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As soon as upon a time, the thought of a luxurious SUV meant a Range Rover, and even that was fairly agricultural by fashionable requirements. Then Jeep Grand Cherokees and Ford Explorers began providing fancy, range-topping variations adopted quickly by Lexus, BMW and Mercedes dipping their toes within the water. After which the floodgates opened. At this time, there’s a staggering variety of luxurious SUVs accessible in each form, measurement and value level. There are electric luxury SUVs just like the Tesla Model X and Jaguar I-Tempo, in addition to gas-swilling, high-performance SUVs just like the BMW X5 M and Cadillac Escalade V. Sports activities automobile makers Porsche, Aston Martin and Lamborghini have even dived in.
However of this nice many, that are the most effective luxurious SUVs? We sat down, scoured our opinions, took some votes, had some discussions and got here up with the posh SUVs we view as the most effective. They’re listed alphabetically throughout the six segments listed beneath.
Table of Contents
Best Subcompact Luxury SUV | Best Compact Luxury SUV | Best Midsize Luxury SUV (Two-Row)
Best Midsize Luxury SUV (Three-Row) | Best Flagship Luxury SUV (Two-Row) | Best Flagship Luxury SUV (Three-Row)
Finest subcompact luxurious SUVs
Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class
Why it stands out: Excellent house and flexibility; legit luxurious inside; amusing GLB 35 model
May very well be higher: Overwhelming and complicated tech interface
Most subcompact luxurious SUVs are a doubtful worth, with cramped interiors of marginal high quality and unrefined driving dynamics. You would be a lot better off paying much less cash for a loaded, non-luxury compact SUV. The Mercedes GLB is completely different, although. Its boxy design offers house few different subcompact SUV can match (luxurious or in any other case), whereas its cabin design and have content material are in step with pricier Mercedes fashions. The standard’s not precisely as much as GLC requirements, neither is driving refinement, however the distinction is acceptable for a way a lot you are saving and nonetheless completely acceptable. There’s nothing doubtful about shopping for a GLB.
Volvo XC40
Why it stands out: Extra options for the cash; spacious and versatile inside; distinctive design; electrical model
May very well be higher: Gasoline-efficient base engine solely accessible with FWD
Most subcompact luxurious fashions really feel a bit like low-cost knockoffs of their larger, pricier model mates. The XC40, against this, is a break from the Volvo norm in a great way. It rides on a unique platform from the varied 60- and 90-series Volvos, leading to a automobile that is a bit extra playful to drive, however nonetheless possessing the strong, refined feeling one expects from the model. Its design is extra utilitarian and youthful, eschewing luxurious trims like chrome and wooden in favor of components like contrasting roofs and vibrant inside colours. Importantly, it is also one of many bigger, extra versatile autos within the section and offers extra options for the cash. It is a fascinating car to purchase by itself deserves in a section that always feels such as you received it trigger you could not afford a pricier mannequin.
Finest compact luxurious SUVs
Genesis GV70
Why it stands out: Stunning inside; user-friendly tech; subtle street manners
May very well be higher: Merely common again seat house; not as sporty because it seems to be
Learn our Genesis GV70 review
The GV70 bursts onto the scene as a real, real-deal challenger for the general excellence demonstrated by the Mercedes GLC and Porsche Macan, together with providing a high-powered model. Though technically cheaper than German fashions, this is not a price play — it nonetheless has a better value than these from Acura, Lexus and Infiniti, and includes a plusher inside and extra subtle engineering that warrant it. Its distinctive seems to be and exquisite inside actually stand out (take a look at the purple, green and blue interior choices), and its rear-wheel-drive platform will be augmented by a clean, massively {powerful} turbo V6 and a high-tech adaptive suspension that not solely reacts to street imperfections however anticipates them.
