These Are the Cheapest Luxury SUVs of 2021

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The cheapest luxury SUVs of 2021 are definitely still luxury SUVs. Not only are they manufactured by recognized luxury brands that consumers know and respect, but they also offer true premium appointments for prices in the mid to low $30,000s. These four affordable upscale crossovers are the cheapest luxury SUVs of 2021. 

The 2021 BMW X1 family | BMW Group

Plus, fellow automotive source Car and Driver has good words for each model on the list. For buyers looking to get into the luxury market, these are all great examples of what an entry-level luxury crossover looks like. BMW, Audi, Volvo, and Lexus are the producers of this year’s cheapest luxury crossover model. Let’s take a look at the options. 

Is the 2021 BMW X1 as bad as the waves it made when it was introduced? 

The 2021 BMW X1 is the new model year of the X1 which received some very mixed reviews upon its release a few years ago. Some felt that it was just too “entry-level” to in fact be a true, self-respecting BMW model. But it’s actually a great small luxury SUV. 

The 2021 BMW X1 was Car and Driver’s ‘Best Subcompact Luxury Crossover’ on the 2018 10Best Trucks and SUVs list. It’s called “practical and enjoyable” by the esteemed critics. It comes powered by a 228 hp turbocharged 2.0 liter inline-four. Plus, this small luxury crossover offers a roomy cabin with up to 27 cubic feet of cargo space. 

Is the Audi Q3 a good car? 

A teal Audi Q3 luxury SUV model parked in a snowy tundra
Audi Q3 | AUDI AG

Yes, the 2021 Audi Q3 is a good luxury SUV option this year. It’s also one of the cheapest luxury SUVs of 2021 starting at $35,095. This year, the 2021 Audi Q3 dropped $600 off its price by adding a new entry-level engine option. There are only two trim levels for the 2021 Audi Q3. 

The Premium model comes standard with a turbocharged 2.0 liter 184 hp inline four-cylinder engine. The same engine tuned for more power (228 hp) comes standard on the Premium Plus Q3 crossover. In terms of cargo space, the 2021 Audi Q3 offers 24 cubic feet of capacity. 

The 2021 Volvo XC40 comes with a long list of available options

a white 2021 Volvo XC40 at an auto show on display
2021 Volvo XC40 | HECTOR RETAMAL/AFP via Getty Images

Starting at just $34,795, the 2021 Volvo XC40 is one of the cheapest luxury SUVs of 2021. Plus, it offers two engine upgrades and a few trims to choose from. Despite its compact appearance, this small luxury crossover can provide up to 21 cubic feet of cargo space. 

The 2021 Volvo XC40 only comes with front-wheel drive, but offers both the base 187 hp and 248 hp 2.0 liter inline-four engines. As far as trim levels go, there’s the R-Design, Inscription trim and the entry-level Momentum option. Overall, the 2021 Volvo XC40 is a compelling option for affordable luxury. 

The 2021 Lexus UX is also both a compelling and affordable luxury SUV

2021 Lexus UX250 parked in the dark on a gray brick paved street
A Toyota Motor Corp. 2021 Lexus UX250 | Toru Hanai/Bloomberg via Getty Images

In addition to the Lexus NX, the Toyota luxury badge also offers another subcompact SUV––the 2021 Lexus UX. This is more like a hatchback akin to the previously produced Lexus CT200h. Starting at $33,925, the 2021 Lexus UX is the cheapest luxury SUV of 2021 on this entire list. 

The cheaper UX200 can be had with a 169 hp 2.0 liter inline-four and front-wheel drive and the UX250h ($36,225) comes equipped with all-wheel drive and 143 hp 2.0 liter inline-four paired with an AC electric motor for a combined 181 hp. The 2021 Lexus UX isn’t particularly notable as far as rear passenger or cargo space goes, but it does offer up to 21 cubic feet of cargo space. 

