Best Luxury SUVs Under $50,000 For 2023

As soon as we saw previews for the Genesis GV70 we had a feeling it would be a hit, and a year later it is the Korean brand’s best-selling model. Those sinuous curves, that beautifully-detailed interior and all that standard technology make it one of the best values in the entire luxury market. It does lots of things very well, too. It handles well on the road thanks to its mechanical family ties to the G70 sedan, and it proved surprisingly adept at light off-roading when we took it (twice) to an off-road course in Washington State.

The comfy, beautiful interior is full of useful tech, and there are active-safety features galore, many of which cost extra on the GV70’s German rivals. Speaking of cost, while the V6 GV70 is out of reach at this price, the standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder version still packs 300 horsepower and all of this SUV’s other virtues. It starts at just $44,275 for 2023, and that leaves room for the Select Package (which includes a panoramic sunroof and ventilated front seats) as well as one of the GV70’s many cool colors (we’d choose Cardiff Green).

The BMW X1 has been entirely redesigned for 2023 and it’s now arguably the best entry-level SUV on the market. Though still one size smaller than alternatives like the Genesis GV70, it’s not as small as it used to be (now 177.2 inches long) and looks a whole lot larger than before. Upright, muscular styling that’s more distinctive than its larger X3 sister hides a completely modernized interior with nicer materials, the automaker’s new curved display and latest iDrive 8 software. The same fun-to-drive personality of its smaller predecessor is still there, only there’s more power now and all-wheel drive is standard.

Best of all? BMW has hardly raised the price. The 2023 X1 costs only $1,200 more than its aging 2022 predecessor. You can load up a new X1 with almost every option and still come in under $50,000, and there are some really nice options to be had, including an M Sport adaptive suspension, performance tires, vivid colors and more. The only caveat? Adaptive cruise control and BMW’s most sophisticated driver-assist gear are optional, and due to supply chain issues, you won’t be able to order it at all until mid-2023.

The Audi Q5 is the German automaker’s best-selling model, and people love it for good reason. It’s just the right size to be more practical than a sedan, but not so large as to be unmanageable. It has an understated style like all Audis, but it looks muscular and athletic from almost every angle. Those looks are matched by capable if slightly soft handling and an array of engaging powertrains. There’s also an interior filled with a Teutonic luxury design and numerous screens to support the healthy helping of tech features, though it has a little less cargo room than many similarly-sized rivals.

As with the GV70, only the entry-level Q5 trims can be had under $50,000, and really only the Premium 40 (201 horsepower) and Premium 45 (261 horsepower) models if you want any options. Happily, Audi offers a pretty solid amount of standard equipment including niceties like adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist, which costs extra at BMW. Happily, the slightly faster Premium 45 ($46,995 to start including destination) leaves a little room for color and option choices, so that’s the one we’d go for.

Introduced in 2020, the Corsair is the smallest ship in Lincoln’s armada of nautical-themed SUVs that stretch up to the land-yacht Navigator. But while it might be small, Lincoln has been knocking it out of the park making its recent products genuinely luxurious and the Corsair is no exception. Under the skin, this crossover shares mechanical pieces with the Ford Escape, but inside and out, it looks and feels like an expensive machine. Distinctive looks, fine materials and plenty of technology are offered, and all but the top-spec, plug-in hybrid Grand Touring can be had for well under $50,000.

A standard 250-horsepower engine provides zero-to-60 runs of just over 6 seconds, and the Corsair’s cushy ride belies its capable handling. The interior is comfy and well-appointed, and the seats come with Bridge of Weir leather on the higher-spec Reserve trim ($44,270 to start, including destination). That leaves room for options including vivid colors and Lincoln’s extended active-safety feature set that includes surround-view monitoring, though ordering the full-on ActiveGlide Level 2 system means spending more than $50,000.

We haven’t reviewed the updated 2023 model yet, but we expect it to do well when it arrives and we’ll update our recommendation at that time.

Totally redesigned for 2023, the second-generation Mercedes-Benz GLC (third gen if you count its old GLK predecessor) is the automaker’s most popular vehicle in North America and a longtime luxury leader in this class. Sadly, you can only by the base model for under $50,000 but you do get plenty of niceties on the $48,250 GLC 300 Premium and the mid-range Exclusive rings it at only $50,500, both prices including destination fees.

The redesigned GLC looks a little bigger and more substantial than before, but is actually about the same size and shape. The big news is under the skin, where a nicer and more refined interior (partly shared with the C-Class sedan) is now one of the nicest in this set, challenged only by the GV70. There’s also a new mild-hybrid powertrain that allows for electric-mode coasting and considerable improvements in fuel efficiency.

