Atlanta Auto Examiner's Top 10 Vehicles of 2021

 Atlanta Auto Examiner presents its annual list of top 10 vehicles we tested. Enjoy this list.

No. 10 GMC TERRAIN

No. 9 Subaru Forester

 

No. 8 Toyota C-HR

 

No. 7 Infiniti QX 60

 

No. 6 Nissan Murano

 

No. 5 Buick Encore

 

No. 4 Toyota Sequoia

 

No. 3 Nissan Rogue

 

No. 2 Toyota 4Runner

 

No. 1 Infiniti QX 50

 

2021 Toyota Venza: Attractive Styling, Great Fuel Economy

Toyota first introduced the Venza as a crossover SUV in the late 2000s/early 2010s. It was somewhat dismissed by critics (and the buying public) as just a wagon version of the Camry, Toyota's wildly popular sedan. But for 2021, the Venza is back as a new, mid-size hybrid crossover. 

Under the hood, the Venza has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 219 horsepower and an electric motor, linked to an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission and all-wheel drive. 

Fuel economy is rated at 40 mpg city, 37 highway. 

The new Venza offers sweeping exterior lines and dimensions, clearly distancing itself style-wise from its nearest relative, the RAV4. The interior features a Qi wireless phone charger, four USB charging ports and a standard eight-inch multimedia touchscreen with Bluetooth connectivity and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto/Amazon Alexa compatibility. 

In fact, the styling of this version of the Venza looks in many ways, on the exterior and interior, like that of its luxury relative, the Lexus RX350.

The Venza offers a maximum cargo space of 55.1 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down.

Three trim levels are offered: LE, Limited and XLE. 

Pricing for the Venza starts at around $33,000 and ranges to around $41,000. 

If a small crossover with attractive styling and great fuel efficiency is your target, you might want to take aim at the Toyota Venza.  

2021 Subaru Forester: Almost Everything You Could Ask For

 

The 2021 Subaru Forester seems to be just right - that is if you're looking for an SUV that is comfortable, reliable and gets good fuel economy. If those qualities don't appeal to you, you can look elsewhere. 

The Forester has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 182 horsepower and is linked to a continuously variable automatic transmission with all-wheel drive. 

It offers seating for five in an interior that is larger than it would appear from the exterior. 

The Forester comes in five trim levels: Base, Premium, Sport, Limited and Touring. 

The base model features a maximum cargo capacity of 76.1 cubic feet when the rear seat is folded down. Other trim levels have a max of 70.9 cubic feet.

Fuel economy for the Forester is rated by the EPA at 26 mpg city, 33 highway. That is particularly impressive considering it comes with all-wheel drive, which can drag fuel efficiency. 

The Forester starts at around $25,000 and ranges to around $35,000.

This small(ish) SUV is an excellent choice when it comes to the key attributes most drivers are seeking.