Where premium automakers' lavish station wagons and sedans once ruled the road, a broad array of compact and midsize SUVs has stepped in to fill their shoes. Today's new car market is thoroughly dominated by SUVs—luxury or otherwise—even if they aren't the most budget-friendly way to get around day to day. Throw in some leather seating, LED lighting, and a BMW, Mercedes-Benz, or Cadillac badge, and they become even less so.
Tracking down a new luxury SUV that works within an everyday buyer's budget can feel like an uphill battle, given the sky-high price tags these brands typically command. That said, if you're open to buying used with some miles already on the clock, you could walk away with an exceptional deal. Let the original owner absorb the depreciation hit.
Take a look at our roundup of the best used luxury SUVs before you start visiting local dealerships. We've left out high-end trims from mainstream brands like Toyota, Volkswagen, Buick, Honda, and Chevrolet, focusing instead on genuine premium-brand models that deliver standout quality, features, and safety. Several even bring respectable off-road capability and solid EPA fuel economy ratings to the table. Here are the top picks worth your consideration.
The Best Used Luxury SUVs
- Acura MDX
- Audi Q7
- BMW X5
- INFINITI QX60
- Jaguar F-PACE
- Land Rover Range Rover Sport
- Lexus RX
- Lincoln Aviator
- Mercedes-Benz GLE
- Volvo XC60
FAQs What Makes CarGurus Best Cars Guides Different Shopping Tools Related Topics
Acura MDX
Best for: Buyers wanting a popular and sporty crossover
The newest Acura MDX is a genuinely impressive luxury midsize SUV. It's sharper looking and more engaging to drive than its predecessor, thanks largely to an all-new platform and upgraded technology throughout. However, after sitting out the 2021 model year ahead of its 2022 redesign, current-generation MDX inventory on the used market remains relatively thin. Fortunately, the previous-generation MDX is nearly as compelling a choice in the luxury SUV space. And since it holds the title of best-selling three-row midsize SUV of all time, finding one to match your budget shouldn't be a problem.
Older MDX models share the same naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine found in the current generation. Mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission and offered in either front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), the MDX delivers strong straight-line performance and surprisingly nimble handling through corners. Cargo space behind the third row checks in at 15.8 cubic feet, but fold both the second and third rows flat and that number balloons to an impressive 90.9 cubic feet. Pair that practicality with the AcuraWatch suite of driver assistance features, and the MDX makes a compelling case for shoppers hunting a lightly used luxury SUV.
Audi Q7
Best for: Buyers who want German luxury with great technology
Find an Audi Q7 within your budget from the 2013 model year or later, and you're in for a rewarding blend of understated style and cutting-edge technology. The Q7 doesn't shout for attention the way some large SUVs do—instead, it does what Audi does best, projecting quiet sophistication. From the iconic four-ring grille badge to the oversized tailpipes neatly integrated into the rear bumper, the Q7 carries a commanding road presence without ever crossing into gaudy territory. We'd take it over its Porsche Cayenne platform-mate any day.
Step inside a newer 2020 model and you'll find a significant technology upgrade anchored by Audi's Multi-Media Interface dual touchscreen setup. These two stacked center-mounted screens look stunning and handle everything from navigation and audio to climate control. Interior dimensions are generous throughout, particularly for front-seat occupants, making the Q7 an especially comfortable choice for taller drivers and passengers.
Opt for the 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 mild-hybrid engine and you get one of the most well-rounded packages in the luxury SUV segment. If fuel efficiency and strong towing capacity are higher priorities, the 2013-2015 3.0-liter turbodiesel Q7 TDI is well worth seeking out.
BMW X5
Best for: Buyers who want real muscle with their luxury SUV
BMW's original SUV remains one of its finest, even as the automaker's lineup has grown considerably around it. Recent model years brought meaningful updates, from the latest driver assistance technologies to seriously powerful engine options, yet the X5 has always stayed true to its core identity as a refined, comfortable, and genuinely fun SUV to drive. Go back far enough in model years and you can find well-kept, high-mileage examples at bargain prices, but the 2018 model year is the sweet spot we're focusing on here. Equipped with a strong lineup of advanced driver assistance features—including blind-spot monitoring and lane departure warning—it's a package that still feels relevant in today's market.
The 2018 BMW X5 came standard with a spirited turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Combine that with premium infotainment tech like a 10.2-inch touchscreen and a nine-speaker audio system, and the X5 makes a strong case in the sub-$50,000 used market. Step up to higher trim levels and you'll find the ferocious X5 M, which packs a 567-horsepower twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 and a sport-tuned suspension. Whichever configuration you land on, the X5 is a dependable family hauler that can deliver a genuine thrill when the opportunity arises.
INFINITI QX60
Best for: Shoppers who value reliability and cargo space
The Infiniti QX60 has been a fixture in the luxury SUV segment for well over a decade, preceded for one year (2013) by the JX nameplate. With such a long production run, the used market is well stocked with three-row examples at a wide range of price points. Attractively styled and offering generous cargo space alongside a solid roster of premium features, a used QX60 is an ideal pick for buyers who refuse to choose between practicality and technology.