The cheapest luxury SUVs of 2021 are all still good options for the money

Regardless of which one of these buyers choose, it makes sense why they might have been compelled to do so. All of these small upscale crossover models fit easily into the luxury segment. However, they aren’t wildly expensive. Just because they are the cheapest luxury SUVs of 2021 doesn’t mean they aren’t still good options for the money.

RELATED: What Does Mercedes-Benz EQ Boost Do?

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The Best Used Three-Row SUVs Under $15,000 According to KBB

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Buying a new SUV can make for an expensive purchase. For budget-conscious shoppers, that makes buying an affordable used SUV an even better option. That’s particularly true of those in the market for a three-row SUV under $15,000. Fortunately, Kelley Blue Book (KBB) recently revealed its picks for the best used three-row SUVs under $15,000. 

The 2009 Toyota 4Runner is one of the best used three-row SUVs

2009 Toyota 4Runner | Toyota

The Toyota 4Runner has a lot going for it. It’s a body-on-frame midsize SUV that’s as spacious as it is versatile. It even offers an available third-row of seating. And if you’re shopping for a used three-row SUV under $15,000? The 2009 Toyota 4Runner is one of the best, KBB reports. In fact, according to KBB, if you’re in the market for a trail-ready SUV that has a reputation for reliability, the 2009 Toyota 4Runner should be at the top of your list. 

Those aren’t the only reasons to consider the 2009 Toyota 4Runner either. This affordable used SUV benefits from more headroom, shoulder room, and rear legroom than previous model years. It can also be had with a slew of enticing features, including leather-trimmed seating, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, onboard navigation, a rear DVD entertainment system, and a power moonroof. 

Choose the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe for an affordable used SUV under $15,000

Now, I know what you’re thinking. These days, the Hyundai Santa Fe isn’t available with a third row. But once upon a time? The Hyundai Santa Fe did offer a third row of seating. For those in the market for a used three-row SUV, that’s good news, especially when considering that KBB tapped the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe as one of the best used three-row SUVs under $15,000.

The 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe has more going for it than an affordable price tag and a third row of seating too. As a matter of fact, KBB reports that the 2014 Santa Fe benefited from a slew of new features, including sought-after safety features like blind-spot detection and rear parking assist. Further, the 2014 model can also be had with a DVD entertainment system, making it an attractive choice for families on the go.

The 2011 Chevy Tahoe is a used three-row SUV with plenty of towing power

A 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe driving, the 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe is an affordable used SUV
2011 Chevrolet Tahoe | Chevrolet

Perhaps you need a used SUV that boasts a good amount of towing power. If that’s the case, KBB suggests taking a gander at the 2011 Chevy Tahoe. Driven by a 5.3-liter V8 engine, the 2011 Chevy Tahoe will have you towing a maximum of 8,500 pounds. That’s certainly impressive for a used SUV.

Not to mention, this affordable used SUV also comes equipped with three rows of seating and boasts enough room for up to nine people. Add features like a remote vehicle starter, power liftgate, and a Bose nine-speaker audio system, and the 2011 Chevy Tahoe is pretty hard to resist. In fact, according to KBB, the 2011 Chevy Tahoe is a compelling choice for families in the market for a used three-row SUV under $15,000. 

Pick the 2014 Honda Pilot for a used three-row SUV under $15,000

The 2014 Honda Pilot also secured a spot on KBB’s list of the best used three-row SUVs under $15,000. According to KBB, this used three-row SUV comes equipped with a spacious third row and a slew of family-friendly features, including a rear entertainment system. The 2014 model also comes driven by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers an EPA-estimated 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.

Perhaps the only downside to the 2014 Honda Pilot is that it can’t tow nearly as much as other used SUVs on the list. Take, for example, the 2011 Chevy Tahoe. While the used Chevy Tahoe can tow a maximum of 8,500 pounds, the 2014 Honda Pilot can only manage 4,500 pounds. A used Honda Pilot may not be the best fit for those in need of more towing power.

