Every 2022 Mid-Size Luxury Crossover and SUV Ranked from Worst to Best
Car and Driver
With the passing of another year, the luxury-sedan market recedes further into the darkness. Stepping into the light is an army of sleek SUVs. Out front in the mid-size luxury SUV segment are performance models such as the exotic Lamborghini Urus and brutish Porsche Cayenne. Off-roaders such as the legendary Land Rover Defender and tough-as-nails Lexus GX are also available. Many manufacturers compete in this growing market, so the innovation and technologies included in their offerings are impressive.
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Lexus seems like the stubborn old uncle in a sea of new and innovative nephews and nieces. For some buyers, however, the GX’s unwillingness to get with the times is seen as a feature. It has a body-on-frame design and a thirsty but dead-reliable 4.6-liter V-8 as the sole engine option. Pricing starts at around $57,000 for the base model and tops out north of $65,000 for the Luxury trim.
Base price: $57,200Standard engine: 301-hp 4.6-liter V-8Cargo space behind second row: 46 cubic feetCargo space behind third row: 11 cubic feet
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Unlike its more thoroughly developed siblings, the Lincoln Nautilus is more or less a refreshed take on the brand’s old MKX. A 250-hp turbocharged inline-four powers lower-level models. While it provides smooth acceleration and quiet operation, the optional 335-hp twin-turbo 2.7-liter V-6 is more fun. Both engines pair with an eight-speed automatic, and front-wheel drive is standard with the four-cylinder. All-wheel drive is available on lesser four-cylinder Nautilus trims but comes standard with the V-6. The ride is comfortable and controlled. The Nautilus provides room for five passengers and offers decent cargo space.
Base price: $44,755Standard engine: 250-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four
Cargo space behind second row: 37 cubic feet
MORE NAUTILUS SPECS
Sleek and seductive looking, the Maserati Levante has a come hither quality you don’t find in many rival SUVs. And with its base 350-hp twin-turbo V-6 and standard all-wheel drive, the Levante isn’t a shrinking violet when it comes to performance and grip. Stepping to the available twin-turbo V-8 makes a good thing that much better—in the Modena S and Trofeo trims this screaming engine delivers 550 and 580 horsepower. So, what’s not to like? Unfortunately, the cabin of the Levante has some low-rent materials for a vehicle at this price. Cargo room is stingy for a mid-size SUV, too.
Base price: $80,895Standard engine: 350-hp twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6Cargo space behind second row: 20 cubic feet
MORE LEVANTE SPECS
Available with just one engine—a 310-hp 3.6-liter V-6—the Buick Enclave receives a light refresh for 2022. Pricing for the cheapest trim, the Essence, starts at a smidge over $44,000. Power is routed to the front wheels or all four wheels via a smooth nine-speed automatic transmission. And while it’s hardly athletic, the Enclave excels at offering its passengers a smooth ride over a variety of surfaces. Moreover, the big Buick packs loads of space for both people and things. Even with its standard third-row seat in use, we managed to fit five carry-on suitcases in the cargo hold.
Base price: $44,095Standard engine: 310-hp 3.6-liter V-6Cargo space behind second row: 58 cubic feetCargo space behind third row: 23 cubic feet
MORE ENCLAVE SPECS
Refreshed only last year, the Land Rover Discovery is available with two forced induction engine options: a 296-hp four or a 355-hp six-cylinder. Other recent improvements centered on a new infotainment system, a digital instrument cluster, and a subtle exterior update. While all-wheel drive is standard, true off-roaders will need to pay more for the SUV’s available low-range transfer case and locking rear differential.
Base price: $56,350Standard engine: 296-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-fourCargo space behind second row: 45 cubic feet Cargo space behind third row: 9 cubic feet
MORE DISCOVERY SPECS
The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Sport offers a good entry point into the prestigious British brand. While the $72,250 SE model and its 355-hp powertrain impressed us, we’d spend the extra money on the HST and its 395-hp output. Aside from some infotainment display issues, we like the Sport’s sleek and modern interior design and fully configurable instrument cluster. Power in the $90,650 HSE Dynamic trim comes from a 518-hp supercharged 5.0-liter V-8. The high-performance SVR model makes a whopping 575 horsepower. At its heart, however, the Sport Supercharged is still a Range Rover. The standard all-wheel-drive system includes six drive modes to suit various terrain.
