10 Best Large Luxury SUVs

2018 Mercedes Benz GLS450 red in snow ・ Photo by Mercedes-Benz

If you’re in the market for a large luxury SUV, you’ve probably noticed that there are many different options to choose from, each with their own special features and inherent drawbacks. To see how the different vehicles stack up and learn which one is best for you, the expert editors at Autobytel have created a list of the 10 best large luxury SUVs, ranked from our least to most favorite.

There’s something for everyone, so whether you’re looking for a model with impressive on-road style and presence, a high-performance utility-sized sports car, or something that can take you off-road in complete luxury, read on to discover how the models compare.

2019 Cadillac Escalade

Starting at $75,195, the Cadillac Escalade has long been a symbol of wealth and prosperity, and the newest version is no different with its flashy front grille and headlights. The 420-hp 6.2-liter V8 offers plenty of power and can get the SUV moving quickly. However, the Escalade’s handling isn’t as precise as others in the segment, and even with the magnetorheological shocks, some will find the ride too firm and bouncy for a vehicle of this price.

The interior has an attractive design with good materials, especially in higher end trims, but it sometimes seems smaller than you’d expect from a vehicle with the Escalade’s external dimensions. If you plan on using the third row regularly, we’d recommend the extended ESV model.

Photo by General Motors

2019 Lexus LX

The LX is Lexus’ more premium version of the Toyota Land Cruiser, with a starting price of $85,830 and options including a cool box integrated into the center console. Power comes from a 383-hp 5.7-liter V8, though it isn’t nearly as quick as some of the other V8-powered models on our list.

The LX has good off-road capability and a locking center differential. Inside, the interior uses quality materials and is very well put together, though it doesn’t offer as much third row room or cargo space as some of the others on our list.

Photo by Lexus

2019 Infiniti QX80

The Infiniti QX80 has been around for a while, but it’s aged quite well. Thanks to its recent refresh, the Infiniti QX80’s exterior is attractive and the interior comfortable and quiet. It has available quilted leather seating and real wood trim, delivering a true premium experience.

Starting at $65,400, power for all models comes from a 400-hp 5.6-liter V8 that can get the QX80 moving quickly, and four-wheel drive models get a two-speed transfer case that makes the Infiniti surprisingly competent off-road. The optional Hydraulic Body Motion Control does a good job of controlling body roll without hurting the ride, but the Infiniti still isn’t as nimble as the sportiest vehicles on our list.

Photo by Infiniti

2019 Toyota Land Cruiser

Long known as one of the most capable SUVs available, modern versions of the Toyota Land Cruiser are much more luxurious than the original utilitarian models. Starting at $84,765, the Land Cruiser offers no real options other than exterior and interior color, with all models featuring leather seating for eight, a 381-hp 5.7-liter V8, and a two-speed transfer case.

The exterior is classic, but the interior is updated with modern amenities and high-quality materials nice enough to be in a Lexus. The on-road ride is comfortable, and if you plan on spending lots of time off-road, the Land Cruiser is remarkably capable.

Photo by Toyota

2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class is the brand’s largest and most luxurious SUV. It's remarkably roomy inside, delivers a quiet, comfortable ride, and it’s easy to get into and out of thanks to its large side doors and Easy-Entry rear seats. Not many luxuries have been overlooked - the GLS-Class offers features such as soft-close doors, a cabin-air purification system with an ionizer, heated and cooled cupholders, and a number of real wood trims. 

Engine options include a 362-hp turbocharged V6 and a 449-hp turbo V8, while a high-performance AMG model with 577-hp also is available. Mercedes-Benz offers an off-road package, but even so, the GLS better serves the concrete jungle than the great outdoors. Prices start at $70,150, making the GLS-Class a relative bargain, but prices can rise quickly once you start adding options.

Photo by Mercedes-Benz

2019 BMW X7

Based on an extended version of the X5’s platform, the all-new BMW X7 will offer more interior room and more luxury than its little brother. Power comes from either a 335-hp turbocharged inline-six or a 456-hp turbo V8, both of which move the X7 along quite briskly. The exterior is quite attractive and offers an extremely large but classy take on the traditional BMW kidney grille.

The interior should be familiar to previous BMW owners with its almost minimalist design, but the X7 features the brand’s new digital gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch center touch-screen. While the new X7 won’t be arriving on BMW dealers’ lots until March 2019, it is available for pre-order now on BMW’s website with a starting price of $74,895.

Photo by BMW

2019 Land Rover Range Rover

The Land Rover Range Rover was one of the first luxury suvs, and the newest versions are packed full of technology including the brand’s unique Touch-Pro Duo infotainment system, while still offering some of the best off-road capability around. The Range Rover’s handling is secure but not nimble, but the ride is smooth and comfortable.

Numerous engine options are available, including a 254-hp diesel, a 557-hp supercharged V8, and a hybrid with 398 total system horsepower (probably the most capable hybrid ever produced). Pricing starts at $89,160 and rises quickly as you add options, but if you’re looking for a luxurious SUV that you can take just about anywhere, it might just be a bargain.

Photo by Land Rover

2019 Lincoln Navigator

The Lincoln Navigator is a massive machine. Despite its aluminum body, it still tips the scales at just about three tons, but thanks to a 450-hp turbocharged V6, it’s plenty fast.

Handling is secure, but all that mass means that the Navigator is no athlete. Despite its slightly firmer ride, it drives more like a Lincoln from days of yore. The Lincoln’s exterior is attractive and it's interior is very quiet interior and quick to impress, offering good value for its starting price of $73,205.

Photo by Lincoln

2019 Audi Q7

The Audi Q7 is slightly smaller than most of the other vehicles on our list, but it starts at just $53,550 and manages to seat seven and pack lots of features into its relatively diminutive dimensions. Power comes from either a 248-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, or a 329-hp 3.0-liter six-cylinder. And despite the smaller engines, the Q7 still is relatively speedy.

Handling is very good and the ride is quite comfortable, though it is stiffer than many other SUVs. The Q7’s interior is very quiet, and like other Audi models, it features a modern, sleek look with high-quality materials and excellent usage of technology.

Photo by Audi

2019 Bentley Bentayga

The Bentley Bentayga is the most luxurious and most powerful on our list, with its available 6.0-liter W12 putting out 600 hp. Of course it’s also the most expensive, with most versions going for well above $200,000.

For the money, you get an SUV that’s surprisingly proficient both on-road and off (not that many owners will take their Bentayga off-road), with good handling and a very smooth and comfortable ride (though it can’t quite match the comfort level found in Bentley’s cars). The exterior is instantly recognizable as a modern Bentley, and the interior can be configured just about any way you want, with numerous customization options. If you can afford one, the Bentayga is the ultimate large luxury SUV.

Photo by Bentley