Traditionally, luxury compact SUVs have matured into vehicles that offer the opulence and high performance of luxury vehicles, but with the practicality and versatility of compact crossovers. Good-looking, comfortable, and versatile, these cars offer the best compromise between style, comfort, and utility, making them a good choice for those who would like a luxury car, but with the convenience of an SUV. Moving forward to 2024, manufacturers have gone above and beyond with their most recent iterations, enhancing the state of technology, the designs, and the performance metrics.
Table of Contents
1. 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
As one of the best luxury compact SUVs, the refreshed 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class tries to stay that way. It embodies the brand’s DNA of fusing elegance with cutting-edge engineering, with a sleek new design.
High-quality materials like leather and wood trim make the cabin experience inside. The GLC provides a hugely, big, considered inside with plenty of room in the entrance passengers, nonetheless rear seat top house will be slightly restricted for more than taller people.
Its tech package is the highlight of the GLS-Class. But there is futuristic sophistication to come in the shape of the MBUX infotainment system, complete with voice activation, a big touchscreen, and high-resolution graphics. The GLC offers an all-refined engine lineup that includes a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four that produces a smooth ride and good fuel efficiency.
2. 2024 Genesis GV70
The Genesis GV70 has been a quick success story in the burgeoning luxury compact SUV segment, thanks to its gorgeous exterior and interior design. The 2024 model follows suit with Genesis’ design language in bold lines, an elegant grille, and a premium cabin with quilted leather seating.
The GV70 under the hood delivers powerful options like a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder and an available 3.5-liter V6 which rockets you to exhilarating acceleration. Though its sporty performance, the GV70 doesn’t compromise comfort as its solidly quiet cabin and smooth ride are incredible.
Value for money is one of the GV70’s key selling points. But it’s much better value for money than European rivals, and you get to enjoy their level of luxury and technology all while paying much less. Despite its payload being smaller than some key competitors that cargo space would be a drawback to families in need of more space.
3. 2024 BMW X3
Although the BMW X3 has been around for a while, it remains a top contender in the luxury compact SUV category, particularly among those who enjoy a sporty driving experience. Amongst the many that this crowded segment encompasses the 2024 model brings with it its car-centric updates to the exterior and interior.
The X3 is a strong performer, with as little as a 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder or as much as a muscular 3.0 liter inline six in the X3 M40i. With this compact SUV, the latter propels it from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 4.4 seconds, which is impressive, especially for the category.
The cabin is driver-focused and comfortable but some will feel that some plastic detracts from it otherwise upscale feel. BMW’s iDrive infotainment system is easy to get around, quick to respond — and one of the very best in the business. One of the largest cargo areas in its class, the X3 is also very practical for families or those who need extra space.
4. 2024 Audi Q5
The 2024 Audi Q5 remains the brand’s flagship luxury compact SUV, offering German engineering with a sharp dose of modern technology. The Q5 has had a refresh of its design with the same sleek, athletic shape of a Q5, bold lines, and a wide grille giving it a sophisticated and modern feel. The high-end materials used all over the cabin give it a luxurious and comfortable feel, and it’s Audi’s hallmark quality. The interior features the user-friendly 10.1-inch MMI touch display, or you can opt for the advanced Virtual Cockpit digital display as an additional convenience option. At the same time, entertainment and navigation controls are also intuitive.
The 2024 Q5 is driven by a 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine kicking out 261 horsepower, a good mix of power and efficiency for many uses. Those searching for even more performance will find the Q5 55 TFSI e hybrid with 362 hp combined total, the most powerful variant in a lineup. All models come standard with Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive system that provides improved grip and stability in wet weather or on difficult road patches. And while nothing is exciting about the car’s steering or handling, it’s perfectly suited for long highway stretches and winding backroads, with a smooth ride and precise steering.
For 2024, technology and safety are paramount in the new Audi Q5, as standard features include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and rear cross-traffic assist. Available tricks include the traffic jam assist and a 360 camera system to firm up Audi’s safety. The Q5 still offers a practical combination of performance, luxury, and advanced technology making it a strong contender in the crowded market of luxury compact SUVs.
5. 2024 Volvo XC60
It is an embodiment of Scandinavian design simplicity, elegance with high-tech features, and a solid stance on safety, the 2024 Volvo XC60 is a beacon. The XC60 is serene up front, with clean, premium materials and an intuitive 9-inch, portrait-style touchscreen controlling the in-car infotainment systems. A calm, luxurious atmosphere furnished with a blend of wood, metal, and soft-touch materials that is a signature of Volvo. For families and those leading active lives, it is spacious enough for both passengers and cargo. The high-quality Bowers & Wilkins audio system is one of the top features, especially elevating the driving experience with high-fidelity sound.
