For consumers, fall is usually, an exciting time, as automakers bring new model years to market just before the new year rolls around. Unfortunately, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous vehicles have been delayed and manufacturers have been slow to introduce 2021 models as they try to get manufacturing back up to speed.
With the pandemic still going strong in the U.S., it’s going to be interesting to see whether automakers can keep facilities open to continue selling these anticipated vehicles once they hit dealer lots. Even if more delays, shortages, and factory stoppages are in store, the 2021 model year will see everything from new minivans to luxury sedans go on sale. With the end of 2020 just a few months away, these are our most-anticipated car releases of this fall.
Chrysler Pacifica
Minivans are old news, but of the few minivans on the market, the Chrysler Pacifica remains one of the more popular choices. For the 2021 model year, Chrysler wants to keep the Pacifica near the top of the minivan ring with a makeover that includes updated exterior styling, new trim levels, new tech features, and the addition of all-wheel drive. That last part makes the Pacifica one of just two minivans on the market with AWD. Offering Chrysler’s nifty Stow ‘n Go seats, the 2021 Pacifica will surely continue to reign supreme.
Pricing for the 2021 Pacifica will start at $36,540 (prices include destination) and the minivan is expected to arrive at dealerships before the end of the year. Unlike every other minivan on the market, the Pacifica is available with a plug-in hybrid powertrain in the form of the Pacifica Hybrid. Not only is the Pacifica Hybrid eligible for the full $7,500 federal tax credit, it also gives drivers 30 miles of electric range, an 80 MPGe combined rating, and a total range of more than 500 miles.
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2021 Ford F-150
The Ford F-150 is continually one of the best-selling vehicles in the U.S. every year, so when the automaker decides to come out with an all-new model, it’s big news. While the F-150 doesn’t look all-new on the outside, it most certainly is. A new hybrid engine is available for the model year, boasting the most torque in the extensive powertrain lineup. More tech features are included, as well, including an available 12-inch touchscreen and high-tech trailer systems. Ford has also thought about consumers that plan to use their truck on the job, as the 2021 F-150 now offers front seats that can lie almost completely flat, a fold-down shifter, and a center-console armrest that folds down to make a flat work surface.
Ford was forced to shut down its factories due to the COVID-19 pandemic a few times this year. The American automaker never provided any official information on how the timeline for the pickup truck was affected, but it delayed the launch of the model. The 2021 F-150 is expected to arrive at dealerships before the end of 2020 with a starting price tag of $30,365.
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2021 Genesis G80
Genesis is currently in the process of updating the majority of its lineup. Nipping on the heels of the recently released GV80 midsize SUV, Genesis unveiled the midsize Genesis G80 sedan. The G80 is all-new for the model year, featuring a new rear-wheel-drive platform, two new engines, and loads of tech features. Additionally, the G80 benefits from Genesis’ new styling on the inside and out. With Genesis now showcasing that it’s a serious threat to the established German automakers, the 2021 G80 enters the scene as more than just the value choice.
The 2021 G80 starts at $48,725, roughly $5,000 more than its predecessor. When fully loaded to the gills, the G80 can get up to $70,000. Originally, the sedan was supposed to go on sale in the summer, but Genesis pushed back the date because of the COVID pandemic. The vehicle is now expected to go on sale before the end of the year, while the automaker is accepting reservations for the vehicle.
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2021 Lexus IS
Up against the likes of the BMW 3-Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and Audi A4, the Lexus IS has struggled to garner the same number of sales. Lexus is hoping that the IS’ redesign for the 2021 model year helps mend the situation. The most obvious change to the IS sedan is its sharper, new design. Other changes have been made to the sedan’s body to make it more rigid, suspension, list of tech features, and F Sport package that adds more performance components. After killing off the GS sedan, Lexus updating the compact IS sedan is a good sign that the vehicle will be around for a little while longer.
Pricing for the 2021 IS starts at $40,025. While Lexus didn’t specifically call out the COVID-19 pandemic as the cause, the automaker pushed back the reveal date for the 2021 IS. We were supposed to get our first look at the sedan on June 9, but that date was pushed back to June 15. The refreshed IS should go on sale before the end of October.
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2021 Toyota Sienna
For the most part, minivans have played it safe with their styling in an attempt to appeal to more consumers. That goes out the door for the 2021 Toyota Sienna. More aggressive than some high-performance sedans, the Sienna certainly looks unlike any other minivan on the market and is even available in a sporty XSE trim. Unlike every other minivan on the market, the Sienna is only available as a hybrid, too, and is rated by the EPA to get up to 36 mpg combined. The new Sienna also features the automaker’s TNGA architecture, is packed with more tech features, and has more convenience features like an onboard vacuum cleaner and a refrigerated compartment.
The 2021 Sienna starts at $35,635 and will continue to be one of just two minivans on the market with available all-wheel drive. Unfortunately, because of supply issues, which we believe are because of the pandemic, options like the vacuum cleaner and refrigerator will not be available at the time of launch. The new minivan is on track to arrive at dealers in November.