Base price: $72,250 Standard engine: 355-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-sixCargo space behind second row: 28 cubic feet
MORE RANGE ROVER SPORT SPECS
The Cadillac XT6 in base Luxury trim comes with a 235-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired to a nine-speed automatic and a choice of front- or all-wheel drive. While the Luxury is good value, we find the 310-hp V-6 in the Premium Luxury much better suited to the XT6. What really matters with the XT6 is its utility—an area where it unquestionably delivers. A usable third-row seat is standard across all models, as is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. All-wheel drive is optional across all trims.
Base price: $49,890Standard engine: 235-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-fourCargo space behind second row: 43 cubic feet Cargo space behind third row: 13 cubic feet
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The Infiniti QX60 is all-new for the 2022 model year. Its sole powertrain is a 295-hp 3.5-liter V-6 coupled to a nine-speed automatic. Thankfully, the old model’s rental-grade interior and outdated infotainment system are no more. The cabin of the 2022 QX60 is a much better place in which to spend your time and can be outfitted with luxury touches such as massaging front seats and heated second-row captain’s chairs. Also working in favor of this Infiniti SUV is its standard third-row seating, ample interior legroom, and generous cargo hold.
Base price: $48,375Engine: 295-hp 3.5-liter V-6Cargo space behind second row: 42 cubic feet Cargo space behind third row: 15 cubic feet
MORE QX60 SPECS
The Lincoln Aviator represents a big step forward for the Lincoln brand. Unlike Lincolns of old, the Aviator does a good job separating itself from its Ford underpinnings. The Standard trim comes in at just under $53,000 and is powered by a 400-hp twin-turbo V-6; all-wheel-drive is an optional extra. We’re fans of the Reserve model, which, for about $6000 more, offers a boatload of extras. Higher trim levels come with a plug-in gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain that tacks on 94 horsepower to the bottom line for a total of 494 horses.
Base price: $52,975Standard engine: 400-hp twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6Cargo space behind second row: 41 cubic feet Cargo space behind third row: 18 cubic feet
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The standard Audi Q8 is chilled-out compared to the S and RS which share its name, as is its price. The $71,995 entry-level Premium trim comes standard with a 335-hp turbocharged V-6 engine and all-wheel drive. Engaging driving dynamics and an evocative aesthetic are calling cards. Standard equipment includes blind-spot monitoring, navigation, heated seats, and a power tailgate. The most expensive of the three available trim levels is the Prestige, which offers nothing more in the power department but does come standard with a host of tech and aesthetic features. If power is what you crave, both the SQ8 and RS Q8 are motivated by a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 that churns out 500 or 591 horsepower, respectively.
Base price: $71,995Standard engine: 335-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 Cargo space behind second row: 30 cubic feet
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“Grab your Guccis, status slaves: the price of fame is rising fast.” While C/D legend Brock Yates was referring to the other Lambo truck, those words ring as true today as they did then. Nobody needs Lamborghini’s 641-hp SUV; especially not when the Audi RS Q8 and Cayenne Turbo can be had for nearly half of the Urus’s $229,495 asking price. Alas, those searching for a super truck will settle for nothing less. And with a quarter mile time of 11.3 seconds, the Urus is nothing short of super. It goes, turns, and stops exactly like the badge on the back suggests it should, as we found out during Lighting Lap 2019.
Base price: $229,495Engine: 641-hp twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 Cargo space behind second row: 21 cubic feet
MORE URUS SPECS
Aston Martin’s DBX impresses us with its Mercedes-AMG sourced 542-hp twin-turbo V-8, stunning good looks, and surprising versatility. The only evidence of Aston’s ongoing financial problems is found inside, where a non-touchscreen infotainment system, cribbed from the last-gen Mercedes parts bin, leaves much to be desired. Pricing for the DBX starts at $195,172 and continues to the moon if you use Q by Aston Martin. Power is fed to all four tires via a nine-speed automatic transmission which propels the DBX to 60 mph in under four seconds.
