Crossover vehicles and SUVs continue to gain popularity as family transportation thanks to steady improvements in fuel economy and car-like driving characteristics that make these sometimes bulky models easier to drive in the city. Move up to the luxury class and an SUV becomes more of a lifestyle choice, though families with a bit more money to spend will still find plenty of practicality in just as wide a variety of vehicle sizes as their more budget-friendly siblings.
Here are the luxury SUVs we feel are among the best of the 2018 models available now, some of which prove you don’t have to go for the latest designs (such as the selection of 2019 SUVs that are already in showrooms) to get a comfortable and competent upscale utility vehicle. This list is organized by:
- Compact luxury models
- Mid-Size luxury models
- Full-size luxury models
1. Best Compact Luxury SUV & Crossovers
2018 Acura RDX
Editor’s Note: The 2018 RDX is the last year of the 2nd-generation; the 2019 RDX is all-new
Acura redesigned the RDX for 2019, but the outgoing 2018 model remains a very solid vehicle, offering strong performance and decent fuel economy from its 3.5L V6 engine. It comes standard with AWD, and while it’s not Acura’s excellent Super Handling (SH-AWD) system, the RDX still boasts good handling.
US Pricing – 2018 RDX:
- RDX FWD – $36,000
- RDX AWD – $37,500
Canada Pricing – 2018 RDX:
- RDX – $42,390
- RDX Tech – $45,390
- RDX Elite – $47,390
2018 BMW X3
BMW’s compact X3 is all-new for 2018, gaining updated styling and, more importantly, a longer wheelbase that improves passenger space. The update also brings a big infotainment screen and an interior that generally feels more expensive than the old X3. There’s no dedicated M version of the X3 as is offered in the larger X5 range, but BMW goes halfway with the M40i model, whose turbocharged six-cylinder engine puts its 355 hp through an M Sport exhaust system. The base model, called the xDrive30i, uses a 248-hp four-cylinder that balances economy with adequate performance.
US Pricing – 2018 X3:
- 2018 X3 xDrive30i – $42,650
- 2018 X3 M40i – $54,500
2018 X3 Reviews:
2018 Porsche Macan
Editor’s Note: expect the new 2019 Macan to get a hefty facelift
Just like the company’s car models, the compact Porsche Macan SUV comes in a wide range of trims to appeal to as many potential buyers as possible. The starting point is a four-cylinder with 252 hp, while the top trim is the Macan Turbo, powered by a 400-hp V6. It’s hard to argue in favour of the Macan’s value, as Porsche makes you pay extra for a lot of handy tech features, but the Macan is among the best driving SUVs available for any amount of money.
US Pricing – 2018 Porsche Macan
- Macan – $47,800
- Macan Sport Edition – $61,100
- Macan S – $55,400
- Macan GTS – $68,900
- Macan Turbo – $77,200
- Macan Turbo with Performance Package – $87,700
Canada Pricing – 2018 Porsche Macan
- Macan – $54,100
- Macan Sport Edition – $68,100
- Macan S – $61,400
- Macan GTS – $76,000
- Macan Turbo – $87,200
- Macan Turbo with Performance Package – $99,000
- Macan Turbo Exclusive Performance Edition – $ visit site
2. Mid-Size Luxury SUV & Crossovers
2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio
Named for the Stelvio Pass, a mountain road in Italy known for its intense switchbacks, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio is the first SUV model from this Italian brand, and one of the latest to join the lineup since its return to North America a couple of years ago. Base models come with a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder but performance fans will prefer the Quadrifoglio’s 2.9L turbo V6 and 505 hp that allow a top speed of 285 km/h.
US Pricing – 2018 Stevlio:
- Stelvio – $42,195
- Stelvio Ti – $44,195
- Stelvio Quadrifoglio – $79,995
Canada Pricing – 2018 Stelvio:
- Stelvio – $51,845
- Stelvio Ti – $53,845
- Stelvio Quadrifoglio – $95,000
2018 Land Rover Range Rover Velar
The latest addition to Land Rover’s extensive family of Range Rover models is the Velar, which packages the Range Rover’s traditional luxury and off-road ability into a sleeker body. Land Rover is now in the minority of SUV makers offering a diesel engine in the wake of VW’s emissions scandal. It’s a four-cylinder with 180 hp, and the step up is to a supercharged gas V6 that makes 380 hp. Cool tech features include a tow assist function that lets you steer the car using the infotainment controller while backing up, so that the car automatically adjusts the steering wheel to put the trailer where you want it.
Check out our 2018 Velar first drive review here.
US Pricing – 2018 Velar:
- Velar – $49,900
- Velar R-Dynamic – $60,100
- Velar First Edition – $89,300
Canada Pricing – 2018 Velar:
- Velar – $62,00
- Velar R-Dynamic – $67,400
- Velar First Edition – $95,000
2018 Lexus RX
The big news for this upscale utility for 2018 is the addition of a bigger version, called the RX L, that seats seven people. It rides on the same wheelbase as the regular RX but has a longer body to accommodate a third row of seating. The Lexus RX is not a performance machine, but it is supremely smooth and quiet on the road, a characteristic emphasized in a hybrid version that will drive on electricity alone for short distances if you’re not in a hurry.
