Every New Compact Luxury Crossover and SUV Ranked
For luxury vehicles, the compact SUV now represents the heart of the market. Just about every luxury brand has one of these right-sized five-seat crossovers or SUVs. Combining an elevated seating position with wagon-like utility, deluxe interiors, and standard or available all-wheel drive, it’s not surprising that compact crossovers (which really aren’t so compact) have become so popular. For families that don’t need a third row, the compact category is a great place to start. The sheer number of vehicles in our ranking is a good indication of just how popular this segment has become. None are truly bad, but some are obviously better than others. A special few are good enough that we enjoy driving them even when we don’t need the space.
In recent years, Cadillac has been responsible for some of our favorite vehicles. The company took two 10Best trophies home this year for the CT4-V and CT5-V Blackwing sedans. Unfortunately, the XT5 doesn’t have near that level of performance or polish. A turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 237 horsepower is now the standard engine, while the optional 310-hp 3.6-liter V-6 is much preferable. All-wheel drive is available with either engine. The ride isn’t as refined as others in the segment, nor is the interior up to par.
Base price: $45,140EPA Fuel Economy combined/city/highway: 24/22/29 mpg (2.0L FWD)Cargo space: 30 cubic feet
MORE XT5 SPECS
The Land Rover Discovery Sport offers seating for seven (just barely) and delivers genuine off-road capability, as well as a comfortable ride. It has a four-mode Terrain Response system with settings for sand, snow, rocks, and mud, as well as standard all-wheel drive. Every Discovery Sport comes with a 246-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine and has a towing capacity of 4409 pounds. The powertrain is a little sluggish at times with lazy throttle response, though 60 mph arrives in 7.5 seconds. The Discovery Sport returned a dismal 21 mpg in our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test, and its EPA numbers are poor as well. Other all-wheel-drive models such as the BMW X3 M40i, Acura RDX, and Mercedes-Benz GLC300 all outperformed the diet Disco in terms of fuel economy.
Base price: $44,250EPA Fuel Economy combined/city/highway: 20/19/23 mpgCargo space: 27 cubic feet
MORE DISCOVERY SPORT SPECS
The newest addition to Infiniti’s lineup, the QX55 is the QX50 with a gym membership. Both models get power from the same 258-hp turbocharged inline-four, but only the QX55 comes standard with all-wheel drive. Although it’s not any quicker than the QX50, the QX55’s body is chiseled. A sloping roof gives it some attitude at the expense of roughly 1.5 inches of rear headroom and rear cargo space.
Base price: $47,525EPA Fuel Economy combined/city/highway: 25/22/28 mpgCargo space: 26 cubic feet
MORE QX55 SPECS
The Infiniti QX50 debuted a revolutionary engine design using a 268-hp turbocharged inline-four that could change its compression ratio on the fly. Variable compression can add power when it needs it the most or an extra kick of efficiency where appropriate. It sounds complicated because it is, but it’s difficult to notice much real-world benefit. Unfortunately, the complex two-screen infotainment system is very obvious. Despite the QX50’s available quilted-leather seats, wood interior trim, and quiet cabin, its areas of complexity don’t add enough effort toward an entertaining or exceptional driving experience.
Base price: $40,025EPA Fuel Economy combined/city/highway: 26/23/29 mpgCargo space: 31 cubic feet
MORE QX50 SPECS
If you’re wondering which of the seemingly infinite number of vehicles on this list carries the lowest base price, it’s the Buick Envision. Front-wheel drive and a 228-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a nine-speed automatic are standard. All-wheel drive is optional. The Envision is one piece of Buick’s all-SUV, four-model lineup. Like many in the segment, the Envision delivers a smooth and calm ride, but with excessive body roll and a lack of steering feedback, it feels more snoozy than snazzy. The Essence and Avenir trim levels get a massive 10.2-inch infotainment touchscreen, but the interior otherwise plays a little too close to the affordable side of this luxury segment.
Base price: $32,645EPA Fuel Economy combined/city/highway: 26/24/31 mpgCargo space: 25 cubic feet
MORE ENVISION SPECS
A fetching design helps the Land Rover Range Rover Velar stand out from the crowd. The Velar captures attention, and it looks expensive. A 247-hp turbocharged inline-four engine and four-wheel drive are standard equipment. A 335- or 395-hp turbocharged and supercharged inline-six is optional but worsens the already disappointing fuel economy. The Velar pulls from modern architecture for its interior design. Heated seats are standard, and dual 10.0-inch infotainment touchscreens use a futuristic-looking interface. Cargo space behind the rear seats is a major high point for the Velar, but this Range Rover starts at nearly $60,000.
