In the mid-late 80s, Renault had to replace its aging model, the 18, which was still based on original 1960s technologies.
With help from the Italdesign Giugiaro design studio, Renault made the Renault 21 in 1986 and, a few months later, in 1987, the station wagon version was launched. There were a lot of station wagons in those times. So, in order to differentiate itself from competitors, the Renault 21 Nevada came up with a seven-seat solution, but those two extra seats were eating into the trunk space and were suitable only for children up to 10 years old.

The 80s were the years when longitudinal and transverse engine fans were fighting, and engineers of both sides were struggling to impose their point of view. This is why some versions of the Renault 21 were available with transverse units and the higher displacement engines were longitudinal. The smaller engines had a 1.7-liter displacement, but they went up to 2.2-liter turbodiesel engines.

The power ranged between 75 and 136 hp. It was also available with a permanent all-wheel-drive system, but not too many were ordered with this type of unusual, then, traction. The transmission was a 5-speed manual as standard. The 4-speed automatic transmission was available as an option on certain engine variants. Air conditioning was offered on some trim levels.