Demanding and discerning drivers expect more from their vehicles than ever before. Couple this with most advancements in automotive development coming in the form of electronics, technology, and connectivity, and you’ve got a recipe for mainstream vehicles to feel more luxurious than ever before. Most modern SUVs include advanced safety features, instant connectivity, and the latest in technological developments at every price point. Sure, this has caused the base price of most vehicles to increase over the past few years, but that’s expected, given that starting models are no longer as bare-bones as they used to be.
Luxury isn’t defined the same way for every driver. While one person might enjoy the comforts of well-bolstered seats, leather upholstery, and contrasting colors, another could lean more toward connectivity, tech features, and convenience items. Regardless, these modern SUVs have you covered with excellent materials, comfortable seating, advanced technology, and attractive styling.
2026 Ford Explorer
Base MSRP: $40,260
The 2026 Ford Explorer might be thought of as a typical mainstream midsize SUV, but there’s nothing truly typical about it. It offers features most shoppers associate with luxury brands, but at a much more affordable price. Some of these items include leather upholstery, multicontour massaging seats, and multicolor ambient lighting. It’s easy to see how Ford has leaned into the “premium interior” angle of the Explorer, making it much more enjoyable to drive than previous Explorers. The Explorer continues to be an impressive option with a strong engine lineup for quick acceleration, impressive handling, and a full range of tech and driver-assist features for those who lean into the tech vibe of luxury expectations. The Tremor off-road trim is new for 2026, but it’s hardly a luxury version and is made for tackling rough trails.
Two Spacious Rows And Plenty Of Tech
Three rows of seats occupy the Ford Explorer’s cabin area, with comfortable seating and spaciousness in the first two rows. Like many three-row midsize SUVs, the Explorer doesn’t offer much comfort for passengers in the rearmost row, but having three rows of seats offers desirable flexibility in the cabin. In addition to the comfort and spaciousness it offers, Ford equipped the Explorer lineup with excellent technology features, including a 13.2-inch infotainment touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital driver display, and wireless connectivity. The Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ provides drivers with a comprehensive package of advanced safety features, and the BlueCruise feature, available on the ST-Line trim and higher, is an excellent hands-free driving system to make highway driving more relaxing.
The SUV That Delivers Mercedes-Level Luxury Without The Price Tag
This Japanese SUV is an underrated premium deal.
2026 Hyundai Palisade
Base MSRP: $39,435
If the brand badging was removed from the 2026 Hyundai Palisade, you’d swear it belonged to a luxury automaker, such as Genesis. That would make perfect sense since Genesis is part of the Hyundai brand family, but the Palisade is one of the most luxurious SUVs you can find without the added cost of the luxury brand name. For the 2026 model year, it received a second-generation upgrade, adding fresh design styling with boxier lines, a wide silver D-pillar, and improved tech features. The premium cabin materials rival those of high-end German brands, especially at the top Calligraphy trim, which could be the entry point for some drivers into the Genesis brand. The 2026 Hyundai Palisade has a longer wheelbase and larger exterior dimensions than its predecessor, enhancing cabin comfort.
A Step Above From Hyundai
The Palisade debuted in 2020, sharing a platform with the Kia Telluride. Despite Telluride’s popularity, the Palisade has established itself as a higher-quality model than its corporate cousin, similar to the relationship between Chevrolet and Buick. For 2026, the Palisade received a hybrid powertrain and a completely redesigned cabin, making the interior more upscale than before. The new hybrid model gives the Palisade more power and improved fuel efficiency, a win-win for those seeking this combination. The hybrid powertrain uses a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and two electric motors to produce 329 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. This is good enough to return 29 city/30 highway MPG, which is impressive for a three-row midsize SUV.
