11Mar
The luxury SUV segment is evolving with the automotive industry. In 2025, manufacturers are gearing up to release their most innovative and luxurious models yet.
If you're in the market for a small luxury SUV, you'll want to know which models stand out in terms of performance, design, and technology.
Here, we explore the top small luxury SUVs for 2025, helping you make an informed decision for your next vehicle purchase.
See also:
20 Best Luxury Small Cars 2024
Why Choose a Small Luxury SUV?
Before diving into the specific models, it's essential to understand why small luxury SUVs have become increasingly popular among consumers.
These vehicles combine the best of both worlds: the opulence and advanced features of luxury vehicles with the practicality and versatility of an SUV.
They offer a comfortable driving experience, ample cargo space, and cutting-edge technology, making them ideal for urban driving and long road trips alike.
Best Luxury Compact SUVs
Audi Q5
- MSRP: $45,400
Photo Credit: Audi.
The 2025 Audi Q5 stands out in the luxury compact SUV market due to its blend of performance, technology, and luxury. It features a refined design with a bold grille and customizable OLED lighting.
The interior boasts premium materials, a spacious layout, and cutting-edge tech, including a 14.5-inch touchscreen and a 11.9-inch digital instrument panel. Performance-wise, the Q5 offers multiple powertrains, including mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid options.
Its quattro all-wheel drive ensures excellent handling, while advanced driver-assistance systems enhance safety. The 2025 Q5 offers seating for five passengers with decent headroom and legroom in both rows.
The rear seats feature a 40/20/40 split configuration, allowing customization for passengers or cargo. With the seats upright, the Q5 provides 25.8 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 54 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded down.
The Q5’s focus on sustainability, with eco-friendly materials and efficient engines, aligns with modern demands.
BMW X3
- MSRP: $55,750
Photo Credit: BMW.
The 2025 BMW X3 is a hit with its blend of performance, luxury, and innovation. It offers multiple powertrains, including a plug-in hybrid option. The xDrive all-wheel-drive system ensures superior handling, while the turbocharged engines provide impressive acceleration.
Inside, the X3 features BMW's Curved Display, combining a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch touchscreen with the latest Operating System 9.0. Premium materials and spacious seating enhance comfort, while the cargo space expands to 67.1 cubic feet with rear seats folded.
Advanced driver-assistance systems, such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, prioritize safety. The X3's aerodynamic design, illuminated kidney grille, and modern aesthetics add to its appeal.
With a focus on sustainability, it incorporates mild-hybrid technology and eco-friendly materials. These parameters make the BMW X3 a standout choice for 2025.
Best Small Size Luxury SUV
Mercedes-Benz GLC
- MSRP: $49,250
Photo Credit: Mercedes-Benz.
The Mercedes-Benz GLC is another top pick for 2025, offering a perfect blend of luxury, performance, and advanced technology. It offers multiple powertrain options, including mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants.
The GLC's 2.0L turbocharged engine produces 255 horsepower, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission for smooth performance. Inside, the GLC boasts a premium cabin with high-quality materials, a spacious layout, and cutting-edge features like the MBUX infotainment system with a 12.3-inch digital cockpit and a 14.1-inch touchscreen.
The SUV flaunts customizable ambient lighting with 64 color options. The "Energizing Comfort" system syncs music, lighting, and seat massage functions for a tailored relaxation experience.
Additionally, the GLC offers augmented reality navigation, projecting directions onto a live camera feed for intuitive guidance. The GLC also impresses with its practicality, offering 21.9 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 56.3 cubic feet with rear seats folded.
See also:
Best Small Luxury SUVs 2025
Lexus NX
- MSRP: $42,140
Photo Credit: Lexus.
The 2025 Lexus NX is an exciting addition to the small luxury SUV segment. Known for its reliability and luxurious touches, the NX offers a serene driving experience. The revamped design comes with multiple powertrain options, including a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid.
The NX flaunts a trendy, aerodynamic design with customizable ambient lighting and a panoramic glass roof. Inside, it boasts a premium cabin with high-quality materials, a spacious layout, and cutting-edge tech like a 14-inch touchscreen and a 10-inch head-up display.
Safety is prioritized with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. With 22.7 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 46.9 cubic feet with rear seats folded, the NX is a highly practical SUV.