Porsche Macan
Why it stands out: One of the best compact SUV to drive; Porsche high quality and customization potential
May very well be higher: Costly earlier than you even get to the exorbitantly priced choices; small inside
Taken actually, the Porsche Macan is nearly definitely the most effective compact luxurious SUV. The way in which it seems to be, the best way it is made and, most importantly, the best way it drives would make it a no brainer if we have been looking for a compact SUV … and did not have to fret a few price range. Ah sure, there’s the rub. As distinctive because the Macan is, it is nonetheless a Porsche, which signifies that it delivers fairly dismal function content material and house for the cash. The bottom four-cylinder mannequin particularly is a questionable worth. So, is it essentially the most good choice? No, however then, this is not the “Most Smart Luxurious SUV” checklist. It is about the most effective. The Macan is one in every of them.
Volvo XC60
Why it stands out: Scandinavian design; more room and options for the cash; Recharge plug-in hybrid
May very well be higher: Unrefined engines; unremarkable dealing with
OK, so generally it’s about being a bit smart, and the XC60 is extra so than most. It is extra spacious than the norm and (shock!) this Volvo boasts security credentials that ought to please fretful mother and father all over the place. It is also fairly gasoline environment friendly, and even accessible with a wonderful plug-in hybrid mannequin dubbed Recharge. However the XC60 additionally is not some uber-utilitarian boxy Volvo of outdated. The styling is timelessly stunning, and its inside oozes Scandinavian cool. High quality and have content material are additionally totally in step with the larger, pricier XC90. Mainly, the XC60 is among the extra smart decisions within the section, but in addition among the best.
Finest midsize luxurious SUVs (commonplace two-row)
Genesis GV80
Why it stands out: Beautiful inside; well-executed driver help tech; seems to be, feels and drives pricier than it’s
May very well be higher: Restricted availability of third-row seat
The Genesis GV80 will not be an inexpensive SUV, beginning at round $50,000, however even when maxed out at almost $70,000, it will nonetheless make you assume that it ought to price far more. The inside is the showpiece, with a contemporary design slathered in wealthy supplies and benefiting from user-friendly controls. There is no such thing as a scarcity of opulent creature comforts accessible, and the usual portfolio of infotainment and security know-how will not be solely plentiful, however well-executed. Importantly, the GV80 additionally delivers the type of subtle driving expertise because of its new rear-wheel-drive chassis, accessible air-spring suspension, sturdy engines and many sound deadening. There’s additionally a lot of house inside, and though you may get the GV80 with a 3rd row, it is very cramped and solely accessible with the V6 engine and one in every of both the Advance+ or Status packages. As such, we think about the GV80 a two-row SUV.
Lexus RX 350h and RX 500h
Why it stands out: Nice gasoline economic system for a midsize SUV; well-made cabin; 500h’s sturdy energy for a hybrid; vibrant colours
May very well be higher: Some infotainment and security tech annoyances; 350h’s pokey acceleration
Learn our 2023 Lexus RX Review
The 2023 Lexus RX represents a totally redesigned mannequin, and though we’re not utterly enamored with it (and have been critically aggravated by its tech), the RX 350h and new RX 500h hybrids supply such distinctive gasoline economic system that they are undoubtedly value a search for anybody looking on this section. When you’re looking for max gasoline economic system, the RX 350h sacrifices efficiency (plus a quiet cabin underneath onerous acceleration) for a stellar 37 mpg mixed. We’re guessing an terrible lot of individuals will fortunately take that trade-off to get compact sedan gasoline economic system out of a midsize luxurious SUV. The RX 500h represents a extra balanced method. It could return solely 27 mpg mixed, but it surely additionally produces 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. Its acceleration might not blow you away like a Porsche or AMG Mercedes, however once more, we’re speaking stability right here and the RX 500h delivers it. There’ll ultimately be a plug-in hybrid dubbed RX 450h+ accessible that ought to present a helpful quantity of all-electric vary.
Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
Why it stands out: Stunning inside; impeccable engineering oozes from every part; 5 engine choices; well-executed security tech
May very well be higher: Overwhelming and complicated tech interface
If the GV80 is the supremely gifted rookie of the 12 months, the GLE is the perennial all-star who’s lately taken its sport to an entire new stage. This midsize luxurious SUV builds upon its illustrious predecessors (together with the ML- and M-Courses earlier than it) with components that additionally make it much more aggressive within the section as an entire: extra cohesive styling, an opulent inside, 5 engine decisions (together with two AMG fashions) and almost each little bit of infotainment and security know-how in Mercedes’ huge arsenal. If something, all that tech can simply overwhelm, particularly the MBUX interface. Nonetheless, it certain seems to be fairly with its ultra-wide twin-screen setup and vivid graphics. Word {that a} third-row seat is a $2,100 possibility, however just like the GV80’s, it is fairly small and certain a uncommon function to seek out on supplier tons.
Why it stands out: Partaking driving expertise; Porsche inside high quality and customization choices; a number of plug-in hybrids
May very well be higher: Costly earlier than you even get to the exorbitantly priced choices; smaller-than-average inside
On paper, and particularly when in comparison with the GV80, the Cayenne might appear to be an enormous ripoff. Particularly whenever you begin making picks from the exorbitantly priced choices checklist. However then you definately drive it — any of them, from the bottom 335-horsepower V6 as much as the 670-hp Turbo S E-Hybrid — and the value begins to make a bit extra sense. Even when you simply climb aboard, have a look round and run your fingers over the surfaces, you may seemingly come away impressed with the elevated construct high quality, even in a section the place that is anticipated. The extremely customizable infotainment tech is even simple to make use of. We additionally recognize that regardless of being one of many preeminent efficiency SUVs, the Cayenne is obtainable as a plug-in hybrid (there are two decisions of them, in reality). We even like the Cayenne Coupe regardless of typically being unmoved by such “crossover coupe” fashions, together with the GLE’s. Someway, that physique form simply works higher on a automobile that shares its badge with a Porsche 911.
Finest midsize luxurious SUVs (commonplace three-row)
Acura MDX
Why it stands out: Superior dealing with; versatile second row; worth in your cash; reliability repute
May very well be higher: Steep tech interface studying curve; stiff brake pedal really feel; no hybrid possibility
Learn our 2022 Acura MDX Review
The MDX was utterly redesigned for 2022. It is extra luxurious than its predecessor, making Acura’s three-row crossover a extra convincing competitor for the Audis, BMWs and Lexuses of the world. It additionally has Acura’s most modern in-car know-how, although the interface is an acquired taste. Most essential, although, the MDX will not be solely extra partaking to drive than earlier than, it additionally outpaces its three-row competitors — credit score to Acura’s latest-generation Tremendous-Dealing with All-Wheel Drive system in addition to an elevated give attention to driving pleasure. On the identical time, although, the MDX stays probably the most smart luxurious SUV decisions. The third row is friendlier for teenagers or adults, and the versatile second row includes a detachable middle-seat portion, which means you do not have to decide on between seven-passenger capability or extra comfy second-row captain’s chairs. There’s additionally the matter of getting extra tools in your cash, in addition to the MDX’s historically sturdy resale worth and reliability.
Lincoln Aviator
Why it stands out: Excessive-style cabin; huge energy; comparatively spacious third-row; ample cargo house
May very well be higher: A less expensive, less-powerful entry mannequin that might open the Aviator as much as extra patrons
Learn our full 2022 Lincoln Aviator Review
You will not hear us say this fairly often, however the Lincoln Aviator has an excessive amount of energy. With a regular 400-horsepower turbo V6, the Aviator obliterates the bottom and improve engines of most opponents. That is undoubtedly commendable, and we’re not likely complaining. It is simply that the Aviator is so good, it may simply supply a much less sturdy engine and cater to extra patrons with a lower cost. They’d nonetheless be getting a spacious, well-equipped, easy-to-use and high-style inside, plus a refined driving expertise that makes an attempt to make your time behind the wheel “easy” versus “sporty.” Sure, even with 400 hp, the Aviator is extra about grand-touring velocity than taking corners (applicable for a Lincoln). And, talking of Grand Touring, the Aviator’s trim of that title is in reality a plug-in hybrid that boasts 494 hp and 630 pound-feet of torque. It additionally has a helpful 21 miles of electrical vary.
