Best Subcompact Luxury SUVs

We sifted through the data to select the best cars and trucks in every category.

2022 Volvo XC40

Overview

The Volvo XC40 is a small luxury SUV that is big in both style and substance. Volvo has long placed particular emphasis on safety, and the Swedish brand's smallest 'ute comes with many driver-assistance systems. An eye-catching exterior and well-crafted cabin provide a premium appeal for an SUV starting in the mid-$30s. Some rivals are sportier to drive, but the Volvo XC40 delivers cutting-edge tech and outsized presence at a competitive price. The Volvo XC40 is a 5-seater vehicle that comes in 3 trim levels. The most popular style is the T5 R-Design AWD, which starts at $42,445 and comes with a 2.0L I4 Turbo engine and All Wheel Drive. This XC40 is estimated to deliver 22 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway.

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Pros

Beautiful styling inside and out
User-friendly tech and safety features
Small footprint makes it easy to park
Available luxury amenities

Cons

Less cargo space than rivals
Limited rear-seat legroom
Handling is secure but not sporty

Overall Assessment

Shoppers looking for a small SUV will be pleased by the Volvo XC40's attention to detail and comfort. Volvo designed it to be fuel-efficient, stylish, and to provide advanced driving assistance. The base engine is not particularly sporty, but the upgraded power plant is quick. It's not as roomy or as fun to drive as some competitors, but the stylish and refined XC40 is one of the most sophisticated small SUVs on the market.

$42,945 as shown

Starting MSRP

$35,195

Starting MktMarket Avg.

Avg. savings of $447
off MSRP

$34,748

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Feature Highlights

Pedestrian Detection

Wireless Charging

Start/Stop System

Curve Adaptive Headlamps

Panoramic Moonroof

Hands-free Trunk/Liftgate

Power Trunk/Liftgate

In-Car WiFi

Forward Collision Warning

4 yr / 50k mi Basic Warranty

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See owner reviews for Volvo XC40. All reviews

Pros

Beautiful styling inside and out
User-friendly tech and safety features
Small footprint makes it easy to park
Available luxury amenities

Cons

Less cargo space than rivals
Limited rear-seat legroom
Handling is secure but not sporty

Overall Assessment

2021 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque

Overview

The Land Rover Range Rover Evoque delivers the brand's heritage and high-end luxury to the compact SUV segment. As the company's smallest offering, the Evoque is comfortable in city driving and light off-roading. Its standard all-wheel-drive system features various driving modes, with a 23.6-inch wading depth. Inside, the cabin is a tad small, but it comes with the British automaker's polish, seamlessly integrating tech amongst high-end materials. The Land Rover Range Rover Evoque is a 5-seater vehicle that comes in 5 trim levels. The most popular style is the S, which starts at $44,350 and comes with a 2.0L I4 Turbo engine and All Wheel Drive. This Range Rover Evoque is estimated to deliver 20 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway.

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Pros

Iconic Range Rover looks
Sophisticated cabin design
Actual off-road abilities

Cons

Limited interior space
Subpar fuel efficiency
Lacks rivals' sportiness

Overall Assessment

The Land Rover Range Rover Evoque is a tasteful and capable contender in the compact SUV segment. It delivers the British brand's superb refinement and high-end tech to a small crossover, and the sophisticated all-wheel-drive system feels at home on- or off-road. Some competitors have more interior space and sportier handling, but the Evoque offers the attractive style and capabilities that are the strengths of the Range Rover brand.

Starting MSRP

$44,350

Starting MktMarket Avg.

$45,928

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Feature Highlights

Start/Stop System

Forward Collision Warning

Android Auto

Apple CarPlay

Remote Engine Start

Front and Rear Parking Sensors

Lane Keep Assist

Blind Spot System

Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors

4 yr / 50k mi Basic Warranty

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See owner reviews for Land Rover Range Rover Evoque. All reviews

Pros

Iconic Range Rover looks
Sophisticated cabin design
Actual off-road abilities

Cons

Limited interior space
Subpar fuel efficiency
Lacks rivals' sportiness

Overall Assessment

2022 Audi Q3

Overview

Shoppers looking for a sporty yet elegant small SUV should check out the Audi Q3. The German brand known for its style and all-weather driving abilities packs all that and more into the Q3’s city-friendly size. Standard features include leather, a panoramic roof, and digital gauges. The Q3’s back seat is small, making it best for kids, but ride quality and refinement remain top-notch. The Audi Q3 is a 5-seater vehicle that comes in 4 trim levels. The most popular style is the Premium 40 TFSI, which starts at $35,995 and comes with a 2.0L I4 Turbo engine and All Wheel Drive. This Q3 is estimated to deliver 23 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway.

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Pros

One of the best-looking interiors in its class
Generous standard features
Quattro’s all-weather driving security
Sporty yet refined ride

Cons

Small back seat is best for kids
Lacks a hybrid powertrain choice

$38,295 as shown

Starting MSRP

$35,995

Starting MktMarket Avg.

Avg. savings of $1
off MSRP

$35,994

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Feature Highlights

Hill Descent Assist

Pedestrian Detection

Wireless Charging

Start/Stop System

Around View Camera

Panoramic Moonroof

Hands-free Trunk/Liftgate

Power Trunk/Liftgate

Forward Collision Warning

4 yr / 50k mi Basic Warranty

See full specs

See owner reviews for Audi Q3. All reviews

Pros

One of the best-looking interiors in its class
Generous standard features
Quattro’s all-weather driving security
Sporty yet refined ride

Cons

Small back seat is best for kids
Lacks a hybrid powertrain choice

2021 Lexus UX

Overview

As many automakers shift their focus to building small and practical SUVs, Lexus delivers a comfortable and premium choice with the Lexus UX crossover. The Japanese luxury brand's smallest SUV exhibits all of the attention to detail and upscale amenities shoppers have come to expect. Along with a well-equipped cabin and available hybrid powertrain, drivers get advanced safety features and secure handling. The Lexus UX is a 5-seater vehicle that comes in 6 trim levels. The most popular style is the UX 200 FWD, which starts at $34,025 and comes with a 2.0L I4 engine and Front Wheel Drive. This UX is estimated to deliver 29 MPG in the city and 37 MPG on the highway.