The NX is also futuristic. Its e-Latch system replaces traditional door handles with electronic ones, integrating safety features like preventing door opening if an object is detected. The wireless charging slot cleverly slides under the dash, revealing a hidden storage cubby.
Volvo XC60
- MSRP: $47,050
Photo Credit: Volvo.
Volvo's XC60 has always been synonymous with safety and style, and the 2025 model is no different. It excels in luxury, performance, and sustainability. The 2025 XC60 offers multiple powertrains, including mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid options.
The T8 Recharge plug-in hybrid boasts 455 horsepower, ensuring dynamic performance while maintaining eco-consciousness.
Inside, the XC60 features a minimalist Scandinavian design with premium materials, a 12.3-inch digital driver display, and a 14.5-inch touchscreen powered by Google’s Android Automotive OS.
Volvo’s IntelliSafe suite offers safety features like Pilot Assist and collision avoidance. The XC60 also boasts practicality with 22.4 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 63.3 cubic feet with rear seats folded. Its sleek, aerodynamic design, coupled with advanced tech like over-the-air updates and a panoramic sunroof, enhances its appeal.
Compact Luxury SUVs 2025
Acura RDX
- MSRP: $44,700
Photo Credit: Acura.
The Acura RDX is a standout in the compact luxury SUV category. The 2025 RDX shines with its blend of performance, luxury, and advanced technology. Powered by a 2.0L VTEC Turbo engine delivering 272 horsepower, it offers dynamic performance paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
The Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) ensures exceptional handling and stability. Inside, the RDX features a premium cabin with perforated Milano leather seats, a 10.2-inch HD center display, and an ELS STUDIO 3D audio system for an immersive experience.
Safety is prioritized with AcuraWatch™, a suite of driver-assistance technologies including adaptive cruise control and collision mitigation braking.
The RDX also impresses with its practicality, offering 29.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 58.9 cubic feet with rear seats folded. Its bold design, highlighted by a frameless diamond pentagon grille and Jewel Eye LED headlights, makes it a standout in the luxury SUV segment for 2025.
Genesis GV70
- MSRP: $45,700
Photo Credit: Genesis.
Genesis, Hyundai's luxury brand, has been making waves in the luxury SUV market, and the GV70 is a testament to the brand’s commitment to excellence.
The 2025 Genesis GV70 offers multiple powertrains, including a 2.5L turbocharged engine delivering 300 horsepower and a 3.5L V6 turbocharged option for enhanced performance. The GV70’s all-wheel-drive system ensures excellent handling, while its refined suspension provides a smooth yet sporty ride.
Inside, the cabin features premium materials, a 14.5-inch touchscreen, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Its advanced driver-assistance systems, such as Highway Driving Assist 2, not only maintains lane centering and safe distances but also assists with lane changes and adapts to traffic conditions. The Blind-Spot View Monitor, unlike standard blind-spot warnings, displays a live video feed of the blind spot on the digital instrument cluster when the turn signal is activated.
The Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist Reverse actively prevents collisions while reversing by applying brakes if it detects obstacles, while the Fingerprint Authentication System lets drivers start the vehicle and load personalized settings with a simple touch.
The GV70 also offers practicality, with 28.9 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 56.9 cubic feet with rear seats folded.
Considerations When Choosing a Small Luxury SUV
Photo Credit: Acura.
Choosing the right small luxury SUV involves considering various factors to ensure it meets your specific needs and preferences.
Here are some key aspects to consider:
- Performance and Handling: Evaluate the engine options and driving dynamics to find a model that offers the performance you desire.
- Interior Features: Consider the quality of materials, comfort, and technology offered in the cabin.
- Safety and Technology: Look for advanced safety features and the latest infotainment systems to enhance your driving experience.
- Fuel Efficiency: With many models offering hybrid options, consider the fuel economy to align with your environmental and budgetary concerns.
Final Thoughts
The small luxury SUV market for 2025 offers an array of options, each with its unique blend of style, performance, and technology.
Whether you prioritize eco-friendliness, sporty driving dynamics, or lavish interiors, there's a model to suit your lifestyle. By carefully considering your needs and exploring these top picks, you'll be well on your way to driving one of the best small luxury SUVs of 2025.
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