Every year, our Car Confections Team gets behind the wheels of hundreds of cars, from every size and price point, to make reviews for the channel. So, we wanted to jot down our Top Picks for each of the segments we spend time in. Today, we will be sharing our Best 10 Luxury Compact SUVs for 2025. For an in-depth video about each, be sure to head to the video linked at the bottom of this article!
Scoring Criteria
As the opinions of two brothers with no kids can differ from those of others in the market for a car, we have developed multiple categories that we feel shoppers prioritize in shopping for a Compact SUV. The categories are as follows:
- Premium Cabin Materials – How much does the cabin spoil you?
- Luxury Features – Like Vented seats, massaging seats, or audio system
- Technology – Quantity, quality, screen size, and advanced features
- Powertrain Choices – Does it offer a hybrid? How is refinement?
- Drive Experience – Dynamics and ride quality
- Cargo Space
- Rear Seat – How is the space and features?
- Active Safety Features – What’s standard? How advanced are they?
- Reliability and Resale Value
- Value under $55,000 – Do you get a lot with a mid-level trim that most people buy?
Each of the categories will be rated on a 1–5-point scale, and winners will be determined by adding each category up for a final score. Ties will be broken by our professional opinions of each model.
Also, if you’re interested in buying any of the models we mention today, we have a tool on the website that you will want to check out. Click here for our too that will connect you to local dealerships to get the best price and give you access to invoice pricing. With that being said, let’s get into the countdown!
#10: Lexus NX – 30.5 Points
The Lexus NX has been a stylish option for many years now and has been a very popular choice in terms of reliability and the amount of unique powertrain choices, especially since it is one of the few in this segment with a true hybrid system. But, with many competitors growing quickly, the NX is the smallest in the segment, with its cabin lacking the luxury features needed to climb any higher on this list.
#9: Audi Q5 – 30.5 Points
Another veteran on this list is the well-known Audi Q5! This SUV is one of the most popular in the brand’s lineup but is now showing its age in terms of overall technology. We are judging the 2025 model, as the recently unveiled redesigned model is not coming until 2026. But, this model does excel in terms of being a diverse and fun option to drive, and the Q5 has some of the best rear seats in the segment.
#8: Lincoln Corsair – 31.5 Points
Though riding on a Ford Escape platform, Lincoln has done a great job differentiating the Lincoln Corsair, to land it as a true luxury player. Much of the Corsair’s appeal comes from its plush cabin filled with luxury features in every seat. This option also has Lincoln BlueCruise available and can be had for a value-packed price. Though well-rounded, the Corsair scores lower in terms of reliability and resale, combined with its smaller size.
#7: Cadillac XT4 – 32 Points
The Cadillac XT4 was the first of the brand’s gas-powered SUVs to get the latest design elements, and they have served this affordable option well. The interior is not only comfortable, but has a very responsive one-piece display, making it one of the best in segment. It also is an affordable option as well, offering some of the best value in the segment. On the flip side, the XT4 is lacking in terms of space and having a diverse powertrain lineup.
#6: Buick Envision – 33 Points
Another GM product with all the latest design elements is the new Buick Envision! The Envision also serves as a technology leader, with a single piece display, and even has more advanced tech than the Cadillac it beats. Additionally, the Envision has good amounts of space and features, having room for the whole family. In addition to its Chinese origins (which many US buyers dislike), the Envision needs better overall materials and space to score higher.
#5: Volvo XC60 – 34.5 Points
Volvo has long-been a big player in this segment, with its very popular XC60 model. This offering has a variety of powertrain choices, including a very powerful 455hp PHEV T8. The Swedes also excel in terms of luxury, with plus materials and available crystal shifter. Showing its age, the XC60 has less than average tech in the cabin, in addition to having low resale and reliability.
#4: Mercedes GLC – 34.5 Points
The Mercedes GLC has been a powerhouse in the segment for many years, proving itself to be one of the must luxurious options. In fact, the GLC has some of the best materials in the segment, as well as the most diverse powertrain options. This model also has high end technology and comfort, bringing a lot of luxury to the rear seats. The biggest downfalls of the GLC include its resale and reliability, combined with not having every active safety feature as standard equipment.
