Top 10 Luxury SUVs 2023 — Best Overall + Best Value
Top 10 Luxury SUVs 2023 — Best Overall + Best Value
Direct Answer
For the 2023 model year, the Genesis GV70 is our Best Overall luxury SUV at a starting MSRP of $42,600 (3.5T), pairing a 375-hp twin-turbo V6, standard all-wheel drive, a genuinely premium cabin, and an industry-leading warranty into a package that undercuts the German establishment by thousands.
Our Best Value pick is the redesigned 2023 Lexus RX 350h at a starting MSRP of $50,000 for the hybrid, which delivers a remarkable 36 mpg combined, Lexus reliability, and a roomy, quiet cabin that costs little to own over time. Both vehicles prove that the smartest 2023 luxury SUVs are not the most expensive ones.
The rest of this top 10 spans compact two-row crossovers, three-row family haulers, and the first wave of credible luxury EVs.
How We Ranked the Top 10
We weighted each 2023 luxury SUV across six categories, blending published road tests, owner-cost data, and independent crash testing rather than relying on any single number:
- Interior quality and comfort — 25%: material grade, seat support, cabin quietness, second- and third-row space.
- Reliability and ownership cost — 20%: brand dependability history, warranty length, projected five-year cost to own.
- Performance and powertrain — 15%: horsepower, acceleration, ride-and-handling balance, hybrid or EV efficiency.
- Tech and features — 15%: infotainment usability, driver displays, connectivity, standard equipment.
- Safety — 15%: IIHS and NHTSA results plus standard driver-assistance content.
- Price-to-performance — 10%: what each dollar of MSRP actually buys versus segment rivals.
Sources informing these rankings include Car and Driver, MotorTrend, Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book (KBB), U.S. News & World Report, the IIHS, the EPA, and J.D. Power. We held every figure to the 2023 model year so this guide stays distinct from later-year picks.
1. Genesis GV70 🏆 BEST OVERALL
Starting MSRP: $42,600 | Best for: buyers who want German-tier polish without the German price
The 2023 Genesis GV70 is a compact luxury SUV with standard all-wheel drive across the lineup. The base 2.5T turbo four makes 300 horsepower, while the 3.5T twin-turbo V6 steps up to a strong 375 horsepower through an eight-speed automatic. EPA fuel economy runs roughly 22/28 mpg for the four-cylinder and 19/24 mpg for the V6, with 28.9 cubic feet of cargo behind the rear seats and 56.9 cubic feet with them folded.
Genesis layers in a 14.5-inch touchscreen, available Nappa leather, a fingerprint reader, and a comprehensive suite of standard driver aids, backed by a class-leading 5-year/60,000-mile basic and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. The GV70 earned strong IIHS scores, making it a safety standout as well as a value one.
Pros:
- Genuinely upscale interior that rivals brands costing far more.
- Standard AWD and a punchy 375-hp V6 option.
- Best-in-class warranty and low projected ownership cost.
- Distinctive, expressive styling inside and out.
Cons:
- Cargo room trails a few boxier rivals.
- V6 fuel economy is merely average.
Verdict: The GV70 wins on the strength of doing everything well while charging less, which is exactly what a Best Overall pick should do.
2. Lexus RX 💎 BEST VALUE
Starting MSRP: $48,600 | Best for: owners who prioritize efficiency, comfort, and low cost to own
The fully redesigned 2023 Lexus RX is lighter than its predecessor and offers conventional, hybrid, and performance-hybrid powertrains. The base RX 350 uses a 275-hp turbo four, the AWD-only RX 350h hybrid makes 246 system horsepower while returning an outstanding 36 mpg combined, and the RX 500h F Sport delivers 366 horsepower.
Cargo space measures about 29.6 cubic feet behind the seats. A 14-inch touchscreen, available Mark Levinson audio, and the standard Lexus Safety System Plus suite round out a serene, well-built cabin. Legendary Lexus dependability and low five-year cost to own make the hybrid our value champion.
Pros:
- 36 mpg combined from the standout RX 350h hybrid.
