Regresar al GuidesBest Midsize Luxury SUVs and Crossovers for 2025
The luxury SUV has long been a part of American new car culture. More than 50 years since the Jeep Wagoneer introduced thick carpets to the truck category, nearly 40 years since the Range Rover arrived in the US, and 30 years since models such as the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator got into the game, the category has survived unpredictable fuel prices, economic conditions, and consumer demand. If you don’t want one, read another Autolist article—or drive your Miata.
Not that they haven’t evolved over the years. Some of the best luxury SUVs are still dedicated off-road vehicles. In contrast, others skew heavily towards the performance end of the spectrum, with little intent of ever seeing anything muddy—see models from Aston Martin, Ferrari, and, Lamborghini for details. Some prioritize passenger space with reasonably accommodating third-row seats.
There are also electric-only picks, several plug-in hybrids, and powerful four-, six, and eight-cylinder engines. Luxury usually comes with choice,s and Americans can’t get enough choices with SUVs.
Here are 10 of the best midsize luxury SUVs.
1. Acura MDX
2. Audi Q7
3. BMW X5
4. Cadillac Lyriq
5. Genesis GV80
6. Land Rover Range Rover Sport
7. Lexus GX
8. Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
9. Porsche Cayenne
10. Volvo XC90
1. Acura MDX
An early luxury three-row SUV, the Acura MDX is still immensely popular, and a template for most of its competitors. While Acura was two years later to the luxury SUV market than its arch-rival Lexus, with the RX, it one-upped it by offering a third-row seat, boosting capacity to seven passengers, and offering all-wheel drive (AWD) in a car that wasn’t a leather-lined minivan. And the rest is history.
Nearly 25 years later and in its fourth generation, the $53,000 Acura MDX received a mild facelift for the 2025 model year, although you’d be hard-pressed to know it from the still-sharp exterior. Still, there are useful upgrades for the overly complicated infotainment system and more sophisticated driver assistance systems that enhance what was already a high-value proposition among three-row luxury SUVs (or even against Honda’s own Pilot SUV).
The rest of the formula stays the same, with three rows accommodating either six or seven people, a high-quality interior, and a slick 290-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 and 10-speed automatic transmission. Those who insist the terms “performance” and “three-row SUV” belong together should look at the $70,000 MDX Type S, with its 355-horsepower turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 and sharper steering and suspension settings.
Browse Acura MDX listings here.
2. Audi Q7
Audi gave the decade-old second-generation Q7 a new lease on life for 2025 with a comprehensive refresh. It was a no-brainer, because it’s still one of the brand’s most popular models and holds its own against newer luxury SUVs. For 2025, the Q7 received a round of light exterior changes and some infotainment upgrades, but that only enhanced an aready attractive package.
The rest of the formula stayed the same, and that’s no bad thing. Either of the Q7’s engines—the 261-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder or the 335-horsepower mild-hybrid 3.0-liter V6—are powerful enough to haul the hefty seven-seater around, even with a full load. The interior is well appointed for a car costing between $62,000 and $80,000, with large, clear driver information and infotainment displays, although the controls keep getting more complicated.
All Q7s have three rows of seats, but the rearmost pair is cramped, even by the low standards of this class, and there’s precious little cargo space behind them. That makes less sense when primary rivals such as the MDX and the Volvo XC90 occupy the same or less space on the road and are more accommodating. However, Audi’s materials quality and standard quattro all-wheel drive system justify fawning over the Q7’s aesthetics.
3. BMW X5
Another pioneer among midsize luxury SUVs, the BMW X5 celebrates its 25th birthday in 2025, and has perhaps never been better at its game. A long list of excellent engines and a relatively comprehensive standard equipment roster continue to make the X5 desirable. It almost makes its $67,000 starting price look like a bargain.
Since the larger now X7 serves as BMW’s three-row SUV, every US-bound X5 is strictly a five-seater—which is no bad thing, because the old third-row was useless, even for kids. Five people can sit very comfortably in the X5, and there’s a generous amount of cargo space. That’s especially appreciated when the interior is so lovely, with acoustic glass, lots of soft-touch materials, a swathe of screens, and (mostly) easy-to-use tech features.