The XC60 under the hood is equipped with many powertrains including a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder; mild hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and even a fully electric model. The impressive power of up to 455 horsepower makes the XC60 Recharge plug-in hybrid an inspiring car, offering a dynamic driving experience and the ability to drive short distances on electric power and hybrid power at the same time. While not the most efficient of the cars we test, the XC60 manages to give up some performance in return for fuel. All-wheel drive is available to help improve traction and control under every condition. Its suspension is tuned for comfort, providing a smooth ride, whichever road you’re driven on (city streets or country roads).
Volvo is a big name for safety, and the 2024 Volvo XC60 rolls out with its share of advanced driver assistant stuff. Pilot Assist is a semi-autonomous driving aid offering steering support and adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and collision mitigation amongst standard equipment. They score superbly in safety tests, with the XC60’s safety compared favorably with the best in its class. The 2018 XC60 is still a very attractive choice for an environmentally-minded luxury compact SUV that prioritizes safety and quality on the inside of the vehicle.
6. 2024 Lexus NX
It is an embodiment of Scandinavian design simplicity, elegance with high-tech features, and a solid stance on safety, the 2024 Volvo XC60 is a beacon. The XC60 is serene up front, with clean, premium materials and an intuitive 9-inch, portrait-style touchscreen controlling the in-car infotainment systems. A calm, luxurious atmosphere furnished with a blend of wood, metal, and soft-touch materials that is a signature of Volvo. For families and those leading active lives, it is spacious enough for both passengers and cargo. The high-quality Bowers & Wilkins audio system is one of the top features, especially elevating the driving experience with high-fidelity sound.
The XC60 under the hood is equipped with many powertrains including a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder; mild hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and even a fully electric model. The impressive power of up to 455 horsepower makes the XC60 Recharge plug-in hybrid an inspiring car, offering a dynamic driving experience and the ability to drive short distances on electric power and hybrid power at the same time. While not the most efficient of the cars we test, the XC60 manages to give up some performance in return for fuel. All-wheel drive is available to help improve traction and control under every condition. Its suspension is tuned for comfort, providing a smooth ride, whichever road you’re driven on (city streets or country roads).
Volvo is a big name for safety, and the 2024 Volvo XC60 rolls out with its share of advanced driver assistant stuff. Pilot Assist is a semi-autonomous driving aid offering steering support and adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and collision mitigation amongst standard equipment. They score superbly in safety tests, with the XC60’s safety compared favorably with the best in its class. The 2018 XC60 is still a very attractive choice for an environmentally-minded luxury compact SUV that prioritizes safety and quality on the inside of the vehicle.
7. 2025 Genesis GV70
The 2025 Genesis GV70 is a stunning luxury compact SUV that exudes sophistication, cutting-edge technology, and outstanding performance. Its bold, athletic design is highlighted by a distinctive Crest Grille and sleek, sculpted body lines that give it a refined, modern presence on the road. The interior of the GV70 is a true sanctuary, featuring high-quality materials like natural leather, rich wood accents, and customizable ambient lighting. The cabin is both spacious and elegant, offering a generous amount of legroom for passengers and plenty of cargo space. The centerpiece is the 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which provides intuitive controls for navigation, media, and vehicle settings, paired with a crystal-clear 21-speaker Lexicon sound system for an immersive audio experience.
Performance-wise, the 2025 GV70 offers a range of potent powertrains, including a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a more powerful 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine that produces 375 horsepower. The V6 is available in the sportier GV70 3.5T, offering a 0-60 mph time of around 5.1 seconds. Both engines come with an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, providing a smooth, confident ride with excellent handling, especially with the adaptive suspension system that adjusts to driving conditions. The GV70 also offers a quiet, composed ride, with advanced soundproofing materials ensuring a serene cabin experience even at high speeds.
Genesis prioritizes safety with the 2025 GV70, offering an extensive list of advanced driver assistance features as standard. These include forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree camera system. In addition, the GV70 includes cutting-edge tech like semi-autonomous driving modes and optional augmented reality navigation that overlays directions on the live view of the road. With its combination of luxurious design, powerful performance, and innovative technology, the 2025 Genesis GV70 sets a new standard in the luxury compact SUV segment, offering both style and substance in a highly competitive market.
Final Thoughts
The luxury compact SUV market for 2024 and 2025 offers a variety of options for buyers with different priorities—whether you’re after sportiness, eco-friendliness, or an all-around luxurious experience. From the tech-laden Audi Q5 to the off-road-ready Range Rover Evoque, there’s a model to suit every lifestyle and taste. Consider your needs—whether it’s performance, style, technology, or sustainability—when making your choice, and you’ll surely find the perfect luxury compact SUV to complement your life.
