The Best Luxury SUVs of 2025

Last Updated Jun 17, 2025

Rising from humble beginnings as leather-lined versions of truck-based utility vehicles, luxury SUVs have become the most aspirational models in autodom. You can't watch a music video without seeing one, and when someone wants to drop some serious cash on a new ride, chances are they'll end up choosing one of the SUVs on this page. We understand the appeal, but we also know that the sheer variety can be overwhelming, so we've rated and ranked today's best luxury SUVs to make your search a little easier. Learn about how we rate vehicles.

Best Subcompact Luxury SUVs

Price Range: $35,000–$49,900

Ranked Models: 12

Mini Countryman ($38,900+)
BMW X1 ($40,500+)
BMW X2 ($42,450+)
Volvo XC40 ($40,650+)
Audi Q3 ($37,400+)
Acura ADX ($35,000+)
Lexus UX ($36,340+)
Cadillac XT4 ($40,795+)
Mercedes-Benz GLA ($43,000+)
Alfa Romeo Tonale ($36,495+)
Land Rover Range Rover Evoque ($49,900+)
Jaguar E-Pace ($49,500+)

Diminutive on the outside, these richly trimmed runabouts can be surprisingly spacious when you open the door. Many shoppers who have their hearts set on a compact luxury SUV could probably get by just fine with a subcompact.

MD RATING 8.2/10

Mini Countryman

Base Price: $38,900
MPG Combined: 26–27
Horsepower: 241–312
Length: 175.1 in
Cargo Capacity: 56.2 cu ft
Towing Capacity: 3,500 lbs

Freshly embiggened for 2025, the latest Countryman is still firmly subcompact when you look at its dimensions, coming up a couple inches short of its BMW X1 platform-mate. In fact, despite their dramatically different styling, the Countryman and X1 are essentially twins in most categories, from engine output to towing capacity. You can take your pick, then, and it's nice to have choices. We still think the previous Countryman was easier on the eyes, but the new one has an undeniable charm that earns it our vote over the BMW. See Full Details >

MD RATING 8.1/10

BMW X1

Base Price: $40,500
MPG Combined: 26–28
Horsepower: 241–312
Length: 177.4 in
Cargo Capacity: 57.2 cu ft
Towing Capacity: 3,500 lbs

The X1 has evolved into a well-rounded subcompact luxury SUV that's hard to find fault with. It's even a viable downsized substitute for its big brother, the X3, unless you're jonesing for six-cylinder power, which the X1 doesn't offer. See Full Details >

MD RATING 7.9/10

BMW X2

Base Price: $42,450
MPG Combined: 26–28
Horsepower: 241–312
Length: 179.3 in
Cargo Capacity: 51.7 cu ft
Towing Capacity: N/A

The X2 is the only so-called "SUV coupe" in the subcompact size class, and unlike most of its larger faux-coupe peers, it's actually almost as practical as its X1 SUV platform-mate. Despite the more rakish rear roofline, the X2 only loses about 10% of the X1's maximum cargo capacity. So if you like the way it looks, know that it does a decent impression of a full-fledged subcompact SUV in terms of versatility, too. See Full Details >

See Full List (12) ➔

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Best Compact Luxury SUVs

Price Range: $39,485–$62,900

Ranked Models: 16

BMW X3 ($49,950+)
Mercedes-Benz GLC ($47,450+)
Lexus NX ($40,815+)
Porsche Macan ($62,900+)
Audi Q5 ($52,200+)
Genesis GV70 ($47,985+)
Volvo XC60 ($47,050+)
Alfa Romeo Stelvio ($48,995+)
Acura RDX ($44,700+)
Mercedes-Benz GLB ($45,800+)
Land Rover Range Rover Velar ($61,500+)
Jaguar F-Pace ($57,000+)
Lincoln Corsair ($39,485+)
Land Rover Discovery Sport ($48,900+)
Cadillac XT5 ($44,295+)
Infiniti QX50 ($43,000+)

It's easy to see why these trucksters are typically best-sellers — they're smallish on the outside but generally quite spacious inside, and they deliver a premium driving feel without breaking the bank. You could go much bigger, but unless you need a third seating row, why would you?

