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.

Infiniti EX Image
  • MSRP: $31,900 - $36,850
  • Invoice: $29,343 - $33,880
  • MPG: 17 City / 24 Hwy

#1
2008 Infiniti EX

The Infiniti EX35 is a viable new offering in the luxury compact SUV class. Its high points are sporty handling and a hi-tech interior, while its downsides ...

U.S.News Scores
Overall:8.5
Performance:8.2
Exterior:8.1
Interior:7.3
Safety:9.8
Reliability:8.0
Acura RDX Image
  • MSRP: $33,195 - $36,695
  • Invoice: $30,505 - $33,714
  • MPG: 17 City / 22 Hwy

#2
2008 Acura RDX

The RDX earns a very good score for its excellent combination of performance, a comfortable and roomy cabin and celebrated safety ratings.

U.S.News Scores
Overall:8.4
Performance:8.4
Exterior:7.2
Interior:7.4
Safety:9.8
Reliability:5.0
BMW X3 Image
  • MSRP: $38,600 - $38,600
  • Invoice: $35,510 - $35,510
  • MPG: 18 City / 26 Hwy

#3
2008 BMW X3

The 2008 BMW X3 delivers very competitive all-wheel drive performance, though some may find its suspension a little too stiff and the price a bit high for ...

U.S.News Scores
Overall:7.6
Performance:8.4
Exterior:6.0
Interior:7.7
Safety:9.8
Reliability:5.0
Land Rover LR2 Image
  • MSRP: $33,985 - $33,985
  • Invoice: $30,926 - $30,926
  • MPG: 16 City / 23 Hwy

#3
2008 Land Rover LR2

The LR2 offers very good off-road driving capabilities and strong safety features, but buyers should be aware that Land Rover has a poor record for reliability.

U.S.News Scores
Overall:7.6
Performance:7.5
Exterior:7.8
Interior:7.2
Safety:NA
Reliability:4.0