DecodedCars2021 Bentley Bentayga
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.
- Class
- Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Body styles
- Hybrid 4dr SUV, Speed 4dr SUV, V8 4dr SUV
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 4.0L 8-cyl turbo, 6.0L 12-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Plug-in Hybrid, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 19 combined · 17 city / 24 hwy
- Length
- 202–202.4 in
- Curb weight
- 5,324–5,838 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 7 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Plug-in hybrid version availableOffered as a plug-in hybrid as well as gas.
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
- 7 recallsMore than similar models (about 0). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 Bentley Bentayga is a standard SUV offered with 3 engines (3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 4.0L 8-cyl turbo and 6.0L 12-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 202 inches long and 79 inches wide on a 118-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 5,838 lb (Hybrid 4dr SUV).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 19 MPG combined (17 city / 24 highway), 1% better than the 2021 standard SUV average of 18.8 MPG, for an estimated $4,350 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 7 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2021
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2020 Bentayga — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 Bentayga →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hybrid 4dr SUV | 202 in | 78.7 in | 68.5 in | 117.7 in | – | 5,838 lb | 57/43 |
| Speed 4dr SUV | 202.4 in | 78.7 in | 68.5 in | 117.7 in | – | 5,529 lb | 57/43 |
| V8 4dr SUV | 202 in | 78.7 in | 68.5 in | 117.7 in | – | 5,324 lb | 57/43 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bentayga Plug-in Hybrid | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 21 / 19 | +1% | $4,350 | 256 |
| Bentayga | 4.0L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 15 / 24 / 18 | -4% | $4,550 | 497 |
| Bentayga | 6.0L 12-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 12 / 18 / 14 | -26% | $5,850 | 616 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2021 Bentley Bentayga.
Recalls (7)
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Aug 23, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V592000 · 3,527 vehicles
- Problem
- Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain 2017-2023 Bentayga vehicles. The fuel supply module wiring can overheat and melt the flange, resulting in a fuel leak.
- Risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the flange and fuel supply module wiring, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 20, 2023. Owners may contact Bentley customer service at 1-800-777-6923. Bentley's number for this recall is RE23/19.
Back Over Prevention › Display Function · Oct 5, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V743000 · 3,134 vehicles
- Problem
- Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bentayga vehicles. Due to a software error, the rearview camera image may be blank when the car is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Risk
- A rearview camera screen that displays a blank image reduces the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the infotainment unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 17, 2022. Owners may contact Bentley customer service at 1-800-877-6923. Bentley's number for this recall is RE22/29 (RC54).
Seats · Apr 14, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V257000 · 1,923 vehicles
- Problem
- Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bentayga vehicles. The second row seats may be installed incorrectly, without being locked on all seat rails.
- Risk
- An unlocked seat rail could move in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury to occupants.
- Fix
- Dealers will check and reset the 2nd row seat rail positions to ensure proper engagement of the seat rails, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 16, 2022. Owners may contact Bentley customer service at 1-800-777-6923. Bentley's number for this recall is RC22/10 (RC36).
Equipment › Other › Owners/Service/Other Manual · Dec 15, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V975000 · 3,777 vehicles
- Problem
- Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bentayga, Continental GT, Flying Spur, and Continental GT Convertible vehicles. The owner's manual incorrectly states that the air bag system will not deploy when the "Passenger Airbag On" symbol is illuminated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
- Risk
- The incorrect information may change how occupants position themselves in relation to the air bags, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
- Fix
- Bentley will mail new labels to owners. Owners may apply the label themselves or have a dealer apply the label, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2022. Owners may contact Bentley customer service at 1-800-777-6923. Bentley's number for this recall is RE21/43 (RC26).
Electronic Stability Control (Esc) › Control Module › Software · Aug 18, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V647000 · 28 vehicles
- Problem
- Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain 2021 Bentayga vehicles. Incorrect software for the chassis control module may cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system to malfunction.
- Risk
- A malfunctioning ESC system can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the chassis control module with the correct software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 5, 2021. Owners may contact Bentley customer service at 1-800-777-6923. Bentley's number for this recall is RE21/29.
Seat Belts › Front › Retractor · Aug 4, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V605000 · 33 vehicles
- Problem
- Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain 2021 Bentayga vehicles. The front passenger seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicles Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
- Risk
- An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect the front passenger seat belt assemblies, and if necessary, replace the seat belts free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 30, 2021. Owners may contact Bentley customer service at 1-800-777-6923. Bentley's number for this recall is RE21/31 (RC13).
Suspension › Rear › Axle › Non-Powered Axle Assembly · Apr 21, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V276000 · 206 vehicles
- Problem
- Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain 2021 Bentayga vehicles. The lock nut on the trailing arm of the rear axle may break due to stress corrosion.
- Risk
- A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Bentley will notify owners, and dealers will replace the lock nuts, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed on June 16, 2021. Owners may contact Bentley customer service at 1-800-777-6923. Bentley's number for this recall is RE21/17 (RB98).
Not every 2021 Bentley Bentayga is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2021 Bentley Bentayga buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 7 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 1 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Exterior Lighting — 1 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Bentley Bentayga. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Bentayga years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Bentayga | 21 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Bentayga | 21 | 202 in | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2025 Bentayga | 21 | 209.1 in | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2024 Bentayga | 16 | 202 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 Bentayga | 20 | 202 in | Not rated | 3 | 0 |
| 2022 Bentayga | 18 | 202 in | Not rated | 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Bentayga | 19 | 202.4 in | Not rated | 4 | 0 |
| 2019 Bentayga | 17 | 202.4 in | Not rated | 4 | 1 |
| 2018 Bentayga | 15 | 202.4 in | Not rated | 4 | 1 |
| 2017 Bentayga | 15 | 202.4 in | Not rated | 2 | 9 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Bentley. How we calculate this →