Best Luxury Crossover SUVs

The 2024 Audi SQ8 e-tron sits near the very top of the electric SUV market. It’s the performance version of the Audi Q8 e-tron, and with a starting price just over $90,000 this SUV guarantees a level of exclusivity. The nearly 500-horsepower five-passenger EV comes in either a standard SUV body style or a more coupe-like Sportback model. How do you spot an SQ8 e-tron compared to the regular Q8 e-tron? Look for the slightly flared-out bodywork covering distinctive wheels and wider tires. The SQ8 e-tron looks muscular and performance-oriented, and has a number of significant upgrades over the standard model.

Most of that work is in the chassis. Audi has retuned the suspension with thicker sway bars and firmer dampers. They’ve made the steering more responsive, as well. But the biggest change is the addition of a second electric motor on the rear axle. When combined with the single front axle motor, it allows this three-motor Audi to instantly send power and torque to the wheels in need. The SQ8 e-tron also has an additional 94 hp and 228 pound-feet of torque over the standard Q8 e-tron. These upgrades help this large and heavy EV tackle sweeping roads and tight corners with the athleticism of a much smaller vehicle. The brake regen system, which helps charge the battery as you slow down, isn’t as aggressive as in some other EVs. For example there’s no “one-pedal” drive mode in which drag from the regen system lets the driver cruise around town, rarely touching the brake pedal. The driver can amp up the regen temporarily by pulling on one of the steering wheel-mounted paddles.

The SQ8 e-tron cabin is fitted with beautiful textured carbon accents, rich-looking (and comfortable) quilted Valcona leather sport seats, and a sport steering wheel.

The SQ8 e-tron has few true rivals. The Tesla Model X Plaid, which costs just over $94,000, offers longer range and way more speed but is less comfortable and luxurious. The new Mercedes-Benz AMG EQS SUV delivers more power, speed, and range, but at more than $140,000, it's almost in another league.

After a short production run during its introductory U.S. model year, the Alfa Romeo Tonale returns for 2024, adding a third trim level to its lineup. While other engines are available outside the U.S., here it’s sold exclusively as a plug-in hybrid. Now available in Sprint, Ti, and Veloce trims, the Tonale offers an alluring combination of style, premium features, plug-in hybrid efficiency, and sporty driving dynamics. This is, at its heart, an Alfa Romeo — a brand with a rich history of building performance cars for professional racing. The introduction of a plug-in hybrid crossover doesn’t mean Alfa has forgotten its heritage. The Tonale has a healthy dose of Italian DNA with a striking exterior design that includes the distinctive Alfa Romeo grille and an elegant, sporty interior with heavily bolstered sport seats. It delivers sharp handling and a total of 285 horsepower from its plug-in hybrid engine, and it has a good range of technology and safety features. A 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is included in all Tonale trims, as are lane-keeping assist and automatic emergency braking.

The Tonale crossover's closest competitors include the Lexus NX, Lincoln Corsair, and Audi Q5. The NX is available as a gas, hybrid, or plug-in hybrid SUV, but the plug-in model is only available in the highest trim levels, so it costs almost $10K more than the entry-level Tonale. The Corsair is available with a gas or plug-in hybrid engine, but again only the lower gas-powered trims match the Alfa's price of entry. Both gas and plug-in hybrid Q5 models have a higher price, but the Audi features a high-tech interior and more horsepower.

The Lexus RZ, a truly luxurious small electric crossover hampered by lack of range and high prices, hit the market with a dull thud in 2023.

The original RZ 450e lineup remains for 2024 and has the same problems, but a new base model, the 300e, brings competitive range and much improved pricing to the mix. There’s also a Core package option that cuts $4,200 from the base trim price for each model by removing such nonessential luxury touches as the panoramic glass roof, cooled front seats, and interior ambient lighting.

