It’s no secret that automotive companies are always seeking out ways to improve their cars. More often than not, these improvements come as part of a redesign. This year, several cars and SUVs benefited from thorough redesigns. But when it comes to the most improved cars of 2021? U.S. News & World highlighted these vehicles as the most improved new cars of 2021.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue got a much-needed face-lift

There’s no denying that the compact SUV segment is pretty competitive. Consumers expect these vehicles to be capable but also affordable. For many automakers, finding that perfect balance is no easy feat. But, that’s what Nissan sought to do when redesigning the 2021 Nissan Rogue. Fortunately, it worked out, and the Nissan Rogue found itself among the most improved cars of 2021.

According to U.S. News, the 2021 Nissan Rogue benefits from an entirely redesigned cabin space and a slew of standard driver-assist features, including a driver alertness monitor and automatic high beam headlights. According to critics, the Rogue also benefits from improved driving capabilities thanks to a new platform that features updates in the new SUV’s suspension and steering design. As for how much the 2021 Rogue costs? You can expect to spend at least $25,850 on this year’s redesigned model.

The 2021 Buick Envision is one of the most improved cars of 2021

The 2021 Buick Envision also found itself among the most improved cars of 2021. According to U.S. News, while the previous iteration of the Buick Envision was only four years old, it struggled to keep up with rivals in the luxury compact SUV segment. Fortunately, the 2021 Buick Envision’s redesign “brought about major updates to the interior and ride quality that boost the Envision’s upscale credentials,” reports U.S. News.

Nowadays, U.S. News says the 2021 Buick Envision offers up both a comfortable ride and a comfortable interior. These days, the redesigned Buick Envision also has some of the most back-row legroom in the luxury compact SUV segment. And when it comes to price? This year’s model starts at $31,800.

The 2021 Acura TLX “delivers loads of improvements”

There’s no beating around the bush here. Before its redesign, the Acura TLX was feeling a tad outdated. Now? The redesigned Acura TLX is one of the most improved new cars of 2021, reports U.S. News. Its interior is all-new and features a slew of high-quality materials. It also boasts a “design that is much more contemporary than the outgoing version,” says U.S. News. That’s not all, either.

The Acura TLX redesign also resulted in sophisticated driving qualities that U.S. News predicts will rival even some Japanese and German rivals. In fact, while the TLX now comes standard with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, performance remains the TLX’s strong suit, and, overall, the car is “well-suited for a luxury driving experience.” This new car costs under $40,000 too.

The 2021 GMC Yukon is all-new and seriously improved  

According to U.S. News, the 2021 GMC Yukon’s redesign brought it from the bottom of its large SUV rankings up to the middle of the pack. As one of the most improved SUVs of 2021, the redesigned GMC Yukon boasts an “enormous cabin, comfortable ride, and powerful engines,” says U.S. News. In fact, while last year’s model offered up 51.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row folded down, the redesigned GMC Yukon boasts an impressive 72.6 cubic feet behind the second row.

The 2021 GMC Yukon also benefits from an improved driving experience, reports U.S. News. It delivers better steering and handling than previous models and is more than capable of handling many driving situations. The redesigned GMC Yukon offers several new features too, including a 10.2-inch touch screen display, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, automatic emergency braking, and forward-collision warnings. And when it comes to price? This large family SUV starts at $51,000.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade benefits from a well-deserved redesign

There’s no denying that the Cadillac Escalade was in dire need of a redesign. Fortunately, the 2021 benefits from a thorough overhaul, so much so that U.S. News tapped the 2021 Cadillac Escalade as one of the most improved new SUVs of 2021. Starting at $76,195, the redesigned Cadillac Escalade even ranks among the best luxury large SUVs in its segment.

According to U.S. News, the Escalade’s improved ratings can be attributed to its “huge cargo capacity, comfortable seating in all rows, luxurious and feature-heavy cabin, and its smooth ride quality.” The 2021 model now offers up 72.9 cubic feet of space with the third row folded down, compared to 51.6 cubic feet in previous models. The Escalade benefits from several new driver-assist features too, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and front and rear pedestrian detection. Its new independent rear suspension setup also means a better ride. 

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander is the most improved car of 2021

As for the most improved car of 2021? According to U.S. News, that honor goes to the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander, which starts at $25,795. After spending years as one of the most overlooked SUVs in its segment, the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander has now been fully designed and is ready to take on its competition. 

According to U.S. News, the most significant improvements in the Mitsubishi Outlander include its interior, which benefits from near-luxury quality materials. The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander also offers up several standard features that weren’t available on outgoing models, including an 8-inch touch screen display, Apple CarPlay, two USB ports, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. “The redesigned Outlander exhibits smooth steering and refined handling, as well as strong braking abilities,” U.S. News added.

Which most improved car or SUV is right for you?

If you’re shopping for a new car or SUV, these redesigned models are worth checking out. To find out which is the best fit for you, however, we recommend getting behind the wheel for a few test drives.