MD RATING 8.5/10

BMW X3

Base Price: $49,950
MPG Combined: 27–29
Horsepower: 255–393
Length: 187.2 in
Cargo Capacity: 67.1 cu ft
Towing Capacity: 4,850 lbs

The freshly redesigned X3's styling may be something of an acquired taste — to us, the previous-generation design was nearly perfect, and this one is not — but the rest of this SUV is fiercely competitive. The sedan-like fuel economy alone could tip the scales in its favor, but of course there's also BMW's latest iDrive tech inside, along with plenty of space for passengers and especially cargo. Want more power than the base four-cylinder turbo provides? The X3 M50's turbo inline-6 is arguably the best six-cylinder engine on the planet, pumping out nearly 400 horsepower with hardly any efficiency loss. Controversial looks aside, the new X3 comes up aces. See Full Details >

MD RATING 8.1/10

Mercedes-Benz GLC

Base Price: $47,450
MPG Combined: 21–29
Horsepower: 255–671
Length: 185.7–187.0 in
Cargo Capacity: 59.3 cu ft
Towing Capacity: 3,500 lbs

You could be forgiven for thinking the current GLC has been on the market forever, but it was actually redesigned for '23, even though it closely resembles the generation that came before. This is one of the newer models in the segment, then, and it delivers the cutting-edge tech features you'd expect, including a high-resolution central touchscreen that's canted toward the driver — a nice ergonomic touch. Although there are many mechanical variants of the GLC (including the new plug-in-hybrid GLC 350e), we prefer the standard GLC 300, as its turbo four-cylinder engine provides a nice blend of efficiency and performance. All of the pricier GLCs now have just four cylinders as well, so stretching for an AMG variant isn't as appealing as it used to be when exclusive V6s and V8s set those models apart. See Full Details >

MD RATING 7.9/10

Lexus NX

Base Price: $40,815
MPG Combined: 24–39
Horsepower: 203–302
Length: 183.5 in
Cargo Capacity: 46.9 cu ft
Towing Capacity: 2,000 lbs

The NX experience is all about the engine you choose. Unlike many rivals with their peppy turbocharged four-cylinder engines, the entry-level NX 250 starts out with essentially the same non-turbo four that powers its corporate cousin, the Toyota RAV4. That 203-horsepower mill might be good enough in a $30k Toyota, but it doesn't cut it in a $40k-plus Lexus. Accordingly, we consider the turbocharged NX 350 (about $45k to start) to be the real entry-level option here. It gives you 275 hp and 0-60 in the mid-6-second range, which are numbers more befitting of the Lexus badge. The NX also provides the well-trimmed interior and smooth, quiet ride that Lexus shoppers expect, and the available hybrid and plug-in-hybrid variants give you highly efficient choices that aren't available elsewhere. See Full Details >

See Full List (16) ➔

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Best Midsize Luxury SUVs

Price Range: $48,975–$84,700

Ranked Models: 11

BMW X5 ($65,700+)
Lexus GX ($64,235+)
Mercedes-Benz GLE ($61,850+)
Lexus RX ($48,975+)
Porsche Cayenne ($84,700+)
Audi Q8 ($74,400+)
Genesis GV80 ($58,200+)
Land Rover Defender ($56,900+)
Lincoln Nautilus ($51,890+)
Toyota Land Cruiser ($56,700+)
Land Rover Range Rover Sport ($83,700+)

Although small luxury SUVs have exploded in popularity as of late, there's still a place for the midsize luxury SUV. More size typically means more substance, including a weightier driving feel and increased towing and cargo limits. If you're specifically looking for three-row midsize luxury SUVs, we have a separate category for those; you'll find some three-row options here, too, but this has traditionally been a two-row category with more of an emphasis on style and performance than on schlepping numerous passengers.

