People want SUVs, and as the economy thrives, so do the prospects of Americans. That’s why there are so many midsize luxury SUVs to choose from, despite prices that start in the mid-$40,000 range and rise from there. Market demand supports a wide range of choices in the segment. If you’re planning to buy one of these plush, roomy vehicles, KBB’s editors think these are the best midsize luxury SUVs for 2021.
Best midsize luxury SUVs — three rows
1. 2021 Audi Q7
Starting price: $56,045 | KBB Rating: 4.6
The stylish, refined 2021 Audi Q7 gets tech upgrades and more standard safety. For fun, get the 500-horsepower SQ7.
2. 2022 Acura MDX
The Acura MDX
Acura
Starting price: $49,925 | KBB Rating: 4.5
Acura skipped 2021 and introduced an all-new 2022 MDX that’s larger, more refined, and luxurious but still sporty.
3. 2021 Volvo XC90
Starting price: $49,995 | KBB Rating: 4.1
The 2021 Volvo
VLVLY,
XC90 blends timeless design, with comfort, quality, and impressive safety engineering.
Don’t miss: This is the luxury car that costs the least over 5 years
4. 2021 Buick Enclave
Starting price: $41,195 | KBB Rating: 3.8
The 2021 Buick Enclave is all about value, thanks to its low base price and roomy, comfortable interior.
5. 2020 Infiniti QX60
Starting price: $45,375 | KBB Rating: 3.5
The 2020 Infiniti QX60 is one of the oldest SUVs on this list, but its engine is a crowd-pleaser. An all-new QX60 arrives for 2022.
6. 2021 Lincoln Aviator
Starting price: $54,695 | KBB Rating: 3.0
The Lincoln Aviator
Lincoln
The comfortable, quiet plush 2021 Lincoln Aviator comes with a choice of twin-turbo V6 powertrains or a plug-in hybrid setup.
7. 2021 Land Rover Discovery
Starting price: $55,250 | KBB Rating: 2.9
The updated 2021 Land Rover Discovery is a go-anywhere and do-anything kind of a 3-row luxury SUV.
8. 2021 Cadillac XT6
Starting price: $48,990 | KBB Rating: 2.7
The 2021 Cadillac XT6 is the Cadillac SUV to buy if an Escalade is too big and you need a third-row seat.
Best midsize luxury SUVs — two or three rows
1. 2021 Genesis GV80
Starting price: $49,925 | KBB Rating: 4.8
The 2021 Genesis GV80
Genesis
The 2021 GV80 is the first SUV from Genesis. It’s a feature-rich model that’s less expensive than its rivals.
2. 2021 BMW X5
Starting price: $60,395 | KBB Rating: 4.7
The 2021 BMW
BMW,
X5 is an excellent blend of style, value, utility, and performance.
3. 2021 Lexus RX
Starting price: 0 | KBB Rating: 4.4
The 2021 Lexus RX is the bestselling luxury SUV in America and the lowest cost-to-own 2-row model in this segment.
4. 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE
Starting price: $55,800 | KBB Rating: 4.3
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE has the latest technology on board. And there are now AMG models, too.
5. 2021 Range Rover Sport
Starting price: $70,850 | KBB Rating: 3.6
The 2021 Range Rover Sport is both an ultra-plush status symbol and a capable vehicle, on the road or off.
Best Midsize Luxury SUVs — Two Rows
1. 2021 Audi Q8
Starting price: $69,295 | KBB Rating: 4.2
The 2021 Audi Q8 serves as the company’s flagship SUV and is loaded with luxury, technology, and performance.
2. 2021 Porsche Cayenne
Starting price: $70,200 | KBB Rating: 3.7
The 2021 Porsche Cayenne
Porsche
The 2021 Porsche
POAHY,
Cayenne performs well during the commute, on the trail, and at the track. This year, there’s a new GTS model.
See: The 2021 Porsche Cayenne is hands-down one of the best-handling SUVs
3. 2021 Range Rover Velar
Starting price: $58,050 | KBB Rating: 3.4
The stylish 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Velar makes a statement wherever you go.
4. 2021 Maserati Levante
Starting price: $79,785 | KBB Rating: 3.3
The Maserati Levante
Maserati
The 2021 Maserati Levante is the SUV to buy when nothing but an alluring Italian nameplate and a Ferrari-built engine will do.
Read more: 2021 Maserati Levante: Fabulous, fantastic, Italian flair…seriously expensive
5. 2021 Cadillac XT5
Starting price: $44,490 | KBB Rating: 3.1
The 2021 Cadillac XT5 is a spacious 5-passenger SUV wrapped in the brand’s signature style.
6. 2021 Lincoln Nautilus
Starting price: $42,935 | KBB Rating: 2.8
The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus is a 5-passenger crossover SUV offering a value proposition compared with its main rivals.
More on the best midsize luxury SUVs
As is always true when determining which SUV to buy, you need to decide whether or not you plan to go off-roading, or if you’re going to tow a sizable trailer, or if you’ll need to carry people in a third-row seat on a regular basis (if at all). Also, several models on this list come in hybrid or plug-in hybrid format, if that’s important to you. Answering these key questions can help you find the best midsize luxury SUV for your situation.
Of course, in this segment, brand image matters. You may have no intention of tackling something like the Rubicon Trail in your new luxury SUV, but that doesn’t mean you don’t lust for a Land Rover, maybe even the Defender. Just keep in mind that SUVs designed for serious capability off the pavement frequently suffer from compromised driving dynamics in everyday environments.
Don’t forget that several full-size luxury SUVs are also available. They’re best for towing and carrying passengers but can’t match the midsize models when it comes to efficiency or value. If you need the extra space and capability, and you’ve got some wiggle room in your budget, consider researching the BMW X7, Cadillac Escalade, Infiniti QX80, Lexus LX 570, Lincoln Navigator, and Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class.
You might just decide to give yourself an upgrade.
This story originally ran on KBB.com.