Top 10 Luxury SUVs 2021 — Best Overall + Best Value

Direct Answer

For the 2021 model year, the Genesis GV80 is our Best Overall luxury SUV at a starting MSRP of $48,900, pairing a knockout cabin, strong turbo engines, and a long standard-equipment list with a price that undercuts every German rival. Our Best Value pick is the Acura MDX at a starting MSRP of $45,300 — a three-row hauler with a standard 290-hp V6, Honda-grade reliability, and a full safety suite for mainstream-SUV money.

The list below ranks ten real 2021 luxury SUVs, from compact crossovers to plug-in hybrids to off-road flagships.

How We Ranked the Top 10

We weighted the categories that actually shape a luxury-SUV ownership experience rather than chasing one headline spec. Our scoring leans on published road tests and owner data from Car and Driver, MotorTrend, Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book (KBB), U.S. News & World Report, the IIHS, and the EPA.

• Interior quality and comfort — 25%: material finish, seat comfort, quietness, and second/third-row space.
• Reliability and ownership cost — 20%: predicted dependability, warranty length, and resale strength.
• Performance and powertrain — 15%: engine choices, hybrid options, ride and handling balance.
• Tech and features — 15%: infotainment, driver-assist breadth, and standard-versus-optional content.
• Safety — 15%: IIHS crash scores and standard collision-avoidance hardware.
• Price-to-performance — 10%: how much real SUV you get for the money you spend.

1. Genesis GV80 🏆 BEST OVERALL

Starting MSRP: $48,900 | Best for: buyers who want German-grade luxury without the German price.

The 2021 GV80 is Genesis's first SUV, and it arrived fully formed. The base turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder makes 300 hp, while the optional twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 makes 375 hp, both routed through an eight-speed automatic with available all-wheel drive. EPA combined figures land around 21 to 22 mpg, and even the entry car ships with a 14.5-inch touchscreen, quilted-look seating, and a deep collision-avoidance suite.

Genesis backs it with a strong 5-year/60,000-mile warranty and complimentary scheduled maintenance, and the IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick. Five-seat and optional third-row layouts both exist.

Pros:

• Cabin design and materials rival cars costing $20,000 more.
• Two strong turbo engines, both well-matched to the chassis.
• Loaded standard equipment plus a class-leading warranty.

Cons:

• First-year model with a thin dealer network in some regions.

Verdict: The GV80 delivers flagship feel at a near-mainstream price, which is exactly why it tops this list.

2. BMW X5

Starting MSRP: $59,400 | Best for: drivers who want a midsize SUV that still feels like a sport sedan.

The X5 remains the dynamic benchmark of the midsize luxury class. The xDrive40i uses a 335-hp turbo inline-six rated at 21/26/23 mpg city/highway/combined, while the xDrive45e plug-in hybrid adds 31 miles of EPA electric range at 50 MPGe. Step up and the M50i twin-turbo V8 makes 523 hp.

Inside you get a polished iDrive interface, ample cargo room, an available small third row, and strong IIHS crash scores. BMW's warranty runs 4 years/50,000 miles.

Pros:

• Eager inline-six and a genuinely useful plug-in hybrid option.
• Athletic handling without punishing ride quality.
• Roomy, tech-rich cabin with strong resale.

Cons:

• Option packages climb the price quickly.

Verdict: The most complete driver's SUV here, and the plug-in hybrid makes a strong efficiency case.

3. Lexus RX 450h

Starting MSRP: $48,100 | Best for: owners who prize reliability and real-world hybrid efficiency.

The RX is the dependability anchor of the segment, and the hybrid is the one to get. The RX 450h pairs a V6 with three electric motors for 308 hp and an EPA-rated 31/28/30 mpg, the best of any non-plug-in here. Cargo room is 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 32.6 cubic feet folded, identical to the gas RX 350, so the hybrid hardware costs nothing in space.

Owners give the fourth-generation RX an above-average 4.5-out-of-5 reliability rating, and Lexus Safety System plus is standard.

Pros:

• Outstanding 30-mpg combined hybrid economy with no cargo penalty.
• Above-average predicted reliability and strong resale.
• Whisper-quiet, beautifully finished interior.

Cons:

• Remote-touch infotainment is fiddly to use on the move.

Verdict: If low running costs and dependability top your list, the RX 450h is the smart buy.

4. Audi Q5

Starting MSRP: $43,300 | Best for: compact-SUV shoppers who want all-wheel drive standard.

The Q5 got a mid-cycle refresh for 2021 that sharpened an already excellent compact. The 261-hp turbo 2.0-liter four gains a mild-hybrid system and returns a strong 23/28/25 mpg, with Quattro all-wheel drive standard across the range. Cargo space is 25.9 cubic feet seats up and 54.1 cubic feet folded.

The interior is the Audi calling card — clean design, crisp screens, and a tactile feel that punches above the price — and the refresh added active-safety content. IIHS scores are strong, and a sleeker Sportback body style is also offered.

Pros:

• Standard Quattro AWD and a polished mild-hybrid four-cylinder.
• Top-tier cabin fit and finish for the compact class.
• Refreshed tech and safety content for 2021.