In any configuration, the two-row, five-seat RZ delivers Lexus quality, comfort, and driving dynamics. The infotainment system is top-notch, the ride comfortable, and the cabin divinely quiet.

But the best the RZ can do in terms of range is an estimated 266 miles in the base 300e’s single-motor, front-wheel-drive configuration, and only with 18-inch wheels and tires. Opt for the 20-inch wheels and range falls to 224 miles. None of the all-wheel-drive versions can top 220 miles.

Meantime, the segment-leading Tesla Model Y Long Range costs less, comes only with all-wheel drive, and delivers more than 300 miles of range. Most others in the class, such as the Genesis GV60, deliver close to 250 miles with all-wheel drive. The rear-wheel-drive version of the GV60 gets nearly 300 miles.

The Lexus RZ has plenty of space for people and a good amount of cargo space, but others in the segment, such as the Audi Q4 e-tron and Mercedes-Benz EQB offer more. It is quick, but the Model Y and Volvo C40 Recharge are quicker.

RZs with the de-contenting option are more price competitive, but at the cost of some of the touches many luxury buyers seek. But for Lexus die-hards and buyers who don't need to drive long distances, the RZ can be a great choice. Otherwise, we recommend some comparison shopping.

Mercedes-Benz plans to offer a lineup made up exclusively of electric vehicles by 2030, and the latest entry furthering that goal is the five-passenger EQE SUV. Introduced last year, the EQE SUV arrives in the heart of the market as the number of high-end electric crossovers continues to expand.

Slotted into the lineup between the compact Mercedes-Benz EQB and flagship Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, the 2024 EQE SUV delivers impressive performance and a competitive driving range with the level of luxury and technology expected of a Mercedes. Even the base-level trims are well equipped, and higher models get Nappa leather, advanced driver-assist systems, and high-tech features such as the MBUX Hyperscreen that spans the dashboard.

Mercedes-Benz offers the EQE SUV with four different powertrains that range from the single-motor rear-wheel-drive EQE 350+ to the new high-performance AMG EQE that boasts more than 600 horsepower from its dual-motor drive system. The EQE delivers good efficiency and a maximum range of around 280 miles.

Like its gas-powered sibling, the Mercedes GLE, the EQE SUV provides a roomy interior with comfortable seating and reasonable cargo space. With the Mercedes reputation and premium interior styling, the EQE SUV holds its own against the growing list of competing luxury EVs such as the Cadillac Lyriq, Genesis Electrified GV70, Audi e-tron, BMW iX, and Tesla Model Y.

The addition of the AMG EQE SUV brings a high level of excitement to the lineup. AMG models represent the highest-performing vehicles from the German car company, and the EQE is the first electric SUV to get the AMG treatment. Like other AMG models, the AMG EQE SUV adds to its powerful drivetrain with AMG Active Ride Control, adaptive suspension, and active roll stabilization, giving this electric SUV incredible handling characteristics. While rivals like the Tesla Model X match the AMG's power, the closest competitor that boasts similar handling and luxury (and exactly the same horsepower) is the gas-powered BMW X5 M.

At first glance, it's not obvious that the Lexus RX was fully redesigned last year. But underneath its subtle styling changes is a midsize luxury SUV that epitomizes understated luxury. Unlike the previous generation, the latest RX comes only as a five-passenger SUV. The previous model's extended-length RX-L version has been discontinued, with a new three-row Lexus TX model launching in its place.

The two-row RX is spacious, with excellent knee- and headroom for rear-seat passengers. Like all RXes before it, the 2024 RX is tastefully trimmed with high-quality materials and well-placed trim accents that give it a luxurious feel. Previous models suffered from clumsy infotainment systems, but the latest RX has a large touchscreen, making it easier to navigate the various menus.

