The landscape of luxury vehicles has dramatically shifted, and today’s best small luxury SUVs are a testament to this evolution. Gone are the days when opting for a premium brand SUV meant sacrificing upscale features compared to their sedan counterparts. Modern small luxury SUVs deliver everything you’d expect from a high-end luxury car, and then some. Imagine sinking into heated and ventilated seats, surrounded by meticulously crafted leather and wood trim, while enjoying cutting-edge safety and infotainment technologies. The key advantage? You gain the enhanced versatility and capability of a sport utility vehicle.
Our curated selection of top-tier small luxury SUVs prioritizes generous cargo space, a crucial factor in the compact vehicle segment. Furthermore, each model boasts standard or available all-wheel-drive systems, empowering you to confidently embrace any adventure. To maintain focus on the “small” luxury SUV category, our list exclusively features SUVs from the compact and subcompact classes, ensuring nimble handling and urban maneuverability without compromising on luxury or features.
2019 Acura RDX
Acura’s comprehensive redesign of the RDX for 2019 has undeniably paid off. This model secured the coveted Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, earned a spot on WardsAuto’s prestigious top-10 list for infotainment technology, and played a pivotal role in Acura achieving an all-time annual sales record. The 2019 RDX is a clear contender in the small luxury SUV segment.
The RDX captivates with its striking design, both inside and out. The futuristic center console seamlessly bridges the center stack and armrest, creating a unique cabin focal point. Interior refinement is elevated with available open-pore ash wood and hand-stitched leather surfaces. Externally, Acura’s signature “Jewel Eye” LED headlights make a bold statement, ensuring the RDX stands out from the crowd.
2019 Alfa Romeo Stelvio
While Alfa Romeo officially classifies the Stelvio as a “midsize” SUV, its dimensions are surprisingly compact, even shorter than some compact SUVs like the Acura RDX. Therefore, we confidently include the Stelvio in our Top 10 Small Luxury Suvs list, especially given its exceptional performance credentials. The Stelvio holds the Nürburgring record for the fastest lap time by a production SUV, regardless of size, highlighting its sporty DNA.
The 2019 Alfa Romeo Stelvio enhances its appeal with newly standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, along with newly available heated rear seats. New carbon-fiber exterior accent packages add a touch of sporty sophistication. The Stelvio retains its distinctive front-end styling and offers track-focused options like Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes and Sparco racing seats for enthusiasts seeking ultimate performance.
2019 Cadillac XT4
Despite Cadillac’s recent streamlining of its sedan lineup, the brand remains strong in the SUV market, offering the impressive 2019 Cadillac XT4. This all-new small luxury SUV distinguishes itself with premium cabin materials, including carbon fiber, genuine wood, and diamond-cut aluminum accents. These elements create a truly luxurious ambiance, complementing the XT4’s optional heated and ventilated front seats, which also offer a relaxing massage function.
Beyond comfort, the XT4 is packed with high-end technology. Enjoy mobile Wi-Fi, seamless smartphone integration with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and advanced safety features like Cadillac’s innovative digital Rear Camera Mirror. The XT4’s exterior is equally compelling, featuring standard LED signature headlights and eye-catching aluminum-alloy wheels, available in sizes up to 20 inches.
2019 Infiniti QX30
For buyers seeking an entry point into the luxury SUV segment, the 2019 Infiniti QX30 is a compelling option among the best small luxury SUVs. As Infiniti’s most accessible SUV, with a starting MSRP just above $31,000, the QX30 offers exceptional value. Its exotic exterior design ensures it stands out from more conventionally styled competitors, making a bold statement.
The QX30’s nimble dimensions and sporty engine options contribute to a more engaging driving experience compared to many rivals. For those desiring heightened luxury, upgrades like heated Nappa leather seating and LED headlights are available. Despite its luxurious features, it’s worth noting the QX30 is remarkably compact, even shorter than a 2019 Honda Civic hatchback, making it ideal for city driving and tight parking spaces.
2019 Jaguar I-Pace
The 2019 Jaguar I-PACE is a groundbreaking addition to our top 10 small luxury SUVs list. Its innovative all-electric powertrain has garnered significant acclaim, including being named the 2019 Luxury Green Car of the Year by Green Car Journal. The I-Pace boasts an EPA-certified range of 234 miles on a single charge, making electric luxury a practical reality.
