Premium Midsize SUVs

Over 30 years ago, premium SUVs were a misnomer. They were designed for people who liked their pickup trucks, but needed to accommodate more people and/or didn’t want their cargo exposed to the elements. Modern-day required features such as leather seats, an at least 8-speaker sound system, and automatic climate control weren’t even available most of the time. In the present-day though, premium midsize SUVs far outsell their equivalent sedan counterparts through offering a higher level of practicality coupled with an easier ingress and egress. Get the latest information and reviews on the current crop of premium midsize SUVs here.

Lexus RX

The RX arguably got the luxury crossover trend started in 1998, when most SUVs were based on truck platforms and didn’t have the ride quality and comfort of a Lexus. The RX has two powertrain options, a 290-horsepower V-6 on the RX350 models, available with either front or all-wheel-drive, and a hybrid version with the V-6 paired to an electric motor for 308 combined horsepower on the all-wheel-drive only RX450h. Those planning to carry beyond 5 people can pick the RX350L and RX450hL models which extend the length to fit a third row seat. For a sporty ride, the standard-length RX350 and RX450h offer an F Sport package with 20-inch wheels and an adaptive variable suspension for better handling.

Porsche Cayenne

Porsche’s Cayenne is designed to provide both the handling and performance of a sports car while retaining the practicality of an SUV. Buyers have four models to pick from: the standard Cayenne, more powerful S, fuel-efficient E-Hybrid, sport-oriented GTS, and top-of-the-line Turbo. The standard Cayenne has a 335-horsepower V-6 while the S gets a V-6 putting out 434 horsepower. Meanwhile, the plug-in E-Hybrid pairs the V-6 with an electric motor to generate a combined 455 horsepower while the battery allows it to travel up to 27 miles in electric-only mode on a full charge. Opting for the Turbo nets a V-8 making 541 horsepower, while the GTS has a detuned version of the V-8 making 453 horsepower.

Infiniti QX60

Infiniti’s QX60 luxury crossover is one of the most versatile 3-row/7-passenger vehicles on the market, offering family-oriented features with a welcoming design inside and out. Buyers can choose from two trim levels: base Pure and high-end Luxe. Front-wheel-drive is standard with all-wheel-drive optional. The sole powertrain is a V-6 making 295 horsepower. Blind spot warning, forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection, a power lift-function hatch, power moonroof, and 8-way power driver's seat come standard on the QX60. Optional features include navigation, Around View Monitor, Theater Package with dual 8-inch monitors for multimedia video playback, lane departure warning, 15-speaker Bose sound system, and climate-controlled front seats.

BMW X5

The X5 was redesigned for 2019, coming with a larger interior and novel options. Buyers can choose between two engines: a 6-cylinder making 335 horsepower or a V-8 producing 456 horsepower. The X5 comes with adaptive LED headlights (BMW Laserlights are an option), illuminated door sill plates, Live Cockpit Professional with two 12.3-inch digital displays, and BMW’s Active Driving Assistant, which includes blind spot detection, lane departure warning, and frontal collision warning, among other safety features. A new option is an Off-Road Package that includes underbody protection, air suspension, and an electronically controlled rear differential lock. A third-row is available and can seat two extra passengers.

Volvo XC90

The XC90 is Volvo’s family-oriented vehicle with the ability to seat up to 7 people. There are four powertrains to choose from: the T5 FWD and T5 AWD with a 250-horsepower 4-cylinder and choice of front-drive or all-wheel-drive, the T6 AWD with a 316-horsepower 4-cylinder mated to an all-wheel drivetrain, and the T8 eAWD Plug-in Hybrid which makes 400 horsepower combined from a 4-cylinder engine and electric motor available with all-wheel-drive only. As for trim grades, customers can choose between the very well-equipped base Momentum level, sport-oriented R-Design, and luxury-focused Inscription. Middle-row captain’s chairs are available as an option, making for a six-seat configuration.

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz’s GLE, significantly redesigned for 2020, has a more spacious interior than before and an optional third-row seat. Standard features include dual 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and touchscreen multimedia displays, navigation, LED headlamps, and safety features including blind spot assist and active parking assist. A novel standard feature is the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) system, which uses artificial intelligence to anticipate what the user would like next. Buyers can choose between two engines: a 4-cylinder making 255 horsepower in the GLE350 and an inline-6-cylinder in the GLE450 that makes 362 horsepower. 4Matic all-wheel-drive is optional in the GLE350 and standard on GLE450.

Genesis GV80

Those looking for a new alternative to the typical premium SUVs will find it in the Genesis GV80. Buyers can choose between a 300-horsepower 4-cylinder and a turbocharged 375-horsepower V-6. In addition, the GV80 has a marked focus on ride comfort, with standard acoustic glass in the windshield and front doors. Notable options include a 16-way driver’s seat with automatic bolsters that adjust during spirited driving, a 21-speaker Lexicon sound system, and a 3D instrument cluster that can recognize the driver's eyes. Customers looking to lug around extra people in a pinch can specify a power folding third-row seat.

Audi Q7

The Q7 has been significantly updated for 2020. There are three different equipment levels to choose from: base Premium, midrange Premium Plus, and top-end Prestige. Buyers can choose between a 4-cylinder engine making 248 horsepower (not available with Prestige) and a V-6 generating 335 horsepower both mated to Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system. Those wanting even more power can choose the SQ7 with a 500-horsepower V-8. Standard features include a power folding third row, power tailgate, panoramic sunroof, and Audi pre sense city, which can help detect cornering and stationary vehicles and pedestrians, help warn the driver of an imminent collision, initiate emergency braking and can even help stop the vehicle under 25 miles per hour.

Cadillac XT6

The XT6 is Cadillac’s newest SUV and stylish 3-row crossover that provides a high level of spaciousness and luxury along with responsive handling. The sole engine is a V-6 making 310 horsepower while buyers can choose between Premium Luxury and Sport trims. All-wheel-drive is optional on Premium Luxury levels and standard with Sport. Defining luxury features such as power-folding third-row and second-row seats, a heated steering wheel, a vibrating safety alert driver’s seat, LED headlamps, and 20-inch wheels come standard. There are also 2 USB ports for each row of seats. Notable options include a Bose® Performance Series sound system with 14 speakers and night vision.

Range Rover Sport

As a luxury SUV with dynamic on-road character and all-terrain capability, the Range Rover Sport is a desirable choice in its segment. Those looking for fuel efficiency can pick the plug-in hybrid P400e, capable of covering up to 31 miles in all-electric mode. Other available engines are a V-6 which makes 340 or 380 horsepower depending on trim grade, a diesel V-6 making 254 horsepower, and a V-8 that makes 518 horsepower in the Supercharged Dynamic and Autobiography models or 575 horsepower in the performance-dedicated SVR model. Furthermore, the Range Rover Sport has the option of a third-row seat for accommodating up to seven passengers.

Lincoln Aviator

The Aviator is Lincoln’s long-awaited three-row midsize luxury SUV with a bold design, made for providing class-defining performance and comfort at a moment’s notice. Notably, Lincoln offers a plug-in hybrid version of the Aviator to increase gas mileage and deliver up to 450 horsepower. In addition, owners will be able to use Phone as a Key technology, allowing them to lock and unlock the vehicle as well as start and drive it without a key fob. For ultimate driving comfort, the optional Perfect Position seats offer 30-way adjustability and massage capability. Furthermore, the Aviator has Lincoln’s Suspension Preview Technology which adjusts the suspension for upcoming road conditions, utilizing a forward camera scanning the road ahead.