While there’s the potent 375-horsepower, turbocharged six-cylinder and the Berzerk 523-horsepower twin-turbo V8, the sweet spot is the xDrive50e plug-in hybrid (PHEV), which pairs electric motors to the six-cylinder gasoline engine for 483 horsepower and an estimated 38-mile electric-only range, according to the EPA. Apart from the full M performance version, the X5 isn’t exactly a sports SUV, but it does so much well that it feels entirely worth its lofty price.
4. Cadillac Lyriq
Cadillac is in the middle of electrifying everything from its smallest SUVs to the prestigious Celestiq luxury sedan. The Lyriq was its first all-electric vehicle and, after a slow start, is now a strong-selling luxury SUV in its own right. And it doesn’t take a stretch of the imagination to see that electric power suits the Cadillac image pretty well, especially wrapped in the Lyriq’s striking styling.
The 500-horsepower, dual-motor all-wheel drive variant is swift, even if it isn’t the lightning bolt many EVs unnecessarily are, and the Lyriq maintains its composure on most roads without being overtly sporty or firm, even on relatively large tires. An estimated 307-to-314 miles of range is still reasonably good among the latest EVs, and doing a couple of hundred miles on a trip is helped by the widespread availability of the Super Cruise advanced driver assistance system that fared well against Tesla’s equivalent in a recent safety test. Better still, the interior is stylish and spacious.
The single-motor, rear-wheel drive version isn’t that quick, and unlike Cadillac’s sedans, the Lyriq lacks much of a sporting gene. While there are other luxury SUV EVs out now and plenty more coming, the Lyriq has settled into a pragmatic zone.
Browse Cadillac Lyriq listings here.
5. Genesis GV80
It’s hard to believe Genesis hasn’t even been a standalone brand in the US for a decade, but Hyundai’s luxury arm has been turning out striking designs such as the GV80 for several years, and these designs surround extremely accomplished vehicles that cover nearly every base well. For 2025, the GV80 received a light round of nips and tucks, marked mostly by a 27-inch digital gauge cluster and a touchscreen that only makes it more stunning.
The base 300-horsepower, turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder is all you're likely need, but the optional 375-horsepower, twin-turbo V6 is hard to pass up if upir budget stretches (GV80s run from $60,000 to $80,000). Even though the Genesis isolates occupants very well, it doesn’t rely on a plush ride to get by. Instead, it’s more engaging than most Lexus models and more forgiving than a Porsche.
Available only with the V6, the third-row seat is tight, even for kids, and robs all the cargo space when it’s in use. Given that Genesis offers excellent EV versions of the compact Genesis GV70 SUV and the midsize G80 sedan, the lack of hybrid or electric propulsion on the GV80 after five years is a glaring omission. You might still have people asking what a Genesis is or why you bought one, but just looking at it should justify the purchase.
Browse Genesis GV80 listings here.
6. Land Rover Range Rover Sport
Drop the name “Range Rover” and it impresses slightly more than BMW or Mercedes-Benz, even though the Range Rover lineup comprises several vehicles over a vast price range. It’s cast more into the leagues of Bentley and Rolls-Royce in the automotive pecking order, which is why anything with the nameplate draws attention. However, the sweet spot of the range is the Range Rover Sport, which is stylish and substantial and costs less than than the real deal.
That's not to say the Range Rover Sport isn’t the real deal on its own. The Sport manages has a well-appointed interior and a commanding driving position, with better on-road manners that don’t diminish its off-road skills for occasional use. The 355-horsepower turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine is smooth and potent, although it can be boosted to 395 horsepower in the P400 SE Dynamic, and there’s even a plug-in hybrid with 542 horsepower.
An $80,000 to $120,000 price range ($182,000 if you include the limited-run SV Edition Two) is daunting compared to a Q7 or X5, for example. The controls can still be maddening and there could be some inadequacy issues pulling up to the service department next to the full-size Range Rover. There shouldn’t be, though, because the Sport is the pick of the lineup given its enhanced handling prowess and still-opulent appointments, and it remains an excellent example of a well-rounded luxury SUV.
Browse Land Rover Range Rover Sport listings here.
7. Lexus GX
The latest Lexus GX would look like a Land Rover Defender if Land Rover hadn’t just updated it. With its very square edges and blunt front end, it’s what someone would draw if they drew a midsize SUV in 1985 instead of 2025. That’s far from a bad thing, because the GX blends timeless off-road practicality with modern Lexus luxury.
