Best Cheap Luxury SUVs of 2023

A cheap luxury SUV may seem like an oxymoron since sports utility vehicles are already pricier than a sedan or a hatchback, and adding premium materials and advanced features only pushes up the cost. However, some automakers strive to make budget premium SUVs that can be an entry point to the market. More than just nice SUVs for a cheap price, they serve as status symbols and proof that you are on the up and up, career- and lifestyle-wise.

This is a list of the most affordable luxury SUVs for 2023 in the USA:

BuzzScore
Design
Performance
MPG
Interior
Infotainment
Reliability
Safety
Value
#1
2024 Cadillac Lyriq
9.8
BuzzScore
10
Design
9
Performance
10
MPG
10
Interior
10
Infotainment
9
Reliability
10
Safety
10
Value
#2
2023 Volvo XC40
9.3
BuzzScore
10
Design
9
Performance
10
MPG
9
Interior
9
Infotainment
8
Reliability
10
Safety
9
Value
#3
2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class SUV
9.1
BuzzScore
9
Design
9
Performance
9
MPG
9
Interior
10
Infotainment
8
Reliability
10
Safety
9
Value
#4
2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E
9.1
BuzzScore
8
Design
9
Performance
10
MPG
9
Interior
9
Infotainment
9
Reliability
10
Safety
9
Value
#5
2023 Lexus RX Hybrid
9.1
BuzzScore
9
Design
8
Performance
9
MPG
9
Interior
9
Infotainment
10
Reliability
9
Safety
10
Value
#6
2023 Lexus NX Hybrid
9
BuzzScore
8
Design
8
Performance
9
MPG
8
Interior
10
Infotainment
10
Reliability
10
Safety
9
Value
#7
2023 Mercedes-AMG GLA 35
9
BuzzScore
10
Design
10
Performance
8
MPG
8
Interior
10
Infotainment
8
Reliability
10
Safety
8
Value
#8
2023 Genesis GV80
9
BuzzScore
9
Design
8
Performance
8
MPG
9
Interior
9
Infotainment
9
Reliability
10
Safety
10
Value
#9
2023 Volvo XC60 Recharge
9
BuzzScore
9
Design
9
Performance
8
MPG
9
Interior
10
Infotainment
8
Reliability
10
Safety
9
Value
#10
2023 Lexus NX
#10
Lexus NX
8.9
BuzzScore
8
Design
7
Performance
8
MPG
8
Interior
10
Infotainment
10
Reliability
10
Safety
10
Value
#11
2023 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class
8.9
BuzzScore
8
Design
8
Performance
9
MPG
9
Interior
10
Infotainment
8
Reliability
10
Safety
9
Value
#12
2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale
8.9
BuzzScore
9
Design
8
Performance
10
MPG
9
Interior
10
Infotainment
8
Reliability
8
Safety
9
Value
#13
2023 Genesis GV70
8.9
BuzzScore
10
Design
8
Performance
8
MPG
9
Interior
9
Infotainment
9
Reliability
9
Safety
9
Value
#14
2023 Volvo XC60
8.9
BuzzScore
9
Design
9
Performance
8
MPG
9
Interior
10
Infotainment
7
Reliability
10
Safety
9
Value
#15
2023 Lexus RX
#15
Lexus RX
8.9
BuzzScore
9
Design
7
Performance
8
MPG
9
Interior
9
Infotainment
10
Reliability
9
Safety
10
Value
#16
2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge
8.9
BuzzScore
8
Design
9
Performance
9
MPG
9
Interior
9
Infotainment
9
Reliability
9
Safety
9
Value
#17
2023 Volvo XC90
8.9
BuzzScore
9
Design
7
Performance
8
MPG
10
Interior
10
Infotainment
7
Reliability
10
Safety
10
Value
#18
2023 BMW X3
#18
BMW X3
8.8
BuzzScore
8
Design
9
Performance
8
MPG
10
Interior
9
Infotainment
8
Reliability
10
Safety
8
Value
#19
2023 Tesla Model Y
8.8
BuzzScore
7
Design
9
Performance
10
MPG
9
Interior
10
Infotainment
8
Reliability
10
Safety
7
Value
#20
2023 Acura MDX
#20
Acura MDX
8.8
BuzzScore
9
Design
8
Performance
7
MPG
9
Interior
9
Infotainment
9
Reliability
10
Safety
9
Value

Characteristics of the Cheapest Luxury SUVs

The recipe for the cheapest luxury SUV models has been carefully formulated to meet the most needs without breaking the bank. There will be some compromises, but you can generally expect to find most of these qualities in the best affordable luxury SUVs.

  • They are naturally more affordable than your average premium SUV
  • They retain high quality and styling standards
  • They come equipped with some high-end features
  • They still aren’t traditionally cheap to own or run

What to Consider When Buying an Affordable Luxury SUV

What is cheap to one buyer may not be so affordable to another, so our range of cars that fit into this category in the US is rather broad. Some are true luxury cruisers, while others are mainstream brands that have created a product that is so good it could be considered a luxury item. As such, the pros and cons can vary a bit.

Pros

  • Stylish appearance, inside and out
  • Plenty of premium materials
  • High-end standard features
  • Comfortable ride quality
  • Easy to drive and highly safe

Cons

  • Still a little pricey
  • Generally require more expensive premium fuel
  • Not always fun to drive

FAQs

What are the best-value luxury SUVs?

This largely depends on your budget, but the Volvo XC40 is a nice combination of affordable, safe, comfortable, and elegant. If you want something with a little more spice to it, the BMW X3 is an option worth considering.

What price is considered affordable for a luxury SUV?

You won’t find a luxury SUV for less than $30,000, sadly, and the most affordable ones generally come in at around $40k. Some examples include the Volvo XC40, Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class, and Lexus NX.

Do affordable luxury SUVs get good mileage?

Hybrid models like the Lexus NX Hybrid can achieve respectable figures of 41/37 mpg city/highway, but even with good fuel economy, they run on premium gasoline that pushes the price of ownership up.

How reliable are cheap luxury SUVs?

Premium cars aren’t guaranteed to be more reliable, but it’s safe to say that most premium automakers put a lot of effort into ensuring nothing besmirches their good name. Still, cheaper cars can be low maintenance, and if you look after them well, you shouldn’t have many problems. It’s worth shopping around for a brand with good warranty cover.
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