US Pricing – 2018 RX:
- RX 350 – $43,470
- RX 350L – $47,670
- RX 350 F Sport – $49,120
- RX 450h – $45,895
- RX 450h L – $50,620
- RX 450h F Sport – $51,255
Canada Pricing – 2018 RX:
- RX 350 – $56,750
- RX 350L – $66,050
- RX 350 F Sport – $49,120
- RX 450h – $71,150
- RX 450h L – $77,600
2018 Tesla Model X
This American electric car maker is controversial, mainly because of the lofty promises CEO Elon Musk makes but sometimes can’t deliver on. For all that, Tesla’s cars are impressive performers, including the Model X, the brand’s sole entry in the SUV category. Based on its looks, it’s clear Tesla put its effort into what makes the Model X go: a big battery and electric motors move this utility from 0-100 km/h in as little as 3.1 seconds. Just as cool are the “falcon wing” rear doors that open up instead of out.
2018 Model X Reviews:
US Pricing – 2018 Model X:
- Model X 75D – $106,900
- Model X 100D – $128,400
- Model X P100D – $181,700
Canada Pricing – 2018 Model X:
- Model X 75D – $106,900
- Model X 100D – $128,400
- Model X P100D – $181,700
2018 Volvo XC90
The XC90 was the vehicle that started Volvo’s comeback in 2016 (read our full review here), and it continues to serve as a symbol of how this company has turned around with the help of its corporate owner, China’s Geely. Performance is fine with a 2.0L turbo four-cylinder working alone, but a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model ratchets up the speed potential with 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque from that engine working in concert with electric power. One of the neatest options is a shift lever made of Swedish crystal.
US Pricing – 2018 XC90:
- XC90 Momentum – $46,900
- XC90 R-Design – $52,300
- XC90 Inscription – $59,450
- XC90 Excellence – $104,900
Canada Pricing – 2018 XC90:
- XC90 Momentum – $59,150
- XC90 R-Design – $67,900
- XC90 Inscription – $69,550
2018 Lincoln MKX
Editor’s Note: For the 2019 model year, the MKX will be renamed Nautilus; the 2nd-gen 2016-2018 MKX are essentially the same
| It’s been 11 years since the mid-size Lincoln MKX luxury crossover hit the market, retaining the same design and attributes along the way. Finally, the all-new, second-generation Lincoln MKX arrived in style in 2016, sharing the same design characteristics as its smaller MKC sibling introduced last year. The 2018 MKX carries the model until the all-new 2019 Nautilus hits the market – new name, same great driving dynamics we’re sure. |
3. Best Full-Size Luxury SUVs
2018 Audi Q7
Audi redesigned its big Q7 for 2017, and those changes carry over into 2018: this is the first Q7 to offer four-cylinder power in a 2.0L turbo with 252 hp, but the uplevel 3.0L turbo V6 is a better bet in a vehicle of this size with its 333 hp. Still, the four-cylinder holds its own, performance-wise, thanks to a body 300 kg lighter than the previous generation Q7. While this Audi's third row isn't the largest in its class, the Q7 is a fine way to move you and a few friends and still have some fun along the way
2018 Cadillac Escalade
If you don’t mind looking like you just rolled off the set of a music video, the Cadillac Escalade is a well-done big SUV that’s easy to hate. It has become a veritable symbol of conspicuous consumption, but the Escalade packs a lot of practical luxury into its big body, including comfortable seating for up to seven in your choice of a standard-sized model or a stretched version called the ESV. Performance is impressive for a truck-based vehicle, thanks to a 420-hp V8 matched with a 10-speed transmission. GM’s Magnetic Ride Control suspension makes for good handling, and tech options include a rear camera mirror.
2018 Lincoln Navigator
If your kids complain about family road-trips, maybe the all-new 2018 Lincoln Navigator will zip them up – here’s our full review. With wireless charging, standard Wi-Fi, and an ultra-comfortable cabin, Lincoln’s new full-size SUV still retains all its luxury but has taken it to new levels for 2018. Producing 450-hp, the all-new 2018 Navigator finds power via a twin-turbo V6 engine paired to a 10-speed transmission. The Navigator’s lighter, high-strength aluminum-alloy body removes nearly 200 pounds, helping create a more refined ride.
2018 VW Atlas
The Atlas is likely the biggest Volkswagen you’ve ever seen: longer, wider and higher than a Touareg, it’s sized properly for what it’s designed to do. VW describes the looks, which evolved from the CrossBlue concept of a few years back as wide, earnest and substantial, but not too aggressive. It’s noticeably less rounded than some of its rivals, with chiseled edges and some nice details in and around the grille and LED lights. The powertrains are tried and tested, too. The Execline comes as standard with the venerable 3.6-liter V6 and 4Motion AWD; a 2-liter TSI that makes almost as much power with 235bhp vs 276bhp and FWD are available elsewhere.