Base price: $195,172Engine: 542-hp 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 Cargo space behind second row: 22 cubic feet
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The GLE-class is Mercedes’s mid-level SUV offering, filling the gap left by the old M-class. Available with three engine options and corresponding trim levels, we like the entry-level GLE350. Though the 255-hp turbocharged four-cylinder isn’t as gutsy as the SUV’s available inline-six or V-8 options, we found it sufficient and appreciated the 25 mpg it returned in our testing. The GLE-class’s crown jewel, however, is its interior, which is nothing if not fantastic. Aside from robust and attractive materials, it also sports a nearly contiguous, vivid display that connects the infotainment and instrument cluster. Pricing for the GLE350 starts at $57,200 while the V-8-powered GLE580 comes in at a bit over $81,000. Those looking for even more power can snag the AMG-badged GLE53 or GLE63. There’s also the stylish GLE-class Coupe, which gives up some cargo space for a fastback design.
Base price: $57,200
Standard engine: 255-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-fourCargo space behind second row: 34 cubic feetCargo space behind third row: TBA
MORE GLE-CLASS SPECS
The 2022 Acura MDX is all-new for this model year. You can get into a base model for around $49,000, while the upcoming sporty Type S trim costs significantly more at around $68,000. The latter comes standard with a 355-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 and all-wheel drive. Lower-end models are powered by a 290-hp V-6 and 10-speed automatic transmission, but all-wheel drive is optional. We like the look of the new MDX, especially on the inside where an array of materials come together to create a pleasant atmosphere. As one of the few non-turbo vehicles on our list, an EPA estimated 26 mpg highway for the base model is impressive.
Base price: $49,195Engines: 290-hp 3.5-liter V-6; 355-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 Cargo space behind second row: 48 cubic feetCargo space behind third row: 18 cubic feet
MORE MDX SPECS
There are few vehicles on this list as iconic as the Land Rover Defender. While the current generation looks like something from the future, the 2022 Defender hasn’t forgotten its past. Power comes from one of three forced induction engine options: a 296-hp 2.0-liter four-pot, a 395-hp inline-six, or a 518-hp V-8. All-wheel drive comes standard. Unlike Defenders of old, however, the current model uses a fully independent suspension, which has proven itself quite capable on other Land Rover models. Land Rover also states that the Defender can ford more than 35 inches of water. Pricing starts at around $50,000 for the base, two-door Defender 90, and tops out north of $115,000 for a four-door Defender 110 V8 Carpathian model.
Base price: $50,050Standard engine: 296-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-fourCargo space behind second row: 15 cubic feet (two-door)
MORE DEFENDER SPECS
The entry-level Audi Q7 Premium 45 trim starts at $58,695 and is powered by a 248-hp four-cylinder engine. While the base four-cylinder is not exactly the most exciting drivetrain, the Q7’s real strength is in its all-wheel-drive system, driving dynamics, practicality, and elegant interior and exterior styling. Still, we’d opt for the next-highest trim, the Premium Plus 45, which includes a better sound system, wireless phone charging, bigger wheels, and more ambient lighting. Higher trim levels include a 335-hp V-6 aided by a 48-volt hybrid system. A V-6 Q7 we recently tested got to 60 mph in 5.0 seconds flat. We found the Q7 to be surprisingly agile when equipped with the optional air suspension. The SQ7 has a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 engine with 500 horsepower and 568 pound-feet of torque. Quattro all-wheel drive is standard across the board, as is an eight-speed automatic transmission. Audi says the SQ7 can go from zero-to-60-mph in just 4.3 seconds with a top speed of 155 mph.
Base price: $58,695Standard engine: 248-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-fourCargo space behind second row: 35 cubic feetCargo space behind third row: 14 cubic feet
MORE Q7 SPECS
In an attempt to steal sales away from BMW and Mercedes, Porsche introduced its first so-called “SUV coupe” in 2019: the Cayenne Coupe. Aside from its shape, however, there isn’t much difference between this sleeker-looking Cayenne variant and its boxier kin. The model is available with a wide range of powertrains, including two different gasoline-electric hybrid options. We like the middle-range S Coupe, which packs 434 horsepower from its twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V-6. New for the 2022 model year and offered only in Cayenne Coupe format is the 631-hp Turbo GT model. As with all Cayennes, we find the Coupe to be a driver’s machine that embodies the spirit of the brand as a whole.
