The crossover-SUV species is taking over American highways and driveways, and it’s clearly here to stay. Want proof? It has even infiltrated a corner of the market where the compact luxury sedan has long reigned. It seems everyone, regardless of their buying power and taste, wants one of these high-riding, practical, and occasionally athletic brutes. Luckily for buyers, there’s an ever-widening variety from which to choose. From sporty to spacious, posh to pedestrian, and everything in between, here’s our ranking of every compact luxury crossover available today for the 2016 and/or 2017 model years.
15) Cadillac SRX
Cadillac’s SRX is an avant-garde alternative in a segment founded by the more conservative Lexus RX. Buyers can choose from front- or all-wheel drive as well as two different suspension options with varying levels of stiffness. Shifts from the six-speed automatic are sometimes less than smooth and the 3.6-liter V-6 is noisy during acceleration, but the cabin is quiet once the SRX is up to cruising speeds.
15) Cadillac SRX
The SRX has proven itself a popular choice for crossover buyers despite back-of-the-pack performance, but its annoying all-touchscreen interface and disappointing driving experience makes it a hard sell in our book. The 2016 model year is its last, as it’s being replaced for 2017 with the all-new XT5 (spoiler alert—that one appears higher on this list), so Cadillac dealers may be extra negotiable on price. SRX PRICING, REVIEWS, AND MORE>>
14) Volvo XC70
The XC70 blurs the line between SUV and station wagon—Volvo likes to pitch it as the former even though it’s closer to the latter—albeit with an outdoorsy image and a dash of all-weather confidence. Powertrain choices start with a 240-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four with an eight-speed automatic driving the front wheels. If you want all-wheel drive, you get a turbo five-cylinder that makes 250 horsepower and pairs with a six-speed automatic.
14) Volvo XC70
Ground clearance is a useful 8.3 inches, but the fact that the XC70 is a jacked-up version of the V70 wagon means it doesn’t ride quite as high as most of its rivals. In true Volvo fashion, a number of safety features are available including an automatic-braking system that can help avoid collisions with other vehicles or pedestrians. XC70 PRICING, REVIEWS, AND MORE>>
13) Volvo XC60
A charming alternative to the Teutonic status quo, the XC60 is no sports car, but it delivers a supple ride, a smart cabin, and tons of safety tech. Front-drive versions get a 240-hp 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder; a 250-hp 2.5-liter five-cylinder turbo comes with all-wheel drive—or buyers can step up to a turbo- and supercharged 302-hp 2.0-liter four also with all-wheel drive. Both four-cylinder engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic, while the turbo five gets a six-speed auto.
13) Volvo XC60
Scandinavian style and tons of tech make owners feel swaddled and secure. The XC60’s automatic stop-start function—a feature designed to reduce fuel consumption—is too obvious in its operation, however, and is an irritating misstep in an otherwise unobtrusive powertrain. Fortunately, it can be switched off. The Volvo places near the back of the pack largely due to its age—it was introduced in 2009. XC60 PRICING, REVIEWS, AND MORE>>
12) Infiniti QX50
A composed ride, balanced chassis, and charismatic powertrain help the QX50 stand out as an athletic offering. What’s missing here is more communicative steering. A 325-hp 3.7-liter V-6 and a rear-drive and a crisp-shifting seven-speed automatic is the only powertrain; rear-drive is standard while all-wheel drive is optional. Previously snug inside, the QX50 is longer for 2016, with more than four additional inches of rear legroom.
12) Infiniti QX50
A standard 7.0-inch infotainment screen is smaller than those of most rivals and the graphics are dated, too. Available navigation, adaptive cruise control, and forward-collision warning are nice optional extras, but the QX50 really needs a full redesign to be competitive. QX50 PRICING, REVIEWS, AND MORE>>
11) Acura RDX
The RDX is the luxury crossover for those who value comfort, safety, and technology more so than gratifying driving dynamics. The 3.5-liter V-6 makes 279 horsepower and drives the front wheels through a six-speed automatic with paddle shifters; all-wheel drive is optional.
