The Genesis GV80 is the best luxury SUV for the money in 2027, followed by the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 4MATIC SUV. The ranking is based on luxury content per dollar, driving experience, powertrain choice including hybrid and PHEV, and starting price versus segment peers.
Buyers wanting maximum size, presence, and brand status
Pick by what you want
Best overall
Genesis GV80
Best for driving dynamics
BMW X5
Best hybrid lineup
Lexus RX
Best plug-in hybrid
Volvo XC90
Best full-size American luxury
Lincoln Navigator
The ranking
1
Genesis GV80
Answrs VerdictMost luxury feature-per-dollar in the class
Starting price: $58,850 (2.5T RWD)Horsepower: up to 375 hp (3.5T V6)
The Genesis GV80 starts at $58,850 for the 2.5T RWD and offers up to 375 hp from its 3.5T V6. It delivers the most luxury feature content per dollar in the class. Buyers who want an established luxury resale track record should look elsewhere.
Go ifBuyers wanting the most luxury feature content per dollar
Skip ifYou want an established luxury resale track record
Why #1 over #2: It beats the BMW X5 by offering more luxury features for thousands less.
2
BMW X5
Answrs VerdictBenchmark driving dynamics in a fresh redesign
Starting price: $72,100 (xDrive40, plus $1,450 destination)Horsepower: 394 hp (3.0L inline-six)
The BMW X5 starts at $72,100 for the xDrive40, plus $1,450 destination, and makes 394 hp from a 3.0L inline-six. It provides benchmark handling in an all-new generation. Skip it if you want the lowest possible entry price.
Go ifDrivers who want benchmark handling in an all-new generation
Skip ifYou want the lowest possible entry price
Why #2 over #3: It beats the Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 by delivering stronger performance and sharper handling.
3
Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 4MATIC SUV
Answrs VerdictWidest lineup, from mild-hybrid to AMG performance
Starting price: $68,400Horsepower: 255 hp
The Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 4MATIC SUV starts at $68,400 and makes 255 hp. It offers buyers a choice of SUV or coupe body styles plus an AMG hybrid flagship. Skip it if you want maximum power at the base price.
Go ifBuyers wanting SUV or coupe body styles plus an AMG hybrid flagship
Skip ifYou want maximum power at the base price
Why #3 over #4: It beats the Lexus RX with a wider lineup that spans from mild-hybrid to AMG performance.
4
Lexus RX
Answrs VerdictLowest entry price with the deepest hybrid lineup
Starting price: $55,450 (RX 350 Premium FWD)Top hybrid trim price: $68,950 (RX 500h F Sport Performance AWD)
The Lexus RX starts at $55,450 for the RX 350 Premium FWD, with the top hybrid trim priced at $68,950 for the RX 500h F Sport Performance AWD. It pairs hybrid efficiency with Lexus reliability. Skip it if you want three-row seating or V8 power.
Go ifBuyers wanting hybrid efficiency with Lexus reliability
Skip ifYou want three-row seating or V8 power
Why #4 over #5: It beats the Audi Q7 with the lowest entry price and the deepest hybrid lineup.
5
Audi Q7
Answrs VerdictAll-new for 2027 with sharper tech and quattro grip
Starting price: $70,900Engine: 2.9L TFSI twin-turbo V6, 429 hp and 442 lb-ft of torqueTransmission/drivetrain: 8-speed Tiptronic with quattro all-wheel driveSeating: Standard 7-passenger seating; available 6-passenger configuration with second-row captain's chairs
The Audi Q7 starts at $70,900. It is all-new for 2027 with sharper tech and quattro grip. Families wanting quattro AWD and three-row seating will find it appealing. Skip it if you want a hybrid or electrified powertrain.
Go ifFamilies wanting quattro AWD and three-row seating
Skip ifYou want a hybrid or electrified powertrain
Why #5 over #6: It beats the Volvo XC90 by offering standard quattro AWD and three-row seating at a lower starting price than the XC90's plug-in hybrid.
6
Volvo XC90
Answrs VerdictSafety leader with a real plug-in hybrid range
The Volvo XC90 starts at $62,445 for the gas/mild-hybrid, and the plug-in hybrid T8 starts at $77,595. It is a safety leader with a real plug-in hybrid range. Skip it if you want sporty handling over cabin calm.
Go ifSafety-focused families wanting a genuine plug-in hybrid
Skip ifYou want sporty handling over cabin calm
Why #6 over #7: It beats the Porsche Cayenne by providing a genuine plug-in hybrid at a much lower price.
