Car Buyer Labs

Car Buying Advice, Tips, and Reviews

A dark blue 2021 Ford F-150 is parked near a pond with people fishing.

5 New Vehicles to Close Out 2020

2020 has been a rough year, and for a lot of people, it has meant that something like a new car has been outside the realm of possibility. Even if you’ve been in pretty good shape this year, all of the uncertainty has definitely made it tricky to feel comfortable thinking about buying a new car. And yet, this is an excellent time to do so, as interest rates are quite low and the auto industry has found its feet again.

With that in mind, there are a number of vehicles hitting showrooms right now, capping off an uncertain year with a solid display of what’s available. If you’re looking for a new car, and you want to see models on the cutting edge of what’s happening, then these are some of the vehicles you should definitely be looking for. While there isn’t time to get into all of the details on each of these, I’ll go over them quickly and give you a sense of what to look for and why you should care. If one of these catches your eye, then check out even more information on them to see what they have to offer before you head to your local dealership.

#1 – The 2021 Ford F-150

The all-new Ford F-150 is as good as it’s ever been, if not even better (probably better, as it’s more powerful and has nicer interior features than ever before). Let’s talk about power: the 2021 F-150 has six different engines for you to choose from, so no matter how much muscle you’re looking for, you can get it. The 2.7L Turbocharged EcoBoost engine provides up to 325 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque, while a 3.5L EcoBoost offers up to 400 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque. Then there’s a 3.0L Power Stroke Turbo Diesel engine that delivers 250 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque, and a legendary 5.0L V8 engine roars to life with 400 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque.

An available 10-speed automatic transmission gives you a smooth and responsive drive, while you can get up to 3,325 lbs of payload or up to 14,000 lbs of towing capacity. Yet, all of this power doesn’t come at the expense of luxury and comfort. The available 12-inch LCD driver productivity display looks great and keeps you aware of what’s going on, while the available 12-inch Infotainment display is a stunning center to your truck’s entertainment system. Plus, a hybrid engine is available for the first time for the F-150, so this American classic has really been reinvented.

#2 – The 2021 Nissan Rogue

One of the most popular crossover SUVs on the market, the all-new Nissan Rogue has been re-imagined for 2021 with superior features throughout. Performance with the Rogue is excellent, thanks to a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine that delivers 181 hp, with available Intelligent all-wheel drive that really makes it a joy on the road. Despite its spacious interior, the 2021 Nissan Rogue also gets excellent fuel economy, with an estimated 27 MPG in the city and 35 MPG on the highway.

Inside, you’ll find incredible technology, including an available wireless charging pad and a standard 8-inch infotainment display. There’s also an available 12-inch driver information display and an available head-up display that lets you keep track of important information without taking your eyes off the road. You also get comfortable seating for up to five people inside, with an available dual-panel panoramic moonroof that allows for gorgeous views of the sky. Plus, available remote-folding rear seats make it easy to take advantage of more than 74 cu.ft. of total interior cargo volume.

A yellow 2021 Ford Bronco Bandlands is parked on the beach with a jetti in the background.

#3 – The 2021 Ford Bronco (and Bronco Sport)

It would be nice if we could all just agree to forget about everything else going on this year and call 2020 the year that the legendary Ford Bronco made its return. That might not be realistic, but nevertheless, the Ford Bronco is back and absolutely better than ever. There are numerous trims to choose from, including the Wildtrak with its Sasquatch Package that includes 35-inch tires on 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels, front and rear locking differentials, and Bilstein position-sensitive monotube shocks. With a 2.7L twin-turbocharged V6 engine and 10-speed automatic transmission, this is an off-road dream come true.

If you like the style and concept of the Ford Bronco, but it’s a little bigger than what you’re looking for, then the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport is the one for you. This is a scaled-down version that is still absolutely stunning and includes amazing off-road and adventure features like standard 4×4 capability and the new Terrain Management System with five G.O.A.T. modes to let you easily handle anything the road (or off-road) throws at you. The High-Performance Off-Road Stability Suspension system that comes standard on every Bronco Sport is the perfect choice for hitting the trail and staying comfortably in control.

#4 – The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E

If electric is more important to you than going off-road, then Ford still has you covered as this year draws to a close with the gorgeous all-new Mustang Mach-E. The first addition to the Mustang lineup in decades, the Mach-E is an all-electric SUV that looks stunning and includes a number of fantastic features. With a range of 211-300 miles on a full charge and a range of 61 miles off a 10-minute DC fast charge, the Mach-E is definitely one you don’t want to miss.

Plus, there are numerous trims to choose from, including the high-performance GT trim, which can go from 0 to 60 in less than 4 seconds. Available eAWD gives you incredible performance and ensures you remain in control even in rough conditions while you enjoy a rich, spacious interior. If you’ve been interested in the idea of an electric SUV but waiting for something new to come along and really capture your eye, then the Mustang Mach-E is it!

A dark grey 2021 Hyundai Elantra is parked in the city with a woman opening its door.

#5 – The Hyundai Elantra

Maybe it’s unfair to follow up something like the all-new Ford Mustang Mach-E with the 2021 Hyundai Elantra, but I don’t think so. Not everyone is looking for an EV or an SUV, and sometimes you just want a slick sedan that gets the job done and is incredibly fun to drive. In that case, the all-new Elantra is exactly the sort of car you’re looking for, with available 17-inch wheels, a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine that offers up to 147 hp, and an estimated 33 MPG in the city, 43 MPG on the highway, and 37 MPG combined.

This is also a gorgeous sedan, with plenty of luxury and sophistication available inside, including an available 10-inch Infotainment display. You can get leather-trimmed seating, along with an available 10-inch fully digital gauge cluster, wireless charging pad, and Bose premium sound system. Plus, every 2021 Elantra comes with one of the most impressive safety packages in the industry, including forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian detection, a blind-spot collision-avoidance assist function, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, lane keeping assist, lane following assist, and driver attention warning. It all comes together to make this one of the safest vehicles on the road, which also happens to be incredibly fun to drive.

Take A 2020 Model Home Today

No matter what kind of vehicle you’re interested in, this is a great time to get shopping. While some of these models didn’t show up when they were initially meant to, you’ll find them now making up for lost time. Get a great vehicle at a great price when you shop the fantastic lineup of 2020 models.