2017 Infiniti QX30
Base MSRP: $29,950 (Details Below)
The 2017 Infiniti QX30 is the least expensive luxury subcompact SUV in our rankings, making it a good choice for buyers who want to stretch their budget dollar into entry-level luxury.
The base trim comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with 208 horsepower. It’s zippy enough to make driving around town fun, rather than a chore. The seven-speed automated manual transmission doesn’t always shift as quickly as you might expect, leaving the engine running at high revs while you accelerate. Testers recommend using the paddle shifters to take control and lessen the problem.
2017 Infiniti QX30
At the base trim level, the QX30 comes with cloth seats and manual adjustments, but the seats are quite supportive and comfortable. The interior has a luxury feel, with wood and leather used throughout, but road noise is noticeable in the cabin.
A rearview camera, a 7-inch touch screen, and Bluetooth are all standard equipment. The infotainment system combines touch-screen functions with physical controls like knobs, so there is a learning curve.
2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA
Base MSRP: $32,850 (Details Below)
If you love to drive and are looking to spice up your commute, the sporty 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA will make mornings more fun without emptying your wallet. The base turbocharged engine is capable of propelling the GLA to 60 mph from a standstill in just over 7 seconds.
The GLA isn’t as easy on passengers, however, thanks to its stiff ride. It makes for tight handling in the corners, but it also means bumps are transmitted from the road to the seats.
2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA
Most luxury subcompact SUVs have sloping rear rooflines that limit headroom for rear passengers, but the GLA is not one of them. The legroom in the back seat, however, is as limited as any in the segment.
The GLA's standard infotainment system is easy-to-use. It comes with a 7-inch screen and is controlled by a knob in the center console. There are also basic safety technologies included in the base model, like automatic precollision braking and a driver drowsiness detection system.
2017 Lincoln MKC
Base MSRP: $32,880 (Details Below)
The 2017 Lincoln MKC works best for buyers who want comfort and convenience in a luxury SUV rather than sporty performance and sharp handling. The base turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine makes 235 horsepower, which is plenty. But it does suffer from turbo lag, which causes a delay in acceleration and can take the fun factor down a notch.
The ride is pure comfort, with a suspension that minimizes bumpy roads and relaxed handling that’s at home on the highway.
2017 Lincoln MKC
There’s quite a bit of standard equipment for the money in the MKC, including heated leatherette seats with power adjustments. The front seats are roomy and comfortable, but rear visibility is poor due to wide roof pillars.
Visibility is less of a problem thanks to a standard rearview camera and rear parking sensors. There’s also an 8-inch touch screen with the SYNC 3 infotainment system, plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
2018 Audi Q3
Base MSRP: $32,900 (Details Below)
The 2017 Audi Q3 has a low base price, and it shows in its performance. The turbocharged four-cylinder engine doesn’t deliver the performance you might expect from Audi, especially on the highway, and it has one of the lowest fuel economy ratings in its class.
2018 Audi Q3
Leather upholstery is standard in the Q3, and metal trim adds an upscale feel to the interior. The seats are comfortable, and the front seats have plenty of head and leg room. Also, both front seats have 12-way power adjustments.
There are quite a few standard tech features in the Q3, including a rearview camera, front and rear parking sensors, Bluetooth, and satellite radio. To get the Audi MMI infotainment system with navigation, you’ll have to opt for a package or a higher trim level that includes it.
2017 BMW X1
Base MSRP: $33,750 (Details Below)
The 2017 BMW X1 ranks highly in the luxury subcompact SUV segment, with a combination of performance, interior quality, and cargo space.
The turbocharged four-cylinder engine makes 228 horsepower, which is typical for the class. But BMW’s driving dynamics make the X1 one of the most fun SUVs to pilot. Acceleration is snappy, though the eight-speed transmission is sometimes slow to downshift. Using Sport mode alleviates the problem by giving you more control.
2017 BMW X1
The leatherette, power-adjustable front seats are positioned high in the cabin for a commanding view of the road. Even the rear seats are comfortable and roomy enough for adults, with good enough support to take a long drive.
The X1 has a good slate of standard tech features, including Bluetooth, a 6.5-inch screen, and BMW’s iDrive infotainment system. A rearview camera is not standard, though; you’ll have to upgrade to the $1,150 Driver Assistance Package for that.
