Premium Compact SUVs

As one of the fastest-growing segments of the upscale vehicle market, premium compact SUVs offer a very suitable package of easy ingress and egress, a higher driving height for a better view of the highway, more cargo room, as well as cutting-edge features. In addition, they can offer a driving experience and performance on par with modern sports cars. With 15 different takes on the concept to choose from, buyers will be easily to find the vehicle that suits them in today’s market. Get the latest information and reviews on the current crop of premium compact SUVs here.

Genesis GV70

As a completely new entry in the ultra-competitive premium compact SUV segment, the rear-wheel drive-based Genesis GV70 offers a new take on the formula. Customers can pick between a 300-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and a 375-horsepower twin-turbo V-6. Those focused on performance will appreciate the Launch Control system and optional electronic limited-slip differential, Notably, the GV70 has a fingerprint authentication system and is the first to have a radar-based Advanced Rear Occupant Alert system to detect passengers in the back seat and alert the driver accordingly.

Buick Envision

Updated for 2021 with a fresh new look, the Envision combines the comfort-oriented Buick ownership experience with the practicality of a compact SUV. There are three trims to choose from: the base Preferred, midrange Essence, and high-end Avenir which has heated and ventilated front seats with diamond-perforated quilted leather, a driver’s seat massage feature, and heated rear seats. All Envisions get a 228-horsepower 4-cylinder engine, LED exterior lighting, and the Buick Driver Confidence Plus package with automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, and lane change alert. while all-wheel-drive is optional. Notable options include continuously damping suspension for additional comfort, a 10.2-inch infotainment touchscreen and a head-up display.

Lexus NX

Lexus’s NX300 and NX300h luxury compact SUVs offer a smooth and comfortable on-road experience in a high-riding and reliable form. The NX300, available with both front and all-wheel drive, has a 235-horsepower 4-cylinder engine, while the all-wheel-drive-only hybrid NX300h generates 194 combined horsepower and achieves 31 miles per gallon combined from its 4-cylinder engine and electric motor. For a more aggressive look, Lexus offers an F Sport package for the NX300 with a unique front end and sport seats. A Comfort package available on all NX models adds driver and passenger ventilated seats along with a blind spot monitoring system. Lexus Safety System+, which includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, and lane departure alert, is standard.

Tesla Model Y

Introduced in 2020, the all-electric Model Y is a novel addition to the premium SUV segment. Currently, customers can choose between the Long Range version which offers 316 miles of range on a full charge, the Performance variant, which reduces the 0 to 60 mph acceleration time to 3.5 seconds, and the Performance Upgrade version, with which range is cut to 280 miles but offers a higher top speed and 21-inch wheels. All Model Ys at the moment come with all-wheel-drive. A Standard Range variant with a 230-mile range is expected to arrive for 2021. Standard equipment includes a panoramic glass roof and a single 15-inch touchscreen interface for all of the vehicle's controls. Also, Model Y owners can use their smartphone for unlocking and locking the vehicle.

Infiniti QX50

The QX50 offers cutting-edge technologies and standout design with a strong focus on space and functionality. Buyers can choose from three trim levels: base Pure, midrange Luxe, and high-end Essential. Front-wheel-drive is standard on all trims with all-wheel-drive optional. The sole engine is a 4-cylinder making 268 horsepower. Standard features include a motion-activated liftgate, 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, and INFINITI InTouch dual display system. A 17-speaker Bose stereo, heated and ventilated front seats, and ProPILOT Assist (which lets the car operate on the driver’s behalf in stop-start traffic) are available on higher trim levels. To maximize interior comfort, the QX50 has sliding second-row seats and hidden under-floor storage compartments that can be used to stow valuable items.

BMW X3

The X3 blends standout-driving qualities on any terrain with unrestricted everyday usability. Engine choices are a 4-cylinder delivering 248 horsepower in the rear-wheel-drive sDrive30i and all-wheel-drive xDrive30i models while the inline-6-cylinder in the all-wheel-drive-only M40i makes 355 horsepower. Buyers of the 4-cylinder X3 can choose the Luxury Package with chrome kidney grille bars and a SensaTec-upholstered dashboard. Picking the M Sport package brings the M Aerodynamic kit and firmer suspension. Outdoors-oriented customers can get a factory-installed trailer hitch for the first time on an X3. Standard features include 40:20:40 split/folding rear seats and Active Protection, BMW’s pre-crash accident detection system.

Volvo XC60

The Volvo XC60 has received many accolades such as the World Car of the Year and North American Utility of the Year awards. Buyers have four powertrains to choose from: the T5 with a 250 horsepower 4-cylinder and choice of front-drive or all-wheel-drive, the T6 with 316 horsepower mated to an all-wheel drivetrain, and the all-wheel-drive-only T8 Plug-in Hybrid making 400 horsepower combined from a 4-cylinder engine and electric motor. The T8 also can go up to 21 miles in electric-only mode. As for trim grades, customers have the well-equipped base Momentum level, the sporty R-Design, and top-end Inscription. The XC60 is available with high-end options such as a 15-speaker Bowers and Wilkins sound system, massaging seats, and four-corner air suspension.

