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. Today, we will be sharing our Best Luxury Midsize Two-Row SUVs for 2025, all of which we have spent extensive time with. We have hand-crafted segment specific scores, to help tailor them for each unique buyer. For an in-depth video about each, be sure to check out each linked video, as well as our full rankings at the bottom of this article!
Scoring Criteria
From reading thousands of comments our viewers have left on our channel; we developed a list of the most important categories for shoppers looking for a Luxury Midsize Two-Row SUV.
We have spent countless hours testing out each of these models, driving them over all types of terrain, testing the technology, sampling the space, and living with them. We then took the time to craft these rankings based off our experience into the following 10 criteria categories.
#7: Cadillac XT5
Compared to the rest of the options in this smaller segment, the XT5 is one of the most dated when it comes to design and technology. But, the XT5 still speaks to the core of the Cadillac buyer, offering a comfortable ride with the plushness the brand has been known for. Additionally, the XT5 has the best value in the segment, as you can get one fully loaded under $75,000. Though the XT5 likely won’t get a newer rendition in the US, we wish Caddy would update this model to have better technology, cabin materials, and unique powertrains.
#6: Audi Q8
The Audi Q8 is one of the most stylish options in the segment and will capture your eye very quickly. In true Audi fashion, the Q8 is a strong option in having premium cabin materials and a sporty drive experience, though comfort may be lacking compared to others. This model also has a spacious and well-equipped rear seat. Though the Q8 is a prime option for the enthusiast drive, even offering SQ8 and RSQ8 models, it is lacking more efficient powertrain options and reliability throughout the entire lineup.
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#5: Lincoln Nautilus
The new Lincoln Nautilus made a big splash in the Midsize Two-Row segment following its redesign and has been a source of increased sales for the struggling brand. Mainly designed for the Chinese market, Americans have taken very well to this new model, sporting a 48-inch full-cabin display and lots of luxury. Additionally, all of this can be had in a fully loaded middle trim under $75,000. Opposite to the Audi Q8, the Lincoln is very luxury oriented, which is not ideal for enthusiast buyers. Additionally, Lincoln struggles in terms of overall resale and reliability compared to the rest of the pack.
#4: Mercedes GLE/Coupe
First the ML, and now the GLE, this quintessential Mercedes SUV continues to be a diverse option in this competitive segment. The GLE scores high in having consumer options, with SUV, Coupe SUV, Hybrid, PHEV, Sport, and Luxury options to choose from at varying price points. No matter your style, the GLE will also offer one of the plushest cabins money can buy, though you’ll need more of it compared to most of the others. Unfortunately, the GLE struggles in terms of resale and reliability, and we wish Mercedes would add more standard safety systems.
#3: Lexus RX
The Lexus RX is one of the most popular Luxury SUVs on the road today, and there’s plenty of reasons why it is in the top three. The RX is the epitome of long-term luxury, with Lexus being the most reliable brand on this list. This model also offers many options for buyers, even a performance 500h model with this new generation. However, what’s gained in reliability and efficiency is traded off in terms of luxury and space. Compared to the others on this list, the RX’s cabin feels a bit barren, and the sloping roof line means it is the smallest in the class.
#2: BMW X5/X6
Along with the Lexus RX, the BMW X5 (and Coupe Sibling X6) join in as some of the oldest nameplates in the segment, serving as the founders of luxury SUVs. The X5 captures the best elements of every option it outranks and combines it into a cohesive package. Offered in a variety of engine, style, and price levels, the X5 provides luxury throughout all of them with the best cabin materials in the class. In addition, the X5 also has great technology with its iDrive system and safety system suite. BMW knows it’s one of the best though, because the X5 comes with a bit of a price premium, though less-so than the other Germans.
#1: Genesis GV80
Genesis is quite the underdog in this segment, yet we still find another one of its SUVs in the top spot of our countdowns! The Genesis GV80, now joined by the Coupe version, is a truly well-rounded option, scoring above average in every category we threw at it. Coming off a refresh, the GV80 secured its victory with an impressive 26-inch OLED display while retaining physical climate controls and high materials quality. Additionally, the GV80 has some of the nicest rear seats and overall cargo space, making it the most practical option as well. However, we wish Genesis would add more efficient and lively powertrain options to the lineup, as it pales in comparison to the German competitors.
Scoring Chart
We understand that buyers value 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 MATERIALS | LUXURY FEATURES | TECHNOLOGY | POWERTRAINS | DRIVE EXPERIENCE | CARGO SPACE | REAR SEATS | ACTIVE SAFETY | RELIABILITY & RESALE | VALUE UNDER $75,000 | TOTAL (out of 50) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Genesis GV80/Coupe | 4.5 | 4.5 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 4.5 | 5 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 41 |
| BMW X5/X6 | 5 | 5 | 4.5 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 2.5 | 40 |
| Lexus RX | 3 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 4.5 | 4 | 1.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 5 | 38.5 |
| Mercedes GLE/Coupe | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4.5 | 4 | 3.5 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 2 | 2 | 38 |
| Lincoln Nautilus | 3.5 | 4 | 4.5 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.5 | 5 | 1.5 | 4.5 | 35.5 |
| Audi Q8 | 4 | 4.5 | 3 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 2.5 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 1.5 | 31.5 |
| Cadillac XT5 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2.5 | 2.5 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 25 |
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. In a rare consensus, our entire team would park the BMW X5 in our driveway in most cases! Though, if we wanted to spend less money, we would then opt for the more value packed Genesis GV80.
Thank you for checking out our expert picks for the Best Luxury Two-Row Midsize 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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