The 2011 Toyota Highlander is the best used three-row SUV under $15,000 

The 2011 Toyota Highlander was fortunate enough to snag the top spot on KBB’s list of the best used three-row SUVs under $15,000. Though, it’s no surprise as to why. The Toyota Highlander has always been a popular pick among SUV shoppers. The 2011 Toyota Highlander benefitted from a slew of updates too, including standard three-row seating with rear climate controls.

KBB isn’t the only one singing the 2011 Toyota Highlander’s praises either. As a matter of fact, Consumer Reports gave it some pretty high marks too. Not only did it give the used Toyota Highlander a four out of five reliability rating, but it also gave it a four out of five owner satisfaction rating. “The Toyota Highlander scores high for its refinement, quiet interior, ride comfort, power, fuel economy, and flexible and roomy second-row seat,” Consumer Reports explained.

Which used three-row SUV is the right pick for you?

If you’re shopping for a used three-row SUV under $15,000, KBB’s list makes for an excellent place to start. Try taking a few of these affordable used SUVs out for a test drive, and, chances are, you’ll find yourself behind the wheel of the best used three-row SUV for satisfying all of your daily driving needs. 

RELATED: The 2021 Kia Telluride Is the Best Three-Row SUV According to Consumer Reports But Is It Better than the Toyota Highlander?

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Mazda Announces Plans to Kill the Gas-Powered Miata by 2030

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Mazda is the next of a growing line of carmakers that are promising to kill the production of gas-powered cars in the near future. However, unlike many others, Mazda is taking a slower, more calculated approach to killing its dino-powered cars. For car nerds, all that matters is what happens to the Mazda Miata. Mazda was clear that the Miata was going to see a major change soon. 

2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF in Polymetal Gray | Mazda North American Operations

Is the Mazda Miata going electric? 

A Mazda U.S. spokesperson told The Drive, “Mazda is seeking to electrify the MX-5 Miata in an effort to have all models feature a form of electrification by 2030… We will work hard to make it a lightweight, affordable, open two-seater sports car in order to meet the needs of customers.”

Basically, Mazda is saying; we have to do this, guys, but we promise to try hard not to mess up the Miata. The Mazda Miata represents one of the most affordable sports cars in the world. Not only that, it is one of the few cars that is a real sports car in the sense that it is made for serious drivers who care more about handling and precision than showy horsepower figures that mean little to drivers with actual ability. 

The company reportedly broke the news at a technological and policy conference a couple of weeks ago, attended by Japan’s Kuruma News. At the conference, Mazda’s Senior Managing Executive Officer, Ichiro Hirose, reportedly said that the Miata was included in the electrification of the future Mazda line. 

Even Hirose made a point to mention that Mazda intends to honor the legacy of the Miata and has vowed to keep it a lightweight roadster. 

Will the Miata be a hybrid or full EV? 

A white 2014 Mazda MX5 Roadster Coupe
2014 Mazda MX-5 Miata | National Motor Museum/Heritage Images/Getty Images

Hirose neglected to say if the Mazda Miata will be a hybrid or fully electrified. If that question wasn’t enough mystery, Mazda colleague Takeji Kojima, Managing Executive Officer, made it seem that this would be some all-new future model. However, all the other context seems like Mazda intends for this electrification to happen in the next generation Miatas. 

If this happens to the next-gen model, it seems most likely that the Miata will adopt the 48-volt hybrid technology from some of Mazda’s larger rear-drive models. If this is the case, then many Miata fans would likely have little to fuss about. 

The Drive also mentions that Kojima referenced the Miata engine possibly being converted to run on alternative synthetic fuels like Porsche has been suggesting is going to happen. 

“For customers who have purchased the [MX-5] Roadster so far, we will provide an internal combustion engine that uses biofuel such as e-fuel,” said Kojima, as dictated by Japanese Nostalgic Car. “We would like to utilize it to realize carbon neutrality as Mazda.”