MD RATING 8.8/10

BMW X5

Base Price: $65,700
MPG Combined: 15–25
Horsepower: 375–617
Length: 194.8 in
Cargo Capacity: 72.3 cu ft
Towing Capacity: 7,200 lbs

The X5 is one of the best SUVs on the planet, full stop. From its range of strong yet fuel-efficient powertrains to its confident driving dynamics and advanced technology, it's bound to impress just about any SUV shopper. We simply can't find a soft spot in the X5 lineup. Even the standard turbo inline-6 is one of the best engines in the universe, providing vigorous acceleration and frugal fuel economy, while the xDrive 50e plug-in hybrid boasts nearly 40 miles of electric range along with serious power. Not serious enough? BMW offers not one, but two V8-powered models (X5 M60i and X5 M) if you want your SUV to accelerate like a sports car. That's a lot for any rival to contend with. See Full Details >

MD RATING 8.6/10

Lexus GX

Base Price: $64,235
MPG Combined: 17
Horsepower: 349
Length: 197.1 in
Cargo Capacity: 90.5 cu ft
Towing Capacity: 9,096 lbs

The GX has been squeezing three rows of seats into its midsize body since the 2000s, and that tradition continues today. For many families, that tight-but-useful third row will be a godsend, because it means there's no need to throw in the towel and buy a depressing three-row crossover. In return for accepting less space in the way-back (plus subpar fuel economy), the GX rewards you with delightful styling, formidable towing and cargo capacities, real off-road chops and satisfying thrust from its turbo V6 engine. You can also opt out of the third row via the two-row GX 550 Overtrail variant, which is somewhat pricier but comes standard with 33-inch off-road tires, a lockable rear differential and electronically detachable anti-roll bars for improved suspension articulation on uneven terrain. The great thing about the GX is that you really can't go wrong, since every model comes with the turbo V6 and four-wheel drive. See Full Details >

MD RATING 8.2/10

Mercedes-Benz GLE

Base Price: $61,850
MPG Combined: 16–23
Horsepower: 255–603
Length: 194.3–195.0 in
Cargo Capacity: 74.9 cu ft
Towing Capacity: 7,700 lbs

Although the GLE offers an optional third-row seat in many of its variants, we're mainly concerned with the standard two-row configuration here. It's the GLE's natural state, and you can expect spacious accommodations front and rear as well as a generous cargo hold. The GLE also boasts a stout 7,700-pound tow rating across all of its many powertrains. If you're considering the base GLE 350 four-cylinder model, we strongly recommend stepping up to at least the GLE 450 with its creamy-smooth and surprisingly fuel-efficient turbo inline-6. But no matter what's under the hood, the GLE rules the road with its supple ride and confident, substantial feel at speed. It's not an off-roader, but if you know you'll be sticking to the pavement, it's hard to beat this Benz. See Full Details >

MD RATING 8.1/10

Lexus RX

Base Price: $48,975
MPG Combined: 24–36
Horsepower: 246–366
Length: 192.5 in
Cargo Capacity: 46.2 cu ft
Towing Capacity: 3,494 lbs

The RX continues to deliver in the sales column for Lexus, and there's no mystery as to why. That sterling Lexus reputation for reliability and resale value is a great place to start, but more than that, the current model offers satisfying turbocharged power in RX 350 trim along with no fewer than three hybrid alternatives. The frugal RX 350h delivers efficiency at the cost of some pep, while the 366-horsepower RX 500h solves the acceleration problem and the plug-in-hybrid RX 450h+ gives you the option of skipping gas stations entirely. No matter which spec you choose, you'll enjoy RX fundamentals like a supple ride and superb isolation from the elements. Unexpectedly skimpy cargo space is one of the few negatives. See Full Details >

MD RATING 8.0/10

Porsche Cayenne

Base Price: $84,700
MPG Combined: 17–19
Horsepower: 348–729
Length: 194.1 in
Cargo Capacity: 60.3 cu ft
Towing Capacity: 7,716 lbs

The Cayenne has raised its game even at the entry level, its base turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 now pumping out a spirited 348 horsepower. But there are so many levels to the Cayenne, each promising more power and luxury than the last. Nothing comes cheap here, but every Cayenne combines athleticism, solidity and sophistication like few other SUVs can. Just don't expect much in the way of fuel economy or cargo space, at least not by midsize SUV standards. See Full Details >