#3: Acura RDX – 35 Points
Perhaps a bit of a surprise for third place, the Acura RDX is our highest scoring Japanese competitor on this list. The RDX scores so highly due to its well-rounded nature, getting above average scores in every single category. The RDX shines in terms of drive experience and value, as you can almost get a fully loaded model under $55,000. The largest struggles for the RDX are its powertrain and technology, which are in need of some updates and expanded options.
#2: BMW X3 – 36 Points
The BMW X3 was recently redesigned, which made this model an even stronger competitor within the segment. We love that BMW improved what they needed to and left alone most everything that this model already exceled in, such as its drive experience and powertrain selections. The X3 is now the largest in the segment with some of the best tech, running the newest version of iDrive. The only downfall of this new model are the materials in the cabin, which have taken a step back.
#1: Genesis GV70 – 38 Points
Leading the pack today is a model from an underdog brand, that is truly making a name for itself with the Genesis GV70! Even before its 2026 refresh, the GV70 shines in almost every category, from powertrain options, overall luxury, drive experience, and value. This model has something for most every luxury buyer, and its score reflects that! Though the GV70 is a more expensive option with fewer available packages, you truly get what you pay for with this segment winner!
Scoring Chart
We understand that every buyer values different categories, which is why the chart below is a great tool to check out! This chart allows you to sort this competitive segment by category, to help choose your personal winner. If top tier reliability is your most important trait, then this tool can help you find the best!
| PREMIUM CABIN MATERIALS | LUXURY FEATURES | TECHNOLOGY | POWERTRAINS & CHOICES | DRIVE EXPERIENCE | CARGO SPACE | REAR SEATS | ACTIVE SAFETY FEATURES | RELIABILITY (+ RESALE) | VALUE UNDER $55,000 | TOTAL (out of 50) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Genesis GV70 | 5 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 4.5 | 3 | 3.5 | 4.5 | 3 | 3 | 38 |
| BMW X3 | 3 | 3 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 5 | 5 | 3.5 | 3 | 2.5 | 2 | 36 |
| Acura RDX | 3.5 | 3.5 | 2.5 | 2.5 | 4 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 4 | 3.5 | 4.5 | 35 |
| Mercedes GLC | 5 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 3.5 | 3 | 4 | 2.5 | 2 | 1.5 | 34.5 |
| Volvo XC60 | 4 | 5 | 2.5 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4.5 | 4 | 1 | 2.5 | 34.5 |
| Buick Envision | 2 | 3 | 4.5 | 1.5 | 2.5 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 4.5 | 5 | 33 |
| Cadillac XT4 | 3 | 3 | 4.5 | 2 | 2.5 | 1.5 | 3.5 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 32 |
| Lincoln Corsair | 3 | 3.5 | 3 | 3 | 2.5 | 3 | 3.5 | 5 | 1.5 | 3.5 | 31.5 |
| Audi Q5 | 3.5 | 3 | 3 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 2.5 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 2.5 | 30.5 |
| Lexus NX | 3 | 2.5 | 3.5 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 2.5 | 30.5 |
| Infinti QX50 | 3.5 | 2.5 | 1.5 | 1 | 2.5 | 4.5 | 4 | 4 | 1.5 | 3.5 | 28.5 |
Close Calls for a Highly Competitive segment!
As you can see, the point values over these categories create many close calls, so you really can’t go wrong with any of these choices. As far as our personal picks, Drew leans towards the luxurious and comfortable Mercedes GLC, while Mason and Josh choose the value packed and Genesis GV70. However, if the price cap were to rise to $65,000, all three of us would choose the BMW X3 M50 with the glorious B58! Every competitor in this segment truly puts their best foot forward!
Thank you for checking out our expert picks for the Top 10 Compact Luxury SUVs of 2025! Let us know in the comments which one you would choose and be sure to check out the associated video, as well as our individual reviews for each vehicle. We hope this helps in your journey to purchase a new vehicle!
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