The RX continues to offer both gas and hybrid models, and this year, the 2024 Lexus RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid joins the lineup. It delivers up to 37 miles of driving range on battery power alone. The standard hybrid models use their electric motors to help the gas engines deliver exceptional mileage along with the sure-footedness of standard all-wheel drive. Even the base non-hybrid RX 350 delivers good fuel economy thanks to a powerful but efficient turbocharged four-cylinder engine. New last year was the RX 500h, a performance-oriented trim that offers additional horsepower and revised suspension tuning. It's still the quickest and most agile RX available, but it's not particularly sporty. Competitors such as the Alfa Romeo Stelvio and BMW X5 deliver more fun behind the wheel, at the expense of some ride comfort. The Genesis GV80 is a closer competitor to the Lexus RX as it prioritizes comfort and practicality over performance, as does the Lincoln Nautilus.

Shakespeare is famous for writing, "A rose by any other name would smell as sweet," and that adage is as true now as it was 400-plus years ago, even when applied to the 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron. That's because it's essentially a refreshed Audi e-tron SUV with a slightly different name. The original e-tron SUV, Audi's first all-electric vehicle, debuted in 2019, and this new Q8 e-tron shares much of its style, internal components, and personality.

The Q8 part of the name will likely cause some confusion since this EV isn't directly related to the slightly larger gasoline-powered Q8, also introduced in 2019. The e-tron moniker will continue to distinguish Audi's electric vehicles from its internal combustion models.

In terms of style, the new Q8 e-tron could be hard to tell apart from its predecessor. There's a new grille frame that extends under the headlights, but that's as different as the exterior gets. The interior is virtually a dead ringer for the previous e-tron. The most significant changes are found in the spec sheet. The Q8 e-tron is more aerodynamic, has an increased battery capacity, and more efficient motors. Combined, they contribute to an estimated range of 285 miles, which is a significant upgrade from the older e-tron's 222-mile range.

The e-tron was a solid pick among electric luxury SUVs when it debuted, but in the time since, the competition has grown and surpassed it. The Q8 e-tron's improvements now make it competitive against the BMW iX and Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV. The Genesis Electrified GV70 represents a relative value choice in the class. Each has its own distinct personalities, advantages, and drawbacks, and you really can't go wrong with any of them. In this case, the decision could easily come down to whichever one you prefer or is available at the time.

The 2024 GLC inserts the special Mercedes-Benz magic into the compact luxury crossover segment. The category is filled with excellent vehicles, but the GLC cuts through the masses with a solid base model, a high-performance AMG variant, and a coupe with its own sleek style. The standard SUV version was redesigned last year, now the coupe version gets its own makeover for 2024. The five-passenger vehicle offers luxurious interior accommodations, innovative tech, and very good drivability. The entry-level GLC 300 will fit the bill for most buyers, but those who want to express themselves will find more emotion in the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43. Ride comfort throughout the lineup is excellent, though the AMG version stiffens things up a bit. The GLC 300 is rear-wheel drive with all-wheel drive optional, while the AMG GLC 43 and GLC Coupe are all-wheel drive only.

The competitive set is filled with excellent vehicles. Prominent among them are the BMW X3, Audi Q5, and Volvo XC60. The Genesis GV70, Alfa Romeo Stelvio, and Cadillac XT4 are other interesting contenders.

The GLC 300’s standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine offers more horsepower than the base X3 and XC60. So power in the GLC 300 is more than adequate, and power in the AMG GLC 43 is stellar.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQB puts its brand squarely in the middle of one of the country's hottest luxury segments. While other, higher-priced Mercedes battery-electric EQ models ride on dedicated platforms, the EQB is built on the conventionally powered Mercedes-Benz GLB. Since the GLB offers significant advantages, that is a wise course, keeping costs down while maintaining good utility. It also means that the EQB looks very conventional, unlike competitors such as the Tesla Model Y that push the EV design envelope.