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

The popular GLC sets Mercedes-Benz’s benchmarks for ride, handling, safety technology, comfort, and off-road capabilities. Engine choices include a 4-cylinder making 241 horsepower in the GLC300 and a V-6 in the performance-oriented GLC43 AMG generating 362 horsepower. Customers concerned about fuel economy can choose the plug-in hybrid GLC350e, which mates an electric motor and lithium-ion battery with a 4-cylinder engine to produce a combined 320 horsepower, provide up to 9 miles of electric-only range, and minimize trips to the gas pump. 4Matic all-wheel-drive is standard on all models except the GLC300. Standard features include heated front seats, a power liftgate, and Attention Assist.

Range Rover Velar

The Velar is the stylish Range Rover for those who need something larger than the Evoque and smaller than the Range Rover Sport. Unlike its competitors, the Velar offers a sustainable, premium textile seat material as an option, a Dapple Grey woollen upholstery material. Buyers can choose from three engines: a 247-horsepower 4-cylinder (P250), a 340 or 380-horsepower V-6 depending on equipment specification (P340/P380), and a diesel 180 horsepower 4-cylinder (D180). There are four equipment specifications to choose from: Velar (Base), S, SE R-Dynamic and HSE R-Dynamic. Customers who want a Velar with a sportier look can choose the R-Dynamic levels which come with 20-inch wheels, and burnished copper bumper accents, hood vents as well as side vents.

Audi Q5

The Q5 and SQ5 are Audi’s compact luxury crossovers that contain the sporty characteristics of a sedan with the offroad capabilities of an SUV. Buyers of the Q5 get a 4-cylinder engine making 252 horsepower while SQ5 customers get a V-6 engine generating 354 horsepower. Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system is on all Q5 and SQ5. Customers can choose from three different trims: base Premium, midrange Premium Plus, and top-end Prestige, while the SQ5 just has Premium Plus and Prestige. The Audi pre sense city comes standard, which can detect vehicles and pedestrians at speeds of up to 52 mph, increasing the driver’s awareness of surroundings and helping prevent accidents.

Cadillac XT5

The XT5 is Cadillac’s competitive offering in the compact luxury crossover segment. There are four trim levels to choose from: Standard, Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Platinum. The sole engine is a 310-horsepower V-6. Buyers can choose between front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive. Standard features include LED running lamps, heated front seats, Adaptive Remote Start, and an 8-speaker Bose sound system. Going for the Luxury trim brings wireless phone charging and lane change alert with blind spot warning. The well-equipped Premium Luxury adds a 14-speaker Bose sound system, ventilated front seats, and navigation. The topline Platinum features an 8-inch gauge cluster display as well as head-up display.

Jaguar F-PACE

The F-PACE is Jaguar’s midsize SUV, meant for those buyers who want a higher ride height coupled with Jaguar luxury. The F-PACE has five engine choices. There is the 25t with the 247-horsepower 4-cylinder, 30t with the 300-horsepower 4-cylinder, S with the 380-horsepower V-6, and a diesel option in the 20d with a 180-horsepower 4-cylinder. For the ultimate performance F-PACE, buyers can choose the SVR version with a V-8 making 550 horsepower. There are 6 trim levels to choose from, ranging from the base F-PACE, midrange Premium, and high-end Prestige to the V-6 powered S, aggressive-looking R-Sport, ultra-luxury Portfolio as well as the dedicated-performance SVR.

Porsche Macan

The Macan has been refreshed for 2022, with a continuous LED light bar at the rear. Customers can choose from three models: Macan, Macan S, and Macan GTS. The Macan has a 4-cylinder that makes 248 horsepower while the Macan S gets a V-6 generating 348 horsepower. Standard features include LED headlights, Porsche Communication Management infotainment system with a 10.9-inch full HD touchscreen display, and navigation. A novel feature is the available Offroad Precision app, which can be used to improve and record off-road experiences.

Lincoln Nautilus

The Nautilus is Lincoln’s 5-place crossover designed to compete in one of America's most competitive luxury segments. There are four trim levels to choose from. The base Nautilus comes standard with 18-inch alloy wheels and blind spot warning. The Select trim level adds navigation, LED fog lamps, and upgraded leather. Stepping up to the Reserve trim brings a 13-speaker Revel sound system and heated and ventilated front seats. Opting for the topline Black Label nets a 19-speaker Revel Ultima stereo and 21-inch wheels, among other high-end features. The base engine makes 250 horsepower while a 335-horsepower upgraded engine is optional with the Select, Reserve, and Black Label trim levels. Front-wheel-drive is standard while all-wheel-drive is optional on all trim levels and engines.