MD RATING 7.8/10

Audi Q8

Base Price: $74,400
MPG Combined: 16–20
Horsepower: 335–631
Length: 196.6–197.3 in
Cargo Capacity: 60.7 cu ft
Towing Capacity: 7,700 lbs

The Q8 is more about the feel than the numbers. Is it swift with the turbocharged V6? Absolutely, but this midsize luxury SUV's calling card is its incredibly smooth and supple ride. Despite sharing its platform with the Porsche Cayenne, the Q8 goes all-in on comfort, so if the Cayenne strikes you as a bit too edgy, Audi can offer a compelling antidote. Like many current Audis, however, the Q8's styling seems forgettable at best. That's a shame, because the fundamentals here are good enough to generate real enthusiasm. See Full Details >

MD RATING 7.7/10

Genesis GV80

Base Price: $58,200
MPG Combined: 19–21
Horsepower: 300–375
Length: 194.7 in
Cargo Capacity: 84.0 cu ft
Towing Capacity: 6,000 lbs

Although the GV80 is available with three seating rows if you get the 3.5T V6 version, it's a two-row SUV at heart, and a good one at that. If your idea of luxury is a well-insulated cabin with plenty of upscale touches, this handsome rig is well worth a look. New tech for 2025 helps the GV80 stay fresh, including a widescreen infotainment module that looks great and works well. On the other hand, despite all the adulation the GV80 has received from the automotive press, we're somewhat underwhelmed by its driving character. In corners, it feels heavy and tall, and that turbo V6 doesn't put the power down with full authority, especially compared to rival German engines. Also, in an odd twist, the GV80 V6 is actually more expensive for 2025 than both the six-cylinder BMW X5 and the six-cylinder Mercedes-Benz GLE. The differentiator for this Genesis remains its killer styling, then, as opposed to how it handles or accelerates, or even how attractively it's priced. But hey, people want whips that turn heads, and the GV80 does that as well as any SUV here. See Full Details >

MD RATING 7.6/10

Land Rover Defender

Base Price: $56,900
MPG Combined: 16–20
Horsepower: 296–626
Length: 180.4–211.7 in
Cargo Capacity: 89.0 cu ft
Towing Capacity: 8,201 lbs

While the data above covers all three Defender body styles (two-door 90, four-door 110 and extended-length 130), the Defender 110 is our specific focus here. With its manageable dimensions and substantial cargo space, it feels like the sweet spot of the Defender lineup. You can even add a vestigial third seating row if you want. We'd skip the underwhelming base four-cylinder engine and stretch for the "P400" inline-6, which delivers spirited acceleration. If you feel like throwing caution to the wind, the available supercharged V8 transforms the Defender into a bargain-priced G Wagen. Like the G, the Defender 110 is unlikely to spend much time on unpaved surfaces, but its advanced off-road capabilities have you covered in case the mood strikes. See Full Details >

MD RATING 7.5/10

Lincoln Nautilus

Base Price: $51,890
MPG Combined: 24–30
Horsepower: 250–310
Length: 193.2 in
Cargo Capacity: 71.3 cu ft
Towing Capacity: 1,750 lbs

A value play in the midsize segment, the made-in-China Nautilus provides generous rear legroom and an eye-popping infotainment display that spans the entire width of the dashboard. It's a nice-looking machine, too, and while acceleration is just adequate with the base turbo four-cylinder engine, the Nautilus Hybrid is significantly quicker. Given that the Hybrid is also 6 mpg better on gas and barely more expensive, it's close to a no-brainer upgrade; our only reservation is that it swaps out the base model's conventional automatic transmission for a gearless CVT. Either way, the Nautilus won't wow you with its driving dynamics, but if you're looking for comfort, efficiency and plenty of features at a nice price, there's a lot to like here. See Full Details >

MD RATING 7.1/10

Toyota Land Cruiser

Base Price: $56,700
MPG Combined: 23
Horsepower: 326
Length: 193.8 in
Cargo Capacity: 82.1 cu ft
Towing Capacity: 6,000 lbs