With a starting price of $53,000, the EQB matches up well against a formidable array of premium-brand EV competitors. Its base EQB 250+ trim is down on horsepower versus its key luxury rivals, but the EQB 300 4Matic largely erases that shortfall. Among top competitors, the Model Y and Audi Q4 e-Tron offer more power, and the Model Y also delivers significantly more range on a charge. The non-luxury Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Kia EV6 are about the same size and offer similar range. The EQB and the Model Y are the only vehicles in the class that offer a third-row seat, although these back seats are extremely cramped for average-sized adults. The EQB has a more luxurious cabin than the Tesla by a significant margin, and its infotainment system has more features and more conventional controls. The Q4 e-tron is the EQB's closest competitor. The two battery-electric crossovers are very similar in size, price, and overall capabilities.

Land Rover has long been known for producing high-end SUVs that deliver a comfortable ride both on and off the road. This tradition continued when the third-generation Range Rover Sport was introduced last year. Slightly smaller than the flagship Range Rover, the 2024 Range Rover Sport carries its five passengers in luxury surroundings with an interior that is vastly improved over the previous generation. A large curved screen dominates the dashboard, housing both the driver and infotainment display, adding a high-tech vibe to the Range Rover Sport's cabin.

One of the hallmarks of the Range Rover Sport is its impressive off-road capability. Not only can this high-end SUV handle just about any terrain, it does so while maintaining a comfortable ride. The idea of a luxury SUV heading off-road may seem to be a contradiction, and many buyers are more interested in the high-end amenities than heading into the mud. But the Range Rover Sport isn't the only luxury SUV designed to handle tough terrain; rivals include the Lexus LX and Mercedes-Benz G-Class.

The Range Rover Sport sets itself apart from the competition with an available high-performance plug-in hybrid system that delivers impressive performance, meanwhile boasting an EV-only range of over 50 miles — more than just about any other plug-in hybrid on the market.

The Acura MDX has become a leader in the luxury three-row crossover segment because of its excellent value. While not the most lavishly outfitted SUV in the category, it offers a winning combination of versatile seven-passenger seating and impressive cargo capacity. Slotting above the two-row, five-passenger Acura RDX in the brand's product range, the front-wheel-drive MDX provides an accommodating interior and excellent driving dynamics for a vehicle of its size. While a growing number of crossovers offer full or mild hybrid powertrain options, the MDX doesn't. But it does offer a more powerful, enthusiast-oriented Type S that enhances the prestige of the entire lineup in the same way that a BMW M or Mercedes-AMG model does. The Type S Advance, which is the ultimate MDX, is a terrific all-around vehicle with impressive acceleration and handling prowess.

With output ranging from 290 horsepower in the standard engine to 355 hp in the MDX Type S, the Acura stacks up well against competition that includes the Audi Q7, Mercedes-Benz GLE 350, Volvo XC90, and Genesis GV80.

Top marks for safety from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety mean this isn't just one of the most enjoyable three-row SUVs you can drive, it's also one of the safest.

The 2024 Audi Q4 e-tron is an electric SUV that's large enough for family road trips, but not so large that it's a chore to park and navigate congested city streets. All three trims are well-equipped with a good range of standard features and a price just over $50,000 for the entry-level Premium model. Pricing does escalate quickly, with the top Prestige trim costing over $63K.

All Q4 e-tron models offer a smooth and well-mannered ride with good handling and plenty of power. Rear-wheel-drive Premium and Premium Plus models provide up to 265 miles of driving range per charge, while all-wheel-drive models, including the Prestige trim, are rated at 236 miles of range.

The Audi's 11.6-inch infotainment touchscreen is within easy reach of driver and passenger, and the many standard and available safety features make it a compelling choice among its growing group of electric rivals. The entry-level Volkswagen ID.4 costs $10,000 less, but has an estimated range of only 208 miles on a single charge. The uplevel ID.4 trims get a larger battery good for 275 miles of range, but they're priced closer to the base Q4 e-tron, and don't offer the Audi's posh interior. The Volvo XC40 Recharge, Mercedes-Benz EQB, and Tesla Model Y are more direct rivals, but they come with high price tags.