7
Porsche Cayenne
Answrs VerdictThe driver's choice among luxury SUVs
Starting price: $92,250 (total MSRP, base $89,900)Transmission: 8-Speed Tiptronic S (standard)Wheels: 20" Cayenne Design Wheels (standard)Headlights: Matrix Design LED Headlights (standard)Driver assistance: Surround View with Active Parking Support and Lane Change Assist (LCA) included standard
The Porsche Cayenne starts at $92,250 total MSRP, with a base price of $89,900. It offers sports-car handling in an SUV body. Skip it if you're budget-conscious or want a hybrid at entry price.
Go ifEnthusiasts who want sports-car handling in an SUV body
Skip ifYou're budget-conscious or want a hybrid at entry price
Why #7 over #8: It beats the Range Rover Sport with sharper sports-car-like handling.
8
Range Rover Sport
Answrs VerdictPrestige and off-road ability, sportier wrapper
Starting price: $83,700 (SE)Engine options: 3.0 Liter 6-Cylinder (SE); 3.0 Liter 6-Cylinder Plug-In Hybrid or 4.4 Liter Twin-Turbo V8 on higher trimsTransmission/drivetrain: 8-speed Automatic Transmission with all-wheel driveSeating: SE: 20-way electric heated and ventilated memory front seats with heated rear seats; Autobiography: 22-way heated, ventilated, massage electric memory front seatsTowing provisions: Electrical towing preparation with front and rear recovery eyes
The Range Rover Sport starts at $83,700 for the SE. It delivers Range Rover prestige with sportier handling. Skip it if you're wary of luxury-SUV reliability track records.
Go ifBuyers wanting Range Rover prestige with sportier handling
Skip ifYou're wary of luxury-SUV reliability track records
Why #8 over #9: It beats the Lincoln Navigator by offering similar prestige in a sportier, more agile package.
9
Lincoln Navigator
Answrs VerdictSpacious American flagship with strong tech
Starting price: $90,745 (Premiere)Seating capacity: Seats 8Starting price - Premiere: $90,745Starting price - Reserve: $100,745Starting price - Black Label: $116,995Trim lineup: 3 models available (Premiere, Reserve, Black Label), each offered in standard and L variants
The Lincoln Navigator starts at $90,745 for the Premiere. It provides full-size American luxury and third-row space. Skip it if you want a smaller footprint or lower price.
Go ifBuyers wanting full-size American luxury and third-row space
Skip ifYou want a smaller footprint or lower price
Why #9 over #10: It beats the Cadillac Escalade by offering full-size luxury and third-row space for less money.
10
Cadillac Escalade
Answrs VerdictIconic flagship, now a six-figure SUV
Starting price: $105,595 (Luxury trim)Engine: 6.2L V8, 420 hpSeating: Seats up to 8 passengers, available in 3 rowsTowing capacity: Up to 8,100 lbs when properly equipped
The Cadillac Escalade starts at $105,595 for the Luxury trim. It offers maximum size, presence, and brand status. Skip it if price sensitivity rules out six-figure SUVs.
Go ifBuyers wanting maximum size, presence, and brand status
Skip ifPrice sensitivity rules out six-figure SUVs
How we ranked these
The order was decided by luxury content per dollar, driving experience, powertrain choice including hybrid and PHEV, and starting price versus segment peers. Facts are taken from each maker's own published information; check the official site before you buy.
Questions people ask
What's the cheapest luxury SUV on this list?
The Lexus RX starts at $55,450 for the RX 350 Premium FWD, the lowest entry price of the group.
Which luxury SUV on this list has a plug-in hybrid option?
The Volvo XC90 offers a T8 plug-in hybrid starting at $77,595, alongside its $62,445 gas/mild-hybrid base model.
Which is the most expensive SUV on this list?
The Cadillac Escalade is the priciest, starting at $105,595 for the entry Luxury trim after its base 1SA trim was cut.
Starting price (USD) at a glance
Lexus RX$55,450
Genesis GV80$58,850
Volvo XC90$62,445
Mercedes-Benz GLE$68,400
Audi Q7$70,900
BMW X5$72,100
Range Rover Sport$83,700
Lincoln Navigator$90,745
Porsche Cayenne$92,250
Cadillac Escalade$105,595
Starting price (USD), as published by each maker. Picks without a published figure are left off.
