When a car manufacturer decides to launch a new vehicle, the branding and marketing become a huge determining factor for its success. Brands with more media power receive more attention, and their cars subsequently tend to achieve more sales.
We're still relatively early in 2021, and in the coming months, many revamped SUVs will be available to customers with the 2021 model year. Of course, they will be so tempting to buy, but it's a fact that some of them are totally overrated.
The fact that these SUVs are overrated doesn't mean they're bad vehicles and not worth a penny. However, some of the 2021 SUV models are just plain overhyped and their quality and features overexaggerated, earning them way more attention than they actually deserve. This is not a problem in itself, but it results in many great models with less clout surrounding them missing out on sales. And with the SUV segment being perhaps the most competitive in the industry, it's only fair we exposed these overrated 2021 models.
10 BMW X7
The BMW X7 is a top choice for those who have piles of money in their bank account and are looking for a luxury SUV with three rows of seats. You will find everything for the passengers' comfort in the cabin, and the exterior is eye-catching as well. But here are the downsides. The biggest problem is the price: it starts at $74,900 and soars to $120,000 for high-end trims.
The X7 is known as a family SUV, but the cargo area doesn't seem enough for family usage. With unfolded third-row, the cargo space is just 12.8 cubic feet, and with folded seats, it increases to 48.6 cubic feet. Finally, poor fuel efficiency is another downside with the BMW X7.
9 Toyota Land Cruiser
Toyota is known for making tough cars with outdoor usage in mind, and Land Cruiser is one of those models to meet this purpose. Extraordinary off-road capabilities, reliability, and a massive V8 powertrain make Toyota Land Cruiser an enticing vehicle.
However, as with the BMW, price is the Achilles heel of the Land Cruiser. The price starts at $85,415 for the base model. For an $80,000 budget, there are better vehicles on the market that outshine the Toyota Land Cruiser in terms of performance, options, and pure luxury. The Land Cruiser also lacks some safety equipment such as a 360-degree surround-view camera. Moreover, the third row isn't much practical when using.
8 Jeep Cherokee
When it comes to performance in compact SUVs, the Jeep Cherokee appears at the forefront. The Cherokee has excellent off-road capabilities and satisfying handling for family trips. But cargo space is a big red flag for buyers. With erect rear seats, the cargo space in the Jeep Cherokee is 25.8 cubic feet, which is a little disappointing compared to some rivals like Honda CR-V with 37.6 cubic feet.
Also, rear seats aren't comfortable enough for passengers, and they have to struggle with space. Fuel economy isn't impressive, and the price for high-end trims may not be competitive.
7 Maserati Levante
Maserati's brand prestige is a compelling reason to spend the remaining money in your bank account to buy the Levante. The Maserati Levante is a luxury SUV with an Italian artistic design, beautiful interior, and great performance with that V6 and V8 engines. These seem good reasons to pay for the Levante, but the cargo space at the back is just 20.5 cubic feet, which isn't enough for an SUV and can't meet family expectations.
Second, the price is insanely high. The Maserati Levante's MSRP price starts at $77,500, and it can soar to $171,500 for the ultimate luxury version. So the price isn't competitive enough to convince potential buyers.
6 Jeep Wrangler
Here comes another vehicle for off-roading and outdoor enthusiasts. The Jeep Wrangler is a real die-hard for off-road usage and it comes with a lot of customization from the brand. It's a well-known vehicle, and its performance is proven. However, there are just 12.9 cubic feet of cargo space with unfolded seats and 31.7 cubic feet when seats are folded at two-door variants. This may not be satisfying for some buyers.
The Jeep Wrangler is not a comfortable and quiet vehicle on the roads, and you will hear a lot of engine noise in the cabin. Fuel efficiency is not optimal enough either, yet despite all these issues, high-end trims will cost you more than $50,000.
5 Toyota 4Runner
The 4Runner is another off-road vehicle from Toyota known for its reliability, and it comes with a powerful V6 engine. The cargo area capacity is 46.3 cubic feet - obviously more than some of its counterparts. The handling and comfort are also excellent. However, an outdated design, both in the interior and the exterior is the first thing new buyers will notice.
The interior is made of plastic, which may be a negative point for some drivers. Finally, with 16 MPG in the city and 19 MPG on the highway, Toyota 4Runner's fuel efficiency is not what you expected.
4 Honda CR-V
The CR-V is one of the best-selling and most reliable models in Honda lineup, and it's a favorite family SUV. The interior and exterior designs are eye-catching and somehow above the class. The cabin is comfortable for family trips, and handling is excellent. There are 39.2 cubic feet of cargo space with erect seats and 75.8 cubic feet when seats are folded.
Still, the car features a CVT transmission, which may not be a pleasant choice for some drivers. Moreover, the Honda CR-V is not an optimized vehicle for off-road and outdoor usage. Also, some drivers complain about noises in the cabin and the laggy built-in voice control system.
3 Mazda CX-5
With a $25,270 starting price, the Mazda CX-5 seems like a pretty cool midsize family SUV. There are many standard safety features inside, and it's available in an AWD trim suitable for off-road usage. The CX-5 can offer a great driving experience and the fuel consumption is efficient enough. But the cargo space is just 30.9 cubic feet, which is less than some of the counterparts.
You can't find Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in the base trims, which is a little disappointing. Finally, its spaciousness ends in the front as the rear seats are cramped with poor legroom.
2 Kia Telluride
The Telluride was a big leap for the Korean automaker, and it's safe to say that it's one of the best vehicles in the class. The exterior design looks pretty neat, and by stepping into the cabin, you will face a roomy interior that provides enough space for families. Also, there's a lot of tech-driven features inside.
But the first and biggest downside with Kia Telluride is the powertrain. The 3.8-liter V6 engine produces 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. The torque number is not enough for an ultimate driving experience, and unfortunately, Kia has not considered an upgraded engine yet.
1 Nissan Rogue
The Rogue is revamped for the 2021 model year, and Nissan hopes to gain a share with its new SUV. The Nissan Rogue is a reliable vehicle, and its ride quality is superior to some of the counterparts. It comes with a roomy and well-designed cabin, and you will find everything for passengers' comfort and safety inside.
The base price is $25,650, which is higher than average in the compact SUV class. This can be a big Achilles heel for the Nissan Rogue. Acceleration is also lower than expected, and with a CVT transmission, you may not get a great driving experience.