There is a 6-speed elephant in the room

A 2018 Mazda MX-5 Miata parked
2018 Mazda MX-5 Miata | Mazda

One of the defining features of the Miata, especially in the current market, is the manual transmission. If/when the Mazda Miata goes full electric, it will no longer be a manual car, changing the appeal for some drivers. Most drivers are used to their modern dream car not offering a manual transmission, but the Miata has always been a three-pedal safe haven. Those days might be coming to an end. 

All we know for sure is that the Mazda Miata will be changing. How much it changes and how good those changes are the big questions. 

RELATED: Someone Just Found the Most Bizarre Barn Find Ever in Louisiana

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Are Police Allowed to Commandeer Your Car?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Once upon a time, we debated whether we could legally have radar detectors installed, have gun rack mounted on our vehicles, and other car safety and personalization modifications. Now, we debate which rights the police may have regarding our vehicle. Thanks to the United States v. Russell case, some people want to know whether police can commandeer a vehicle if they are pursuing a criminal. 

Do you have to allow it, or are your rights being violated if they attempt it? We have discovered those answers as we delve into the topic of your fundamental rights.

Your car, your safety, your rights?

A police car’s flashing blue lights | Carsten Rehder/picture alliance via Getty Images

Throughout history, there have been movies made that show a police officer chasing a bad guy on foot or in their police vehicle, and something happens, forcing the officer to tell someone to step out of their private vehicle. Even the movie Speed showed Keanu Reeves demanding that Glenn Plummer give up his Jaguar.

Some people question the legality of it. Was it just for show to make us see the Jaguar as a cool car, or was it a comedic moment with Plummer worrying over his car payments and car safety? Although it was staged on a Hollywood set, the validity of it is something that we should all keep in the back of our minds. Reeves played the part well, flashing his badge, clearly stating his name, and taking over the driver’s seat. However, allowing Plummer to ride along is not entirely legitimate for safety reasons.

Police commandeering done legally

Now, what happened in the case of the United States v. Russell? Super Lawyers reported that there’s a case happening now where a law officer commandeered a vehicle. The judge presiding over it said, “Public danger must be immediate, imminent, and impending, and the emergency in the public service must be extreme and imperative.” 

Contrarily, according to Snopes, there is “no definitive answer” regarding whether an officer can legally commandeer your vehicle. However, if they choose to demand it, and you deny them the right to use your vehicle, you could face a fine thanks to a law called Posse Comitatus that could end up costing you between $50 and $1,000. This is a law that Reuters mentioned as President Donald Trump prepared to leave the Oval Office.

How likely is police commandeering?

If you are like most of us, you love your vehicle. Do you want to drive around wondering when it will be commandeered?

Posse Comitatus is an act that was signed into federal law on June 18, 1878, by President Rutherford B. Hayes. In some ways, it may be outdated, but there is still some validity to it. The law limits the powers of the federal government to interfere with normal domestic policies.

What this means in this situation is that most often, federal agents will travel in groups so that they will never need to commandeer your vehicle. This does leave the risk of police commandeering more likely within smaller police forces where an officer could be pursuing someone without backup. However, according to the Los Angeles Times, it could happen, but most police have never had reason to try it.

In fact, FBI Agent Steve Kodak told the LA Times: “The reason you wouldn’t do it is the liability issues. The legal liabilities would be so large.” This proves that it could open the police up to insurance liabilities and legal liabilities that most officers would prefer to avoid.

In short, although there is always the chance that you could be driving along and have a police officer approach up your window demanding you step out of the vehicle, you shouldn’t have to worry much. If you happen to find yourself having your vehicle commandeered, there will likely be compensation coming to help you recover the cost of any damages.

RELATED: Can You Buy a New Ford Police Interceptor if You’re a Civilian?

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