Shopping for a luxury SUV in 2026 means you have more choices than ever, ranging from compact, city-friendly crossovers to massive three-row haulers. These vehicles are designed to offer more than just transportation; they provide a heightened experience through premium materials, advanced technology, and a quiet, comfortable ride. For many drivers, the appeal lies in getting the practicality of an SUV—with its ample cargo space, available all-wheel drive (AWD), and commanding view of the road—without sacrificing the refinement and features of a high-end sedan. It’s a combination that fits a wide variety of lifestyles, from daily commuting to family road trips.
As you explore the best options for 2026, you'll notice a few key trends. Many automakers are focusing on sophisticated in-cabin technology, with huge touchscreens and advanced driver-assistance systems becoming common. Powertrain options are also diversifying, with choices that include efficient mild hybrids, powerful V8s, and even plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) that offer significant all-electric driving range for your daily errands. This list includes established leaders from brands like Mercedes-Benz and BMW, bold challengers from Genesis, and even some mainstream models like the Chevrolet Suburban and Subaru Outback that deliver a near-luxury experience with a focus on practicality and value.
The Best Luxury SUVs of 2026
- 1. Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
- 2. BMW X3
- 3. Genesis GV80
- 4. Volvo XC90
- 5. Acura MDX
- 6. BMW X1
- 7. Cadillac Escalade
- 8. Genesis GV70
- 9. Land Rover Range Rover
- 10. Porsche Cayenne
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1. Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
CarGurus expert rating: 7.5 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.7 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 33.7%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.5 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Multiple body styles | Ungainly styling |
| Multiple powertrain options | Drives bigger than it looks |
| Stylish interior | Poor outward visibility |
For luxury-SUV shoppers who want one vehicle that can flex between family hauling and premium comfort, the Mercedes-Benz GLE is a compelling midsize option with a broad lineup: everything from the 255-hp turbo-four GLE 350 (295 lb-ft of torque) up through V8-powered AMG variants. The cabin leans heavily into the modern Mercedes vibe with twin 12.3-inch displays and a rich design that can be made even more distinctive with Manufaktur paints and Nappa leather interior choices, while MBUX brings wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto plus a voice assistant that’s genuinely helpful when you don’t want to hunt through menus.
In day-to-day use, the GLE delivers the practical stuff luxury SUV buyers care about, including strong towing capability (up to 7,700 pounds when properly equipped) and versatile cargo room—33.3 cubic feet behind the second row and 74.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. It’s also packed with safety tech, and it earned an IIHS 2025 Top Safety Pick+ award, though it’s worth noting that some desirable assistance features, like adaptive cruise control, require an option package. The flip side is that the GLE can feel larger than it is from the driver’s seat, especially in tight city driving, so it pays to prioritize the 360-degree camera system and parking assistance features.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The GLE-Class is a solid luxury SUV for families, but its competition is equally good." - Stephen Edelstein
Read our most recent Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class review
2. BMW X3
CarGurus expert rating: 6.7 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.5 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 31.2%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.4 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fun to drive | Potentially polarizing design |
| Comfortable | Interior materials feel cheap |
| Good value for money | Quirky technology |
The 2026 BMW X3 is aimed at shoppers who want luxury-SUV practicality without giving up a sporty feel. It comes in two main versions: the X3 30 xDrive and the performance-tuned X3 M50. The M50’s turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six makes 393 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque (BMW says 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds), but the 30 xDrive’s 255-hp turbo four is still quick and easy to enjoy day-to-day, and both come standard with AWD. The M50 can also tow up to 4,850 pounds (4,000 pounds for the 30 xDrive), and the cabin delivers real usability with a power liftgate and 31.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats (67.1 cubic feet with the 40/20/40 rear seat folded).
