SUV Rankings: Luxury Compact SUVs

Ranking of premium SUVs and crossovers, generally priced $30,000 to $40,000. Acura RDX, BMW X3, Land Rover LR2 and more. Rankings based on an in-depth analysis by U.S. News editors of all published auto ratings, reviews and test drives.

Acura RDX Image
  • MSRP: $33,895 - $37,195
  • Invoice: $31,164 - $34,190
  • MPG: 17 City / 22 Hwy

#1
2009 Acura RDX

The RDX provides a good combination of sporty performance and a comfortable, high-tech cabin. With standard all-wheel drive and a turbocharged engine, it's a worthy -- and ...

U.S.News Scores
Overall:8.8
Performance:8.7
Exterior:7.4
Interior:7.7
Safety:9.9
Reliability:10.0
Infiniti EX Image
  • MSRP: $33,800 - $37,400
  • Invoice: NA
  • MPG: 17 (2008) City / 24 (2008) Hwy

#2
2009 Infiniti EX

New in 2008, the Infiniti EX boasts sporty handling and a hi-tech interior. Its few downsides include lower fuel economy and less cargo space than top rivals. ...

U.S.News Scores
Overall:8.7
Performance:8.5
Exterior:8.4
Interior:7.3
Safety:8.6
Reliability:NA
Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class Image
  • MSRP: $33,900 - $35,900
  • Invoice: $31,527 - $33,387
  • MPG: 16 (Est) City / 22 (Est) Hwy

#3
2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class

Those who have tested the Mercedes-Benz GLK report excellent, car-like driving dynamics but register disappointment at a small rear seat and poor fuel economy. The GLK-Class is ...

U.S.News Scores
Overall:8.5
Performance:8.9
Exterior:8.0
Interior:8.2
Safety:NA
Reliability:NA
BMW X3 Image
  • MSRP: $39,700 - $39,700
  • Invoice: $36,525 - $36,525
  • MPG: 16 City / 23 Hwy

#4
2009 BMW X3

The X3 is an excellent performer, delivering the ride and handling you'd expect for an SUV from BMW. It offers competitive all-wheel drive performance, though some find ...

U.S.News Scores
Overall:8.3
Performance:8.6
Exterior:7.0
Interior:8.1
Safety:10.0
Reliability:7.0
Land Rover LR2 Image
  • MSRP: $35,375 - $35,375
  • Invoice: $32,191 - $32,191
  • MPG: 15 City / 22 Hwy

#5
2009 Land Rover LR2

The LR2 offers very good off-road driving capabilities and strong safety features, but Land Rover has a poor record for reliability. For a sportier ride, consider the ...

U.S.News Scores
Overall:7.7
Performance:7.9
Exterior:8.1
Interior:7.5
Safety:NA
Reliability:4.0

Unranked: Luxury Compact SUVs

Our rankings are based on analysis of third party reviews. Sometimes, we are unable to find enough reviews to publish a definitive ranking. Please check back later, as we are constantly updating our reviews.

Audi Q5 Image

2010 Audi Q5

MSRP: NA | Invoice: NA | MPG: 18 (Est) City / 23 (Est) Hwy

Cadillac SRX Image

2010 Cadillac SRX

MSRP: NA | Invoice: NA | MPG: - TBD - City / - TBD - Hwy

Volvo XC60 Image

2009 Volvo XC60

MSRP: NA | Invoice: NA | MPG: NA