- Top-tier reliability and resale value.
- Quiet, comfortable, beautifully finished cabin.
- Three powertrains to match almost any buyer.
Cons:
- Handling is comfort-tuned rather than sporty.
- New touchscreen takes acclimation.
Verdict: No 2023 luxury SUV stretches a dollar further than the RX hybrid, earning it the Best Value crown.
3. BMW X3
Starting MSRP: $47,400 | Best for: drivers who want a sporty, tech-rich compact
The 2023 BMW X3 remains the enthusiast's compact luxury SUV. The xDrive30i pairs a 248-hp turbo 2.0-liter four with standard all-wheel drive, while the M40i adds a 48-volt mild hybrid and a 382-hp turbocharged inline-six. Expect roughly 23 to 25 mpg combined and 28.7 cubic feet of cargo space.
An eight-speed automatic, crisp iDrive infotainment, and a polished chassis make the X3 feel quick and precise. BMW's 4-year/50,000-mile warranty and strong IIHS results round out the package.
Pros:
- Sharp handling that leads the compact class.
- 382-hp M40i delivers real performance.
- High-quality, driver-focused cabin and tech.
- Standard AWD on US models.
Cons:
- Options add up quickly.
- Ride can feel firm on larger wheels.
Verdict: The most fun-to-drive compact here, and an easy pick for buyers who value the drive.
4. Mercedes-Benz GLC
Starting MSRP: $47,100 | Best for: shoppers chasing the latest cabin tech and a plush ride
Fully redesigned for 2023, the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 centers on a 2.0-liter turbo four with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system producing 255 horsepower. The 4MATIC all-wheel-drive version returns about 25/32 mpg city/highway, and cargo space grows to roughly 21.9 cubic feet.
The dashboard mirrors the C-Class with a large portrait touchscreen running the latest MBUX software, surrounded by genuinely premium materials. Standard driver-assistance content and a smooth, quiet ride underscore its luxury credentials.
Pros:
- Newest interior and infotainment in the segment.
- Composed, quiet, comfortable ride.
- Strong fuel economy for a luxury compact.
- Refined mild-hybrid powertrain.
Cons:
- Only one engine offered at launch.
- Touch controls can be distracting.
Verdict: The GLC is the cabin-tech leader of the compact class and a benchmark for daily refinement.
5. Acura MDX
Starting MSRP: $49,550 | Best for: families needing three rows without a luxury-tax price
The 2023 Acura MDX is a three-row midsize SUV that delivers space and value. The standard 3.5-liter V6 makes 290 horsepower, while the Type S turbo V6 jumps to 355 horsepower. Front-drive models earn about 19/26 mpg, and available SH-AWD sharpens handling.
Cargo capacity reaches 18.1 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 95 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. A 12.3-inch screen, available ELS audio, and a full AcuraWatch safety suite come aboard, and the MDX posted strong crash-test results.
Pros:
- Genuine three-row practicality at a fair price.
- 355-hp Type S adds real muscle.
- Sharp SH-AWD handling for the class.
- Quiet, comfortable, well-equipped cabin.
Cons:
- Touchpad infotainment frustrates some users.
- Third row is best for kids.
Verdict: The smart family choice when you need three rows and refuse to overpay.
6. Genesis GV80
Starting MSRP: $43,600 | Best for: luxury buyers wanting a midsize three-row bargain
The 2023 Genesis GV80 brings the brand's value formula to the midsize class. A 300-hp turbo four is standard, with a 375-hp twin-turbo V6 optional, and AWD is available. Fuel economy runs about 20/24 mpg for the four and 18/23 mpg for the V6, with an optional third row that adds 11.6 cubic feet of cargo behind it and 84 cubic feet of total space.
A dual-screen dash, quilted leather, and excellent material quality make the GV80 feel far costlier than it is, and it carries the same generous Genesis warranty as the GV70.
Pros:
- Opulent cabin that shames pricier rivals.
- 375-hp V6 and available AWD.
- Class-leading warranty coverage.
