The Great Mixer

  Overview As the S-class of Benz's SUVs, the 2021 Mercedes GLS-class aims to deliver an undeniably upscale experience, and it succeeds. This large three-row SUV has room for the whole family and pampers everyone with its tech-rich cabin, comfortable ride, and fancy interior materials. Buyers can choose from either a 362-hp turbocharged inline-six or a 483-hp twin-turbo V-8, both of which benefit from a hybrid-assistance system. Despite that technology, neither power-train provides very impressive fuel efficiency, but at least the GLS's EPA ratings are in line with those of rival SUVs such as the Land Rover Range Rover and the Lincoln Navigator. All-wheel drive comes standard, as does an air suspension, but Mercedes offers a pothole-sensing upgrade that also increases ground clearance. What's New for 2021? The GLS-class was new last year, so 2021 models see only a few changes. Four-zone automatic climate control, ventilated seats, and 20-inch alum...

  Overview Although the 2021 Palisade shares a platform with the Kia Telluride, the Hyundai's distinct styling cleverly carves out its own niche. That allows it to appeal to a different subset of the SUV-buying public while offering much of what I like about the Telluride, including a smooth-running power-train, spacious cabin, and composed on-road demeanor. The Palisade takes a more upscale approach, with its top trims offering almost Genesis-like levels of comfort and refinement. Along the way, its cheaper value-minded trims still offer a generous set of convenience and infotainment features made to suit the modern family. Its long warranty coverage and standard driver-assistance tech are yet two more reasons to have the Palisade at the top of your shopping list. What's New for 2021? For its next trick, Hyundai will turn its already luxurious Palisade SUV into an even more upscale three-rower with the addition of the top-spec Calligraphy trim for 2021. Th...

  Overview The 2021 Kia Telluride is a terrific three-row crossover, because it's great for shuttling families and looks more expensive than it is. Credit Kia's ability to deliver an upscale experience and popular features at an bargain price for its largest model's success. The Telluride has few compromises and outshines its mid-size SUV competitors in all the important categories. While its standard V-6 power-train could be more fuel efficient, and I wouldn’t mind if its driving behavior was sharper, there's no denying that it exceeds its mission of moving people and their stuff better than anything in its class. The 2021 Telluride simply provides unrivaled levels of luxury and remarkable utility, which is why it'll make you feel richer than your bank account might suggest. What's New for 2021? Kia has gone light on changes for the Telluride's 2021 update, with the biggest update being the new Nightfall appearance package. This gives it a stylish—dare I sa...

  Overview If the idea of buying a crossover is an affront to your driving-enthusiast sensibilities, I' am happy to report that the 2021 Mazda CX-9 delivers plenty of the brand's hallmark driving verve. Its handling is far sharper than any of its rivals' and it's powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder that will provide enough pep for most drivers. The Mazda's cabin earns just as much as its driving dynamics, as it offers a near-luxury atmosphere and competitive list of standard and optional features. A host of  driver-assistance features  are standard, too. Rivals such as the also-excellent Kia Telluride and its corporate cousin, the Hyundai Palisade, offer more passenger and cargo space, but the CX-9 remains one of my favorite SUVs to recommend to those who value athletic handling and driver engagement as much as I do. What's New for 2021? The CX-9's infotainment receives an overhaul for 2021 and now comes with a 10.3-inch display...

  Overview As the flagship of the nascent Genesis luxury brand, the 2021 G90 sedan delivers a cossetting ride and limo-like cabin but does so at a price that undercuts established rivals by thousands of dollars. A twin-turbocharged V-6 is standard and buyers can opt for a 5.0-liter V-8 engine, but I found that performance is about the same no matter which one is under the G90's hood. Both are smooth and quiet, which helps create a serene cabin environment when cruising. The G90's front and rear seats are plush, spacious, and comfortable, and the cabin boasts plenty of standard luxury and convenience features. The primary area where the G90 doesn't match rivals such as the 2021  BMW 7-series  and the Mercedes-Benz S-class is in the tech department, but most users will still find its standard infotainment and driver-assistance features intuitive and helpful. What's New for 2021? Coming off a thorough facelift for the 2020 model year, the 2021 G90 receives onl...

  Overview Audi's largest and most luxurious sedan—the 2021 A8—hides its high-dollar cabin behind a handsome-yet-understated façade. From a distance, it's easy to mistake this nearly six-figure sedan for a humble A4, but that sort of anonymity may actually be appealing to more restrained millionaires. Inside, buyers will find a cabin that is just as spacious and elegantly outfitted as the showier Mercedes-Benz S-class and BMW 7-series, including available massaging seats for front and rear passengers. Audi has rolled out its entire cavalcade of infotainment and driver-assistance technology here, as the A8 serves as a rolling showcase of whiz-bang features. What's New for 2021? Audi is ratcheting up the luxury on the A8 for 2021 by making 22-way, power-adjustable front seats with heat and ventilation standard across the lineup. Also now standard is a wireless smartphone charging pad and a 360-degree exterior camera system. The top-flight 60 TFSI model n...