Toyota's not a luxury brand, but the Land Cruiser has been a luxury SUV for decades, and that's still the case despite its demotion to the $50k price bracket with the latest redesign. Realistically, you're going to be paying well into the $60s at least for a new LC, and the value frankly just isn't there when you look at its platform-mates under the Toyota-Lexus umbrella. The cheaper 4Runner can be equipped with the same hybrid powertrain that comes standard on the LC, and unlike the two-row-only Cruiser, it offers a third-row seat (albeit only with the non-hybrid engine). Meanwhile, the three-row Lexus GX is the only one that has the superior 3.4-liter turbo V6, which is why it leaves the hybrid-only Land Cruiser in the dust. The upshot is that the iconic LC is stuck in the middle with no strong argument in its favor. The styling is cool, we'll give it that, but the underwhelming acceleration and (despite all that hybrid complexity) fuel economy aren't, while the lack of a third row only heightens the sense that this Cruiser is a shadow of its former self. See Full Details >

MD RATING 6.9/10

Land Rover Range Rover Sport

Base Price: $83,700
MPG Combined: 18–21
Horsepower: 355–626
Length: 194.7–196.0 in
Cargo Capacity: 53.0 cu ft
Towing Capacity: 7,716 lbs

The Sport is arguably Range Rover's most well-rounded model, delivering capable on-road handling and robust towing capacity in a manageable midsize package. It's heavy, though — more than 5,000 pounds to start — and its inline-6 engine isn't fully up to the task of motivating all that mass. Previous RR Sports leaned on various V8 engines to get the job done, but the only way to get a V8 in the current Sport is to pay nearly $200k for the exclusive SV model. While we like this rig in general, it deserves better in the engine room. See Full Details >

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Best Midsize 3-Row Luxury SUVs

Price Range: $49,195–$69,700

Ranked Models: 10

Lexus GX ($64,235+)
Lexus TX ($55,140+)
Audi Q7 ($60,500+)
Lincoln Aviator ($58,495+)
Acura MDX ($50,900+)
Volvo XC90 ($59,745+)
Land Rover Defender 130 ($69,700+)
Land Rover Discovery ($60,200+)
Cadillac XT6 ($49,195+)
Infiniti QX60 ($50,200+)

These upscale family haulers pair minivan-like passenger capacity with all the trappings that luxury SUV shoppers expect. But if you're looking for minivan-like comfort, too, you might be in the wrong place. Many of the SUVs here have small third rows, whereas non-luxury midsize three-row SUVs tend to offer more practical seating. You'll find some exceptions, though, and if you only need that third row occasionally, or only for little ones, any of these haulers will get the job done with refinement and features to spare.

MD RATING 8.6/10

Lexus GX

Base Price: $64,235
MPG Combined: 17
Horsepower: 349
Length: 197.1 in
Cargo Capacity: 90.5 cu ft
Towing Capacity: 9,096 lbs

Hold on, this isn't even the GX's natural habitat; how did it end up at the top? A third seating row does comes standard, but it's more of a bonus in the Lexus than a central feature. Well, we blame the competition, first and foremost, for mostly not providing roomy third-row seats. If you're gonna be stuck with space limitations back there, we figure, why not get the one that goes anywhere and looks like a Japanese G-Wagen? But the GX had to be awesome on its own merits, too, and that it most definitely is, from its high-quality interior and fully contemporary touchscreen to its satisfying turbocharged V6 engine. Just brace yourself for underwhelming fuel economy. See Full Details >

MD RATING 8.5/10

Lexus TX

Base Price: $55,140
MPG Combined: 23–29
Horsepower: 275–404
Length: 203.5 in
Cargo Capacity: 97.0 cu ft
Towing Capacity: 5,000 lbs

We'll lead with the bad news: the TX's base turbocharged four-cylinder engine won't knock your socks off. We're talking zero to 60 mph in 8 seconds here — that's slower than most non-luxury three-row haulers. You can opt for luxury-grade swiftness by stretching for the TX 500h hybrid or the TX 550+ plug-in hybrid, but now you're up in the $70-80k range. Another oddity is that the TX only offers seven-passenger seating in non-hybrid TX 350 trim, so if you upgrade to a hybrid for more power and efficiency, you're stuck with six-passenger seating. Nonetheless, the TX carries over most of the excellence from its Toyota Grand Highlander platform-mate, including copious cargo space and adult-friendly seating in all three rows. The standards are higher for luxury SUVs, which is why the TX falls down a bit, but it's still a top contender. See Full Details >