2026 Nissan Pathfinder
Base MSRP: $37,500
Most drivers might not expect to find the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder on a list of SUVs with luxury features, but it’s a good sleeper for this list. It can be made with premium materials and has an upscale feel due to its mature, polished, and family-friendly nature. The Pathfinder has a spacious three-row interior, which is rare in the three-row midsize SUV class. It’s much more refined than drivers expect and offers the upscale features they desire without the luxury-brand ownership costs. The benefit of a quiet cabin is admirable in the Pathfinder, which also includes an attractive exterior and one of the best tow ratings in the class, making it a versatile choice for families looking for an SUV that checks all the boxes.
Going Upscale With A Refresh
Although the previous model year had many high-end features and excellent tech, Nissan took things to a new level for 2026. The Pathfinder was updated with an upgraded grille and bumpers, higher-end lighting, and more attractive wheels. The cabin received some premium touches as well, with a new 12.3-inch infotainment screen, a more powerful wireless charging pad, and improved materials on the Platinum trim. If convenience features are important, the Latch and Glide second-row seats will impress you. They fold and slide with a single touch, providing easy access to the third row and making the Pathfinder a great choice for large families on the go. The ProPILOT Assist system allows drivers to enjoy some hands-free driving on highways, making road trips much easier.
The Crossover That Delivers BMW Performance At Honda Prices
The Mazda CX-5 delivers BMW-like driving excitement at Honda-level prices, making it one of the most rewarding compact SUVs in its segment.
2026 Mazda CX-50
Base MSRP: $29,900
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 might be the most obvious choice of an SUV with luxury features without the luxury price. Mazda is well-known for its stylish designs and premium materials, both of which are included in the CX-50. This is another SUV that could easily belong to a luxury brand if the badges were removed. The cabin design, seating, road manners, and attractive styling are just the starting point of the high-end feeling found in this Mazda SUV. Toss in the impressive road manners and amazing acceleration, and you’ve got an SUV that does more than simply feel luxurious; it also feels fun and active, making every drive enjoyable. The turbocharged engine’s delightful power makes it easy to move through traffic, but the base engine isn’t a slouch, ensuring a pleasurable driving experience regardless of powertrain choice.
Blending Adventurous Attitude With Premium Flair
Technology is a major factor in making the Mazda CX-50 feel more upscale on the road. The premium materials and cabin styling get things started, but the standard i-Activ AWD system is designed to predict wheelspin and respond, ensuring power to the wheels that need it most. This feature makes it much easier to drive through foul weather. Mazda also includes a full array of driver-assistance technologies and an available head-up display, which aren’t offered on many vehicles in the CX-50’s class. This color display is projected onto the windshield, just below the driver’s line of sight, making it easier to keep your eyes on the road.
2027 Kia Seltos
Base MSRP: TBA (2026 MY MSRP: $23,790)
The popularity and admiration for the Kia Telluride led to a smaller, two-row version called the Seltos. For the 2027 model year, the Kia Seltos, which is still fairly new on the market, receives a full makeover and the addition of a hybrid powertrain. This little Kia SUV is seen as the baby Telluride and is a fantastic option for drivers looking for the qualities of the larger Kia SUV, without the third row of seats or the size. Pricing for the 2027 model hasn’t been revealed yet, but it will be more expensive than the non-hybrid variants. The 2026 Seltos starts at $23,790.
New Styling And Power
Despite entering the market only a few years ago, the Seltos receives a new boxy, upright style that harkens back to the look of the Sportage and Telluride models. This new version is larger than the 2026 model, with a wheelbase 2.4 inches longer than its predecessor. This translates to more interior room for passengers and cargo. The new hybrid powertrain will feature a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and two electric motors. The 2027 Seltos features a Star Map lighting signature, seen in the Kia EV9, animated welcome lighting, and flush door handles. Drivers can also enjoy the Generative AI digital assistant, a Harman Kardon audio system available, a standard 12.3-inch infotainment screen, and a squared-off steering wheel, which adds a bit of a sporty feel to this small Kia SUV.
Sources: The EPA, Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book