The trade-offs are worth knowing before you buy. BMW’s “monolithic” interior design can feel austere, and even with upgrades (like Merino leather), some materials and touch-sensing controls don’t match the price—especially on heavily optioned builds. Tech is a big part of the X3 experience thanks to the Curved Display (12.3-inch driver display plus a 14.9-inch touchscreen) and BMW OS 9, but real-world quirks—like Guest mode not remembering settings or occasional Apple CarPlay weirdness—can frustrate. Safety tech is extensive and customizable, though we experienced a hard, unexpected braking incident; crash-test results are mixed with an overall four-star NHTSA rating, while the IIHS awarded a Top Safety Pick+ for the 2025 calendar year. For luxury-SUV shoppers watching long-term value, the X3’s competitive pricing versus key rivals and three years/36,000 miles of complimentary scheduled maintenance help the numbers make sense, and the M50’s surprising efficiency (27 mpg combined, per official ratings) is a nice bonus.
The CarGurus Verdict: "For this review, we evaluated the BMW X3 M50. It was terrific, but with a sticker price more than $15,000 higher than the rewarding X3 30 xDrive, it’s hard to justify the extra money." - Christian Wardlaw
Read our most recent BMW X3 review
3. Genesis GV80
CarGurus expert rating: 8 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.8 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 29.5%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.4 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Stylish design | Poor fuel economy |
| Standard all-wheel drive | Uncomfortable seats |
| Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto |
The Genesis GV80 puts design and features front and center. For the model's recent update, Genesis sharpened the already-elegant exterior with details like micro lens array lighting up front and added richer cabin choices, including quilted Nappa leather and distinctive trim options. Tech is a big part of the GV80’s appeal, anchored by a massive 27-inch OLED display for gauges and infotainment, plus newly available wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
For everyday driving, the GV80 offers two turbocharged engines: a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 300 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, or a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 with 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque, both paired with an eight-speed automatic and standard AWD across the lineup. Comfort and convenience features can be impressive—think three-zone climate control, available second-row seat adjustments, and an array of driver-assistance tech including Highway Drive Assist and an available 360-degree camera—while practicality includes up to 6,000 pounds of towing when properly equipped. The tradeoffs to weigh against key rivals are fuel economy (EPA estimates as low as 16/22/19 mpg with the V6) and seat comfort, which is worth a long test-drive before committing.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Genesis improved the technology of the GV80 for 2025 by adding wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the SUV returns poor fuel economy and the seats are far from comfortable. Still, the GV80 undercuts its European counterparts on price and definitely deserves a test drive." - Emme Hall
Read our most recent Genesis GV80 review
4. Volvo XC90
CarGurus expert rating: 8.3 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.5 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 31.6%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.4 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Stylish design | Semi-autonomous driving not available |
| Great safety ratings | Top-tier sound system costs extra even on top trim |
| User-friendly technology |
For luxury-SUV shoppers who want a premium three-row that prioritizes calm comfort and clean Scandinavian design, the refreshed XC90 remains an easy one to live with. Volvo modernized the exterior without losing the XC90’s timeless look, and the cabin updates are just as meaningful day to day—especially the redesigned center console with a better-placed wireless charging pad and improved small-item storage. Space in the third row is still best for kids and shorter trips, but for families who only use those seats occasionally, the XC90’s overall layout and materials (including newly available herringbone weave textile seating made from recycled polyester) deliver the kind of upscale, “quiet luxury” feel many shoppers are after.
Powertrain choices also match a wide range of needs: the B5 mild hybrid makes 247 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque, the B6 bumps output to 295 hp and 310 lb-ft, and the T8 plug-in hybrid pairs strong performance (455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque) with up to 33 miles of electric range when fully charged. Tech is a strong point thanks to a larger, sharper touchscreen with Google built-in plus standard Apple CarPlay, and Volvo’s driver aids behave smoothly in real traffic; the tradeoff is that there’s still no hands-free highway driving system. Pricing starts just under $60,000 for a Core B5, while the Ultra T8 can push well past $80,000, so it’s worth deciding whether you want the extra muscle and EV commuting capability of the plug-in hybrid or the simplicity of the mild-hybrid models.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Verdict: The Volvo XC90 was already quite a good vehicle. It’s earned its position as Volvo’s flagship SUV with oft-praised style and substance. For 2025, it was made even better." - Natalie Harrington
Read our most recent Volvo XC90 review
5. Acura MDX
CarGurus expert rating: 7.7 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.5 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 51.0%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.3 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Stylish design | Cramped third row |
| Comfortable | Poor fuel economy |
| Easy-to-use technology | No hybrid option |
For shoppers who want a luxury SUV that’s genuinely easy to live with every day, the Acura MDX leans into what makes three-row crossovers popular: a comfortable, quiet ride; confident highway manners; and a cabin that feels more car-like than truck-like. Most MDX models use a 3.5-liter V6 making 290 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque paired with a 10-speed automatic, and available SH-AWD adds torque-vectoring grip and increases towing capacity to 5,000 pounds (3,500 pounds with FWD). Inside, Acura blends upscale materials with a button-forward layout that reduces the need to dig through menus, though the styling-first center console can eat into useful storage.
