10 Luxury SUVs Under $60,000

2019 Audi Q5 parked ・ Photo by Brady Holt

When you want a luxury SUV under $60,000, there’s a call only the buyer can make: Do they want more space or more equipment?

For example, the 2020 Audi Q7 starts at $61,895. When someone is prepared to spend $60,000 on a vehicle, chances are another couple of grand wouldn’t hurt too much. However, that figure is for the base model, and there are probably several attractive features that would mean adding options or going for a higher trim. If space is not a priority, it should be feasible to look at a smaller model, like the Audi Q5 in this instance, and have a greater choice of extras. Self-parking functions aside, compact crossovers are also easier to maneuver. Whether you're looking for a large or small vehicle, one of these 10 luxury SUVs under $60,000 should be the right fit for you. 

2020 Acura MDX

Most of the 2020 Acura MDX range hovers either slightly or comfortably below the $60,000 mark. It’s possible to buy a version with all-wheel drive and a few options packages without blowing the whole budget.

The MDX is a premium mid-size crossover/SUV with three rows of seating, a gutsy 290-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine (alternatively, a gas-electric hybrid version is also affordable) and lots of standard equipment, including many advanced safety features. Build quality is superb, reliability should be worry-free, and the seats are fine for long trips. It’s a great all-rounder. If someone was wavering between this and the competing Lexus RX, here’s the thing that could swing it — the MDX is great to drive. It handles sweetly. Not harsh, but still precise.

Photo by Acura

2020 Alfa Romeo Stelvio

The second-most-expensive 2020 Alfa Romeo Stelvio is the Ti Sport at $50,040. After that comes the high-performance Quadrifoglio model, which is more specialized and beyond our $60k limit.

There are two things to bear in mind with any Alfa Romeo. They’re usually a joy to look at (accepting that tastes will vary) and a joy to drive. The Stelvio is a compact SUV/crossover — not the most fertile ground for great design and engaging driving — yet still embodies these typical Alfa traits. Any Stelvio below the wonderfully over-powered Quadrifoglio has a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine developing 280 hp and 306 lb-ft of torque. That’s more decent than devilish, but still fun and fitting for a luxury crossover.

Photo by Alfa Romeo

2020 Audi Q5

Having established that the Audi Q7 is too expensive to be on our list of 10 luxury SUVs under $60,000, we turn our attention to the compact Q5. Now in its second generation that debuted in 2018, the Q5 retains polished Audi styling along with superb interior design and cabin materials.

It’s only slightly irritating that the Driver Assistance package (which includes adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring) isn’t available in the lowest Premium trim. But the top Prestige trim with virtually everything as standard is still $54,695. This includes a self-parking feature, plus a Bang & Olufsen 755-watt sound system. Another notable feature is the Virtual Cockpit, which replaces the usual gauges with a configurable LCD screen, bringing more information within the driver’s sight.

Photo by Brady Holt

2020 BMW X3

A rear-wheel drive mid-size 2020 BMW X5 costs at least $59,895. That's under $60,000 if we’re being pedantic. But adding a couple of options would smash our piggy bank. Fortunately, the 2020 BMW X3 is one of the best and most spacious luxury compact SUV/crossovers. Rear passengers should be comfortable, as long as they’re not above average size. And maximum cargo space of 62.7 cubic feet is generous.

By virtue of being a BMW, a driving thrill or two is never far away. The entry-level engine generates a turbocharged 248 hp from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder configuration. The 355-hp M40i version starts at $56,895, so there’s leeway for power and equipment. But keep some money aside for the optional driver-assistance features.

Photo by BMW

2020 Cadillac XT6

All-new for 2020, the 2020 Cadillac XT6 is the largest so far of Cadillac’s XT SUV/crossover lineup. It’s a mid-size model with three seating rows and the ability to accommodate up to seven occupants.

Motivation comes courtesy of a 310-hp V6. And even though the entry-level trim is called Premium Luxury, it starts at $53,690. That’s pretty good considering blind-spot monitoring is standard, along with Wi-Fi, wireless charging, a heated steering wheel, 20-inch alloy wheels, and hands-free tailgate operation. All-wheel drive is available for an extra $2,000. The driving experience is squarely at the luxury end of things, but that’s not a criticism. Maximum cargo space, meanwhile, is a massive 78.7 cubic feet.

Photo by Cadillac

2020 Jaguar F-Pace

The 2020 Jaguar F-PACE is the brand's largest crossover/SUV, and it competes in the premium compact arena. However, it’s remarkably roomy, with total cargo volume of 63.5 cubic feet.

It also drives like a Jaguar. That means there’s a flow to how it goes around corners and absorbs bumps. There’s a sporty undertone to complement a luxurious ride quality. The aluminum-intensive body construction helps with the center of gravity, so the F-Pace doesn’t feel like it’s on stilts. The 2020 F-Pace range starts at $46,225, but consider the Prestige trim level at $53,225 for leather upholstery and several other classy features. And opt for the more powerful 296-hp four-cylinder engine to make the most of the chassis.

Photo by Jaguar

2020 Lexus RX

There has to be a Lexus among our 10 luxury SUVs under $60,000. And the mid-size RX is a best-seller for many reasons. Build quality, for example, plus the amount of standard equipment for the money, comfort, reliability, and strong resale values.

Lexus also offers the GX 460, which is more of a traditional mid-size SUV with three seating rows and some off-roading talent, priced from $54,025. But it’s relatively old. This generation of RX is much fresher. With a budget of up to $60,000, a buyer could afford the three-row 2020 RX 450hL hybrid in top Luxury trim, which would come in at $57,485. The base front-drive 2020 RX 350 starts at $45,175 and many safety features are standard.

Photo by Lexus

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

The mid-size 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class SUV is absolutely superb and starts at $54,695 for a rear-drive variant. But this is another of those “size versus equipment” situations. Is a third row really necessary?

The equally excellent compact GLC-Class SUV, updated for 2020, is almost as spacious (although strictly a five-seater at best), and the GLC 400 4Matic version starts at $45,495. This includes a 10.25-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, heated front seats, and a powered tailgate. There’s still money left for the Driver Assistance Package with adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring (along with several other features), a self-parking package, heated steering wheel, and a high-end Burmester surround-sound system.

Photo by Mercedes-Benz

2020 Porsche Macan

Having a hefty budget means we can include a Porsche among our 10 luxury SUVs under $60,000. Not the larger Cayenne, though. That’s OK, because the compact 2020 Porsche Macan, from $52,250, is still full of driver appeal as well as offering some family-friendly practicality.

One thing that really stands out in the Macan is how well it responds to driver inputs, how just the right amount of effort is required for steering and braking. Everything feels so finely calibrated. Its suspension is also well-tuned, providing a sporty ride without being uncomfortable. From a practicality standpoint, maximum cargo volume is 52.9 cubic feet, which is only a tad better than a Volkswagen Golf. But the Macan’s interior has a classy design, while the seats are excellent.

Photo by Porsche

2020 Volvo XC90

Here’s a relative bargain among luxury SUVs offering three seating rows: Starting at $49,345, the mid-size 2020 XC90 is priced lower than rivals like the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class.

Some of the XC90's standard safety features include a forward collision mitigation system that not only detects pedestrians but also cyclists and large animals. Pilot Assist is another part of the deal — blending adaptive cruise control with some subtle steering help — along with blind-spot monitoring. This is all highly reassuring when the whole family is on board. Then there’s the luxury stuff such as a panoramic sunroof, quad-zone automatic climate control, and Wi-Fi. Also, it could be argued that the XC90 is a looker. At least it’s not as commonplace as the usual German contenders.

Photo by Volvo