Best Compact Luxury SUVs of 2025 & 2026

by Carter MacLeod |
2025 GV70
2025 GV70 / Credit: Genesis

Compact luxury SUVs are a step up from subcompact luxury SUVs. While they're not quite the cheapest luxury SUVs you can buy, compact luxury crossovers are still a great entrypoint into the luxury class, with nicer materials and slightly more space. Upgraded features can make compact luxury SUVs quite powerful and feature-laden, but they can also quickly drive up the price into midsize, and even full-size, luxury SUV territory.

We have ranked every new model available right now. The top-ranked compact luxury crossovers offer the best performance, comfort, and quality for the money. If you like a particular model, you can click the links below it to read a full review, or go straight to our car listings page and see inventory near you. Below, we rank every new luxury compact SUV.

Related: Best Subcompact Luxury SUVs

How We Rank Vehicles


1. 2026 Genesis GV70

2026 Genesis GV70
2026 Genesis GV70 / Credit: Genesis
  • Carfax Expert Rating: 9.5 out of 10

  • Price: $48,985

  • Pros: Deluxe cabin, relaxed ride, stout engines

  • Cons: Firm seats, touchscreen isn’t ergonomically placed

The Genesis GV70 stands out in the compact class that’s dominated by European options with svelte styling, athletic performance, and refined on-road characteristics. It undercuts a lot of the competition while being loaded with features. Although it’s a leader, it has tight rear seats and limited cargo capacity.

Genesis GV70 ReviewGenesis GV70 For Sale


2. 2026 Lexus NX

2026 Lexus NX
2026 Lexus NX / Credit: Lexus
  • Carfax Expert Rating: 7.9 out of 10

  • Price:$46,120

  • Pros: Excellent fuel economy, plenty of standard features, premium cabin

  • Cons: Underwhelming base engine, rivals have more cargo room

Against its European rivals, the Lexus NX checks a lot of the right boxes for a compact SUV. With fuel-efficient engines, a premium cabin, and a lengthy list of standard features, the NX is a great daily driver. The Genesis GV70 and BMW X3 are more exciting SUVs.

Lexus NX ReviewLexus NX For Sale


3. 2025 Acura RDX

2025 Acura RDX
2025 Acura RDX / Credit: Acura
  • Carfax Expert Rating: 7.7 out of 10

  • Price: $44,700

  • Pros: Enjoyable handling, spacious cabin, lengthy list of standard features, value-packed pricing

  • Cons: Not as powerful as rivals, subpar fuel economy, competitors have more upscale cabins, unintuitive touchpad infotainment system

The Acura RDX doesn’t have the same brand cache as its competitors, but it's a value-forward compact SUV that comes well-equipped. It delivers an engaging experience with sporty handling and a roomy cabin. Although it’s a competent daily driver, it’s not as upscale as rivals and has unintuitive tech features.

Acura RDX ReviewAcura RDX For Sale


4. 2026 Volvo XC60

2026 Volvo XC60
2026 Volvo XC60 / Credit: Volvo
  • Carfax Expert Rating: 7.7 out of 10

  • Price: $50,995

  • Pros: Powerful engine, smooth gear shifts, high-end cabin, generous cargo room

  • Cons: Vertical infotainment screen leads to small buttons, EV-only range is limited to about 35 miles, pricey for what buyers get, firm ride for a luxury SUV

The Volvo XC60 isn’t as sporty as other compact luxury SUVs, but it’s an eccentric take on a compact SUV. Elegant Scandinavian styling and an available plug-in hybrid engine are standout qualities while a harsh ride and a small cargo area stop the XC60 from being a top choice.

Volvo XC60 ReviewVolvo XC60 For Sale


5. 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC
2026 Mercedes GLC / Credit: Mercedes
  • Carfax Expert Rating: 7.6 out of 10

  • Price: $49,550

  • Pros: Stout and diverse powertrains, supple handling, premium cabin

  • Cons: Rivals cost less, competitors offer more standard equipment

A leader in the compact segment, the Mercedes-Benz GLC trades performance for comfort, luxury, and technology. The GLC doesn’t have the same sporty driving dynamics as the Porsche Macan, but still offers peppy acceleration. Quiet and smooth on the road, the GLC is a plush daily driver.