Base price: $59,450EPA Fuel Economy combined/city/highway: 23/20/26 mpg (2.0L)Cargo space: 34 cubic feet
MORE VELAR SPECS
Life presents us with a constant flow of choices between wants and needs. We need an SUV, but we don’t want it to look like a bread truck. We want to drive fast, but we need space for kids and the dog. In the Acura RDX’s case, it wants to give us a sporty and luxurious experience, but to do that, it’ll need to try a little harder. Every RDX is powered by a 272-hp turbocharged inline-four with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, but upgrade to all-wheel drive to experience Acura’s torque-vectoring SH-AWD system. Even though LED headlights, heated leather front seats, and a 10.2-inch infotainment screen are all standard, the RDX doesn’t quite push the envelope in terms of performance or luxury. It’s still a solid choice for most practical needs, however.
Base price: $41,145EPA Fuel Economy combined/city/highway: 24/22/28 mpg (FWD)Cargo space: 29 cubic feet
MORE RDX SPECS
The Lexus RX delivers comfort rather than sport. Power comes from a 295-hp V-6 bolted to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid version comes standard with all-wheel drive and makes 308 horsepower. It’s the most fuel-efficient RX, returning an excellent 31 mpg on our real-world highway fuel-economy test. The interior now features a touchscreen interface that almost makes us forget about the awful touchpad setup (which, oddly, remains). A few minor tweaks to the chassis and suspension this year should make for a more nimble RX, but above all else, this remains a comfortable cruiser.
Base price: $46,645EPA Fuel Economy combined/city/highway: 23/20/27 mpg (FWD RX350)Cargo space: 32 cubic feet
MORE RX SPECS
Under the Lincoln Corsair’s pleasant-looking sheetmetal hides the same platform shared with the Ford Escape and Bronco Sport. The Corsair replaced the MKC in 2020 and cranks Lincoln’s entry-level crossover up a notch. Two turbocharged engines are available, a standard 250-horsepower four-cylinder and an optional 295-hp with all-wheel drive. With either engine, the Corsair is quicker than the MKC, but that doesn’t make it a sports SUV. There’s also a 266-hp Corsair plug-in hybrid with 78 MPGe combined, the most from any Lincoln sold today. Soft leather, with 24-way power-adjustable seats, and an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen elevate the Corsair from its Escape roots, but its unexciting driving performance and costly upper trim levels keep the Corsair from finishing higher on this list.
Base price: $37,565EPA Fuel Economy combined/city/highway: 25/22/20 mpgCargo space: 27 cubic feet
MORE CORSAIR SPECS
The Jaguar F-Pace comes standard with all-wheel drive and offers a 246-hp turbocharged inline-four and a 335- or 395-hp turbocharged and supercharged V-6. The more powerful V-6 moved the F-Pace to 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds during our testing. A firm ride and quick steering response make the F-Pace one of the more entertaining vehicles in the class. The cabin and the cargo area are spacious, but small-item stowage is lacking.
Base price: $52,050EPA Fuel Economy combined/city/highway: 24/22/27 mpg (2.0L)Cargo space: 31 cubic feet
MORE F-PACE SPECS
We all love a good magic trick. The Mercedes-Benz GLB-class disguises itself as a compact luxury crossover, but under its hat sits an optional third row of seating—albeit, a tiny one. The GLB-class comes standard with front-wheel drive and a 221-hp turbocharged inline-four; all-wheel drive is also available. Thanks to its tall roof, the GLB feels spacious inside. On two-row models with the rear seats folded, cargo space expands to 62 cubic feet.
Base price: $39,650EPA Fuel Economy combined/city/highway: 27/24/32 mpgCargo space: 22 cubic feet
MORE GLB-CLASS SPECS
With good power, engaging handling, and a raspy exhaust note, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio is more athletic than most. It comes standard with rear-wheel drive and a 280-hp turbocharged inline-four engine. That engine is mated to a snappy eight-speed automatic transmission. The last Stelvio we tested, an all-wheel-drive model, sprang to 60 mph in just 5.4 seconds. We found the back seats to be a little cramped, and with only 18 cubic feet of cargo space behind them, the Stelvio is a goer, not a stow-er.
Base price: $47,145EPA Fuel Economy combined/city/highway: 25/22/29 mpgCargo space: 18 cubic feet
MORE STELVIO SPECS
Audi’s sportier Q5, the SQ5, uses a 349-hp turbocharged V-6 engine and wears subtly more aggressive body add-ons. For something ostensibly zoomy, the SQ5 flies very much under the radar, which is part of its appeal. The Audi also rides well, without the harshness and noise often found in a performance model. It comes standard with Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system and standard heated front seats. The Audi SQ5 has a respectable cargo capacity, but in our real-world tests, it’s not quite as accommodating as the number suggests.