11) Acura RDX
Fuel efficiency is decent and the chassis is tuned for relaxed cruising. Available active safety features such as forward-collision warning and adaptive cruise control are present and accounted for. Missing here, though, is any enthusiasm for driving as in Acuras of the past, and that ultimately keeps the RDX from claiming a higher rank. RDX PRICING, REVIEWS, AND MORE>>
10) Land Rover Discovery Sport
The dapper looks of the Discovery Sport conceal its serious off-road credentials, which set it apart from its more on-road-oriented rivals. A 240-hp 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder and nine-speed automatic are a not-always-happy couple, with throttle inputs sometimes bringing delayed responses or unwanted surges. All-wheel drive is standard, and a four-mode Terrain Response system helps it adapt to a variety of situations—sand, snow, rocks, or mud.
10) Land Rover Discovery Sport
A tiny third-row seat is optional, providing nominal seating for seven. The third row may be cramped, but the second row is fine. Handling is competent but the ride can be flinty, especially with the 20-inch wheels. The touchscreen infotainment system is only mediocre, and lags behind some of its rivals in its user-friendliness. DISCOVERY SPORT PRICING, REVIEWS, AND MORE>>
9) Lincoln MKX
The MKX pairs unique sheetmetal with high levels of standard features to help set it apart from the Ford Edge on which it’s based. A 303-hp 3.7-liter V-6 is standard, while an optional twin-turbo 2.7-liter V-6 makes 335 horsepower. Both engines mate to a six-speed automatic with front-wheel drive; all-wheel drive is optional.
9) Lincoln MKX
The MKX interior is loaded with luxury, including supple leather seats and an optional 19-speaker Revel audio system, although some rough edges can be found. The cabin is also whisper quiet, thanks to acoustically laminated window glass and active noise cancellation. Pricing of the upper trim levels, however, can get seriously ambitious. MKX PRICING, REVIEWS, AND MORE>>
8) Lexus RX
Don’t let the RX’s radical design fool you—it’s still the plush-riding crossover it’s always been, not the involving sports machine its extroverted styling may suggest. A 295-hp V-6, eight-speed automatic and front-drive are standard; all-wheel drive is optional.
8) Lexus RX
There is a pricey hybrid version available, but with optional all-wheel drive, we saw a disappointing 22 mpg, well below its EPA combined rating of 30. The RX cabin uses rich-looking interior materials throughout, and the F Sport model gets especially comfortable and supportive seats, among other upgrades. Lexus’s Remote Touch interface, which comes with the optional navigation system, is distracting to use—luckily there are plenty of work-arounds. RX PRICING, REVIEWS, AND MORE>>
7) Audi Q5
The Q5 deftly blends a compliant chassis with ample utility and all-weather ability. Powertrains include a none-too-quick turbocharged four-cylinder and a considerably zestier supercharged 272-hp V-6; there’s also a hybrid—but you pay dearly for its extra mpg. An eight-speed automatic is standard, as is all-wheel drive.
7) Audi Q5
In true Audi fashion, the Q5 is elegantly styled and boasts standard-setting fit and finish. The infotainment system is among the easiest and most logical in this class too. The Q5 isn’t terribly sporty, however, with numb steering and considerable body roll. (You have to step up a notch to the 354-hp SQ5 to get a truly sporting version.) Meanwhile, sales of the excellent TDI diesel model have been halted until further notice due to EPA emissions violations. Q5 PRICING, REVIEWS, AND MORE>>
6) Cadillac XT5
Whether cruising on Park Avenue or parked at Costco, the all-new XT5 cuts a dashing silhouette—much more so than its SRX predecessor. Lightweight construction contributes to nimble handling, but throttle response from the 310-hp V-6 and eight-speed automatic is only so-so, and fuel economy is not quite as good as some competitors’ four-cylinder turbos. Front-drive is standard, with all-wheel drive optional.