Mercedes-Benz GLC ReviewMercedes-Benz GLC For Sale


6. 2026 BMW X3

2025 BMW X3
2026 BMW X3 / Credit: BMW
  • Carfax Expert Rating: 7.5 out of 10

  • Price: $50,900

  • Pros: Punchy and efficient engines, balanced handling, high-tech features

  • Cons: Poor value, missing some standard features, tricky infotainment controls

Fully redesigned for 2025, the BMW X3 asserts its position as a leader in the compact class with cutting-edge tech, powerful engines, a comfortable ride, and responsive handling. The X3 is a pleasant daily driver, but doesn’t have the same premium design and intuitive tech features as the Genesis GV70.

BMW X3 ReviewBMW X3 For Sale


7. 2025 Audi Q5

Audi Q5
2025 Audi Q5 / Credit: Audi
  • Carfax Expert Rating: 7.4 out of 10

  • Price: $52,300

  • Pros: Premium and well-built interior, multiple available engines, smooth ride quality

  • Cons: Underpowered base engine, confusing lineup, rivals have sportier handling, pricey

The Q5 lineup is confusing for 2025: Audi is selling the redesigned Q5, which it's calling the "All-New Q5," alongside the previous-generation model. The "All-New Q5" is an improvement over the old one, with more standard power. However, it's also much more expensive. Apart from that, the Audi Q5 is a competent compact luxury SUV but trails leaders like the BMW X3. It’s quiet, comfortable, well-equipped, making it a good daily driver.

Audi Q5 ReviewAudi Q5 For Sale


8. 2025 BMW X4

2025 BMW X4
2025 BMW X4 / Credit: BMW
  • Carfax Expert Rating: 7.4 out of 10

  • Price: $55,300

  • Pros: Aggressive exterior styling, engaging handling, powerful turbocharged engines, relatively fuel efficient

  • Cons: Firm ride quality, cramped rear headroom, limited cargo capacity, rivals have more standard features

With coupe-inspired styling, the BMW X4 is a sportier take on a compact SUV than the X3. The X4 backs up its sporty design with dynamic engines and athletic handling. Its design results in less passenger space and cargo capacity over the X3, while bringing a higher starting price.

BMW X4 ReviewBMW X4 For Sale


9. 2026 Porsche Macan

2022 Porsche Macan
2026 Porsche Macan / Credit: Porsche
  • Carfax Expert Rating: 7.4 out of 10

  • Price: $64,600

  • Pros: Keen performance, plush cabin, gas-only and all-electric variants

  • Cons: One of the most expensive picks in its class, less cargo space than rivals, competing SUVs have more backseat legroom

Porsche may be known for its sports cars, but its best-selling vehicle over the past few years has been the Macan. The Macan isn’t the most versatile SUV, as it has tight rear seats and a small cargo area, but it offers an engaging chassis and thrilling engines.

Porsche Macan ReviewPorsche Macan For Sale


10. 2025 Jaguar F-Pace

2025 Jaguar F-Pace P400 R-Dynamic S
2025 Jaguar F-Pace P400 R-Dynamic S / Credit: Jaguar
  • Carfax Expert Rating: 5.8 out of 10

  • Price: $57,000

  • Pros: Stout engines, engaging handling, roomy and plush cabin

  • Cons: Rivals get better gas mileage, among the most expensive SUVs in its class

This Jaguar’s stout engines make it a standout. The base engine is impressive on its own, but the top V8 takes this SUV from a standstill to 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds. The F-Pace’s handling is agile and entertaining, making it an enjoyable choice for daily driving – as does its roomy, plush cabin. However, its high price and poor fuel economy make it one of the most expensive vehicles in its class.

Jaguar F-Pace ReviewJaguar F-Pace For Sale


11. 2025 Infiniti QX50

2025 Infiniti QX50
2025 Infiniti QX50 / Credit: Infiniti
  • Carfax Expert Rating: 5.6 out of 10

  • Price: $43,000

  • Pros: Solid cargo space, roomy and stylish cabin, one of the most affordable picks in its class

  • Cons: Unrefined CVT, rivals have more intuitive infotainment systems

The Infiniti QX50 fails to be a competitive choice in the competitive compact segment. The QX50 is spacious, offers good value, and remains quiet at highway speeds, but its rivals have better performance, fuel economy, and refinement. SUVs like the Genesis GV70 are more well-rounded.

Infiniti QX50 ReviewInfiniti QX50 For Sale


12. 2025 Infiniti QX55

2025 Infiniti QX55
2025 Infiniti QX55 / Credit: Infiniti
  • Carfax Expert Rating: 5.4 out of 10

  • Price: $50,150

  • Pros: Many standard features, relatively spacious, sleek sheet metal

  • Cons: Unrefined CVT, firm ride

Based on the Infiniti QX50, the QX55 has a sportier, coupe-inspired design. Trading interior space for looks, the QX55 attempts to be a sporty compact SUV but is let down by poor engine performance and dull handling. The Porsche Macan is pricier but delivers sports car performance.

