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.