As cars keep getting pricier, buying new can feel like a big financial hit, especially with average prices around $35,000 and loans lasting up to 68 months or maybe longer. But if you're dreaming of cruising in a luxury SUV, there's hope. You don't have to fork out double that average to enjoy a luxury badge.
Let's talk about affordable luxury SUVs. They give you that upscale feel without draining your bank account. Whether you're on the hunt for the cheapest luxury SUV or just want the best bang for your buck, there are options out there that won't leave you drowning in debt while still letting you enjoy a taste of the good life on the road.
Here's a roundup of the best affordable luxury SUVs that offer a strong value-for-dollar quotient that should keep your loan term, or loan/lease payments grounded.
2020 BMW X1
If you're in the financial league where private school tuition isn't a worry, the BMW X3 might catch your eye as a smart investment. But for those of us with more modest budgets, the X1 offers a solid alternative. This smaller BMW crossover shares its foundation with the MINI Cooper, which means it's built on a more affordable platform compared to the rear-wheel-drive setup of the BMW 3 Series, which is linked to the X3.
2020 Acura RDX
Acura's compact luxury crossover SUV stands out as one of the most impressive deals in this selection. The RDX can compete head-to-head with top contenders from Germany such as the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class. Yet, when similarly equipped, those rival crossovers come with a price tag roughly ten grand higher.
In terms of interior and exterior design, cabin comfort, technology, and overall quality, the RDX feels like a steal, offering exceptional value without seeming too good to be true. While it may not match the driving dynamics of its Benz or Bimmer counterparts, the RDX still handles mountain-road switchbacks admirably, making it a top choice for most drivers seeking a compact luxury SUV.
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB Class
The GLB joins the Mercedes-Benz SUV lineup as a recent addition, positioned between the smaller GLA and the midsize GLC crossovers. What sets the GLB apart is its optional third row of seating, allowing for a maximum occupancy of seven passengers.
Typically, luxury crossovers with seating for seven, like a new Acura MDX and the Infiniti QX60, start at prices in the mid-$40,000 range. This makes the GLB an appealing value proposition, particularly for those willing to sacrifice some extra space offered by larger competitors such as Acura and Infiniti.
Even when loaded with popular features, the GLB luxury SUV maintains a reasonable price point. Optional extras like keyless entry, auto-dimming mirrors, a panoramic sunroof, heated front seats, third-row seating, blind-spot monitoring, dual 10.3-inch displays for the instrument cluster and infotainment system (compared to the standard seven-inch units), built-in navigation, wireless phone charging, adaptive cruise control, and a Burmester premium audio system elevate the GLB to premium status without breaking the bank. Who says owning a Benz has to be pricey?
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The previously mentioned Bimmer and Benz offer a relatively affordable entry point due to their utilization of cost-effective front-engine, front-drive architecture. However, if your heart is set on a German SUV built upon a true luxury-car platform, such as the Audi A4, then the Audi Q5 presents a compelling option.
Audi's compact luxury SUV comes packed with features including auto-dimming and power-folding exterior mirrors, keyless access, driver's seat memory, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and satellite radio. Additional amenities comprise Apple CarPlay and Android Auto accessible via a seven-inch touchscreen, a wireless phone charger with signal booster, as well as front and rear ultrasonic parking sensors. Opting for the panoramic sunroof elevates the Q5 for an enhanced driving experience.
2020 Volvo XC40
The Volvo XC40, though classified as a subcompact luxury crossover, defies its size from the inside. Its interior spaciousness surpasses that of many larger vehicles on the market today. Additionally, the XC40 boasts an attractive exterior, displays decent off-road capabilities when equipped with all-wheel drive, and offers a reasonable starting price.
For a slight increase in cost, you can opt for all-wheel drive, which boosts the horsepower to 248. This upgrade enhances the XC40's agility and responsiveness.
Various optional features are available to further customize your XC40 experience, such as keyless access, retractable and auto-dimming side mirrors, a panoramic sunroof, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, embedded navigation, a premium Harman Kardon sound system, wireless phone charging, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, a 360-degree camera, and ultrasonic parking sensors. These additions contribute to a well-equipped XC40 at a reasonable total cost.
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2020 Lexus UX
Do you remember the iconic tailfins of the 1950s, famously featured on Cadillac and Chevy sedans? Well, they're making a modern comeback with the 2020 Lexus UX. Take a close look at the UX's rear corners, and you'll notice that the taillight lenses serve a dual purpose as rear fins. It's a unique twist on tailfin design that I find quite appealing. The UX offers plenty more to admire beyond its distinctive styling, with various optional features available including rain-sensing wipers, sunroof, auto-dimming rearview mirror, head-up display, embedded navigation, wireless phone charger, heated and ventilated front seats, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and a hands-free-opening and closing rear hatch.
2020 Cadillac XT4
In my view, the Cadillac XT4 might even surpass the Volvo XC40 in terms of aesthetics. Both vehicles offer good value propositions, though the Cadillac begins at a slightly higher price point.
When attempting to match the features of the AWD XC40, the cost of equipping the XT4 with similar amenities ends up being a bit more due to Cadillac's package structuring. However, opting for the base XT4 in FWD Luxury trim and adding features like the panoramic sunroof, heated front and rear seats, automatic heated steering wheel, embedded navigation, and a 13-speaker Bose premium audio system brings the total. While this configuration may lack adaptive cruise control, it still includes automatic emergency braking and leaves you with additional savings.
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2020 Buick Enclave
Priced competitively, the Enclave offers a significant cost advantage compared to similar luxury crossovers, making it the only affordable luxury SUV, three-row midsize SUV on this list. Even when equipped with numerous features, the Enclave maintains a reasonable price point.
You can enjoy a range of amenities including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear ultrasonic parking sensors, a heated steering wheel, heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, heated second-row seats, a power-folding third row of seats, and a ten-speaker Bose premium audio system. Additionally, the Enclave boasts a sophisticated appearance, adding to its appeal.
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2020 Nissan Kicks
You might be curious about why a subcompact economy SUV made it onto this list, but there's a reason the Nissan Kicks stands out.
Even when fully equipped, the Kicks remains a compelling option. This includes two standout features: heated seats, essential for chilly weather, and the impressive eight-speaker Bose Personal Plus audio system. Notably, two of these speakers are located near the driver's headrest, providing sound quality akin to that of a luxury SUV.
Beneath these features lies a vehicle that offers a luxuriously soft and quiet ride, comparable to subcompact luxury crossovers at a higher price point. If you're accustomed to the pampering of luxury cars but prefer a more modest monthly payment, the Nissan Kicks, despite being the outlier in this lineup, emerges as a standout choice among all the options in this roundup.
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2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Grand Cherokee's off-road prowess might lead you to believe it's a traditional truck-based, body-on-frame SUV, but it's not. Similar to typical sedans and other crossovers, the Grand Cherokee features a unibody design.
Renowned for its blend of off-road capability and luxurious comfort, the Grand Cherokee stands out in the automotive market. Even the base model, the rear-wheel-drive Grand Cherokee Laredo, provides a remarkably quiet interior and a plush ride.
Opting for additional features such as four-wheel drive, rain-sensing wipers, adaptive cruise control, automated parallel parking, and a 506-watt Alpine premium audio system enhances the driving experience. Despite these upgrades, the overall cost remains reasonable, making it an attractive option for those seeking both capability and luxury without breaking the bank.
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*MSRP excludes tax, license, registration, destination charge and options. Dealer prices may vary.
**Based on EPA mileage ratings. Your mileage will vary depending on specific vehicle trim, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, and other factors.