Volvo XC90
Why it stands out: Spacious third-row and cargo space; Scandinavian design; large value vary; accessible Recharge plug-in hybrid
May very well be higher: Unrefined engines
You may get an XC90 dressed to the nines with the 400-horsepower plug-in hybrid powertrain and each high-tech, leather-lined possibility accessible for almost $80,000 and stroll away with a really particular luxurious SUV befitting that price ticket. On the identical time, although, you might get a base XC90 T5 for lower than $50,000 and stroll away with a well-equipped and well-made household SUV that is extra spacious, environment friendly and trendy than most luxurious fashions. Such widespread attraction and competitiveness are uncommon. The XC90 is a superb luxurious SUV regardless of the value or trim stage.
Finest flagship luxurious SUV (two-row)
Aston Martin DBX
Why it stands out: Shockingly enjoyable to drive for an SUV; shockingly cozy for a sporting SUV; it is an Aston Martin
May very well be higher: It is wildly costly for an SUV of its measurement; last-gen Mercedes infotainment
Learn our Aston Martin DBX Review
Duh. You’d definitely hope that an Aston Martin could be one of many best autos on the planet, however actually, that is hardly ever been true (if ever). The model’s styling and affiliation with a sure British spy carries A LOT of the burden, whereas the automobile’s themselves have hardly been world-beaters. Their interiors particularly have traditionally been letdowns. The DBX SUV defies these expectations, nonetheless. For cynics anticipating the DBX to be an chubby, overwrought luxurious SUV with an Aston Martin badge glued to the hood, relaxation assured that it is shockingly enjoyable to drive with among the finest steering we have come throughout in ages. It presents long-distance consolation like a correct Aston Martin GT as nicely. Its inside is even nicely crafted for its extraordinarily lofty value level and usually advantages from Aston’s tie-up with Mercedes-Benz (though the last-gen Mercedes tech interface may undoubtedly be higher). Sure, the value is nuts, however we’re speaking the “Finest” SUVs right here, not the “Finest for the Cash.”
Land Rover Vary Rover
Why it stands out: Regal driving expertise; beautiful high-fashion inside; accessible plug-in hybrid
May very well be higher: The tech interface; comparatively small third-row
Learn our most up-to-date Range Rover review
The Vary Rover is all-new for 2022, which solely solidifies its place on this checklist of the most effective luxurious SUVs. It additionally stays among the best luxurious autos, interval, providing each drop of consolation, comfort, type and opulence one expects from a flagship-quality automobile with a price ticket deep into six digits. The brand new Vary Rover is now accessible as three-row, long-wheelbase mannequin, however because it’s an possibility and hardly as much as the adult-friendly confines of an Escalade and even Mercedes GLS, we thought it finest to maintain it right here within the two-row class. Highlights embody an exceptional attention to detail throughout, a compelling new mild-hybrid engine (and a plug-in hybrid added later), and as it is a Land Rover, go-anywhere functionality.