MD RATING 8.3/10

Audi Q7

Base Price: $60,500
MPG Combined: 17–22
Horsepower: 261–500
Length: 199.6 in
Cargo Capacity: 68.2 cu ft
Towing Capacity: 7,700 lbs

Significantly revised for 2025, the Q7 has a new lease on life, and it never lost the magic-carpet ride quality that has set this generation apart from the beginning. We continue to recommend the Q7 55 with its sublime turbocharged V6; the base four-cylinder Q7 struggles to move a full load with grace. Don't expect generous third-row accommodations or cargo space, by the way, but that's something of a theme in this segment. The Q7 remains a star as long as you don't need to put lanky folks in the way-back for long periods. See Full Details >

See Full List (10) ➔

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Best Full-Size Luxury SUVs

Price Range: $82,450–$114,900

Ranked Models: 7

Mercedes-Benz GLS ($89,200+)
Cadillac Escalade ($87,595+)
BMW X7 ($83,500+)
Lincoln Navigator ($99,995+)
Land Rover Range Rover Long Wheelbase ($114,900+)
Infiniti QX80 ($82,450+)
Jeep Grand Wagoneer ($84,945+)

You know they've got three rows of seats, so we don't even have to say "full-size 3-row luxury SUVs." But we should warn you that there's a lot of diversity in this segment, with options ranging from autobahn-bred Germans to corn-fed Americans.

MD RATING 8.3/10

Mercedes-Benz GLS

Base Price: $89,200
MPG Combined: 15–21
Horsepower: 375–603
Length: 204.9–206.4 in
Cargo Capacity: 84.7 cu ft
Towing Capacity: 7,700 lbs

It's hard to do better than the biggest Benz SUV if you're shopping in this segment, unless nothing short of truck-based American muscle will do. The powertrains here are excellent top to bottom, though one could argue that BMW has a slight edge in that department. Inside, the Mercedes is peerless among non-American models with its copious passenger space. Yes, the Americans have even more cavernous cabins, which is particularly noticeable in the cargo-space column, but they don't ride or handle with the sophistication of the GLS. No SUV in this segment is more accomplished than the Benz across the board. See Full Details >

MD RATING 8.1/10

Cadillac Escalade

Base Price: $87,595
MPG Combined: 13–17
Horsepower: 420–682
Length: 211.9–213.0 in
Cargo Capacity: 121.0 cu ft
Towing Capacity: 8,100 lbs

The 'Slade continues to operate on the bigger and brawnier side of this opulent segment, being after all a close relative to the Silverado 1500 pickup truck (or more directly, a fancified Chevy Tahoe). But Cadillac has slathered so much leather and tech and sound-deadening material throughout this thing that it's almost a rolling isolation chamber. Thanks to a major refresh for 2025, the Escalade now looks much more like its EV stablemates, but it's still proudly V8-powered under the hood. Inside, a jaw-dropping 55-inch infotainment screen spans the entire width of the dashboard. We can't give the Escalade high marks for efficiency or value, but Cadillac knows its customers and seems to be giving them even more of what they want. See Full Details >

MD RATING 8.0/10

BMW X7

Base Price: $83,500
MPG Combined: 17–22
Horsepower: 375–631
Length: 203.6 in
Cargo Capacity: 90.4 cu ft
Towing Capacity: 7,500 lbs

Powerful, imposing, versatile, athletic — the list of superlatives goes on for the BMW X7, which is built in South Carolina and intended to combine accommodating three-row seating with an upscale, tech-forward interior and sporty European driving dynamics. Consider that mission accomplished, although the Benz's second and third rows are considerably roomier. We also salute the X7's styling, which is at once imposing and artfully restrained, a combination that the baroque 7 Series sedan only gets half right. There's even decent value here by segment standards, as a bone-stock X7 with the superb turbo inline-6 engine is a lot of luxury SUV for $85k or so. See Full Details >

