There’s a reason why SUVs are so popular. They’re an attempt to blend everything you’d want from a car, whether it’s speed, safety, comfort, visibility, cargo space, or more — they do it all. From budget-friendly haulers and compact city runabouts to supercar-rivaling grocery-getters and luxe status symbols, there’s absolutely no shortage of options available.
With everyone making SUVs, from Honda to Lamborghini, such vast popularity inevitably means that some options slip under the radar. Here are five fantastic options for a luxury SUV that you may not know about.
Genesis GV80
Richer Than German Rivals For Less
The GV80 was the first SUV from Genesis, a more luxurious sub-brand of the Hyundai Motor Group. It matches the BMW X5 in size, but is cheaper, starting at $57,700. It’s also cheaper than an Audi Q7 or a Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class. This car truly caught these rivals off guard, because the low price did not mean the premium feel was missing; if anything, it’s better. It was partly the work of former Bentley designer Sangyup Lee. People will often think it’s a Bentley at first glance, and that is good for the ego.
The refreshed GV80 remains an overachiever. It’s still a great value and a good driver, but what it does best is use its carefully curated style to make you feel like you’ve bought something special.
– Alex Kwanten for TopSpeed
The interior is just as beautiful; it’s comfortable, simple, and beats anything similar on the market. However, as often with optional seven-seaters, there could be more space for the back seats. Performance-wise, the AWD GV80 has fast, light steering and is available with either a standard 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower or a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 with 375 horsepower — enough to get this heavy machine from zero to 60 MPH in 5.3 seconds, but with limited fuel economy at around 22 MPG. This car is an excellent early achievement from Genesis. Sure, it doesn’t have the household name of its rivals, but time will change that.
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Acura MDX Type S
Understated And Dependable
With its Honda engine and DNA, you already know that the Acura MDX Type S will have bulletproof reliability and build quality, just as its predecessors did. This model is the top-of-the-range version, with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, producing 355 horsepower and the ability to go from 0–60 mph in under six seconds. It also has subtly aggressive details such as red brake calipers and a big dual exhaust to let you know it means business. But the fundamental foundations are still there, building on the understated, well-proportioned seven-seat philosophy that makes this car an excellent all-rounder.
One area where the MDX Type S doesn’t mess about is in its build quality and general use of its cabin materials… There’s just a sense with this interior that the MDX Type S will last for a long time.
– William Clavey for TopSpeed
With an MRSP of $75,850, that may sound like a lot. But the MDX Type S is extremely well-equipped and cheaper than a BMW X7, even with all the options. The interior is very busy, though; there’s a large accumulation of shiny things all condensed on top of black plastic. However, those distinctive, red Acura seats are thick, supportive, and comfortable for all passengers. Speaking of comfort, that’s an absolute understatement for the ride, thanks to its smooth 10-speed automatic transmission and adaptive air suspension that allows it to glide over the roughest of roads. Those large Brembo brakes will stop you quickly, too, allowing you to confidently enjoy the sporty car at your disposal. It isn’t groundbreaking, but it pulls well enough for its size. Just watch your fuel gauge, as you’ll only be averaging 19 MPG.
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Volvo XC90 Recharge
A Plug-In Hybrid With Seven Seats
The Volvo XC90 has been around for 23 years now — and even the latest version, the XC90 Recharge, has been with us since 2016. There have been numerous tweaks and a facelift since then, but it’s always held the status as a major benchmark for modern rivals. This car offers a surprisingly rare combination: it’s a plug-in hybrid with the option of seven seats; it can cover 33 miles of all-electric range and achieve 58 MPG.
But make no mistake, the engine is still a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, and the combination of the two creates 523 pound-feet of torque and 455 horsepower, making the XC90 go from 0–60 mph in five seconds. But it does this in such a refined way, shifting seamlessly through its eight-speed automatic gearbox. Everything else is refined, too. In fact, this is probably the most sensible car on the list. It has the high safety element you’d expect from any Volvo, and the serene interior is well-thought-out for people who have families, even if the back seats are a bit too small.
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Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio
Alfa Performance With No Compromise
Alfa Romeo added their own flair to the SUV market and wanted to make the Stelvio Quadrifoglio the most driver-oriented one yet. That means being a rival to the Porsche Macan and the BMW X3 M, especially with a price tag starting at $87,965. But the Alfa has a twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 producing 505 horsepower, and is named after one of Europe’s greatest driving roads: The Stelvio Pass. It’s not just talk; it delivers on the expectation and beats its rivals, doing 0–60 mph in three seconds and going on to a top speed of 176 MPH.
Embracing the style to which Italians refer as sprezzatura, the Alfa’s interior design evokes a sense of effortless grace.
– Lyndon Conrad Bell, TopSpeed Journalist
Naturally, the expectation of an SUV is not to handle as well as a sedan, being taller and heavier — but the Stelvio Quadrifoglio handles exceptionally well in its own right and puts some sedans to shame. It has great stability, precise steering, and responsive brakes. But then, as an everyday car, it blends the sportiness with sophistication, albeit at the expense of fuel economy at 19 MPG (if your right foot behaves). And then around town, you’re simply in a comfortable SUV, feeling worlds away from its track capabilities; the interior is filled with luxurious elements while remaining understated. It may not be as spacious as its rivals, but Alfa Romeo has done their usual magic and has taken the concept of an SUV and given it a soul.
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Infiniti QX60
Brilliantly Valued Luxury
With a base price of $51,590 for the latest model, the QX60 is an excellent value for a luxurious seven-seat SUV — especially considering that this will already include leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel and front seats, a panoramic moonroof, a good infotainment system, and multiple driver assists. You’ll also have a range of upholstery options and generous cargo space, particularly if you put the small back seats down. Its Nissan roots show up in its broad practicality and excellent safety rating, but it feels much more luxurious.
Beautiful leather seats include diamond quilting and subtle contrast stitching that looks handcrafted but not fussy. It reminds you that design matters not because it impresses other people, but because it makes you feel good every time you get behind the wheel.
– Nicole Wakelin, TopSpeed Journalist
While the SUV trend is generally in favor of hybrids and turbochargers, the QX60 opts for an old-fashioned naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6. The resulting 295 horsepower doesn’t produce a thrilling driving experience, and the lack of turbo removes that low-rev punch and emphasizes the 4,393-pound weight. But a simplified engine means more sensible fuel economy, averaging 25 MPG. It’s fair to say the lack of performance could have resulted in a bigger emphasis on ride, but unfortunately, the suspension can be quite jittery. However, if you’re not fussed about driving performance, the QX60 is a great option for your whole family.
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Sources: The EPA