Infiniti QX55 ReviewInfiniti QX55 For Sale


13. 2025 Lincoln Corsair

2025 Lincoln Corsair
2025 Lincoln Corsair / Credit: Lincoln
  • Carfax Expert Rating: 5.3 out of 10

  • Price: $39,735

  • Pros: Cushioned ride, peppy acceleration, many standard features

  • Cons: Rivals have sportier handling, sloping roofline minimizes rear headroom

The Lincoln Corsair’s plush ride and luxurious interior mask the fact that it’s based on the Ford Escape. The SUV has an efficient plug-in hybrid powertrain and a generously sized cargo area. European SUVs have more passenger space, power, and refined road manners.

Lincoln Corsair ReviewLincoln Corsair For Sale


14. 2026 Range Rover Velar

2025 Range Rover Velar
2025 Range Rover Velar / Credit: Land Rover
  • Carfax Expert Rating: 5.3 out of 10

  • Price: $61,600

  • Pros: Handsome cabin, strong optional engines, decent off-road capability

  • Cons: Underwhelming base engine, costs more than some rivals

Despite its chic exterior styling, the Land Rover Range Rover Velar has solid off-roading capability. Drivers who don’t venture off road will find the Velar’s upscale interior isn’t enough to compete with its rivals. Competitors have better performance, simpler interior controls, smoother rides, and more affordable price tags.

Land Rover Range Rover Velar ReviewLand Rover Range Rover Velar For Sale


15. 2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport

2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport
2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport / Credit: Land Rover
  • Carfax Expert Rating: 4.9 out of 10

  • Price: $49,900

  • Pros: Outstanding off-road capabilities, available three-row seating, ample cargo capacity

  • Cons: Mediocre engine, below-average fuel economy

The entry-level SUV from Land Rover, the Discovery Sport has above-average off-roading capability and is one of the few options in the compact class to have an available third row. Poor fuel economy, an underpowered engine, and unrefined on-road manners put the SUV behind the pack.

Land Rover Discovery Sport ReviewLand Rover Discovery Sport For Sale


16. 2025 Maserati Grecale

2023 Maserati Grecale Trofeo
2023 Maserati Grecale / Credit: Maserati
  • Carfax Expert Rating: 4.8 out of 10

  • Price: $77,900

  • Pros: Lots of standard equipment, poised ride, energetic engines

  • Cons: Steep price, underwhelming cabin

The smallest and cheapest Maserati, the Grecale brings a hefty dose of style and performance to the compact segment. Despite its aggressive design, the Grecale is surprisingly comfortable. The SUV is pricey, has an unrefined base engine, and doesn’t excite in the same way as the Porsche Macan.

Maserati Grecale ReviewMaserati Grecale For Sale


17. 2025 Cadillac XT5

2025 Cadillac XT5
2025 Cadillac XT5 / Photo credit: Cadillac
  • Carfax Expert Rating: 4.6 out of 10

  • Price: $44,295

  • Pros: Spacious cabin, impressive fuel efficiency, lots of standard equipment

  • Cons: Competing SUVs have more polished handling, rivals have more upscale interiors

The Cadillac XT5 is a roomy compact SUV with a spacious cabin and a large cargo area but trails in other areas. The SUV’s dated tech features and poor engine performance put it well behind rivals like the BMW X3 and Genesis GV70, which deliver a more well-rounded experience.

Cadillac XT5 ReviewCadillac XT5 For Sale


18. 2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio

2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio
2025 Stelvio / Credit: Alfa Romeo
  • Carfax Expert Rating: 3.9 out of 10

  • Price: $48,995

  • Pros: Precise handling, dynamic turbo engine, well-equipped trims, stylish exterior design

  • Cons: Tight backseat, below-average cargo capacity, poor interior quality, missing a high-performance trim

Trading interior quality and space for performance, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio is a sporty SUV that will appeal to enthusiasts. With precise handling, accurate steering, and punchy engines, the Stelvio is a driver's car. Its small cargo area and cramped cabin make it impractical.

Alfa Romeo Stelvio ReviewAlfa Romeo Stelvio For Sale


Vehicle prices may vary based on location and market conditions. Please contact your local dealer for the most up-to-date pricing.

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