As soon as upon a time, the concept of a luxurious SUV meant a Vary 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 and Mercedes dipping their toes within the water. After which the floodgates opened. At this time, there’s a staggering variety of luxurious SUVs out there in each form, dimension and worth level. There are electrical luxurious SUVs just like the Tesla Mannequin X and Jaguar I-Tempo, in addition to gas-swilling, high-performance SUVs just like the BMW X5 M and Mercedes-AMG G 63. Sports activities automobile makers Porsche, Aston Martin and Lamborghini have even dived in.
However of this nice many, that are the very best luxurious SUVs? We sat down, scoured our evaluations, took some votes, had some discussions and got here up with the luxurious SUVs we view as the very best. They’re listed alphabetically inside the six segments listed under.
Finest Subcompact Luxurious SUV | Finest Compact Luxurious SUV | Finest Midsize Luxurious SUV (Two-Row)
Finest Midsize Luxurious SUV (Three-Row) | Finest Flagship Luxurious SUV (Two-Row) | Finest Flagship Luxurious SUV (Three-Row)
Finest subcompact luxurious SUVs
Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class
Why it stands out: Excellent house and flexibility; legit luxurious inside
Might be higher: Overwhelming and complicated tech interface
Learn our full 2021 Mercedes GLB Assessment
Most subcompact luxurious SUVs are a doubtful worth, with cramped interiors of marginal high quality and unrefined driving dynamics. You would be significantly better off paying much less cash for a loaded, non-luxury compact SUV. The Mercedes GLB is completely different, although. Its boxy design gives house few different subcompact SUV can match (luxurious or in any other case), whereas its cabin design and have content material are in line 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
Might be higher: Gasoline-efficient base engine solely out there with FWD
Learn our most up-to-date Volvo XC40 Assessment
Most subcompact luxurious fashions really feel a bit like low-cost knockoffs of their greater, pricier model mates. The XC40, against this, is a break from the Volvo norm in a great way. It rides on a distinct 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 parts like contrasting roofs and vibrant inside colours (you may get orange carpet!). Importantly, it is also one of many bigger, extra versatile autos within the phase and gives extra options for the cash. It is a fascinating automobile to purchase by itself deserves in a phase that usually feels such as you obtained it trigger you could not afford a pricier mannequin.
Finest compact luxurious SUVs
Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
Why it stands out: Drives like a correct Mercedes; trendy inside; various mannequin lineup
Might be higher: Overwhelming and complicated tech interface; inside house
Learn our full 2021 Mercedes GLC Assessment
The GLC was so masterfully executed when it was launched six years in the past that it continues to impress regardless of quite a few opponents getting into the sector or being redesigned since. Principally, the GLC is so good as a result of it seems to be, drives and is supplied like a correct Mercedes. Certain, checking a couple of choices bins helps to completely obtain that standing, however even probably the most fundamental GLC drives with a solidity and refinement that is largely unmatched, and possesses a classy inside dominated by a chic waterfall of wooden trim. It isn’t fairly as tech-dominant in look as different Mercedes, however it does embody practically all of Mercedes’ security and infotainment tech options, together with (for higher and worse) the beautiful however complicated MBUX tech interface. Two physique types (common and “coupe”) and three engine choices (together with two AMG fashions) present a lineup variety solely the BMW X3/X4 can match.
Porsche Macan
Why it stands out: The perfect compact SUV to drive; Porsche high quality and customization potential
Might be higher: Costly earlier than you even get to the exorbitantly priced choices; small inside
Learn our most up-to-date Porsche Macan Assessment
Taken actually, the Porsche Macan is nearly definitely the very best 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 had been looking for a compact SUV … and did not have to fret a couple of price range. Ah sure, there’s the rub. As distinctive because the Macan is, it is nonetheless a Porsche, which implies 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 probably the most good choice? No, however then, this is not the “Most Smart Luxurious SUV” checklist. It is about the very best. The Macan is one in all them.
Volvo XC60
Why it stands out: Scandinavian design; more room and options for the cash; out there plug-in hybrid
Might be higher: Unrefined engines; unremarkable dealing with
Learn our full 2021 Volvo XC60 Assessment
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 in all places. It is also fairly gasoline environment friendly, and even out there with a superb plug-in hybrid mannequin dubbed Recharge. However the XC60 additionally is not some uber-utilitarian boxy Volvo of previous. The styling is timelessly lovely, and its inside oozes Scandinavian cool. High quality and have content material are additionally absolutely in line with the larger, pricier XC90. Principally, the XC60 is without doubt one of the extra smart decisions within the phase, but in addition top-of-the-line.
