Conventional wisdom suggests that it’s often best to avoid the first model year of any new vehicle. But there is also something to be said for being the first person among your friends, co-workers, or neighbours when it comes to having a spanking new ride with all the bells and whistles.
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If you’re planning on getting a new vehicle sooner rather than later and want to know what you can expect for the next model year, what follows is a rundown of 10 new cars, SUVs, and trucks for 2021. From altogether new brands, to new models of existing brands, to the resurrection of other brands that had been discontinued, this list will at least give you some ideas if you’re car hunting.
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2021 cars: Jaguar I-PACE
Slated to arrive this fall, the Jaguar I-PACE features 0-100 km/h acceleration in 4.8 seconds and a range of 377 kms. This range is enabled through the vehicle’s high tech lithium-ion battery, that has a capacity of 90 kWh. The car also comes with an infotainment system and quicker charging capability. As well, it features instant torque and AWD traction.
Image: Jaguar
Ford Bronco Sport
The Ford Bronco is back! After a rather long production run from 1965 to 1996, the automaker pulled the plug on the SUV. But the relaunch of the brand has generated some serious buzz. The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport Base starts at $32,199. It comes with 4×4, a terrain management system, up to 23.6″ of water-fording capability, five seats, 920 litres of cargo volume, and more.
Ford Mustang Mach-E
While the Mustang has a long and proud heritage as a classic American muscle car, the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E is the first all-electric model. Prices start at $50,495. The Select model has RWD, 266 HP, 317 lb ft of torque, single speed transmission, and more.
Cadillac Escalade
The 2021 Cadillac Escalade, arriving late 2020, offers eight luxurious combinations of interior trim options. It has four unique seat insert designs with varied perforation patterns and stitching. The luxury model includes, among other things, a 6.2L V8 engine with Dynamic Fuel Management, 22″ 14-spoke allow wheels with bright silver finish. It features standard automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, front pedestrian braking, and rear pedestrian detection.
Image: Cadillac
Genesis GV80
The Genesis GV80 is the first SUV by Genesis. The advanced 4WD version comes with a 2.5L turbocharged I4 engine producing 300 HP and torque of 311 lb ft. The GV80 has a Bluetooth hands-free phone system and audio streaming, and more. Also part of the package is complimentary scheduled maintenance for five years or 100,000 km, whichever comes first.
Image: Genesis
Cadillac Escala
Rumours about the Cadillac Escala have been circulating around for awhile. The Escala, which was rolled out as a concept back in 2016, may well be worth the wait for car enthusiasts who love Cadillac brand. The nitty-gritty on this vehicle in terms of details are thus far sparse.
Image: Cadillac
2021 Polestar 2
2021 Polestar 2 is the fist all-electric vehicle from Polestar, the Swedish electric performance car brand. The vehicle goes from zero to 100 km/h in less than five second, gets up to 275 miles on a single charge. The Polestar 2 costs $69,900, has AWD, and produced 408 HP and 487 lb. ft. Deliveries to Canadian reservation holders will begin in late summer 2020.
Image: Polestar
Tesla Cybertruck
Tesla’s first truck is designed to offer the towing capability of, well, a truck and the ride of a sports car. With the tri motor AWD version, the Cybertruck gets from zero to 60 mph in less than 2.9 seconds. It offers a range of 500+ miles, has towing capability of 14,000+ lbs, and more. The vehicle is slated to start at $39,900. Deliveries are expected in late 2021 — though production for the single motor RWD version is actually slated to start in late 2022.
Image: Tesla
Tesla Model Y
The dual motor AWD version of the Tesla Model Y starts at $69,990. The vehicle has a range of 509 km, top speed of 217 km/h, and gets from zero to 100 km/h in five seconds. Tesla AWD has two independent motors for improved redundancy, each with only one moving part for minimal maintenance and maximum durability.
Image: Tesla
Rivian R1T
In early April, the vehicle maker announced that it will, due to the fall-out from COVID-19, be postponing the launch date of its Rivian R1T pickup. The vehicle from the new American start-up brand was originally slated to start selling the end of 2020. Those first deliveries will move to 2021. It’s been reported that it will be offered at approximately $85,000. It features a range of 400+ miles, goes zero to 60 mph in three seconds. The R1T can wade in water over three feet deep, can tow a maximum of 11,000 lbs and has up to 750 HP.
Image: Rivian
Born and raised in Toronto, Ian Palmer is a freelance writer currently living in Bancroft, Ontario. He mostly covers the automotive and technology spaces. In his free time, he enjoys reading and tinkering with small engine equipment.