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Pros

Low starting price for a luxury SUV
Many comfort standard features
Excellent fuel economy

Cons

Lacks a high-performance version
Less interior space than rivals
Finicky infotainment controls

Overall Assessment

The Lexus UX delivers a city-friendly size and superb fuel economy in a premium package at a lower price than luxury competitors. Its cabin features best-in-class refinement and elegant styling. Shoppers wanting extra efficiency and bad-weather driving security can opt for a hybrid powertrain that comes standard with all-wheel-drive. Some rivals are sportier to drive and offer more interior space. The UX is a desirable small SUV from a brand well-known for excellent build quality and everyday driving comfort.

$38,725 as shown

Starting MSRP

$34,025

Starting MktMarket Avg.

Avg. savings of $377
off MSRP

$33,648

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Feature Highlights

Pedestrian Detection

Front Cooled Seats

Hands-free Trunk/Liftgate

Power Trunk/Liftgate

Adaptive Cruise Control

In-Car WiFi

Forward Collision Warning

Android Auto

Apple CarPlay

4 yr / 50k mi Basic Warranty

See full specs

See owner reviews for Lexus UX. All reviews

Pros

Low starting price for a luxury SUV
Many comfort standard features
Excellent fuel economy

Cons

Lacks a high-performance version
Less interior space than rivals
Finicky infotainment controls

Overall Assessment

2022 BMW X2

Overview

The BMW X2 has many of the practical aspects that have made subcompact crossovers a popular choice. Agile handling and a well-equipped interior make it more engaging to drive than most competitors. It shares most of its mechanical parts with the boxier BMW X1, but a sloped roofline gives the X2 a more coupe-like feel. Inside, the elegant interior can carry a small family in comfort. Upscale amenities like leatherette and navigation are standard. The BMW X2 is a 5-seater vehicle that comes in 2 trim levels. The most popular style is the xDrive28i, which starts at $39,595 and comes with a 2.0L I4 Turbo engine and All Wheel Drive. This X2 is estimated to deliver 24 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway.

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Pros

Sporty acceleration and handling
Sleek body styling
Comfortable interior
Excellent fuel economy

Cons

Some rivals feel more luxurious
Sloped roofline impacts cargo space
Android Auto is not available

Overall Assessment

The BMW X2 makes the most of its small size, giving drivers enjoyable handling and sleek body styling. Its interior is roomy enough for carrying a small family, with a versatile liftgate providing adequate cargo room. The X2’s base engine offers a great blend of power and efficiency, while the M35i gives it acceleration matching many sports cars. Some rivals have more cargo space and plusher cabins. But overall, the X2 is the sportiest SUV in its class, offering both fun and practicality for daily life.

Starting MSRP

$37,595

Starting MktMarket Avg.

Avg. savings of $1,000
off MSRP

$36,595

Build & Price View New Inventory

Feature Highlights

Start/Stop System

Curve Adaptive Headlamps

Power Trunk/Liftgate

Forward Collision Warning

Apple CarPlay

Rear Parking Sensors

Lane Keep Assist

Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors

Fog Lamps

4 yr / 50k mi Basic Warranty

See full specs

See owner reviews for BMW X2. All reviews

Pros

Sporty acceleration and handling
Sleek body styling
Comfortable interior
Excellent fuel economy

Cons

Some rivals feel more luxurious
Sloped roofline impacts cargo space
Android Auto is not available

Overall Assessment

2021 BMW X1

Overview

The BMW X1 is a subcompact crossover SUV with the German automaker's trademark fun-to-drive spirit. The X1 is BMW's smallest SUV and feels car-like in many ways, particularly in its driving. It's smaller and lighter than other subcompact SUVs, but the X1 has a surprisingly roomy cabin with many standard features. Ample cargo space and available all-wheel-drive round out the X1's strengths, making it a practical alternative to a premium sedan. The BMW X1 is a 5-seater vehicle that comes in 1 trim levels. The most popular style is the sDrive28i FWD, which starts at $36,395 and comes with a 2.0L I4 Turbo engine and Front Wheel Drive. This X1 is estimated to deliver 24 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway.

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Pros

Fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive powertrain
Impressive interior space and refinement
Many standard and available features
Excellent cargo capacity

Cons

Lacks some standard luxury features
LED headlights should be included
Android Auto is not available

Overall Assessment

The BMW X1 should fit the bill for many subcompact premium SUV shoppers. It's sporty to drive, handling more like a sport sedan than an SUV. Its little exterior dimensions make it a breeze to maneuver and park, and the low curb weight helps deliver impressive fuel economy. The large cargo capacity and available all-wheel-drive make it a good choice for snowy trips to the ski lodge, and available sliding/reclining rear seats better accommodate tall adults or extra cargo. The X1 is well-equipped with comfort features and technology, though Android Auto is missing, and LED headlights, a premium mainstay, are optional. Many rivals come with both, as well as other lux amenities missing here. But for those who are willing to sacrifice plushness for quick driving reflexes, the BMW X1 is one of the best premium subcompact SUVs on the market.