SUVs That Died in 2021: Goodnight, Sweet Prince
There are a few SUVs that died in 2021 and are never coming back. Well, they might come back; you never know with automakers these days. After all, we just had a Ford Bronco and Jeep Grand Wagoneer revival the last few years. Some of the biggest brand names in the industry killed SUVs this year, like Ford and Toyota. These SUVs are gone for 2022 at the very least, but we’re not saying goodbye, “see you later” (maybe).
SUVs that died in 2021 – the Ford EcoSport
The Ford EcoSport is one of the only SUVs on this or any list that will receive no sympathy. Gone and immediately forgotten. Throughout the EcoSport’s lifetime, it’s received constant bad reviews, low owner satisfaction scores and has been wholly unreliable. Right on through to the most recent iteration, the EcoSport received a 2 out of 5 for predicted reliability from Consumer Reports.
Owner satisfaction ratings are even worse, as the Ford EcoSport is loaded with problems. With low-end features like 17 city mpg, a tiny cargo area, and an uncomfortable ride, that doesn’t come as a surprise. This subcompact SUV combines everything people dislike about SUVs and crossovers into a single vehicle. That’s why very few will be upset that the Ford EcoSport is an SUV that died in 2021.
The Mazda CX-3 died in 2021 so the CX-30 could live
The CX-3 was the only small SUV offered in Mazda’s lineup for a short while. A few years back, the automaker decided to add the CX-30 to its arsenal. As a result, the CX-3 was discontinued after the 2021 model year. This is primarily due to the similarities between the CX-30 and the CX-3, which look almost identical, but the CX-30 is better.
Mazda had the opportunity to introduce the CX-30 as the new and improved CX-3. Instead, it chose to sell both small SUVs simultaneously, feigning customers’ interest in ever purchasing a CX-3. It turns out 2021 was as far as it could go because it won’t be back again.
The Toyota Land Cruiser SUV died in 2021 for the US
A brand new Toyota Land Cruiser is coming out for the new model year. The only catch is that it’s completely unavailable in the United States market. A new and redesigned Land Cruiser will take over as the best off-road SUV in other countries. We’ll have to stick with its corporate cousin, the Lexus LX, in the US.
Nevertheless, the Land Cruiser is one of the best options on the list to make a return. In the last few years alone, off-road SUVs are making a massive push in the US. Multiple different automakers introduced off-road trims for SUVs of all sizes. Consequently, the next few years might be the perfect time for an upgraded Land Cruiser US resurgence. For now, in the US, it’s one of the SUVs that died in 2021.
New SUVs coming in 2022
The good news is, SUVs are out with the old and in with the new. There are plenty of brand new models coming to the market for the 2022 model year. Most excitingly, there’s a few different electric vehicles hitting dealer lots for the first time. In 2022 for the first time, we’ll see the Nissan Ariya, Genesis GV70, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Volvo C40 Recharge, Rivian R1S, Fisker Ocean, and more.
We already know of even more SUVs coming in the years following. In conclusion, there’s a lot to look forward to in the SUV segment, despite losing these popular models.
Loads of different things can influence automakers to pull a model from its lineup. It was a lack of sales for these models due to various reasons. Another model replaced the Mazda CX-3, the Ford EcoSport failed to withstand the competition, and the Toyota Land Cruiser fled the country. These are the SUVs that died in 2021, and if we never see them again, goodnight, sweet prince.