Cons:

• Cargo room trails several compact rivals.

Verdict: The well-rounded compact pick, especially in snowy climates where standard AWD earns its keep.

5. Volvo XC90

Starting MSRP: $49,695 | Best for: families who want three rows and a plug-in hybrid option.

The XC90 stays a design and safety standout, and it is the cargo champion of this group. The T6 makes 316 hp and returns 19/28/22 mpg, while the T8 Recharge plug-in pairs gas and electric power for 400 hp, an 18-mile EPA electric range, and 55 MPGe combined. With all three rows up it holds 15.8 cubic feet, expanding to a massive 85.7 cubic feet folded — more than any rival here.

Volvo's clean Scandinavian cabin, Pilot Assist, and standard safety hardware round it out under a 4-year/50,000-mile warranty. Real-world hybrid economy can fall short, so plan to plug in.

Pros:

• Best-in-test maximum cargo volume for three-row hauling.
• Genuine plug-in hybrid with usable all-electric commuting range.
• Calm, minimalist interior and deep safety roster.

Cons:

• T8 real-world mpg disappoints if you rarely charge.

Verdict: The three-row family choice, and the Recharge rewards owners who can plug in nightly.

6. Mercedes-Benz GLE

Starting MSRP: $54,750 | Best for: buyers chasing the plushest midsize ride and cabin tech.

The GLE is the comfort-and-tech showpiece of the midsize class. The GLE 350 uses a 255-hp turbo four rated near 19/26/22 mpg, while the GLE 450 steps up to a 362-hp turbo six with mild-hybrid assist and a better 21/26/23 mpg. The MBUX dual-screen dashboard is a highlight, the cargo area is large and flat, and an available air suspension delivers a magic-carpet ride.

Mercedes covers it with a 4-year/50,000-mile warranty, and IIHS testing is strong.

Pros:

• Sumptuous ride quality and a richly finished cabin.
• Class-leading MBUX infotainment and voice control.
• Strong, refined GLE 450 inline-six option.

Cons:

• Well-equipped examples sail past $70,000.

Verdict: The luxury-first midsize pick; spring for the GLE 450 and the air suspension.

7. Porsche Macan

Starting MSRP: $53,450 | Best for: enthusiasts who want a sports car wearing an SUV body.

No compact SUV drives like the Macan. The base model makes 248 hp, the Macan S jumps to 348 hp, the GTS to 375 hp, and the Turbo to 434 hp, all with razor-sharp steering and a quick dual-clutch gearbox. EPA economy is modest at roughly 19 city/23 highway, and cargo room is a tighter 17.6 cubic feet, so this is a driver's tool first.

The cabin is beautifully built, all-wheel drive is standard, and Porsche's warranty runs 4 years/50,000 miles.

Pros:

• The sharpest handling and steering in the compact luxury class.
• Gorgeous build quality and a strong engine ladder.
• Standard all-wheel-drive grip and serious braking.

Cons:

• Small cargo hold and thirsty fuel economy.
• Options inflate the price fast.

Verdict: The choice for drivers who refuse to give up sports-car reflexes when they buy an SUV.

8. Land Rover Defender 110

Starting MSRP: $49,900 | Best for: buyers who genuinely go off-road and want luxury along the way.

Reborn for 2021, the Defender 110 marries serious trail hardware with on-road refinement. Power runs from a 296-hp turbo inline-six up to a 395-hp version in top trims, with EPA economy around 17/22 mpg, 19 combined for the six. Cargo space is generous at 34 cubic feet behind the second row and 78.8 cubic feet folded, and the five-seat 110 is the roomiest body style.

Configurable terrain modes, locking differentials, and air suspension make it a true off-roader, while the cabin stays comfortable and tech-forward, all under a 4-year/50,000-mile warranty.

Pros:

• Legitimate off-road capability with locking diffs and air suspension.
• Cool, rugged design and a surprisingly refined road manner.
• Roomy, flexible five-seat cargo layout.

Cons:

• Land Rover's reliability reputation trails Japanese rivals.

Verdict: The do-it-all adventure pick for owners whose weekends end at a trailhead.

9. BMW X3

Starting MSRP: $45,000 | Best for: compact buyers who want X5 driving feel in a smaller, cheaper package.

The X3 brings BMW's dynamic polish down a size and a price tier. The xDrive30i runs a 248-hp turbo 2.0-liter four and posts a strong 25/29/26 mpg, with 28.7 cubic feet of cargo behind the rear seats expanding to 62.7 cubic feet folded — generous for the class. A plug-in xDrive30e is also offered.

The cabin is tech-rich with the latest iDrive, all-wheel drive is standard, IIHS scores are solid, and BMW's warranty runs 4 years/50,000 miles.

Pros:

• Efficient turbo four with a strong 26-mpg combined rating.
• Roomy cargo hold and standard all-wheel drive.
• Modern iDrive tech and available plug-in hybrid.

Cons:

• Steering is less communicative than the price suggests.

Verdict: The value-minded compact for buyers who want the BMW experience without X5 money.