It’s also a strong pick for families who prioritize space and tech without jumping to a bigger (and usually pricier) SUV. Cargo room is a practical 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 39.1 cubic feet with the third row folded and 71.4 cubic feet with the second row down, while the second-row setup can mimic captain’s chairs by removing the center section. A 12.3-inch touchscreen with Google Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and available head-up display keeps the experience modern, and AcuraWatch driver assists come standard with generally polished behavior on the road. The biggest downside for luxury buyers is that there’s no hybrid option, and real-world fuel economy can lag the EPA’s 21 mpg combined estimate.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Refreshingly, the 2026 Acura MDX embraces its crossover SUV status, emphasizing the paved-road ride and handling qualities that made crossovers popular in the first place. Comfortable, quiet, and decent to drive, it exudes quality, offers accessible technology, and provides good utility. All that’s missing is a hybrid option." - Christian Wardlaw
Read our most recent Acura MDX review
6. BMW X1
CarGurus expert rating: 7.8 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.4 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 41.0%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.3 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Standard all-wheel drive | Some advanced safety features are not standard |
| Premium interior materials | Features we really want bump the price up significantly |
| Fun to drive |
The BMW X1 makes a compelling case as a savvy entry point into luxury SUV ownership. Starting under $45,000, it's the most affordable AWD BMW on the market—and it doesn't feel like it's cutting corners to get there. The cabin is distinctly premium, with SensaTec upholstery that genuinely rivals real leather, a sweeping BMW Curved Display integrating a 10.25-inch driver display and 10.7-inch infotainment touchscreen, and an optional panoramic moonroof that feels especially generous in a vehicle this size. Cargo space handily beats luxury rivals like the Audi Q3, Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, Lexus UX, and Volvo XC40, with 25.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 57.2 cubic feet with them folded—numbers that would be respectable in a much larger vehicle. Headroom is similarly class-leading, and the standard AWD gives the X1 all-weather confidence that some competitors charge a premium to add.
Where the X1 really separates itself from the luxury pack is behind the wheel. A revised 2.0-liter twin-turbo four-cylinder produces 241 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque—more torque than either the Q3 or the GLA—propelling the X1 to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds via a new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Body roll is minimal, the ride is taut and engaging, and the optional M Sport Package adds sport seats and paddle shifters that make the X1 feel more like a performance hatchback than a crossover. The infotainment system is responsive and well-integrated, with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and available augmented reality navigation. The main caveat is that desirable features like heated seats and the panoramic moonroof require option packages that can push the price meaningfully higher—but even fully loaded, the X1 undercuts most of its rivals while delivering a thoroughly rewarding driving experience.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Verdict: "The all-new, third-generation X1 is zippy and fun enough to be worthy of the distinction, but with new capability and plenty of cargo space, it’s bringing the utility, too." - Natalie Harrington
Read our most recent BMW X1 review
7. Cadillac Escalade
CarGurus expert rating: 7.3 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.4 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 33.7%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.3 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Stylish design | Poor ride quality |
| Impressive technology | Poor fuel economy |
| Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto | Poor value for money |
For luxury SUV shoppers who want maximum presence and real three-row space, the Cadillac Escalade delivers a big, traditional SUV feel wrapped in upscale design. This refreshed model leans harder into tech and cabin presentation with an available 55-inch, door-to-door display setup, plus wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto—useful if you prefer phone mirroring over built-in app ecosystems. It also offers loads of flexibility with regular-length and long-wheelbase Escalade ESV body styles, seating for up to eight, and power features that make it easier to live with day to day.