Mercedes-Benz G-Class
Why it stands out: See footage; excessive off-road functionality; impeccable inside; absurd efficiency
May very well be higher: Compromised on-road dealing with and inside house; gasoline economic system
Learn our Mercedes-Benz G-Class Review
Does the G-Class make any rational sense? Completely not. Its design and mechanicals are a weird mash-up of old-school and new-school, leading to a car that is directly massively rugged and opulently luxurious; huge but house inefficient; a beast off-road but cumbersome on-road. It additionally has an eye-watering price ticket that is grossly greater than Mercedes’ personal GLS-Class that ought to make much more sense for extra patrons than the reasonably absurd G-Class. But, not every part needs to be smart, and what the G-Class does do, it does higher than nearly every part whereas being extremely cool as well. It is the German Vary Rover, and due to its most up-to-date (and solely) redesign, it is almost as fashionable as Land Rover’s flagship whereas being a bit less complicated (and certain dependable) by being rather less difficult. It is all about clearance and hardcore mechanicals, together with locking entrance, middle and rear differentials.
Finest flagship luxurious SUV (three-row)
Cadillac Escalade
Why it stands out: 38 inches of OLED screens; diesel engine; tow functionality; adult-friendly third row; Tremendous Cruise
May very well be higher: V8 gasoline (in)effectivity; gargantuan measurement impedes dealing with and maneuverability
Learn our full 2023 Cadillac Escalade Review
The Escalade was all new for 2021, and in consequence, wasradically improved and much more aggressive. The change to an impartial rear suspension has taken the third row from uninhabitable to one of many largest in the marketplace, whereas additionally benefiting the journey, dealing with and cargo house. The styling is extra refined and the inside will get a severe improve when it comes to supplies, design and know-how. Particularly, the 38 inches value of three OLED screens that encompass the motive force. The Escalade can also be accessible with GM’s extremely superior Tremendous Cruise hands-free driving know-how. One other key new aspect is the addition of a diesel engine, which offers the identical 460 pound-feet of torque as the usual 6.2-liter gasoline V8, however will prevent a whole lot per 12 months on gasoline. It is shockingly quiet, too. On the opposite finish of the spectrum, is the new Cadillac Escalade-V that assaults your ears (and the planet) with 682 horses and a bellowing quad-exhaust (and 13 mpg).
Lincoln Navigator
Why it stands out: Excessive-style cabin; clean and {powerful} engine is extra environment friendly than rivals; adult-friendly third-row house
May very well be higher: Not as high-tech because the Escalade; gargantuan measurement impedes dealing with and maneuverability
Learn our full 2022 Lincoln Navigator Review
It is easy to be wowed by the range-topping Navigator Black Label fashions that may be dressed up within the beautiful coloration “Themes” of inexperienced or icy blue. They’re really particular, and when you have the money, the priciest Navigators are with out query essentially the most fascinating ones. On the identical time, each Navigator advantages from the identical normal Mid-Century Trendy-inspired inside design, unmatched passenger house, plentiful options checklist, refined street manners and a regular engine that produces 450 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque. Regardless of this important energy benefit over the 6.2-liter Escalade, it is also extra environment friendly (though Lincoln does not supply a fuel-efficient reply to the diesel Escalade). Positive, it is nonetheless gigantic and reasonably truckish in lots of regards, however the Navigator can nonetheless stand tall towards the world’s best flagship luxurious SUVs.
Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class
Why it stands out: Stunning inside; impeccable engineering oozes from every part; numerous mannequin line; well-executed security tech
May very well be higher: Overwhelming and complicated tech interface
The Mercedes GLS is a lot larger and a lot nicer than three-row luxurious SUVs just like the Audi Q7 and Volvo XC90 that it is elevated past them into the uppermost echelon of luxurious SUVs: the flagships. That it has three rows is in some methods only a bonus for these looking for essentially the most superior SUV Mercedes has to supply (the Maybach GLS 600 does not even have it), however that aft-most row can also be genuinely adult-friendly, which is uncommon amongst luxurious makers. As such, the GLS can directly compete with the Vary Rover and Navigator … to not point out the Bentley Bentayga and Rolls-Royce Cullinan when in Maybach guise. In fact, we predict the Maybach and AMG GLS 63 variations are borderline offensive of their overkill and extravagance, however if you need the most effective, then it is definitely onerous to argue towards them.
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