6) Cadillac XT5
The handsome interior features a rear seat that reclines and slides fore and aft and also provides a 40/20/40 split-folding feature for added versatility. Available features such as 4G connectivity with in-car Wi-Fi, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a large touchscreen infotainment system give the XT5 high-tech bragging rights. XT5 PRICING, REVIEWS, AND MORE>>
5) BMW X4
Basically a fastback version of the X3, BMW calls the X4 a four-door “coupe,” which means it has a low roofline and a more intimate cabin—especially in the back seat. Although it offers less utility and has compromised visibility, the X4 undoubtedly stands out in traffic more so than its more traditionally styled sibling.
5) BMW X4
Engine choices are a 240-hp turbo four, a 300-hp turbo six, and, for a near-M experience, the M40i with 355 horsepower, launch control, bigger front brake discs, 19-inch wheels, and a sport-tuned suspension. All X4s have an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Driving dynamics are excellent, a BMW hallmark that extends even to the brand’s crossovers. The X4 places two slots behind the mechanically identical X3 due to the diminished practicality that results from the sloped roof. X4 PRICING, REVIEWS, AND MORE>>
4) Mercedes-Benz GLC-class
Put the C-class sedan on stilts and you get the GLC-class, a competent luxury crossover that also features an excellent interior largely borrowed from its sedan sibling. There’s lots of standard tech and safety gear, including collision-prevention and crosswind assist, an adaptive suspension, and keyless start.
4) Mercedes-Benz GLC-class
The GLC300 has a 241-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four that pairs with a paddle-shifted nine-speed automatic. All-wheel drive is optional, and likely required for areas that see winter weather, as the GLC is otherwise a rear-wheel-drive rig. The seats are comfortable and the interior is quiet, just as you’d expect in a Mercedes. GLC-CLASS PRICING, REVIEWS, AND MORE>>
3) BMW X3
The X3 combines the utility of a crossover with the sophistication and driving fun of one of our favorite sedans: the BMW 3-series. There are three turbocharged engines—a 240-hp 2.0-liter four; a 300-hp, 3.0-liter six; and a 180-hp, 2.0-liter diesel four, which offers improved economy but less refinement.
3) BMW X3
An eight-speed automatic is standard as is rear-wheel drive, but all everything other than the base car gets BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system. The options list is long, but driving enthusiasts will want to consider the Dynamic Handling package. X3 PRICING, REVIEWS, AND MORE>>
2) Porsche Macan
If you’ve ever wondered what the Porsche Cayenne would be like if it shrank one size, the Macan is your answer. The Macan shares its basic architecture with the Audi Q5, but up-level S, GTS, and Turbo models are quicker and more capable thanks to their twin-turbo V-6s with 340 hp, 360 hp, and 400 hp, respectively. All Macans come with all-wheel drive and a seven-speed automatic.
2) Porsche Macan
That said, the Macan’s numb steering and soft brake pedal are decidedly un-Porschelike. Pricing, however, is Porsche-esque, although the addition for 2017 of a base model with a 252-hp four-cylinder turbo brings the entry price down considerably, to $48,550. But you can easily double the base price with options. Ultimately, the Macan is a fun-to-drive luxury crossover with oodles of racy street cred, which makes it one of our favorites. MACAN PRICING, REVIEWS, AND MORE>>
1) Jaguar F-Pace
The F-Pace brings Jaguar’s sexy styling and athletic moves to a crowded market and ends up in a compelling place. Powertrains include a standard 340-hp or optional 380-hp supercharged V-6, each with an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive; a diesel will come later.
1) Jaguar F-Pace
Aluminum construction creates a rigid structure. Sharp steering and superb body control instill driving confidence. The interior is roomy and cargo space is ample, while an updated infotainment system finally offers fast responses. Jaguar’s first-ever SUV is for now the best in its segment and finds itself at the top of our list. F-PACE PRICING, REVIEWS, AND MORE>>
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