The Escalade’s 6.2-liter V8 makes 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, paired with a smooth 10-speed automatic; there’s also the Escalade-V with 682 hp and 653 lb-ft of torque for buyers who want super-SUV thrust. Practicality is a major selling point: The standard-length model offers 25.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 72.9 cubic feet behind the second row, and 121 cubic feet with the front seats still in place, while towing tops out at 8,100 pounds (8,000 pounds for ESV). The tradeoffs are the ones you’d expect in this class. EPA-rated fuel economy is just 17 mpg combined with RWD (16 mpg combined with 4WD), and while available adaptive damping and air suspension help, the body-on-frame platform can’t match the on-road polish of top unibody rivals.
The CarGurus Verdict: "If you’re willing to spend extra on a well-optioned example, the Escalade is a credible luxury vehicle. But its platform’s shortcomings can’t be erased." - Stephen Edelstein
Read our most recent Cadillac Escalade review
8. Genesis GV70
CarGurus expert rating: 8.2 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.2 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 27.2%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.3 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Stylish design | Poor ergonomic design |
| Standard all-wheel drive | No hybrid option |
| Impressive technology |
The 2026 Genesis GV70 refresh keeps the compact luxury SUV’s core appeal intact—handsome “Athletic Elegance” styling and standard AWD—while putting the biggest updates where you’ll notice them most: in the cabin. A new 27-inch OLED display stretches across the dash, and the infotainment suite adds over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 360-degree Surround View Monitor, and features like Genesis Digital Key 2 and fingerprint authentication. Genesis also continues to load the GV70 with active-safety tech, and Highway Driving Assist now uses capacitive sensors to better confirm your hands are on the wheel.
Performance choices remain straightforward: a 2.5-liter turbo four-cylinder with 300 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, or an available 3.5-liter turbo V6 with 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. The V6-equipped GV70 mixes quick acceleration with a controlled ride, helped for 2026 by changes like hydro bushings and updated damping control systems, plus a new Terrain Mode (Snow, Mud, Sand) for low-traction conditions. Day-to-day usability is a bit more mixed: the wide OLED can be partially blocked by the steering wheel depending on your driving position, and the rotary shifter and rotary infotainment dial can be confusing in a hurry. Efficiency is also a weak point versus key rivals, and there’s still no hybrid or plug-in hybrid option for shoppers who want better mpg without going fully electric.
The CarGurus Verdict: "While we’d love to see Genesis push the styling envelope a little further—recent concepts like the X Gran Coupe and Equator show what the Korean brand’s stylists are capable of—the 2026 GV70 remains near the head of its class of compact luxury crossovers. The GV70 is Genesis’ most popular model and represented 35% of total Genesis sales in the United States last year. Expect that trend to continue for the foreseeable future." - Jeremy Korzeniewski
Read our most recent Genesis GV70 review
9. Land Rover Range Rover
CarGurus expert rating: 7.7 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.5 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 26.0%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.3 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Multiple powertrain options | Unintuitive technology |
| Stylish design | Poor value for money |
| Standard all-wheel drive |
The Range Rover remains a blueprint for what many luxury SUVs are trying to be in 2026: serene on the road, richly finished, and genuinely capable when the pavement ends. Every version comes with 4WD and an eight-speed automatic, with power ranging from a mild-hybrid turbo 3.0-liter inline-six (395 hp, 405 lb-ft of torque) to a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 (523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque in SE and Autobiography models, or 606 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque in SV form). There’s also a plug-in hybrid option that delivers an EPA-rated 53 miles of electric range, which can make day-to-day errands feel more like EV driving without giving up the Range Rover’s long-haul comfort.