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
Might be higher: Restricted availability of third-row seat
Learn our full 2021 Genesis GV80 Assessment
The Genesis GV80 shouldn’t be an affordable SUV, beginning at round $50,000, however even when maxed out at practically $70,000, it’s going to nonetheless make you suppose that it ought to value far more. The inside is the showpiece, with a contemporary design slathered in wealthy supplies and benefiting from user-friendly controls. There aren’t any scarcity of opulent creature comforts out there, and the usual portfolio of infotainment and security expertise shouldn’t be solely plentiful, however well-executed. Importantly, the GV80 additionally delivers the form of subtle driving expertise because of its new rear-wheel-drive chassis, out there air-spring suspension, sturdy engines and plenty of sound deadening. There’s additionally a lot of house inside, and though you may get the GV80 with a 3rd row, it’s totally cramped and solely out there with the V6 engine and one in all both the Advance+ or Status packages.
Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
Why it stands out: Lovely inside; impeccable engineering oozes from every part; 5 engine choices; well-executed security tech
Might be higher: Overwhelming and complicated tech interface
Learn our Mercedes GLE Assessment
If the GV80 is the supremely proficient rookie of the yr, the GLE is the perennial all-star who’s just lately taken its sport to an entire new degree. This midsize luxurious SUV builds upon its illustrious predecessors (together with the ML- and M-Lessons earlier than it) with parts that additionally make it way more aggressive within the phase as an entire: extra cohesive styling, an opulent inside, 5 engine decisions (together with two AMG fashions) and practically each little bit of infotainment and security expertise in Mercedes’ huge arsenal. If something, all that tech can simply overwhelm, particularly the MBUX interface. Nonetheless, it positive seems to be fairly with its ultra-wide twin-screen setup and vivid graphics. Notice {that a} third-row seat is a $2,100 choice, however just like the GV80’s, it is fairly small and sure a uncommon function to seek out on seller heaps.
Porsche Cayenne
Why it stands out: Partaking driving expertise; Porsche inside high quality and customization choices; a number of plug-in hybrids
Might be higher: Costly earlier than you even get to the exorbitantly priced choices; smaller-than-average inside
Learn our most up-to-date Porsche Cayenne Assessment
On paper, and particularly when in comparison with the GV80, the Cayenne might appear to be an enormous ripoff. Particularly if you begin making choices 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 of extra sense. Even in the event you simply climb aboard, have a look round and run your fingers over the surfaces, you will seemingly come away impressed with the elevated construct high quality, even in a phase the place that is anticipated. The extremely customizable infotainment tech is even straightforward to make use of. We additionally respect that regardless of being one of many preeminent efficiency SUVs, the Cayenne is offered as a plug-in hybrid (there are two decisions of them, in actual fact). We even just like the Cayenne Coupe regardless of typically being unmoved by such “crossover coupe” fashions, together with the GLE’s. In some way, 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 status
Might be higher: Steep tech interface studying curve; stiff brake pedal really feel; no plug-in hybrid choice
Learn our 2022 Acura MDX Assessment
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 newest in-car expertise, although the interface is an acquired style. Most essential, although, the MDX shouldn’t 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 concentrate on driving pleasure. On the similar time, although, the MDX stays some of the smart luxurious SUV decisions. The third row is friendlier for teenagers or adults, and the versatile second row incorporates a detachable middle-seat portion, which means you do not have to decide on between seven-passenger capability or extra snug 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; large energy; comparatively spacious third-row; ample cargo house
Might be higher: A less expensive, less-powerful entry mannequin that may open the Aviator as much as extra consumers
Learn our full 2021 Lincoln Aviator Assessment
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 provide a much less strong engine and cater to extra consumers 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 (acceptable for a Lincoln). And, talking of Grand Touring, the Aviator’s trim of that title is in actual fact 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 worth vary; out there plug-in hybrid
Might be higher: Unrefined engines; tech interface does not agree with everybody
Learn our full 2021 Volvo XC90 Assessment
You will get an XC90 dressed to the nines with the 400-horsepower plug-in hybrid powertrain and each high-tech, leather-lined choice out there for practically $80,000 and stroll away with a really particular luxurious SUV befitting that price ticket. On the similar 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 classy than most luxurious fashions. Such widespread attraction and competitiveness are uncommon. The XC90 is a good luxurious SUV regardless of the value or trim degree.