Older Infiniti interiors may not deliver the same visual drama as some rivals, but they remain comfortable and user-friendly. Even earlier QX60 models can be found with desirable features like a surround-view camera and easy-fold rear seats. From a reliability perspective, the QX60's 3.5-liter V6 engine skips turbocharging in favor of natural aspiration, and its long production history has helped it earn a well-deserved reputation as a durable and dependable powerplant.
Jaguar F-PACE
Best for: Drivers wanting an engaging, sporty crossover
The F-Pace was Jaguar's first crack at the crossover segment, and even from its earliest days it delivered a sporty, driver-focused experience with a lot going for it. The 2018 model year marked its second year on sale, and that year brought a new turbocharged four-cylinder engine to complement the existing turbocharged diesel and supercharged V6. Add in the F-Pace's sleek exterior design and beautifully crafted interior, and you have a package that's easy to fall for.
The base four-cylinder produces 247 hp, the V6 steps things up to 380 hp, and the diesel delivers 180 hp. For those craving something with genuine muscle-car energy, the supercharged V8-powered SVR generates 550 hp and a massive 502 lb-ft of torque. Every version benefits from a smooth and precise eight-speed automatic gearbox. The F-Pace trails some rivals in outright cargo capacity, but its car-like driving dynamics and potent engine choices put it in a class by itself.
Buyers seeking the ultimate F-Pace experience should look at the Portfolio trim for the 2018 model year, which elevated the cabin's luxury credentials considerably. Highlights include pleated Windsor leather upholstery, a head-up display, 20-inch wheels, and more. Originally priced well above $60,000 when new, depreciation has since brought the F-Pace Portfolio into much more accessible territory.
Land Rover Range Rover Sport
Best for: Buyers wanting an upscale, exclusive vehicle
If your ideal vehicle can conquer mud, rocks, and sand just as comfortably as it can turn heads at a black-tie event, the Range Rover Sport belongs at the top of your list. Like many premium European models, Range Rovers tend to depreciate sharply in their early years, which makes them an outstanding used buy a few years down the road. The 2018 Range Rover Sport received a revised infotainment system and several worthwhile refinements that make it a compelling used option today.
Slightly more compact than the full-size Range Rover, the Sport still offers more than enough room to keep a family of four comfortable on extended journeys. The updated infotainment system features a dual-screen layout that's as visually impressive as it is functional. Standard amenities including leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, heated seats, and Bluetooth connectivity all contribute to the Range Rover Sport's unmistakable sense of occasion—something few vehicles in any segment can genuinely replicate.
For 2018, four powertrains were on offer, each capable and rewarding in its own right. The entry-level engine is a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 producing 340 hp, rising to 380 hp in HSE Dynamic trim. A 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 is also available, delivering 254 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque. Moving up, a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 generates 518 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque. At the very top sits an even more potent supercharged V8 rated at 575 hp and 561 lb-ft of torque. Every powertrain comes paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Lexus RX
Best for: Buyers who value reliability and usability over all else
The Lexus RX is one of the founding fathers of the luxury crossover SUV segment, having been a fixture on American roads for two decades. Even so, newer generations have kept pace with evolving tastes in both style and performance. While Lexus has historically taken a measured approach to adopting new technology, the features it does include are consistently well-executed and dependable. The 2019 RX received a mid-cycle refresh that sharpened its already distinctive styling, but the 2018 model represents an excellent value sweet spot. The RX won't win any drag races or canyon carving competitions, but its projected reliability ratings are exceptional and used examples are plentiful across a wide range of budgets.
Two powertrains were offered for the 2018 model year: a strong V6 gas engine and a fuel-efficient hybrid. The 3.5-liter V6 in the RX 350 produces 295 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The RX 450h uses a slightly detuned version of the same V6, combined with electric motors for a total system output of 259 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque, routed through a continuously variable transmission. Gas models are front-wheel drive with available AWD, while hybrid models come standard with AWD.
The 2018 RX was also available in an F Sport configuration, which added an adaptive suspension, revised steering calibration, and more aggressive exterior styling—while keeping the same powertrain. Across all trim levels, the 2018 RX came well equipped as standard, featuring premium synthetic leather, 18-inch wheels, and more. Every 2018 RX variant earned a "Top Safety Pick" designation from the IIHS.
Lincoln Aviator
Best for: Drivers who want equal (and ample) parts comfort and performance
Lincoln revived the Aviator nameplate for the 2020 model year, bringing it back after the original was discontinued following the 2005 model year. The models that filled the gap in between—the Lincoln MKX and Lincoln MKT—never quite managed to generate real excitement, though the latter did develop a modest cult following. The reborn 2020 Aviator is a different proposition entirely. For starters, it's a genuinely beautiful vehicle, especially inside. Its cabin is defined by supremely comfortable seating and a well-integrated tech suite, making it equally enjoyable on quick urban errands and long highway stretches.