See Full List (7) ➔

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Best Midsize High-Performance SUVs

Price Range: $101,600–$159,000

Ranked Models: 4

Porsche Cayenne V8 ($101,600+)
BMW X5 M ($124,800+)
Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE 63 ($130,800+)
BMW XM ($159,000+)

The fastest of the fast, these bonkers utility vehicles are all about thrilling driver and passengers alike. They're also ridiculously expensive, but if you're gonna splurge, this is a relatively practical way to do it — there's plenty of passenger and cargo space to be found here.

MD RATING 8.6/10

2025 Porsche Cayenne GTS driving front view hard cornering

Porsche Cayenne V8

Base Price: $101,600
MPG Combined: 17–18
Horsepower: 468–729
Length: 194.1 in
Cargo Capacity: 60.3 cu ft
Towing Capacity: 7,716 lbs

Any Cayenne with a V8 belongs in this conversation, but the GTS is the one that's most likely to be called out as high-performance. It joins the fray for 2025 with 493 horsepower and some sporty suspension bits borrowed from the exclusive Cayenne Coupe Turbo GT. It's not the fastest Cayenne, however; that honor belongs to the Turbo E-Hybrid, a 729-hp behemoth that's said to hit 60 mph in 3.5 seconds, nearly a full second quicker than the GTS. Across the Cayenne V8 lineup, you'll find a consistent excellence in refinement, build quality and tech integration that makes Porsche's asking prices seem almost reasonable. See Full Details >

MD RATING 8.4/10

BMW X5 M

Base Price: $124,800
MPG Combined: 15
Horsepower: 617
Length: 194.8 in
Cargo Capacity: 72.3 cu ft
Towing Capacity: N/A

We already had misgivings about the value proposition of the $90k X5 M60i, which has a twin-turbo V8 engine. Now here comes the X5 M, which tacks on about $35k to that starting price and comes with, you guessed it, a twin-turbo V8 engine. It makes more power, but not more torque, and BMW says you'll get to 60 mph a half-second sooner. But enough about price; if you just want an incredible X5 that makes great noises, too, you've found it. See Full Details >

MD RATING 8.2/10

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE 63 S parked front view

Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE 63

Base Price: $130,800
MPG Combined: 16
Horsepower: 603
Length: 195.0 in
Cargo Capacity: 74.9 cu ft
Towing Capacity: 7,700 lbs

We can't resist taking this opportunity to plug the GLE 580, which costs $40k less and uses largely the same turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine — but if nothing less than Benz's best will do, we get it, and we'll happily endorse the AMG GLE 63 S. It makes all the right noises and gets you to 60 mph in a preposterous 3.7 seconds. About the only thing it's missing is the optional third-row seat that's widely available in lesser GLEs. See Full Details >

MD RATING 6.3/10

BMW XM

Base Price: $159,000
EV Range: 31 mi
MPG Combined: 14
Horsepower: 644–738
Length: 201.2 in
Cargo Capacity: 64.2 cu ft
Towing Capacity: N/A

It took us a while to find a place for the oddball XM, a two-row plug-in-hybrid SUV with 31 miles of electric range, a twin-turbo V8 and up to 738 horsepower. But we think it belongs here, even though its technically full-size body is more than six inches longer than the X5 M, a stalwart of this segment, and only 2.4 inches shorter than the three-row X7. The problem with the XM is that it actually gets slightly worse fuel economy than the X5 M, so unless you plan to use those 31 miles of EV range religiously, there's nothing efficient about this hybrid. Then there are the matters of its wonky styling, its sky-high pricing and so on. See Full Details >

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Best Midsize Ultra Luxury SUVs

Price Range: $105,500–$148,250

Ranked Models: 3

Land Rover Range Rover ($107,900+)
Mercedes-Benz G-Class ($148,250+)
Lexus LX ($105,500+)

Fancier than fancy, these rigs are what you want if you're trying to be at the front of the valet line. Bring money.