Base price: $56,995EPA Fuel Economy combined/city/highway: 21/19/24 mpgCargo space: 25 cubic feet
MORE SQ5 SPECS
Wearing the AMG badge, the GLC43 and GLC63 coupes deliver more horsepower than the GLC300 coupe and possess elevated handling capability. When it comes to the GLC43, the engine is upgraded to a turbocharged V-6 rated at 385 horsepower. The GLC63 offers two grades of the same twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8. The standard rating is 469 horsepower, while the upgraded S model boasts 503 ponies. The latter went from zero to 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds in our latest testing. An adjustable air suspension and huge brakes assure that the rest of the Mercedes-AMG GLC is up to the task of keeping up with the overachieving engine lineup.
Base price: $63,995EPA Fuel Economy combined/city/highway: 21/17/26 mpg (GLC43)Cargo space: 18 cubic feet
MORE GLC63 SPECS
The Audi Q5 simply does everything well. From its crisp handling and well-controlled ride to its strong turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the Q5 has its dynamic bases covered. There’s even a plug-in hybrid version that brings better fuel economy and delivers a quicker, 4.5-second run to 60 mph. All models feature Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system, bringing sure-footedness in snowy weather. There’s sufficient passenger room all around, and the cargo area holds plenty. Some of the more compelling Q5 features such as the virtual cockpit instrument panel are only available in the higher trims, so be prepared to spend if you’re a fan of such technology.
Base price: $44,495EPA Fuel Economy combined/city/highway: 25/23/28 mpg (FWD 2.0L)Cargo space: 25 cubic feet
MORE Q5 SPECS
As the BMW X4 is to the X3, the Mercedes GLC Coupe is to the GLC SUV. This coupe-ified version of the GLC-class has less interior and cargo room than the more practical GLC SUV, but the two are otherwise identical. The GLC Coupe uses a turbocharged 255-hp inline-four with a nine-speed automatic transmission with standard 4Matic all-wheel drive. Mercedes-Benz’s interior design impresses with luxurious detailing and an overall expensive look. Like the X4, the Mercedes GLC Coupe is a tight squeeze for rear passengers, and it offers even less cargo room than the BMW. This is a Mercedes-Benz for owners who prioritize style above all else, and in that regard, it delivers.
Base price: $53,550EPA Fuel Economy combined/city/highway: 23/20/28 mpgCargo space: 18 cubic feet
MORE GLC COUPE SPECS
The X4 is BMW’s “coupe” version of the mainstream BMW X3, also included on this list. That means the roof is lower and sloped as it is on, well, a coupe, instead of boxy and upright as on the X3. Mechanically, the X4 is identical to the X3, offering a 248-hp turbocharged inline-four or an optional 382-hp twin-turbo inline-six. Both engines mate to an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The 473-hp X4 M, reviewed separately, is an angrier animal. And a 503-hp X4 M Competition gets even crazier. The X4 has a well-tuned chassis that’s more than capable in spirited driving. The biggest caveat here is cabin space, as the X4’s sloped roofline reduces passenger room in the back seat and limits cargo space to a mere 19 cubic feet.
Base price: $52,795 (X4) $74,395 (X4 M)EPA Fuel Economy combined/city/highway: 24/21/28 (X4) 17/15/20 (X4 M) mpg Cargo space: 19 cubic feet
MORE X4 SPECS
More practical than its coupe sibling, Mercedes’s GLC300 SUV nonetheless retains the model’s high-style interior and comfort-oriented handling. The luxurious, quiet interior and pleasant ride live up to the badge on the grille. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard along with a 10.25-inch touchscreen interface with Mercedes’s latest MBUX software. There’s plenty of passenger room, but the GLC can’t match the BMW X3 for the cargo room.
Base price: $44,900EPA Fuel Economy combined/city/highway: 24/22/27 mpgCargo space: 24 cubic feet
MORE GLC-CLASS SPECS
The BMW X3 M’s performance numbers are the makings of a conspiracy theory. It’s true, a big SUV with more rear cargo space than a Honda CR-V can get to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds. And you heard that from us, not from the FBI’s cabal of cybernetic birds. The X3 M’s 473-hp twin-turbo inline-six produces steel-beam-melting acceleration. The 503-hp X3 Competition is quicker yet, reaching the quarter-mile in 11.6 seconds at 119 mph. What’s even harder to believe is how well the X3 M moves for its size. The interior is flush with materials and tech you’d expect in a luxury SUV, including a giant 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and an equally huge touchscreen.
