The Great Mixer

Overview The 2021 Honda Pilot is a trendy alternative to a minivan, but its third row isn't as roomy and it's hardly more stylish. Still, this SUV boasts an available all-wheel-drive system, lofty seating height, and a fair amount of ground clearance—traits that many crossover shoppers desire. This Honda also has a speedy and fuel-efficient V-6 power-train that doesn't disappoint. However, those looking for a gratifying driving experience may want to look elsewhere. The Pilot does provide a cavernous cabin, with ample cargo space and small-item storage, and its host of standard driver assists and popular infotainment features help it compete with rivals such as the Volkswagen Atlas and Toyota Highlander. Although the 2021 Pilot isn't the snazziest mid-size crossover out there, it's versatile and inoffensive enough to appeal to a wide range of people. What's New for 2021? For the 2021 Pilot lineup, Honda added a new Special Edition model and made the nine-sp...

  Overview The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas has the boxy appearance, cavernous interior, and vast practicality that have defined SUVs for decades. It's also one of the biggest mid-size crossovers, with a giant footprint that gives way to three spacious rows of seating. VW apparently wanted the Atlas to look and feel like a hospital room, but it offset that sterile aesthetic with loads of desirable features. A pair of steady albeit staid engines provide motivation with either the front- or all-wheel-drive SUV. And the 2021 boasts an array of standard driver assists and confident handling traits, but don't expect the Atlas to be as exciting or sophisticated as this segment's best. What's New for 2021? VW refreshes the 2021 Atlas with new front and rear fascias that increase the SUV's overall length by almost three inches. A more attractive three-bar grille graces the front end, as do revised headlights that now feature standard LED elements. Models with the R-Line option com...

  Overview The field of compact luxury crossovers is an eclectic mix of fancy and sporty, and the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC-class is more of the former than the latter. While Mercedes does offer two higher-performance versions courtesy of the brand's AMG subdivision, the mainstream model is more focused on style and refinement. Of course, those who think those traits are alluring but want something more fashion-forward can opt for the sloped-back GLC-class coupe, reviewed separately. Regardless of body style, the GLCs are motivated by a turbocharged four-cylinder, and it makes this SUV surprisingly quick. The squareback Benz also includes a plug-in-hybrid (PHEV) model that has higher fuel-economy estimates than its PHEV rivals. The 2021 GLC-class isn't as fun to drive as its sportier peers, but it is definitely one of the more luxurious options in its class. What's New for 2021? For 2021, Mercedes gifts the GLC lineup with more standard features and more ...