2021 is a year of transformations indeed. One of the things on my bucket list is buying a new car. I’m now a family man, and my BMW M5 Coupe is just too small for us, especially when shopping. My next ride will be a mid-size SUV. I like them for one reason, they offer more space while maintaining a small footprint compared to full-size SUVs.
Already, I have sampled several mid-size SUVs, both new and used. One thing I have realized is that the used cars market has better deals than the new cars market. I can get a used luxury mid-SUV for the same price of a new entry-level mid-size SUV.
But one disadvantage of used cars is that as a buyer, I don’t have plenty of options. I will have to go with what comes my way.
But considering I’m buying a car I intend to stick with for some years, I’ll have to fork out enough for a new car. Without further ado, below are the mid-size SUVs I am on the hunt for.
2021 Mazda CX-9
If all goes well, The Touring trim of the 2021 Mazda CX-9 is the next car I’m buying. I really envy the upgraded 10.3-inch infotainment system and opulent upscale cabin characterized by handsome graining, brushed aluminum, and soft-touch plastic. The CX9’s exterior is also exquisite. It is the perfect resemblance of a luxury mi-size SUV.
The performance of the CX-9 is also admirable. It comes with a powerful SKYACTIV®-G 2.5 Dynamic Pressure Turbo DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder with VVT engine and SKYACTIV®-Drive 6-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift and Sport Mode. The gas mileage is also economical.
The CX-9 has an impressive 7-seater capacity courtesy of the foldable third-row seat. Unfortunately, the cargo space is limited when the third seat row is in use. But now that I won’t be needing the third-row seat anytime soon, this is not a concern for me. This SUV’s safety record is also top shelf, as attested by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which awarded it a five-star.
2021 Toyota Highlander (Hybrid)
The number two mid SUV on my wish list is the 2021 Toyota Highlander. I know I will have to sell the SUV I’m buying in the future, so resale value is a concern. The Highlander has better resale value. Besides the resale value, the Toyota Highlander has a hybrid variant with an impressive 36mpg.
When it comes to its suitability, this one too is a 7-seater mid-size SUV. Just like the CX-9, the cargo space is not as ample, and the third row is quite squeezed. But as mentioned earlier, this is not a concern. Interestingly, the 2021 Toyota Highlander is in the same price range as the Mazda CX-9.
The performance and handling are also impressive. The Highlander is powered by a 2.5-liter inline-4 + two electric motors and an automatic continuously variable transmission (CVT) transmission.
2021 Chevrolet Traverse
There are chances that I could lower my budget; who knows. In that case, I’ve already selected a cheaper SUV, that’s the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse, which starts at almost $5,000 lesser than the Highlander and CX-9. One thing about the Traverse is the size and masculinity. It has an impressive capacity of up to eight passengers in its standard configuration. What’s more, the cargo space and third-row are all spacious than Mazda and Chevrolet.
Regarding the performance, it packs a 3.6-liter V6 engine and a 9-speed automatic transmission. With a five-star safety rating from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), it’s a great family hauler as well.
Even though the Traverse is big and cheap, I will have to sacrifice many things, including fuel efficiency and the outdated AWD system. The interior is also not so adorable compared to Mazda and Chevrolet.
Wrapping Up
The above are the mid-size SUVs on my wish list. At the moment, I’m more inclined to the Mazda CX-9 because it packs a punch and is within my budget range. It’s also a mid-SUV that blends performance and class. But who knows what will happen between now and the fourth quarter of 2021; I might change my mind to another model.