Volkswagen Atlas

Toyota RAV 4

Toyota’s RAV4 compact crossover, including its hybrid versions, was redesigned two years ago, bringing the fifth generation of the brand’s most-popular SUV.

Now, for 2021, it gets its first plug-in hybrid version, the RAV4 Prime, which has the capability of running for up to 42 miles on battery power alone, between charges. It comes in two trim levels: the base SE ($38,100) and the XSE ($41,425).

The RAV4 Prime is “the most-powerful and quickest RAV4 ever,” Toyota says. With its combined 302 horsepower (gasoline engine and electric motors together), the RAV4 Prime can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. As before, there are regular gasoline models and a non-plug-in hybrid electric version, and the RAV4 is still a five-passenger vehicle.

For 2021, the RAV4 XLE Premium model has been added to the regular hybrid lineup at a starting price of $32,500.

Volkswagen’s all-new, midsize Atlas crossover utility vehicle arrived three years ago, with seating for up to seven.

The Atlas has been refreshed for model year 2021, offering a bolder design as well as interior upgrades, advanced connectivity, and broadened powertrain availability.

Now, in a “mid-model-year update,” Atlas also receives new infotainment and driver-assistance features. Assembled in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the Atlas combines hallmark Volkswagen driving dynamics and attention to detail, setting it apart from competitors.

Atlas is available in eight trim levels for the 2021.5 model year —S, SE, SE w/ Technology, SE w/ Technology R-Line, SEL, SEL R-Line, SEL Premium and SEL Premium R-Line.

Starting price for the Atlas 2.0-liter is $31,555 for the S model; 4Motion models start at $33,455 with that same engine.

Toyota Venza

Toyota’s carlike two-row SUV, the Venza, returns for 2021 after a six-year absence, but now comes only in a gasoline-electric hybrid version.

The all-new 2021 Venza includes the Toyota Hybrid System II powertrain and advanced Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive, with estimated 40 mpg combined fuel economy in LE trim.

Tech-focused features include a 12.3-inch touch-screen display with nine JBL speakers, 7-inch multiinformation display, digital rear-view mirror, and 10-inch color Head-Up Display.

Other available features include a Star Gaze fixed panoramic glass roof, a first-ever for Toyota; and heated and ventilated front seats.

Venza comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense active safety systems, which include Pre-Collision System with Daytime/Low-Light Vehicle and Pedestrian Detection, plus Daytime Bicyclist Detection, FullSpeed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and much more.

Volvo XC40/XC60/XC90 Recharge

Volvo has rounded out its stable of premium crossover utility vehicles with the introduction of the subcompact XC40, which sits at the lower end of the lineup that includes the compact XC60 and midsize XC90.

For 2021, all three will get all-electric versions that run only on battery power, all with the “Recharge” name – XC40 Recharge, XC60 Recharge and XC90 Recharge.

These crossovers are in addition to the V70 and V90 wagon models in Volvo’s U.S. lineup. Crossover prices begin with the five-passenger XC40, which starts at $34,345. The five-passenger XC60 starts at $40,150, and the seven-passenger XC90 at $48,350 – all with gasoline engines.

The XC40 will be available as a pure electric-powered model, the XC60 and XC90 will have all-electric and plug-in hybrid versions.

XC40 models are offered in three trim levels: Momentum; R-Design and Inscription.