9 Best Luxury Compact SUVs in 2017: Photos and Details

Check Out U.S. News’ Top-Scoring Luxury Compact SUVs

If you’re in the market for a luxury compact SUV, there are many options to choose from, and the list has grown. According to automotive critics, many of these vehicles are stellar choices. Some offer sports-car-like performance, and most have a healthy list of standard features, including the latest in safety and infotainment technology.

Choosing the best vehicle is a major decision, which is especially true when you’ve decided to put up the extra cash for a luxury SUV. In order to assure that you get the most for your money and that your vehicle choice fits your priorities, we’ve compiled this list of the best luxury compact SUVs. We calculate all scores based on expert reviews, crash test data, predicted reliability ratings, and other pertinent research.

It’s important to note that we update the scores on our site on a regular basis. For this reason, the scores mentioned in this slideshow may not match the scores in our reviews.

Read through the following slides to learn about the best luxury compact SUVs available today.

• See 2018 Audi Q5 Photos
• Find 2018 Audi Q5 For Sale
• Read the 2018 Audi Q5 Full Review
• See Rankings

9) 2017 Lexus NX

U.S. News Score: 8.4/10 | $35,085

The Lexus NX costs less than many competitors and it offers good long-term value. It’s no surprise that it’s the winner of our 2017 Best Luxury Compact SUV for the Money award. It provides plenty of space and comfort for passengers in its upscale cabin. The NX also earns high safety and predicted reliability ratings, and it returns competitive gas mileage. Lexus added standard smartphone app navigation for the 2017 model year.

• See 2017 Lexus NX Photos
• Find 2017 Lexus NX For Sale
• Read the 2017 Lexus NX Full Review
• See Rankings

7) (Tie) 2017 Lincoln MKC

U.S. News Score: 8.5/10 | $32,880

The Lincoln MKC is the least expensive vehicle in the luxury compact SUV class. Despite its low price, it comes with a long list of standard features, including a power liftgate and an intuitive infotainment system, which now includes standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The MKC provides a cushioned ride in its quiet, stylish interior. According to J.D. Power, it earns a high predicted reliability rating.

• See 2017 Lincoln MKC Photos
• Find 2017 Lincoln MKC For Sale
• Read the 2017 Lincoln MKC Full Review
• See Rankings

7) (Tie) 2018 Acura RDX

U.S. News Score: 8.5/10 | $35,800

The Acura RDX offers spacious seating in both rows and more cargo space than almost all luxury compact SUVs. Its quality cabin provides noticeable comfort and a quiet ride. It fares very well in crash tests and comes with an appealing list of available active safety technology, like collision mitigation braking. The RDX offers substantial value, which makes it a top choice for families looking to step up to a luxury compact SUV.

• See 2018 Acura RDX Photos
• Find 2018 Acura RDX For Sale
• Read the 2018 Acura RDX Full Review
• See Rankings

4) (Tie) 2018 Volvo XC60

U.S. News Score: 8.7/10 | $41,500

Volvo took all the right steps with the fully redesigned XC60, pushing it toward the top of the class. It comes with more standard and available safety features than most rivals and boasts a sizable towing rating. Additionally, the XC60 provides substantial cargo capacity. Rounding out its desirable attributes are a state-of-the-art infotainment system, spacious second-row seats, a coddling ride, and peppy engine options. You can even get it with self-driving features and as a new plug-in hybrid variant.

• See 2018 Volvo XC60 Photos
• Find 2018 Volvo XC60 For Sale
• Read the 2018 Volvo XC60 Full Review
• See Rankings

4) (Tie) 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC

U.S. News Score: 8.7/10 | $39,150

The Mercedes-Benz GLC is arguably one of the most refined vehicles in the luxury compact SUV class. It offers a comfortable, handsome interior, which is wrought with high-quality materials. The GLC comes stocked with standard safety features, including a driver drowsiness monitor, crosswind assist, and collision prevention assist plus. It features an adaptive air suspension, which makes for a supple ride. The GLC earns a high predicted reliability rating.

• See 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Photos
• Find 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class For Sale
• Read the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Full Review
• See Rankings

4) (Tie) 2017 BMW X3

U.S. News Score: 8.7/10 | $39,250

If you crave a luxury compact SUV with sporty handling and robust engine options, the BMW X3 is sure to please. It features a top-notch cabin with loads of room for passengers and cargo, earns high marks for safety and reliability, and returns excellent fuel economy. The X3 is the 2017 winner of U.S. News’ Best Luxury Compact SUV for Families award.

• See 2017 BMW X3 Photos
• Find 2017 BMW X3 For Sale
• Read the 2017 BMW X3 Full Review
• See Rankings

3) 2017 Jaguar F-Pace

U.S. News Score: 8.8/10 | $41,990

The F-Pace is Jaguar’s first SUV, although the automaker markets it as a performance crossover. Aside from its sports-car-like performance, it provides plenty of function, with its spacious interior and cavernous cargo capacity. The F-Pace does an impeccable job on slippery roads and can even handle some light off-roading. It costs more than many other vehicles in the class, but you’re not just paying for the Jaguar moniker. The F-Pace delivers a lot of value for your money.

• See 2017 Jaguar F-Pace Photos
• Find 2017 Jaguar F-Pace For Sale
• Read the 2017 Jaguar F-Pace Full Review
• See Rankings

2) 2018 Porsche Macan

U.S. News Score: 8.9/10 | $47,800

If you aim to splurge on a luxury compact SUV, the Porsche Macan will pay you back with its unparalleled performance. It’s one of the most athletic SUVs on the market, with standard all-wheel drive, incredibly nimble handling, and four potent engine options. It features an exquisite cabin with plenty of room up front, ample rear-seat space, and a wealth of standard features, including an intuitive infotainment system.

• See 2018 Porsche Macan Photos
• Find 2018 Porsche Macan For Sale
• Read the 2018 Porsche Macan Full Review
• See Rankings

1) 2018 Audi Q5

U.S. News Score: 9.4/10 | $41,500

The completely redesigned Audi Q5 comes with an improved base engine, new active safety features, and an updated, easier-to-use infotainment system. The new model is also slightly more fuel-efficient than its predecessor. The Q5 costs a bit more than competing models, but its merits justify the extra cash. Its decadent cabin fits four adults with ease, and there’s adequate room for cargo. The Q5 also combines agile driving dynamics with a smooth, quiet ride.

• See 2018 Audi Q5 Photos
• Find 2018 Audi Q5 For Sale
• Read the 2018 Audi Q5 Full Review
• See Rankings

More Shopping Tools From U.S. News & World Report

Did any of these top-scoring luxury compact SUVs suit you? Visit our new car rankings to check out how these vehicles compare to competitors’ models. Take a look at our best lease deals and financing deals pages, where we’ve made a list of all the best incentives manufacturers are currently offering.

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