Beyond its eco-credentials, the I-Pace delivers exhilarating performance. Its electric powertrain produces 394 horsepower and 512 lb-ft of torque, enabling a 0-60 mph sprint in just 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 124 mph. Inside, the I-Pace upholds luxury standards with leather seating, genuine wood trim, and advanced technology features, seamlessly blending sustainability with premium comfort and performance.
2019 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque
The best small luxury SUVs often combine striking design with genuine off-road capability, and the 2019 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque perfectly embodies this blend. The Evoque’s exterior is undeniably modern and sophisticated, enhanced by standard LED headlamps and distinctive side vents. Personalization is key, with three roof options available: a fixed panoramic glass roof, and black or silver contrast-color roofs for a customized two-tone aesthetic.
The Evoque’s cabin mirrors its exterior elegance, featuring nearly all-digital controls for a streamlined and contemporary feel. Despite its luxurious appointments, the Evoque retains Land Rover’s legendary off-road DNA. It offers over 8.3 inches of ground clearance and can confidently wade through nearly two feet of water, making it ready for both city streets and adventurous trails.
2019 Lexus NX
The 2019 Lexus NX introduces hybrid efficiency to our list of top 10 small luxury SUVs. The NX 300h hybrid powertrain delivers a combined 194 horsepower while prioritizing fuel economy. Achieving EPA ratings of 33 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 31 mpg combined, the NX hybrid offers impressive efficiency without sacrificing the confidence of standard electric all-wheel drive.
Luxury and comfort are hallmarks of the NX, featuring available climate-controlled front seats upholstered in supple leather. The NX 300h also prioritizes safety with a comprehensive suite of standard safety technologies. This package includes adaptive cruise control, automatic forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure alert, automatic high beams, lane-keeping assistance, and a rearview camera, providing peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike.
2019 Lincoln MKC
The appeal of the best small luxury SUVs can extend beyond the vehicle itself, and the 2019 Lincoln MKC exemplifies this. The MKC offers a luxurious cabin experience with available Bridge of Weir leather seats and genuine rosewood or ash wood accents. High-tech features like mobile Wi-Fi and automatic emergency braking are also included. Performance is readily available with two turbocharged engine options, including a potent 2.3-liter unit producing 285 horsepower and 305 lb-ft of torque.
What truly distinguishes the MKC is the Lincoln Black Label program. This exclusive membership offers a curated collection of premium services and experiences, ranging from access to gourmet restaurants to expedited airport security processes, enhancing the ownership experience beyond the vehicle itself.
2019 Porsche Macan
For driving enthusiasts seeking the best small luxury SUVs, the 2019 Porsche Macan is an undeniable frontrunner. This compact SUV delivers exhilarating performance, with the Macan Turbo reaching a top speed of 169 mph and accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 4.2 seconds, thanks to its 440-horsepower twin-turbo V6 engine.
To achieve peak performance, the Porsche Performance and Sport Chrono packages are recommended, which also integrate comfort features. The Performance sport steering wheel, for instance, is heated and trimmed with leather and Alcantara. Additional packages dedicated to luxury further enhance the Macan’s premium feel with high-class materials and advanced technology, ensuring a balance of performance and refinement.
2019 Volvo XC40
The 2019 Volvo XC40 generated significant buzz upon its launch, partly due to its pioneering vehicle-subscription program. However, the XC40’s merits as one of the best small luxury SUVs are undeniable, regardless of purchase method. Whether you buy, lease, or subscribe, the XC40 boasts a striking exterior design, customizable with a contrast-color roof, distinctive “Thor’s Hammer” LED lighting, and bold aluminum-alloy wheels up to 20 inches.
Volvo elevates cabin luxury with the ultra-premium Inscription trim, featuring a unique cut-crystal gear-shift knob by Orrefors. True to Volvo’s reputation, the XC40 is also equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety technologies, making it a leader in both luxury and safety within the small SUV segment.
Conclusion:
The 2019 model year presented a remarkable selection of small luxury SUVs, each offering a unique blend of luxury, performance, technology, and practicality. From the sporty Alfa Romeo Stelvio to the eco-conscious Jaguar I-Pace and the feature-rich Volvo XC40, these top 10 small luxury SUVs prove that downsizing in size doesn’t mean compromising on premium features or driving enjoyment. Whether you prioritize fuel efficiency, exhilarating performance, off-road capability, or cutting-edge technology, there’s a small luxury SUV on this list to meet your discerning needs and elevate your driving experience.