As many as seven people can climb into the GX and feel removed from the typical luxury crossover SUVs with its higher seating position and little pretense of style for style’s sake. While it looks a lot like the equally rugged Toyota Land Cruiser (they’re related), the traditional Lexus touches are everywhere, including high-grade leather upholstery, solid controls, and a hushed interior. The 349-horsepower, 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 is powerful and rated to tow as much as 9,000 pounds when properly equipped.
For between $65,000 and $82,000, some parts of the GX are perhaps too utilitarian for traditional Lexus buyers and even former Land Rover customers, while the highly-capable Overtrail off-road models are likely overkill for those who just want to look outdoorsy (they’re also strict five-seaters). Stick with the standard models, though, and the Lexus GX is a seriously refined vehicle that can do just about anything, including looking good in front of the ski lodge.
Browse Lexus GX listings here.
8. Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
The Mercedes GLE can trace its roots back to the 1998 M-Class, another pioneer for luxury SUVs. These days, the GLE-Class covers as wide of a range as the E-Class sedan, another Mercedes-Benz mainstay. That means there’s an engine, appearance package, and color scheme for pretty much every taste.
There’s a turbocharged four-cylinder, a PHEV, turbo six-cylinders, and a grandiose twin-turbo V8 before you reach the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 and GLE 63 S performance models. As enticing as they are, the GLE is best in comfort-oriented, $63,000 GLE 350 and slightly more expensive GLE 450 versions, because they allow the driver and passengers to enjoy the comfortable ride (even without the optional Airmatic air suspension) and appreciate options such as heated armrests and a Burmester sound system.
The MBUX infotainment system, while much improved, can still test anyone’s patience and the optional third-row seat is nearly a joke, and should be avoided even if you can’t step up to the fully seven-seat GLS-Class. As alluring as the AMG packages are, the GLE does comfort really well.
Browse Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class listings here.
9. Porsche Cayenne
More than two decades after its controversial debut, it’s hard to imagine a 21st-century Porsche lineup without the Cayenne. It’s usually the company’s best-selling model, remains a staple in affluent communities and, even in this third-generation model’s twilight years, is still both an accomplished luxury car and performance SUV.
The Cayenne lineup has long been unwieldy (even before including the more expensive and cramped Cayenne Coupe), but a GTS model joined the roster for 2025, offering 493 horsepower from its 4.0-liter, twin-turbo V8. For several years, the Cayenne has also been sold as a plug-in hybrid, though not so much as a fuel economy ploy. Roughly 20 miles of electric-only range on the E-Hybrid and S E-Hybrid models isn’t much to brag about, but these powertrains use the electric thrust well and seamlessly with the turbocharged V6.
Interior quality has consistently improved, and the Cayenne feels every bit worth the $87,000 starting price (and being a Porsche, it’ll be easy to exceed $150,000). Technology from the Taycan EV has filtered in over the years and, somehow, the car shrinks around the driver and provides a more Porsche-like driving experience than its exterior suggests. The Cayenne will never be the last word in off-road capability or interior space, but even though it shares pieces with the ultra-luxurious Bentley Bentayga, it arguably offers a better blend of performance and luxury.
Browse Porsche Cayenne listings here.
10. Volvo XC90
The second-generation Volvo XC90 is that proof things can improve with age. Consistent refinement over a decade, and a robust base on which to build, have kept this luxury three-row SUV competitive, especially with a strong PHEV option. Comprehensive safety features, stellar driver assistance systems, and a Top Safety Pick+ ranking from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety continue to make it one of the best three-row luxury SUVs available.
Every model gets three rows of seats, with a choice of second-row captain’s chairs or a split bench for up to six or seven passengers. There's a choice of 2.0-liter, turbocharged, 48-volt mild hybrid engines with either 247 or 295 horsepower, or the plug-in hybrid with 455 horsepower and up to 33 miles of electric-only range. That bests even a Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, the only other three-row PHEV on sale now.
The $60,000 XC90 is so strong that its electric-only replacement, the Volvo EX90, is already available, but the automaker decided to keep the XC90 on sale. A heavily revised version will arrive by spring 2025, with fresh styling and technology, but the current model is still a wise buy as a mild hybrid or PHEV—and healthy end-of-line discounts don’t hurt.