Now in its third year, the all-electric 2024 Volvo C40 Recharge lineup expands to six variants with the addition of three rear-wheel-drive trims. The C40 Recharge is the first rear-wheel-drive model for Volvo since the 1998 S90 sedan and V90 wagon.

While not the quickest rear-wheel-drive model in its set, the new single-motor C40 Recharge gets 248 horsepower, and Volvo estimates it will have a range of 297 miles.

Dual-motor, all-wheel-drive versions stick with the original 2022 model's 402-hp electronic powertrain, but with new motors and power management improvements that increase range by 14%. The much-needed boost makes the AWD C40 Recharge a lot more competitive.

As before, even in the base trim, the C40 Recharge has all of Volvo's traditional luxury and roominess. But its rearward-sloping roofline means the cargo area has about 9% less room than in the SUV-styled Volvo XC40 Recharge. That may be off-putting for some buyers.

While adaptive cruise control is available only on the top trim, the C40 Recharge offers a broad list of standard features. All-wheel-drive versions have lots of power, but their driving range is just par for the segment. Range for rear-wheel-drive variants is near the top of class.

A comprehensive infotainment system and Top Safety Pick+ crash safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for the structurally identical 2022 and 2023 models round out the package.

The Jaguar i-Pace comes in just one loaded model, but it costs more. The competitive Audi Q4 e-tron has a lower starting price but its rear-wheel-drive versions fall well below the C40 Recharge in range. The Kia EV6 has more cargo capacity, and the Ford Mustang Mach-E has a choice of six trims, each with strong performance and, except for the GT, lower starting prices. The Nissan Ariya offers more range, more cargo area, and lower pricing at most trim levels.

BMW M cars (and SUVs) are high-performance versions of the German brand's current models, boasting excellent handling and powerful engines, but the 2024 BMW XM luxury SUV breaks out of that mold. The BMW XM stands out, not just for its distinctive styling, but as the first-ever BMW M car to be a plug-in hybrid and as the only current M model without a non-M variant.

The XM gets BMW's iconic kidney grille, but it is flanked by extremely slim driving lights with the headlights positioned below. Slim LED taillights wrap around the corners, and the rear features a flush rear window and stacked quad exhaust outlets — all unusual design elements for a BMW.

The special powertrain sets the XM apart from just about any vehicle on the road. The plug-in hybrid system boasts a plentiful 644 horsepower, all sent to the road via BMW's M xDrive all-wheel-drive system. Acceleration from a stop in the XM could best be described as forceful — unlike an electric car that delivers smooth, linear power, the XM throws you back in the seat with the roar of its V8 — an experience not soon forgotten.

Other SUVs can deliver similar performance. The Lamborghini Urus, Aston Martin DBX, and Maserati Levante are all very quick, but the BMW has an additional trick up its sleeve. As a plug-in hybrid, it can cruise in silence on electric power only. The Environmental Protection Agency officially rates the XM's range at 31 miles, but we saw 40 miles of range consistently during our test drive. And unlike many other plug-ins, the XM performs surprisingly well on EV-only power.

The 2024 Cadillac Lyriq is a midsize, five-passenger, all-electric luxury crossover that offers plenty of room, a comfortable ride, and good driving range at a competitive price, even before the available $7,500 federal tax credit is applied.

Rivals include the all-wheel-drive Audi e-tron and e-tron Sportback, Jaguar I-Pace, BMW iX, and Tesla Model X EVs, as well as the Genesis Electrified GV70, the smaller Genesis GV60 crossover, and the BMW i4 sports coupe. Like the Lyriq, the latter three are available in both rear- and all-wheel-drive variants. The Lyriq's battery delivers 102 kWh, good for 308 miles of driving range in rear-wheel drive and 307 miles in all-wheel drive.