2017 Buick Envision
Base MSRP: $34,065 (Details Below)
The 2017 Buick Envision was built for comfortable cruising. The ride is smooth and unfussy, and it handles driving with confidence rather than attacking the turns with precision.
Its base 2.5-liter engine does leave something to be desired, like quick acceleration when passing on the highway. The engine has to work hard to propel the car, which tests the sound insulation and active noise cancellation system. Upgrading the engine solves the problem, but the more powerful engine is only available on costlier upper trim levels.
2017 Buick Envision
Continuing to fulfill its promise of comfort, the Buick Envision is actually roomy enough to seat five. The rear seat even has enough space for tall adults, and it has a flat floor for maximum legroom. Heated front seats are standard, and the interior fit and finish is notably well done.
The Envision has quite a bit of standard technology, with Buick’s IntelliLink infotainment system and an 8-inch touch screen. A rearview camera is standard too, plus a Wi-Fi hot spot, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
2017 Infiniti QX50
Base MSRP: $34,650 (Details Below)
The 2017 Infiniti QX50 is one of the few in the luxury compact SUV segment with a V6 engine, meaning you get more zip in a small package. The 3.7-liter engine is the only engine available for the QX50, and it makes 325 horsepower – second only to the Porsche Macan in the class.
The tradeoff, of course, is fuel economy. It’s near the bottom of the class at 17 mpg in the city and 24 on the highway. But the handling straddles the line between sporty and firm, with precise steering and a smooth, comfortable ride.
2017 Infiniti QX50
The QX50 got a longer wheelbase in 2016, so the latest model has more legroom for front and rear passengers. The sloping roofline, a common design element in luxury compact SUVs, does limit rear headroom. Leather seats are standard, and the front seats are heated.
A 7-inch touch screen with a control knob in the console is standard, along with a rearview camera and Bluetooth. The technology in the infotainment system is a little behind the times, but it is easy to use.
2017 Lexus NX
Base MSRP: $35,285 (Details Below)
The 2017 Lexus NX is a good performer all around at a lower-than-average price point, which contributed to its 2017 Best Luxury Compact for the Money award title. The 235 horsepower from the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is average for the class, and acceleration is smooth and satisfying.
If you’re looking for an SUV that handles like a sports car, the NX is not it. But it feels stable in corners, and the suspension smooths out bumps in the road.
2017 Lexus NX
There’s plenty of head and legroom front and rear in the NX, and the front seats are particularly supportive. Materials are high-end, even with the low MSRP, with soft-touch leatherette used throughout the cabin, including the seating.
Standard technology includes a 7-inch screen, a rearview camera, Siri Eyes Free, voice-command activation, and smartphone app integration. Rather than a touch screen, Lexus uses a knob in the center console to control the system.
Acura RDX
Base MSRP: $35,670 (Details Below)
A combination of good value, a powerful engine, and a smooth ride help lift the 2017 Acura RDX near the top of our rankings of luxury compact SUVs. The standard engine is a 3.5-liter V6, which is unusual for the class. It is not tuned for performance. Rather, it keeps its composure at highway speeds and accelerates without fuss.
It’s easy to maneuver the RDX in parking lots or on city streets, and it slips easily into highway traffic from the on-ramp. The suspension delivers a smooth, cushioned ride over uneven surfaces.
Acura RDX
Leatherette seating is standard in the RDX, as are heated front seats. Adults will find enough head and legroom, even in the back seat. Materials used in the interior aren’t as nice as those used by some of its competitors, but the build quality is top-notch.
The Acura Premium Sound System includes a USB port, Bluetooth, and satellite radio. A rearview camera is standard, as is a rear liftgate that can be operated remotely using the key fob.
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These SUVs Offer Luxury, Versatility, and Value
As small SUVs and crossovers become more popular with buyers globally, luxury manufacturers are moving into the space with more affordable choices. The nine SUVs listed here all start well below $40,000 for the base models, which might even leave room in the budget for a few upgrades.
These SUVs all share the luxury look and feel of their more expensive counterparts, but they don’t come with as many standard features at the lowest price point. Pay attention to the equipment list to see if it meets your needs; you might not miss Apple CarPlay, but you might want to make sure a rearview camera is included.
This list includes vehicles for spirited driving, cushy cruising, and a balance of the two. Because they’re smaller SUVs, they tend to have tighter back seats and less cargo space, but again, check each model’s specifications. There’s quite a bit of variation, even among the least expensive luxury SUVs on the market.