Finest flagship luxurious SUV (two-row)
Land Rover Vary Rover
Why it stands out: Regal driving expertise; plug-in hybrid; new-world design with old-world appeal
Might be higher: The tech interface
Learn our most up-to-date Vary Rover assessment
The Vary Rover was the primary luxurious SUV. It’s nonetheless top-of-the-line. From excessive atop your throne lined in buttery comfortable Windsor leather-based, you look over the broad, flat hood on the highway, subject or path round you. The cabin is impeccably fashionable in look (although the infotainment system is not modernity’s best second), but the supplies and shade schemes are charmingly previous world. The experience is pillowy comfortable but totally managed, extra like that of a flagship luxurious sedan than an SUV. And like a type of flagship sedans, there’s even a selection of normal and extended-length physique fashion to deliver the again seat from beneficiant to palatial. There are strong mild-hybrid V6 and supercharged V8 engines out there, however we predict the Vary Rover is definitely at its finest because the plug-in hybrid P400e (pictured). In addition to being sufficiently fast and exponentially extra environment friendly than the opposite decisions, its skill to silently waft alongside on electrical energy is an ideal match for the remainder of the Vary Rover’s regal driving expertise.
Mercedes-Benz G-Class
Why it stands out: See photos; excessive off-road functionality; impeccable inside; absurd efficiency
Might be higher: Compromised on-road dealing with and inside house; gasoline financial system
Learn our Mercedes-Benz G-Class Assessment
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 automobile that is directly massively rugged and opulently luxurious; monumental 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 way more sense for extra consumers than the somewhat absurd G-Class. But, not every part must be smart, and what the G-Class does do, it does higher than virtually every part whereas being extremely cool besides. It is the German Vary Rover, and because of its most up-to-date (and solely) redesign, it is really simply as fashionable as Land Rover’s flagship whereas being a bit of easier (and sure 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
Might be higher: V8 gasoline effectivity; gargantuan dimension impedes dealing with and maneuverability
Learn our full 2021 Cadillac Escalade Assessment
The Escalade is all new for 2021, radically improved and way more aggressive. The swap to an unbiased rear suspension has taken the third row from uninhabitable to one of many largest available on the market, whereas additionally benefiting the experience, dealing with and cargo house. The styling is extra refined and the inside will get a severe improve by way of supplies, design and expertise. Particularly, the 38 inches value of three OLED screens that encompass the motive force. The Escalade can also be out there with GM’s extremely superior Tremendous Cruise hands-free driving expertise. One other key new component is the addition of a diesel engine, which gives the identical 460 pound-feet of torque as the usual 6.2-liter fuel V8, however will prevent on common $950 per yr on gasoline. Our expertise with this engine in GM’s different full-size SUVs and vans signifies it needs to be sufficiently quiet and refined in a luxurious automobile just like the Escalade.
Lincoln Navigator
Why it stands out: Excessive-style cabin; buttery clean and massively {powerful} engine; unmatched third-row house
Might be higher: Touchscreen appears awfully small now because of Cadillac; gargantuan dimension impedes dealing with and maneuverability
Learn our full 2021 Lincoln Navigator Assessment
It is simple to be wowed by the range-topping Navigator Black Label fashions that may be dressed up within the beautiful shade “Themes” of oxblood purple or icy blue. They’re actually particular, and when you’ve got the money, the priciest Navigators are with out query probably the most fascinating ones. On the similar time, each Navigator advantages from the identical basic Mid-Century Fashionable-inspired inside design, unmatched passenger house, plentiful options checklist, refined highway 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 provide a fuel-efficient reply to the diesel Escalade). Certain, it is nonetheless gigantic and somewhat truckish in lots of regards, however the Navigator can nonetheless stand tall in opposition to the world’s best flagship luxurious SUVs.
Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class
Why it stands out: Lovely inside; impeccable engineering oozes from every part; various mannequin line; well-executed security tech
Might be higher: Overwhelming and complicated tech interface
Learn our Mercedes GLS Assessment
The Mercedes GLS is a lot greater 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 probably 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. After all, we predict the Maybach and AMG GLS 63 variations are borderline offensive of their overkill and extravagance, however if you need the very best, then it is definitely arduous to argue in opposition to them.