Mercedes-Benz makes many desirable features optional, whic holds the new GLC back a little in terms of its score, but it’s one of the nicest vehicles in its class and feels properly luxurious, unlike some “junior” luxury SUVs.

The Lexus NX was redesigned only just last year, and the Japanese luxury automaker addressed many of the things that held the previous-generation NX back. There’s more power and personality now, and a pretty, easy-to-use touchscreen and voice-controlled infotainment system has banished the old Lexus trackpad to the dustbin of history. These additions, plus a new plug-in hybrid variation, make the NX an even more compelling package than it was before, and it was already one of the best-selling luxury SUV on the market.

The base NX250 ($39,755 including destination) is a bit of a slow poke with only a 203-horsepower four-cylinder, but above that are a fuel-sipping 239-horsepower hybrid (NX350h, $43,105) and a 2.4-liter turbocharged 275-hp four (NX350, $43,515). The PHEV model, sadly, is much pricier at $57,505. Although it would still be a bridge too far to call the NX is a performance machine, it does its job extremely well, providing decent pickup and a smooth, quiet ride at all times. No other SUV on this list can come close to the hybrid’s fuel economy, either.

On top of the quiet operation and vast array of features, including standard adaptive cruise and lots of active safety tech, there’s also Lexus’ reputation for top-notch build quality and excellent customer service from its dealerships. It’s not the most exciting SUV out there, but the NX is a very enjoyable premium experience in the long haul.

The Volvo XC40 is the Swedish automaker’s smallest and least-expensive product, but it doesn’t skimp on any of the company’s core virtues. A very stylish exterior wraps around a practical and user-friendly cabin, a plethora of safety features that come standard and there are plenty of tech and connectivity bits as well. The XC40 doesn’t feel quite as luxurious inside as the larger XC60 or XC90, but it doesn’t feel inexpensive either, with fine materials and an attractive design. Best of all, every version can be had for less than $50,000.

The 194-horsepower XC40 B4 “Core” starts at $37,445 (including destination) while the more powerful 247-hp B5 powerplant adds $2,000 to the price. Both the B4 and B5 are new this year and incorporate standard mild-hybrid technology, for both performance and efficiency advantages over the T4 and T5 engines they replaced. “Plus” and “Ultimate” have also replaced the former higher trims, though their equipment levels are similar. To go with these updates, the XC40 also got a mild styling refresh this year.

Where the XC40 falls behind is mostly on issues related to size. This is a small machine, just 174.2 inches long, and as such it just doesn’t have as much room as vehicles that are a foot longer. Cargo space and back seat room lag behind larger compacts and the BMW X1, but are actually ahead of some alternatives like the Mercedes-Benz GLA. If you don’t need more space though, the XC40 is a great value.

The Mercedes-Benz GLB looks a whole lot like a scaled-down version of the automaker’s full-size GLS-Class flagship SUV, and the boxy, upright shape makes it one of the most practical vehicles of its size. This tiny crossover can even sprout a small third row if you tick the right option boxes. That wayback seat is meant only for little kids, but the GLB is the only SUV on this list to offer this level of flexibility. It also offers a huge second row for its size, where even six-foot adults will be comfy all day. Forego the third row and you get a huge cargo area.

Although not as athletic as the BMW X1 or Acura RDX, the GLB is also fairly fun to drive and surprisingly capable on a track (we tried it), even in base-model, 221-horsepower GLB 250 form. There’s also an AMG version, but it’s also much more expensive. The GLB 250 starts at $39,650, but adding AWD is a $2,000 extra. There’s lots of standard equipment and a very modern infotainment system, but as at BMW getting the nicest features means paying for some upgrades, adn the GLB doesn’t feel as rich inside as the larger GLC.

We’d opt for AWD and the Premium and Multimedia packages, which bundle larger screens and navigation, for a total of around $46,000.

The Italian automaker’s first totally new vehicle in seven years, the all-new 2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale slots beneath the slightly larger Stelvio and takes aim at entry-level luxury crossovers like BMW’s X1 and Mercedes-Benz’s GLA. Although many different Tonale powertrains are offered abroad, only one is currently on sale here: a 1.3-liter plug-in hybrid that supplements that tiny engine with a beefy electric motor on the rear axle.

While it’s more expensive to start than many of its gas-only rivals, the Tonale is also far cheaper than any other premium PHEV crossover, with the Lincoln Corsair and Lexus NX plug-ins both starting above $55,000. Alfa has given it capable handling and a roomier interior than its own Stelvio, and the PHEV powertrain gives it nearly best-in-class fuel economy, plus up to 33 miles of electric range. While slightly less fancy feeling than the X1 or GV70, the Tonale does  very credible job of hitting the notes most crossover buyers want.