Stretching 16.4 feet from nose to tail with a 121.8-inch wheelbase, the 2024 Lyriq is the longest in its class, giving it considerable passenger space. Only the Tesla Model X has more rear legroom. But the stretched cabin means the Lyriq's cargo capacity, while plentiful, is only midrange.

The Lyriq is best suited for highway cruising and leisurely drives on country and mountain roads. It handles well, but its steering is fairly numb. When pushed on twisty roads, there's a noticeable degree of body roll. The rear-wheel-drive versions have the lowest horsepower among competitors, but the all-wheel-drive version's 500 horsepower beats every competitor except the two all-wheel-drive BMWs: the i4 M50 with 536 hp and the iX with 516 hp.

The 2024 QX60 is Infiniti's midsize offering in its SUV lineup, slotting between the compact QX50 and the full-size QX80. With three rows and space for up to seven passengers and their gear, it's among the roomiest sport-utes in the midsize luxury class. It's also one of the most handsome, especially after its recent (2022) overhaul.

Infiniti has a history of building athletic SUVs dating back to the shapely FX from the early 2000s. But the QX60 takes a different tack. It stands out for its sumptuous interior, which could easily be mistaken for a more expensive European model. Even the base model comes equipped with amenities for which other luxury automakers tend to upcharge, such as leather seats and adaptive cruise control.

Given its premium look, you might not guess that the QX60 shares a platform with the humble Nissan Pathfinder — that is, until you take it for a spin. The Infiniti shows its roots with a lackluster V6 (shared with the Pathfinder) and handling that is composed but provides little driver involvement. Further compounding matters, Infiniti does not offer the QX60 with any performance upgrades. A hybrid variant is also missing.

But the QX60 does shine in one other area: value. With a base price just above $50,000, it's the most affordable option in its class.

While many manufacturers are now building dedicated battery-electric vehicles, Genesis has taken a different path. It "electrifies" conventional vehicle platforms such as the G80 sedan and the GV70 crossover utility. While this approach might not capitalize on all the benefits of a battery-electric vehicle, in the 2024 Electrified GV70's case, it results in a very competitive zero-emission crossover utility. Every Electrified GV70 provides all-wheel drive via front and rear electric motors. With 483 combined horsepower, the Electrified GV70's straight-line acceleration is startling. A sprint from zero to 60 mph takes a mere 3.8 seconds. To aid performance, the Electrified GV70 offers a boost mode, allowing the motors to deliver maximum horsepower for 10 seconds, making the driving experience more dynamic. And unlike many battery-electric SUVs that throw their weight around, the Electrified GV70 seems to manage its extra poundage very well. It weighs about 500 pounds less than the Cadillac Lyriq, but weighs 500 more than the conventionally powered GV70. One reason for the Electrified GV70's reasonably light weight is its 77 kWh battery pack, rated to deliver up to 236 miles of range. In luxury crossover terms, that's on the low side, but that shortfall is partially remedied by its fast charging ability. It uses a 400-volt/800-volt system that can take advantage of DC fast chargers. Genesis says it can charge the battery from 10% to 80% in as little as 18 minutes on a Level 3 DC fast charger.

The battery-electric drivetrain is the Electrified GV70's headline feature, but beyond that, it delivers exceptional style and luxury. The interior boasts high-luxe design and high-quality materials. Heated and ventilated front seats with multi-way adjustability are standard, offering luscious comfort. While the second-row bench seat is a bit tight on space, the three seating positions are comfortable and offer optional heating. The infotainment controls are logically placed and easy to decipher. Adjustable interior lighting allows you to tailor the ambience to your preference.

The Genesis Electrified GV70's top rivals include the Audi e-tron, BMW iX, and Cadillac Lyriq. The Audi has a similar price and similar range. The Cadillac has similar pricing and an estimated range of more than 300 miles. The BMW costs considerably more but also offers a range above 300 miles.