MD RATING 8.0/10

Land Rover Range Rover

Base Price: $107,900
MPG Combined: 18–20
Horsepower: 395–607
Length: 198.9–207.0 in
Cargo Capacity: 92.9 cu ft
Towing Capacity: 8,200 lbs

You could argue that the Range Rover is a full-size SUV, but it does come in just shy of the 200-inch threshold, so we're comfortable calling it a midsizer. If you want a truly full-size Range Rover, check out the long-wheelbase version with its optional third row. Anyway, our primary recommendation here is to skip the base inline-6 engine and go straight to the BMW-sourced 4.4-liter turbo V8, which is one of our favorite motors on the market. Beyond that, you can't go wrong with any Range Rover build. It's a legend for good reason. See Full Details >

MD RATING 7.2/10

2025 Mercedes-Benz AMG G63 driving front view

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Base Price: $148,250
MPG Combined: 15–18
Horsepower: 443–577
Length: 190.0–191.9 in
Cargo Capacity: 70.3 cu ft
Towing Capacity: 7,000 lbs

The G-Wagen's transition from German military vehicle to global fashion icon has been quite something to behold, and today's G-Class offers more luxury than ever. However, the 2025 G550 also reverts to inline-6 power under the hood, which was normal many moons ago, when the G was more of a bare-bones off-roader, but is unprecedented for the premium G-Wagens familiar to American shoppers. We doubt that'll halt this rig's momentum, but it's worth noting that you're paying more than ever and getting fewer cylinders in return. In any case, it makes the AMG G63 variant much more appealing, as ponying up for the AMG is now the only way to get a V8. See Full Details >

MD RATING 6.8/10

Lexus LX

Base Price: $105,500
MPG Combined: 19–20
Horsepower: 409–457
Length: 200.8 in
Cargo Capacity: 71.0 cu ft
Towing Capacity: 8,000 lbs

Lexus makes no bones about the LX's upscale intentions. Perhaps the clearest indication is the availability of an extravagant two-row version with a limousine-like backseat. This is the Japanese Range Rover, and although it lacks the actual Rover's exotic powertrain options, the promise of traditional Lexus reliability (notwithstanding those pesky recall issues with the 3.4-liter turbo V6) will no doubt win some buyers over. We can't argue with the LX's presence or substance, but we do feel compelled to point out that the Lexus GX 550 shares the same platform and powertrain while costing many thousands less. One feather in the LX's cap is the hybrid-powered 700h model, which adds an electric motor that's not offered on the GX — and by the way, if you do spring for the Ultra Luxury trim, it now comes only with the 700h powertrain as of 2025. See Full Details >

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In case you're looking for electrification, we can refer you to our Luxury Electric SUV Rankings, where you'll find a number of compelling alternatives. But there's no doubt that conventional luxury SUVs have never been better, from their acceleration and fuel economy to their driving dynamics and technology features. Go test-drive your top picks and let us know if our rankings line up with yours.

FAQ

The answers to these frequently asked questions are powered by MotorDonkey's ranking methodology and remain valid while published. Because we continuously update our ratings and vehicle data, our answers are subject to change as new information and impressions emerge.

What is the best subcompact luxury SUV?

The best subcompact luxury SUV is the Mini Countryman, which has a overall rating of 8.2 out of 10.

What is the best compact luxury SUV?

The best compact luxury SUV is the BMW X3, which has a overall rating of 8.5 out of 10.

What is the best midsize luxury SUV?

The best midsize luxury SUV is the BMW X5, which has a overall rating of 8.8 out of 10.

What is the best midsize 3-row luxury SUV?

The best midsize 3-row luxury SUV is the Lexus GX, which has a overall rating of 8.6 out of 10.

What is the best full-size luxury SUV?

The best full-size luxury SUV is the Mercedes-Benz GLS, which has a overall rating of 8.3 out of 10.

What is the best midsize high-performance SUV?

The best midsize high-performance SUV is the Porsche Cayenne V8, which has a overall rating of 8.6 out of 10.

What is the best midsize ultra luxury SUV?

The best midsize ultra luxury SUV is the Land Rover Range Rover, which has a overall rating of 8.0 out of 10.

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