10 Best Luxury Subcompact SUVs

2019 Lexus UX 250h F Sport Grey Parked Front Quarter ・ Photo by Lexus

Subcompact SUVs are incredibly popular, and understandably so. Whether you’re looking for an inexpensive choice as a commuter car, something that will stand up to the rigors of family life, or an upscale alternative to the sedan, there’s a subcompact SUV designed to fit your needs.

The number of luxury options in the subcompact segment was once rather limited, but today there are plenty of choices. These luxury subcompact SUVs offer the benefits of a roomy interior for passengers and cargo along with posh upholstery and plenty of amenities. Here are the 10 best luxury subcompact SUVs.

2019 Lexus UX

The 2019 Lexus UX is an all-new subcompact luxury SUV designed for urban dwellers. Its small footprint makes it easy to maneuver through narrow city streets and into small parking spaces. It offers a choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive in a range of three trims. This includes the F-Sport with its sport-tuned suspension and unique design elements.

Power comes from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 169 horsepower, or you can opt for one of three gas-electric hybrid trims, each with 181 total system horsepower. This is entry-level luxury with the style and features of a Lexus in a more affordable package. Pricing for the 2019 Lexus UX starts at $32,000 for gas models or $34,000 for hybrids.

Photo by Lexus

2019 Volvo XC40

The 2019 Volvo XC40 is also an all-new model featuring the refined elegance for which Volvo is known. There’s nothing flashy about the XC40. Its luxury comes from high-quality materials that give the cabin understated appeal. It received a 2019 Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and has standard safety features including automatic post-collision braking, City Safety collision-avoidance technology, and rear collision mitigation.

A range of three trims is offered with a choice of two 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines. The base engine has 187 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque while the more powerful variant has 248 horsepower with 258 lb-ft of torque. Pricing for the 2019 Volvo XC40 starts at $33,700.

Photo by Ron Sessions

2019 BMW X1

The 2019 BMW X1 offers the style and features of a luxury car along with the power and handling of a performance vehicle. It’s available in a single trim with a choice of either front-wheel or all-wheel drive. Power comes from a 2.0-liter twin-turbo four-cylinder engine with 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The X1 will go from 0-60 mph in just 6.6 seconds with a drop to 6.3 seconds if you choose all-wheel drive. Adding to its sporty demeanor are front and rear stabilizer bars, gas-pressure shock absorbers, and a drive-mode selector that toggles among eco pro, comfort, and sport modes. Pricing for the 2019 BMW X1 starts at $34,950.

Photo by BMW

2019 Jaguar E-Pace

The 2019 Jaguar E-PACE offers a wide range of trim choices, making it easy to find the E-Pace that’s perfect for you. Regardless of which trim you choose, the E-Pace is an elegant and powerful option.

The base engine is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 246 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque available on three trims. Those looking for a sportier drive will want to check out the R-Dynamic lineup, where the 2.0-liter engine increases to 296 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque for a true performance experience. This engine is also available in three trims, including the ultra-luxurious HSE. Pricing for the 2019 Jaguar E-Pace starts at $38,900.

Photo by Jaguar

2019 Infiniti QX30

The 2019 Infiniti QX30 is a subcompact luxury SUV available in a range of four trims with pricing from $30,150, making it a more affordable choice. The base Pure trim has front-wheel drive and a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 208 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Standard features include dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a six-speaker audio system.

Sitting at the top of the lineup is the Sport, which adds sport seats, unique exterior styling, sport brakes with Infiniti-branded calipers, and intelligent park assist with front and rear parking sensors. Even this top trim is more affordably priced than many competitors at $40,100.

Photo by Infiniti

2019 Cadillac XT4

The 2019 Cadillac XT4 is an all-new model with a bold design that’s sure to attract plenty of attention. It’s available in three trims with a choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive starting with the base Luxury at $34,795. Power across the lineup comes from a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 237 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.

Standard features include leatherette upholstery, an eight-way power driver’s seat, and dual-zone automatic climate control. Families will appreciate the Teen Driver feature, which is standard across the trim range. It lets parents customize select vehicle settings based on the key fob and provides reports that can be used by parents to encourage safe driving habits.

Photo by Cadillac

2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class is a sleek and elegant subcompact luxury crossover available with either front-wheel or all-wheel drive in a single trim. Pricing starts at $33,950 with a wide range of standard features. There’s a power liftgate, dual-zone automatic climate control, 14-way power front seats with memory, and ambient lighting.

There’s also the AMG GLA 45 model, which offers even more power and luxury at a price of $53,350. It has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with a whopping 375 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque that will take the SUV from 0-60 in 4.3 seconds. It also gets heavily bolstered seats, larger air intakes, and unique interior trims that make this a top choice for those who crave performance and luxury together.

Photo by Mercedes-Benz

2019 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque

The 2019 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque is available in a range of six capable trims designed to carry you in style whether the road is paved or nothing but dirt. Pricing starts at $41,800 for the base SE, which includes standard all-wheel drive, leather seats, and all-terrain progress control. This activates at the press of a button and manages braking and the chosen speed to improve handling off-road.

The standard Range Rover Evoque seats five, but if you’re fine with seating for only four, then there’s also a convertible. Available in two trims priced from $52,100, the drop-top lets you enjoy the capability of a Range Rover along with the fun of a convertible.

Photo by Land Rover

2019 Audi Q3

The 2019 Audi Q3 will be all-new when it arrives in the United States later this summer. Pricing hasn’t been released, but there’s still plenty we know. The Q3 will feature standard all-wheel drive and a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission.

It will also have Audi’s sleek Virtual Cockpit available, which makes driving an Audi feel like something straight out of the future. This feature includes a 12.3-inch screen that lets the driver configure navigation, audio, and phone functions. It will also have available Audi MMI touch with a 10.1-inch infotainment screen that includes handwriting recognition. If you’re looking for a tech-savvy choice, then the Audi Q3 is sure to please.

Photo by Audi

2019 Lexus NX

The 2019 Lexus NX sits just above the all-new UX in the Lexus lineup. It's slightly larger than the UX, so there’s more room for people and cargo, but it still boasts compact dimensions that make it ideal for city dwellers. It also gets a more powerful engine with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder good for 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.

The NX is available in three trims, with the base model priced at $36,485 and the top F Sport Black Line Special Edition coming in at $48,575. There is also a single hybrid trim available with 194 total system horsepower and a starting price of $38,835.

Photo by Lexus