressive. Peugeot have also made the steering wheel smaller with a flatter top, the idea behind this is to make sure it does not obscure your view of the driver display which Peugeot call the i-Cockpit.
The i-Cockpit display is complimented by an 8.0-inch infotainment screen that’s ‘angled in’ for best viewing. There is no integrated sat nav on lower grade models, but smartphone mirroring with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay is standard meaning you use your favourite smartphone navigation app.
The best option if your budget can stretch to it, is to go for a higher-grade model and you will get a larger 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system that offers a sharper picture and integrated sat nav.
Other options include wireless phone charging and for audiophiles there is the option of a Focal premium sound system, with a 515w amplifier, premium speakers, and subwoofer (standard on top-of-the-range GT Premium models).
The two seats in the third row are ideally for kids, you certainly wouldn’t squeeze a couple of large adults in them if you were travelling from Land's End to John O'Groats! Boot space with the third-row seats up is also limited, fold them down and you should more than enough room for most things and circumstances.
The Peugeot 5008 is a stylish SUV with an eye-catching interior, if you are in the market for a large SUV put it on your shortlist.
You can check out new Peugeot 5008 prices and compare all models and specs here.
*Any prices quoted are at the time of writing this article and may be subject to changes - vehicles are subject to availability