The related Dodge Hornet does a similar job cheaper, but the Alfa looks and feels more in line with premium buyers’ expectations. It doesn’t hurt that it’s gorgeous to look at.

Many buyers directly compare the Acura RDX and the Lexus NX. They’re both the same size, come from Japanese brands with reps for rock-solid build quality and excellent customer service, and both emphasize technology, but they feel very different. The Acura leans into its light and responsive handling and rev-happy engine for a much more lively experience. Acura’s cabins are sporty too, and less luxurious than Genesis, Lincoln or Mercedes, but just as many nice features are present, including a full complement of standard active-safety gear. Sadly, there’s still a clunky, odd infotainment touchpad.

Every RDX is powered by a 272-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder. Straight-line speed is mid-pack among its rivals, but the Acura likes to have fun on twisty roads just like an Alfa Romeo or a BMW, only at a lower price. The automaker doesn’t really do trims, but instead defines prices by option packages, and all but the very top-spec Advance model fall under $50,000, though adding all-wheel drive (the RDX is front-drive by default) does mean another $2,000.

The Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class is the German automaker’s smallest SUV, but it’s also the lightest and most nimble. It shares the same mechanical pieces as the larger GLB (it’s also closely related to the CLA and A-Class), but weighs about 200 to 300 pounds less, which makes its sprightly handling even more enjoyable. It’s not as athletic as its rivals from BMW in base GLA 250 form ($38,650 to start, including destination), but it’s still plenty of fun. There are not one but two AMG versions that are much faster, but as on the GLB and GLC, they’re also much pricier (over $50,000 to start).

The GLA offers a high-tech and modern cabin with Mercedes’s MBUX infotainment system, and as on the GLB the biggest screens cost extra, but it’s comfy up front and feels high-tech. The GLA is much smaller than its bigger brother, but the back seat is also one of the roomiest among the very small SUVs, with 38 inches of rear legroom. Preserving passenger space was clearly Mercedes-Benz’s priority though, because cargo space behind the rear seats is limited.

Although it’s one of the oldest vehicles in its class now, the Land Rover Discovery Sport still has lots to offer. First, even though it was introduced way back in 2014 it still looks very much like its far pricier big brothers, the Discovery and even the Range Rover. It isn’t quite as fancy as they are inside, but it still feels more luxurious than some other entry-level premium SUVs and it comes with the automaker’s latest infotainment and safety systems.

The Disco Sport can also conquer the trails just like the other Land Rovers. It isn’t as capable as a Defender, but it’ll ford more than two feet of water and offers very real off-road capability that few small luxury crossovers can match. There’s also an optional third row, though it’s one of the smallest on the market. The downsides? This heavy machine gets pretty poor gas mileage and isn’t much of a performer on the pavement. Still, it has the curb appeal many luxury buyers want.

BMW will introduce an all-new X2 some time in the summer of 2023, which means that this year might a good time to get a deal on the outgoing first-generation model. Munich’s smallest SUV, the X2 is outclassed by the new-for-2023 X1 and its low points include, seriously dated infotainment and tech offerings, but apart from that this pint-size “crossover coupe” is still competitive on many fronts, and it’s still the least expensive entry point to BMW’s “sports activity vehicle” lineup of X models.

The X2’s styling dates from 2016 but it still looks great, and the fun driving personality it’s always had remains exactly the same. For its tiny size it’s also way ahead of competitors like the Audi Q3, Mercedes-Benz GLA and Lexus UX on cargo space. The cheapest way to buy one is to opt for the front-wheel drive sDrive28i ($37,595 including destination), but unless you really need AWD for snow or bad weather, upgrading to the xDrive28 ($39,595) isn’t really necessary and opting for the front-driver leaves more room for the inevitable BMW options list.

The diminutive Audi Q3 is the automaker’s most affordable SUV, but it distills down the brand’s essential SUV values extremely well. From 100 feet away only eagle-eyed fans can tell it apart from the far more expensive Q8 or e-tron, and its cabin is a slice of understated Teutonic elegance just as in its larger siblings. It looks gorgeous and as on the Q5, offers multiple powertrains (from 184 or 228-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo fours) and standard all-wheel drive. It’s a deft handler too, mixing communicative responses with a soft ride for so small a machine.

Its size does hold it back in some areas though. Back seat and cargo space are the tightest of any SUV on this list, and headroom is more limited even than in the X2 thanks to that sleek shape. It’s a good drive too, but not as responsive as its German counterparts, and there’s a little turbo lag. There’s plenty of technology and bright, crisp screens, but some of the nicest features require a $2,700 tech package, including wireless Android Auto and Apple Carplay.

The Q3 is a good entry-level machine and a great value if you rarely travel with rear passengers, but you have to live with the space it offers.