- Available third row for occasional use.
Cons:
- Third row is tight for adults.
- V6 fuel economy is unremarkable.
Verdict: A genuine luxury experience at a mainstream-luxury price, and a worthy big brother to the GV70.
7. BMW X5
Starting MSRP: $61,600 | Best for: buyers wanting a midsize BMW that does everything
The 2023 BMW X5 xDrive40i is a midsize two-row standout powered by a 375-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with a 48-volt mild-hybrid assist and standard all-wheel drive. EPA economy lands near 23/27 mpg, and cargo space is generous at 33.9 cubic feet, expanding to 72.3 cubic feet.
The X5 blends a luxurious, tech-forward cabin with athletic handling and a long options list, plus available plug-in and high-performance variants. It carries BMW's 4-year/50,000-mile warranty and strong safety credentials.
Pros:
- Smooth, strong 375-hp inline-six.
- Roomy, high-quality cabin and big cargo hold.
- Athletic handling for a midsize SUV.
- Broad lineup including a plug-in hybrid.
Cons:
- Pricing climbs fast with options.
- Less value-focused than the Genesis pair.
Verdict: A do-it-all midsize luxury SUV that justifies its price with depth and polish.
8. Volvo XC90
Starting MSRP: $58,650 | Best for: safety-first families who want understated Scandinavian style
The 2023 Volvo XC90 is a three-row midsize SUV defined by calm design and safety leadership. The B6 mild-hybrid pairs a turbo-and-supercharged 2.0-liter four with a 48-volt system for 295 horsepower and AWD, rated near 19/27 mpg, while the T8 Recharge plug-in hybrid makes 455 combined horsepower with about 36 miles of electric range.
Total cargo capacity reaches 85.7 cubic feet. A minimalist cabin, supportive seats, and Volvo's comprehensive standard safety tech anchor its appeal, and the XC90 has long been an IIHS performer.
Pros:
- Outstanding safety reputation and standard aids.
- Plug-in T8 offers 455 hp and EV-only commuting.
- Calm, beautifully restrained interior.
- Comfortable three-row seating.
Cons:
- Infotainment can feel sluggish.
- Third row is snug for adults.
Verdict: The thinking family's three-row luxury SUV, especially in efficient T8 Recharge form.
9. Porsche Macan
Starting MSRP: $57,500 | Best for: drivers who want a sports car wearing an SUV body
The 2023 Porsche Macan is the segment's driver's car. The base model uses a 261-hp turbo four, the Macan S steps up to a 375-hp twin-turbo V6, and the GTS delivers 434 horsepower. Fuel economy is modest at roughly 19/25 mpg for the base and 17/23 mpg for the V6 models, and cargo space is tight at 17.2 cubic feet.
AWD is standard, the cabin is impeccably built, and the chassis is the sharpest here. The trade-off is practicality, but few SUVs reward enthusiastic driving like this one.
Pros:
- Class-leading handling and steering feel.
- Up to 434 hp in GTS form.
- Superbly finished, sporty interior.
- Standard all-wheel drive.
Cons:
- Smallest cargo hold in this group.
- Options inflate the price steeply.
Verdict: Buy the Macan for the drive; it is the most engaging luxury SUV of 2023.
10. Cadillac Lyriq
Starting MSRP: $61,795 | Best for: early adopters wanting a striking, long-range luxury EV
The 2023 Cadillac Lyriq is the brand's first dedicated electric SUV, built on GM's Ultium platform with a 100-kWh battery. The single-motor rear-drive Luxury trim makes 340 horsepower with an EPA-estimated 312 miles of range, while the dual-motor AWD version produces 500 total horsepower.
DC fast charging at up to 190 kW adds about 76 miles in roughly 10 minutes, and cargo space is a generous 28 cubic feet (60.8 with the seats folded). A dramatic 33-inch curved display, premium materials, and a hushed ride mark Cadillac's confident EV debut.
Pros:
- 312-mile range and quick DC fast charging.
- Bold, spacious, premium cabin.