10. Acura MDX 💎 BEST VALUE

Starting MSRP: $45,300 | Best for: three-row families who want luxury content at a mainstream price.

The 2021 MDX is the value champion, full stop. A standard 3.5-liter V6 makes 290 hp, EPA economy lands at 19/25/21 mpg with SH-AWD, and three rows come standard with 18.1 cubic feet of cargo behind the third row. The pitch is content for the money: at roughly $45,000 you get a V6, a full AcuraWatch driver-assist suite, and Honda-derived dependability that earns top marks for reliability and resale.

The cabin is not the flashiest here, but it is roomy, durable, and well-equipped, and Acura's low ownership costs are hard to beat.

Pros:

• Standard V6, AWD, and full safety suite at a mainstream price.
• Honda-grade reliability and strong resale value.
• Genuine three-row family practicality.

Cons:

• Interior ambiance trails the German and Genesis rivals.

Verdict: The smartest money on this list — maximum SUV and safety per dollar spent.

Buyer Decision Tree — Which One's Right for You?

What to Look For When Buying a Luxury SUV

• Standard versus optional content: German rivals list low base prices, then charge for features Genesis and Acura include standard. Compare out-the-door, not sticker.
• Warranty and ownership cost: Genesis (5-year/60,000-mile) and the Lexus/Acura reliability story save real money over five years of ownership.
• Powertrain match: A plug-in hybrid only pays off if you can charge nightly; otherwise a strong gas six-cylinder is the better buy.
• Real cargo numbers: Verify behind-the-row figures, not just maximum volume — the XC90 and X3 lead, the Macan and Q5 trail.
• Safety hardware: Confirm IIHS scores and that collision-avoidance tech is standard rather than bundled in a pricey package.
• Badge prestige matters less than marketing implies: day to day, cabin comfort, reliability, and ride quality affect your life far more than the logo on the hood, and the GV80 and MDX prove you can skip the badge tax without giving up the experience.

FAQ

What is the best overall luxury SUV for 2021? The Genesis GV80 earns our Best Overall nod for blending a flagship-grade interior, two strong turbo engines, a long standard-feature list, and a class-leading warranty at a starting price of $48,900 — thousands under comparable German midsize rivals.

Which 2021 luxury SUV is the best value? The Acura MDX at $45,300 gives you a standard V6, all-wheel drive, three rows, a full safety suite, and Honda-grade reliability for what many rivals charge for a base four-cylinder compact.

Which 2021 luxury SUV is the most fuel-efficient? Among non-plug-in models the Lexus RX 450h leads at an EPA-rated 30 mpg combined. For plug-in commuting, the BMW X5 xDrive45e and Volvo XC90 Recharge add 31 and 18 miles of electric range respectively.

Are luxury SUVs reliable in 2021? Reliability varies widely. The Lexus RX and Acura MDX post above-average dependability ratings, while Land Rover historically trails. Check predicted-reliability data and warranty length before you buy.

Which 2021 luxury SUV is best for families? The Volvo XC90 offers the most maximum cargo room at 85.7 cubic feet and a three-row layout with a plug-in option, while the Acura MDX delivers the same three-row practicality at a lower price.

Is it better to buy a compact or midsize luxury SUV? Choose a compact (X3, Q5, Macan) if you prioritize efficiency, parking ease, and a lower price. Choose a midsize or three-row (X5, GLE, GV80, XC90, MDX) if you need passenger and cargo room.

Bottom Line

The 2021 luxury-SUV field rewards buyers who shop on substance instead of badge. The Genesis GV80 wins our top spot by delivering flagship materials, engines, and equipment for a price that embarrasses the establishment, and the Acura MDX takes Best Value by stacking a V6, AWD, three rows, and proven reliability for around $45,000.

From there, pick by need: the BMW X5 for driving polish, the Lexus RX 450h for efficiency and dependability, the Volvo XC90 for three-row hauling, the Porsche Macan for sport, the Land Rover Defender 110 for adventure, and the Audi Q5 or BMW X3 for compact value.

Match the SUV to how you actually drive, and any pick on this list will reward you.

Sources

• Car and Driver — 2021 luxury SUV reviews and specifications (caranddriver.com)
• MotorTrend — 2021 BMW X5, Genesis GV80, and Volvo XC90 road tests (motortrend.com)
• Edmunds — 2021 Audi Q5, Lexus RX 450h, Land Rover Defender, and Acura MDX reviews (edmunds.com)
• Kelley Blue Book (KBB) — 2021 luxury SUV pricing and MSRP data (kbb.com)
• U.S. News & World Report — 2021 Luxury SUV rankings (cars.usnews.com)
• IIHS — 2021 vehicle crash-test ratings and Top Safety Pick awards (iihs.org)
• EPA — fueleconomy.gov official 2021 MPG and MPGe ratings (fueleconomy.gov)
• The Car Connection — 2021 Genesis GV80, BMW X5, and Lexus RX overviews (thecarconnection.com)
• Cars.com — 2021 BMW X3, Audi Q5, and Mercedes-Benz GLE specifications (cars.com)
• TrueCar — 2021 Porsche Macan and Mercedes-Benz GLE pricing and trims (truecar.com)

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