There was a time when no SUVs (sport utility vehicle) were there on the scene. They made their entry on the American scene in 1940s but never got popular till the heydays of 1990s excess when the gas prices got lowered. And since then, the popularity of SUVs has been increasing steadily. SUVs generally demand regular car maintenance to keep up with their performance and longevity, especially for high-end luxury models that carry a range of advanced technology and comfort features. Normally, SUVs have a number of types, but the most comfortable ones are the luxury SUVs, which have become immensely popular due to the level of facilitation they provide to their users.
Here, the question arises as to which one of so many luxury SUVs is the best advisable one. This is not an easy question to answer, for its answer varies from person to person. What might seem the best to one might not seem so to the other. Here, we have discussed in detail the features of various luxury SUVs and let it up to you to decide which one is the best for you. Here we go!
Best Luxury SUVs That Redefine Premium Driving
Top luxury SUVs blend sedan-like comfort with ample cargo and passenger space. Leading models feature cutting-edge infotainment, advanced driver aids, and premium materials, promising stress-free commuting. They prioritize refinement, smooth powertrains, and spacious, versatile interiors. Standard luxuries include heated/ventilated seats, fine leather, and high-end sound systems. Many offer power tailgates, soft-close doors, and massage seats for added convenience and opulence, distinguishing them from ordinary sedans and solidifying their status among the best luxury SUVs available.
1. 2025 Genesis GV80 – Best Luxury SUV for Families
The Korean automaker designed the Genesis GV80 to capture attention right away—it practically shouts “Look at me!” even when it’s just sitting in a parking lot. I’ll admit, it won some awards, and it earned them too. This isn’t just any SUV—it’s a luxury one but with a twist that leaves some competitors like Porsche and BMW in the dust: its price actually makes sense. Sure, it’s packed with power too. The standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder turbo engine gives it 300 horsepower, but, oddly enough, it limits seating to just two rows. Not that that’s a dealbreaker, but it’s something to note. If you go for the 375-horsepower twin-turbo V-6, now that’s where it gets exciting—this one lets you add a third row, fitting up to seven.
And talk about comfort. Not only are the front seats heated and cooled, but the ones in the back are too—heated armrests, anyone? The thing is quiet too, like, silent as a whisper even when you’re flying down the highway.
And, the style points! Genesis gave the GV80 this new grille design and added Micro Lens Array headlamps, borrowed from their G90 sedan, though they look slightly different. Wheel options? They didn’t skimp there either—there’s a choice between 20- or 22-inch wheels, which both look amazing. And, let’s not skip the color selection, especially Storr Green, a real head-turner in either glossy or matte finish. Inside, Genesis has outdone themselves, combining the gauge cluster and infotainment screen into one sweeping 27.0-inch display that’s practically art.
Prices start at $59,550 and if you add all the bells and whistles? You’ll land around $80,650.
2. 2025 Ferrari Purosangue – Best Performance Luxury SUV
Ferrari took its time showing up to the world of super-SUVs, but let me tell you, it made quite the entrance. The Purosangue’s got that broad, muscular stance and unmistakably Ferrari design that turns heads before it even moves. I mean, this isn’t just some rushed attempt to meet a trend—it’s crafted to feel every bit like a Ferrari, even if it’s shaped like an SUV. The Purosangue offers rear doors and a spacious back seat, which’ll satisfy folks looking for a so-called “family-friendly Ferrari.” But let’s be real: no one’s buying this most expensive Ferrari for soccer practice. It’s all about that thrill. The 715-horsepower, naturally aspirated V-12 engine under the hood? Absolute beast. It even borrows an all-wheel-drive system from the Ferrari FF, combined with a new active suspension that practically eliminates body roll, making it an absolute standout among rivals like the Lamborghini Urus, Porsche Cayenne Turbo, and Aston Martin DBX.
Yet, it’s got quirks. Ferrari decided not to put a center touchscreen, using instead this odd haptic interface that takes a minute to figure out. And that steering wheel? It’s loaded up with buttons—almost too much, honestly. Despite the $428,686 starting price, though, I doubt those quirks’ll bother buyers much. A screaming twelve-cylinder that roars to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds, pushing up to 193 mph? Now that’s Ferrari, redefined, in a four-door.
3. 2024 Volvo XC40 – Best Subcompact Luxury SUV
For many years, Volvo made cars that were as plain and boxy as they were incredibly safe. Today, Volvo continues to impress with models that are even safer but boast a more refined and expressive design. This includes the lively entry-level XC40 SUV, which combines top-notch safety with a luxurious feel and a youthful vibe. The interior provides a higher seating position than competitors like the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA-class. Even the base model of this small SUV features a welcoming and well-finished interior, while the higher trims look truly premium.
Every model of this best luxury SUV is equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive, offering a spirited drive, and Volvo has included comprehensive standard safety and assistance features, making it deserving of a spot on C&D’s 2024 Editors’ Choice list. For those seeking a greener option, there’s an electric version available.
4. 2024 Porsche Macan – Best Compact Luxury SUV
Many compact luxury SUVs are rather uninspiring, but the Porsche Macan is one of the rare few that’s thrilling to drive. Despite its somewhat boxy design, this is the best luxury SUV for family. It exhibits many Porsche sports-car traits. The base Macan is powered by a 261-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine that offers a decent amount of energy.
The Macan S features a 375-hp twin-turbo V-6 that provides a notable boost in performance, making it the second most powerful Macan after the fiercer 434-hp Macan GTS, which we review separately. The Macan’s steering and ride make navigating twisty roads effortless, thanks to a chassis prioritized for performance rather than cargo space. It’s peerless in driving dynamics. So, while the more spacious BMW X3 M can hold more luggage, the Macan holds more appeal than the Lambo SUV for enthusiasts seeking a pure driving experience. Its exceptional agility has earned it numerous accolades.