Base price: $78,850Standard engine: 335-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6Cargo space behind second row: 22 cubic feet
MORE CAYENNE COUPE SPECS
While fundamentally the same as its brother, the X5, BMW’s X6 differentiates itself from its squarer sibling by way of its angled rear hatch. For the 2022 model year, the X6 is available in 40i, M50i, and M forms. Each comes standard with all-wheel drive. An attractive and driver-focused interior comes standard, as do 16-way power seats, a touchscreen infotainment system, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Those looking to accessorize have plenty of options to choose from, including a head-up display, surround sound, and navigation.
Base price: $68,345Standard engine: 335-hp twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-sixCargo space behind second row: 20 cubic feet
MORE X6 SPECS
The Volvo XC90 sits right alongside the likes of the X5, Cayenne, and Discovery as an OG in the luxury SUV game. All models are powered by some variation of a boosted 2.0-liter four-cylinder powerplant. Its variants include the 250-hp turbocharged T5; the 316-hp T6 that adds a supercharger; and a 400-hp, plug-in hybrid T8. Our favorite is the T6-powered in Inscription trim. Neither overly opulent nor underwhelming, the XC90’s interior suits it well. Standard interior appointments include a 9.0-inch touchscreen display, navigation, and small, but usable, third-row seats.
Base price: $51,995Standard engine: 250-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-fourCargo space behind second row: 35 cubic feet Cargo space behind third row: 12 cubic feet
MORE XC90 SPECS
The BMW X5 lineup is mostly unchanged for the 2022 model year, with the exception being the addition of the Black Vermilion model. Limited to 350 examples in the United States, it sports a Frozen Black metallic exterior and black interior with dramatic red highlights. Of the rest of the X5 range, the xDrive40i is our pick of the bunch, thanks in no small part to its efficient 48-volt electrical system. The 2022 BMW X5 effortlessly blends sport, comfort, and tech to create a sublime driving experience. Near the top of the heap sits the 523-hp M50i model. Need more grunt? Then check out the even quicker X5 M with its 600-hp twin-turbo V-8. As with many of its competitors, BMW offers an almost limitless array of optional interior features such as massaging seats, heated armrests, and a Bowers & Wilkins surround-sound system.
Base price: $61,595 Stnadard engine: 335-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-sixCargo space behind second row: 33 cubic feet
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Since its arrival for the 2003 model year, the Porsche Cayenne has offered sports-car athleticism wrapped in a practical package. The company’s flagship SUV adds an updated infotainment system that comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay for 2022. Android Auto is finally available in the 2022 Cayenne, too. The 355-hp base model, with its $70,350 starting price, represents the best value in the lineup. Nonetheless, those looking for more power or efficiency have a diverse palette of powertrain options to choose from, including S, E-Hybrid, and GTS trims.
Base price: $70,350Standard engine: 355-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6Cargo space behind second row: 27 cubic feet
MORE CAYENNE SPECS
Genesis’s GV80 is yet another step in the right direction for the fresh luxury brand with shallow roots. After testing the GV80 with both of its available engines—a 300-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-4 and a 375-hp twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6—our vote goes to the highest-spec trim: the 3.5T Prestige. Despite its $73,745 starting price, $22,450 more than a base, rear-wheel-drive, 2.5T model, the Prestige’s increased power, upgraded interior, elegant 22-inch wheels, and all-wheel drive make it the GV80 of choice. EPA estimated highway fuel economy for a rear-wheel-drive 2.5T is 25 mpg, which mirrors our results during testing.
Base price: $51,295Standard engine: 300-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-fourCargo space behind second row: 34 cubic feetCargo space behind third row: 11 cubic feet
MORE GV80 SPECS
22. Lexus GX
21. Lincoln Nautilus
20. Maserati Levante
19. Buick Enclave
18. Land Rover Discovery
17. Land Rover Range Rover Sport
16. Cadillac XT6
15. Infiniti QX60
14. Lincoln Aviator
13. Audi Q8
12. Lamborghini Urus
11. Aston Martin DBX
10. Mercedes GLE-Class
9. Acura MDX
8. Land Rover Defender
7. Audi Q7
6. Porsche Cayenne Coupe
5. BMW X6
4. Volvo XC90
3. BMW X5
2. Porsche Cayenne
1. Genesis GV80
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