Under the hood, Lincoln installed a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 producing 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque—plenty of motivation for confident merging and effortless passing. Step up to the Grand Touring trim and a plug-in hybrid system enters the picture, boosting output to 494 hp and 630 lb-ft of torque, adding 21 miles of all-electric range, and returning 23 mpg combined. Lincoln may not carry the same global prestige as BMW or Mercedes-Benz, but with the Aviator back in the fold, the American brand has a three-row luxury crossover that can go toe-to-toe with the best Europe has to offer.
Mercedes-Benz GLE
Best for: Buyers wanting plenty of choice and top-tier luxury features
The used luxury SUV market under $40,000 is full of strong contenders, but one rises above the rest as a well-rounded standout. The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE left the factory loaded with standard equipment, a first-rate interior, and capable powertrains across the board. It's also an attractive vehicle, with restrained, sophisticated styling that lives up to the three-pointed star on its hood. The 2018 GLE also performed admirably in safety evaluations, earning a "Top Safety Pick+" designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Depending on your priorities, the GLE lineup spans from the GLE 350—powered by a 302-hp 3.5-liter V6—all the way up to a high-performance AMG variant packing up to 577 hp from a hand-built twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8. AMG models naturally command a premium over their more restrained siblings, but for buyers who want serious performance, the added cost is easy to justify. Even in their most aggressive AMG configurations, these GLEs deliver a composed ride, polished infotainment, and a comprehensive safety feature set. The GLE was also offered in a coupe body style, distinguished by its sweeping roofline and sculpted silhouette.
Volvo XC60
Best for: Buyers wanting a stylish, unique premium vehicle
The midsize Volvo XC60 may not be the flashiest entry on this list, but it brings exactly the right qualities to earn its place. Volvo's mid-range SUV is capable, comfortable, and exceptionally safe, creating a serene driving environment that few rivals can match. The Swedish brand has long had a gift for crafting interiors that feel both minimalist and welcoming—a distinctly Scandinavian take on luxury—and the 2018 XC60 is a prime example of that philosophy in action. Every element of the cabin is designed to make driving as safe and effortless as possible, from the large central infotainment display and digital instrument cluster to the deeply comfortable seats, all working together to keep the driver relaxed, informed, and in control.
Three powertrain options were available for the 2018 XC60: a 250-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, a supercharged and turbocharged four-cylinder producing 316 hp, and a plug-in hybrid variant combining a turbocharged and supercharged engine with an electric motor for a total output of 400 hp. An eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD round out the package. Like the Mercedes-Benz GLE, the 2018 XC60 earned a "Top Safety Pick+" award from the IIHS.
The Best Used Luxury SUVs FAQs
Why should I buy a used luxury SUV instead of a new one?
Buying used lets you avoid the steepest part of a luxury SUV's depreciation curve, which tends to hit hardest in the first few years of ownership. In practical terms, that means you can get premium features like leather seating, advanced driver assistance technology, and a prestige badge at a fraction of the original sticker price — letting the first owner absorb the financial hit instead of you.
What are the most reliable used luxury SUVs to buy?
The Lexus RX and INFINITI QX60 stand out as particularly dependable choices among used luxury SUVs. The RX benefits from Lexus's well-earned reputation for long-term reliability, while the QX60's naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 — free from the added complexity of turbocharging — has built a strong track record for durability over its long production run.
Which used luxury SUVs offer the best safety ratings?
Both the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE and the 2018 Volvo XC60 earned the IIHS's top honor, a "Top Safety Pick+" designation, making either an excellent choice for safety-conscious buyers. The 2018 Lexus RX also performed strongly, with every variant earning a "Top Safety Pick" award from the IIHS that year.
Which used luxury SUV is the best pick if I want performance along with comfort?
The Lincoln Aviator and BMW X5 are the strongest performers on this list for buyers who want real power without sacrificing everyday comfort. The Aviator's twin-turbocharged V6 produces 400 hp in standard form — jumping to 494 hp in the plug-in hybrid Grand Touring trim — while the BMW X5 M steps things up even further with a 567-hp twin-turbocharged V8 for those who want a genuine thrill behind the wheel.
What Makes CarGurus Best Cars Guides Different?
Most car-shopping websites publish lists of the best cars across a variety of categories, with recommendations generally driven by editorial expertise. Here's what makes ours different: In addition to the insights and verdicts of our team of car-testing experts, our best cars guides take into account other factors that we know matter to buyers-real owner experiences and current market value.
Our expert reviewers are among this country's most trusted automotive journalists, also writing for publications including US News and World Report, Edmunds, Digital Trends, J.D. Power, and Car & Driver. They put each car through real-world testing and create detailed reviews of performance in a range of categories, from practicality and driving manners to cost-effectiveness and safety.
We also analyze hundreds of thousands of used car listings on CarGurus.com to track which models consistently offer the highest percentage of best deals relative to how many are listed for sale. Then we factor in reviews from owners-people who actually live with these cars every day. Our proprietary Best Cars algorithm then creates a final Overall CarGurus rating combining expert scores, user reviews, and the percentage of listings that have earned the Good or Great Deal rating. This multi-pronged approach reveals not just which cars excel on paper, but which ones deliver satisfaction and value when you're ready to buy.
The CarGurus market data used in this guide was last updated in March 2026. Values were accurate at time of publication and should be used as a guide only.