- Up to 500 hp in dual-motor form.
- Striking exterior design.
Cons:
- Early-build availability was limited.
- New EV with a short reliability track record.
Verdict: A compelling first luxury EV that proves Cadillac can play in the electric era.
Buyer Decision Tree — Which One's Right for You?
What to Look For When Buying a Luxury SUV
- Total cost to own, not just MSRP: factor in fuel or electricity, insurance, and projected depreciation using KBB and Edmunds data.
- Warranty length: Genesis and other Hyundai-group brands offer far longer coverage than the German standard of 4 years/50,000 miles.
- Powertrain match: a hybrid like the RX 350h saves real money for high-mileage drivers, while an EV like the Lyriq only makes sense with reliable charging access.
- Real cargo and third-row space: published cubic-foot figures vary by measurement method, so verify against your actual gear and passengers.
- Standard versus optional safety tech: confirm which IIHS-relevant features are included rather than bundled into pricey packages.
- Infotainment usability: spend time with the actual screen before buying, since interfaces vary widely.
One thing that matters less than marketing implies is raw horsepower. Beyond roughly 300 hp, most luxury SUV buyers rarely use the extra output, and the more meaningful differences are ride quality, cabin refinement, and ownership cost. Chasing the biggest number on the spec sheet is the easiest way to overpay for capability you will seldom tap.
FAQ
What is the best overall luxury SUV for 2023? The Genesis GV70 earns our top spot by combining a premium cabin, standard AWD, a 375-hp V6 option, strong safety scores, and a class-leading warranty for thousands less than comparable German rivals.
Which 2023 luxury SUV is the best value? The redesigned Lexus RX 350h hybrid, which returns about 36 mpg combined, offers top-tier reliability, and carries low projected five-year ownership costs.
What is the best three-row luxury SUV for 2023? For value, the Acura MDX and Genesis GV80; for safety and a plug-in option, the Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge.
Are luxury EVs worth it in 2023? The Cadillac Lyriq makes a strong case with 312 miles of range and fast charging, but only if you have dependable home or workplace charging and accept a newer reliability record.
Which 2023 luxury SUV is the most fun to drive? The Porsche Macan, especially the 375-hp S and 434-hp GTS, offers sports-car handling, though its cargo space is the smallest in this group.
Do I need all-wheel drive in a luxury SUV? Many models here include AWD as standard; it improves traction and resale, but front- or rear-drive versions can save money if you live in a mild climate.
Bottom Line
The 2023 luxury SUV field rewards value-minded buyers more than ever. The Genesis GV70 takes Best Overall by matching the establishment on refinement and safety while undercutting it on price and outclassing it on warranty. The Lexus RX 350h is the Best Value pick thanks to its 36-mpg efficiency and rock-solid ownership economics.
From there, the BMW X3 and Macan satisfy drivers, the GLC leads on cabin tech, the MDX, GV80, and XC90 cover three-row families, the X5 does a little of everything, and the Lyriq signals the luxury EV future. Match the powertrain and size to how you actually drive, and any of these ten will reward you.
Sources
- Car and Driver — 2023 luxury SUV reviews and road tests (caranddriver.com)
- MotorTrend — 2023 Genesis GV70, Lexus RX, and BMW X3 reviews (motortrend.com)
- Edmunds — 2023 model-year specs, pricing, and expert ratings (edmunds.com)
- Kelley Blue Book (KBB) — 2023 MSRP, specs, and cost-to-own data (kbb.com)
- U.S. News & World Report — 2023 luxury SUV rankings (cars.usnews.com)
- IIHS — 2023 crash-test results and Top Safety Pick awards (iihs.org)
- EPA — fueleconomy.gov 2023 MPG and EV range ratings (fueleconomy.gov)
- J.D. Power — 2023 Cadillac Lyriq specs and reliability data (jdpower.com)
- Cars.com — 2023 GLC, MDX, Q5, XC90, and Macan specifications (cars.com)
- TrueCar — 2023 luxury SUV pricing and trim overviews (truecar.com)
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