Base price: $70,895EPA Fuel Economy combined/city/highway: 17/15/20 mpgCargo space: 39 cubic feet
MORE GLC-CLASS SPECS
With its 505-hp twin-turbocharged V-6 engine, grippy tires, and menacing good looks, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio doesn’t pretend. Its acceleration is rapid, getting to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds. It’s best thought of as a lifted Giulia Quadrifoglio with all-wheel drive and extra cargo space. The adaptive suspension is well up to the task of handling all that power, and the Alfa’s precise steering communicates everything the driver needs to know.
Base price: $82,040EPA Fuel Economy combined/city/highway: 19/17/23 mpgCargo space: 18 cubic feet
MORE STELVIO QUADRIFOGLIO SPECS
The Volvo XC60 brings a distinct Swedish design to the segment. A 247-hp turbocharged inline-four serves as the base engine, while a 295-hp turbo- and supercharged inline-four is also available. There’s even a plug-in hybrid with 455 horsepower. Every XC60 has all-wheel drive. A quiet and comfortable cabin with high-quality materials elevates the XC60 above its peers. The 9.0-inch touchscreen is easy to use and although the XC60 has less rear cargo space than the Audi Q5 or BMW X3, it’s still a practical choice.
Base price: $43,745EPA Fuel Economy combined/city/highway: 26/23/20 mpgCargo space: 17 cubic feet
MORE XC60 SPECS
The Genesis GV70 debuted this year as the companion offering to the larger three-row GV80. Like its older brother, it didn’t disappoint. Two engines are offered: a peppy 300-hp turbocharged inline-four and a 375-hp twin-turbo V-6. Both use an eight-speed automatic transmission and come with all-wheel drive. Though not the quickest on this list, the V-6 GV70 pulls hard, with an impressive 4.9-second zero-to-60-mph time. Unlike the BMW X3 or X4 M, its Comfort driving mode is a little more literal. The BMWs may be better for track days, but the GV70 is for people who appreciate a smoother ride.
Base price: $42,595EPA Fuel Economy combined/city/highway: 24/22/28 mpg (2.5L)Cargo space: 28 cubic feet
MORE GV70 SPECS
Surprisingly, perhaps, BMW’s X3 is among the brand’s best vehicles. There are two drivetrain options—a 248-hp turbocharged inline-four (X3 30i) and a 382-hp turbo inline-six (X3 M40i xDrive). The standard 2.0-liter is efficient but not that strong, so we suggest opting for the six-cylinder upgrade and its more spirited performance. All BMW X3s come with nicely trimmed interiors and plenty of space, although the cargo area isn’t as accommodating as its specification number suggests.
Base price: $44,695EPA Fuel Economy combined/city/highway: 24/21/28 mpgCargo space: 28 cubic feet
MORE X3 SPECS
Based on the GLC300 found earlier in this roundup, the AMG-badged GLC43 and GLC63 SUVs are more powerful and equipped for more aggressive handling. The GLC43 has a 385-hp twin-turbo V-6, while the GLC63 uses a burly 469-hp twin-turbocharged V-8. Unlike the GLC63 coupe, the GLC63 SUV can’t be upgraded to the 503-hp S trim. It’s hardly a letdown, however, as the regular GLC63 still delivers astounding performance that will impress even the most power-addicted drivers. Precise steering and a dialed-in suspension make this Mercedes-AMG a joy to drive, even if it rides a little stiffer than most vehicles in this class.
Base price: $67,550EPA Fuel Economy combined/city/highway: 21/18/25 mpg (TT V-6)Cargo space: 18 cubic feet
MORE GLC43 SPECS
The Porsche Macan remains uncompromisingly sporty. Of course, that means it’s somewhat compromised in spaciousness and practicality, but its athletic moves more than make up for those drawbacks. Few vehicles deliver this kind of predictable handling, precise steering, and stunning acceleration. The base Macan gets a 261-hp turbocharged four-cylinder, while the Macan S uses a 375-hp twin-turbo V-6. The Macan GTS, which replaced the Macan Turbo for 2022, boasts a 434-hp twin-turbo V-6 and rockets to 60 mph in only 3.5 seconds.
Base price: $56,250EPA Fuel Economy combined/city/highway: 21/19/25 mpg (2.0L)Cargo space: 17 cubic feet
MORE MACAN SPECS
This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io