For families and frequent road-trippers, the Range Rover’s packaging is a major part of the appeal: Long-wheelbase models can be configured with three rows, and if you skip the third row, second-row legroom stretches to an expansive 48 inches. The tradeoff is cargo room behind the third row—11 cubic feet—though it grows to 40.7 cubic feet with the third row folded and 83.5 cubic feet with both rear rows down, and the split tailgate plus air suspension “kneel” feature make loading easier. Tech is modern on paper with a 13.1-inch touchscreen and 13.7-inch digital cluster (plus wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto), but the minimalist, button-light layout can be frustrating in real use; safety tech like adaptive cruise control with steering assist and a 360-degree camera is standard, but there’s no hands-free highway system to match what some rivals offer. Towing capacity tops out at 8,200 pounds, helping justify the price for buyers who want true SUV capability wrapped in a high-end experience.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The Range Rover excels in refinement, while offering competitive interior space and towing capacity. But its user interface remains a weak point." - Stephen Edelstein
Read our most recent Range Rover review
10. Porsche Cayenne
CarGurus expert rating: 8 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 49.0%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.3 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Great handling | Advanced safety features are not standard |
| Standard all-wheel drive | Options quickly increase price |
| Premium interior materials |
The Porsche Cayenne is a luxury SUV built for drivers who want real handling precision without giving up everyday comfort. It comes in a standard SUV body style or as the sleeker Cayenne Coupe, with engines ranging from a 348-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 with 368 lb-ft of torque up to serious high-performance variants: In GTS form, a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 makes 493 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque, backed by an eight-speed automatic and standard all-wheel drive. Inside, the Cayenne pairs premium materials with a modern, screen-forward layout—yet keeps key controls like HVAC and volume as physical switches, which is a genuine win for day-to-day usability.
Luxury-SUV practicality is solid, too, even if it’s not the class utility leader: The standard Cayenne offers 27.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and just over 60 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, plus towing capacity of more than 7,700 pounds even with the base V6. Tech highlights include a curved 12.6-inch digital gauge cluster, a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a cooled wireless charging pad, while the options list runs deep for buyers who want to personalize. The catch is value and equipment strategy: Porsche makes some desirable driver assists (like adaptive cruise control) extra-cost, and pricing can balloon quickly once you start adding popular packages and performance hardware.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Even the base model Cayenne delivers an agile driving experience, but those willing to dig deep into their bank account for one of Porsche’s more expensive Cayenne models are rewarded with a spirited drive like no other. The competition here is stiff, in the form of other German SUVs like the Audi Q8, BMW X5, and Mercedes-Benz GLE, and their performance variants. However, the Cayenne is not here to lose." - Emme Hall
Read our most recent Porsche Cayenne review
The Best Luxury SUVs of 2026 FAQs
Which luxury SUVs on this list offer a third row of seating?
Several SUVs on our list are available with three rows of seating. The Cadillac Escalade and Chevrolet Suburban are large SUVs with spacious third rows suitable for adults. The Volvo XC90 and Land Rover Range Rover (in long-wheelbase form) also offer three rows. The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class and the more compact Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class offer optional third rows, though they are best suited for children or occasional use.
Are there any plug-in hybrid (PHEV) options for better fuel economy?
Yes, for shoppers interested in efficiency and the ability to drive on electric power, this list includes excellent PHEV options. The Volvo XC90 T8 offers up to 33 miles of electric range, which is great for handling daily commutes without using gasoline. The Land Rover Range Rover has an even more impressive plug-in hybrid model that can travel an EPA-rated 53 miles on a full charge.
What are the best options for a sporty, fun-to-drive luxury SUV?
If you prioritize an engaging driving experience, the BMW X3 is a top contender, especially the performance-tuned M50 model with its powerful inline-six engine. The Mercedes-Benz AMG GLB 35 also delivers a sporty feel with its 302-horsepower engine and performance-focused all-wheel-drive system, making it a fun choice in a practical, compact package.
Which SUVs on the list feature the most advanced technology?
Technology is a major focus in the luxury SUV market. The Genesis GV80 and GV70 stand out with their massive 27-inch OLED displays that combine the instrument cluster and infotainment screen. The Cadillac Escalade also makes a statement with its available 55-inch curved OLED display that spans the entire dashboard. Most vehicles on the list, including the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class and BMW X3, feature large screens, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and sophisticated driver-assistance systems.
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Our expert reviewers are among this country's most trusted automotive journalists, also writing for publications including US News and World Report, Edmunds, Digital Trends, J.D. Power, and Car & Driver. They put each car through real-world testing and create detailed reviews of performance in a range of categories, from practicality and driving manners to cost-effectiveness and safety.
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The CarGurus market data used in this guide was last updated in February 2026. Values were accurate at time of publication and should be used as a guide only.