5. 2025 BMW X7 – Best Large Luxury SUV
The BMW X7 arrived fashionably late to the full size luxury SUV scene in 2019 but quickly secured a top-tier position among the best SUV brands. Its luxurious interior, standard air-ride suspension, and an extensive list of features meet expectations, while agile handling and a range of powerful engines set it apart. Starting with a smooth 375-hp turbocharged straight-six, it offers a 523-hp turbo V8 for those craving more power; the Alpina XB7 trim tops it with a 630-hp twin-turbo V8.
All models come with all-wheel drive. Cargo space and third-row legroom are limited compared to rivals like the Cadillac Escalade and Jeep Grand Wagoneer. However, from the front seats, the X7 offers a plush ride, premium materials, and elegant design, ensuring comfort on any journey. Despite mixed opinions on its front-end design, its $83k starting price feels like a deal in a segment known for large sizes and high MSRPs.
6. 2020 Volvo XC60
This very technically- outclass luxury SUV stands a class apart from its competitors and is a welcome addition to the already super luxury SUV from this company. The salient features of this luxury SUV are:
- It bears an eye-catching style with a remarkably safe and practical approach.
- Its base engine gives a total output of 250 horsepower whereas the T5 engine’s 320 horsepower production ensures the pumping of your adrenaline.
- Despite their higher performance, luxury SUVs can be surprisingly economical, and many modern models help drivers save money on gas with efficient engines or hybrid options. For example, Volvo’s fuel-sipping hybrid engines deliver a combined 27 mpg, ensuring that you get all the premium features without constantly refueling.
- You can certainly locate your favourite apps with the help of Volvo’s Sensus infotainment system.
- The advanced blind-spot monitor can keep you away from the danger and makes Volvo XC60 quite safe and sound
7. 2018 Audi Q5
With a lot of improved features, the completely redesigned Audi Q5 justifies itself being ranked amongst the best SUVs of 2018. You can enjoy this luxurious SUV with the following characters at a reasonably economical price.
- An extra 32 horsepower added to the already 220hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine makes the drivers feel 252 hp drift just on pressing the accelerator.
- Low-speed automatic braking system always keeps the troubles out of the way.
- Audi Q5 is also equipped with an updated MMI infotainment system
- The drivers have also been facilitated with the blind- spot detection and adaptive cruise control system.
- The interior of Audi Q5 highlights itself with an optional virtual cockpit featuring a high resolution digital display fully customizable as well.
- The standard suspension of Audi Q5 delivers a very soft ride equipping the driver with a sheer confidence
- Audi Q5 new seven speed transmission benefits the drivers a lot. Besides, its 25mpg combined fuel economy rating also invites the drivers.
- Audi Q5 has also offered a racy SQ5 model with turbocharged V-6 engine and an additive 345 hp .This model suits the race-lovers.
8. 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio
The North American market in particular whereas the whole world in general boasts the all-new 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio’s sporty driving dynamics and edgy styling. Beyond any doubt, this SUV is one of the best luxury SUVs of 2018 with the following prominent features.
- Turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers a potent of 280hp and 360 pound-feet of torque with a superb economy of 28mpg.
- It possesses a high-resolution display due to which drivers can quickly access information while driving.
- You can extract a brilliant performance from an eight-speed automatic transmission engine. It can cover from 0-60 in just 5.4 seconds if you test it on the track.
- The driver along with the passengers can enjoy themselves with the optional 800- watt Harman Kardon system which delivers a concert-like sound quality.
- An advanced electro-mechanical braking system enables the drivers to apply an outstanding stopping power.
- Besides, this SUV also offers adaptive cruise control, blind- spot monitoring and autonomous braking.
9. 2018 Cadillac XT5
No matter what luxury SUV you intend to buy, it is our humble suggestion to have a test drive of compact luxury Cadillac XT5. It offers both the slew of premium features and a lot of power. With an elegant exterior styling and the following outstanding features this luxury compact SUV justifies its position in the top contenders.
- With a bundle of advanced driving aids such as automatic braking and vibrating safety alert driver’s seat XT5 makes an absolutely secure family vehicle.
- Besides having a commodious interior for at least five persons, Cadillac XT5 also offers a standard CUE infotainment system which is now quite easier to use than ever before.
- Loaded with a potent 3.6_ litre, V6 engine and a total output of 310 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque XTS includes itself among the most powerful luxury SUVs.
- In spite of offering a quick 0-60 time of 6.4 seconds, the front wheel-drive models of XT5 are rated to return 19 mpg in the city and 26mpg on the motorway.
- The driver enjoys an extra degree of driving excitement with a precise handling and a responsive automatic transmission system.
- Included in several high-tech features are a 4G WI-FI hotspot, a booming Bose sound system and a CM’s award-winning Onstar communications system.
10. 2018 BMW X3
Following excellent and elegant features make BMW X3 one of the most appealing and trustworthy compact luxury SUV.
- An upgraded feature comprises a four-cylinder engine to deliver 248 hp and 258 pound- feet of torque Also BMW has discontinued the X3’s optional diesel engine.
- The infotainment system can be adjusted by simply making hand motions by virtue of Gesture Control Technology.
- A new head-up display with much improved graphics is also available with BMW X3
- An automatic brake-drying feature is a superb innovation regarding safety measures.
- Pedestrian detection, cross- traffic alert and lane-keep are some of the optional driving aids of this bombastic luxury SUV.
