The 2021 Subaru Outback hangs on to its remarkably rugged stance as it grows more refined than ever.
Pros Capable as ever Big 11.6-inch touchscreen A roomy interior Excellent safety record Rides very well
Cons Careful styling Moderate acceleration from base engine Needs more small-item storage
The 2021 Subaru Outback comes with a 3 yr./ 36000 mi. basic warranty, a 3 yr./ 36000 mi. roadside warranty, and a 5 yr./ 60000 mi. powertrain warranty.Adaptive LED headlights now standard on all trims.Seat-belt reminder standard for all passengers.Reminder to check rear seat added as standard safety feature.
Pros Spacious cabin and smooth, comfortable ride Optional turbocharged engine provides plenty of power Loading the roof or cargo area is easier than in most SUVs Above-average off-road ability
Cons Big touchscreen is slow to respond and buries many controls in complicated menus Slow acceleration from standard engine Native voice recognition system isn't very accurate
The Outback was redesigned from the ground up for the 2020 model year, so for 2021 Subaru has made only three minor changes: Adaptive headlamps, a rear-seat reminder system, and a passenger's seatbelt warning light and chime are now standard across the lineup.
Pros Ground clearance helps off-road or in snow, spacious cabin, tons of available tech.
Cons Unhurried acceleration, ho-hum driving dynamics, indistinct exterior styling.
For 2021 Forward collision warning system can now detect pedestrians at night.
Pros Attractive and comfortable interior Engaging driving experience Impressive fuel economy Good selection of driver aids and active safety features
Cons Below-average cargo space Cramped rear seat Suspension tuning could be too firm for some
The 2021 Mazda CX-3 is an agile crossover with quick acceleration and good fuel economy, but it lacks rear passenger space and has a limited cargo hold. This vehicle does not have an overall score or ranking because it has not been evaluated for predicted reliability.
Pros Athletic handling Punchy acceleration Upscale interior Long list of standard safety features
Cons Snug rear seat Engine struggles at highway speeds Small cargo space
Mazda has made no changes to its smallest SUV for 2021, as the CX-3 enters the new model year exactly as it was in 2020. Mazda has announced that 2021 will be the final model year for the CX-3.
Pros Spunky driving dynamics, fuel-efficient powertrain, cheeky exterior styling.
Cons Tight rear seat and cargo space, unrefined four-cylinder engine, flinty ride.
