Best Luxury Midsize SUVs of 2026| Top-Rated Midsize Luxury SUVs | CarBuzz

When it comes to plush people moving, the best luxury midsize SUVs are those that exude style and class, come well-equipped with features, and are supremely comfortable. Of course, the rankings include iconic brands and revered automakers with decades of experience crafting premium vehicles. And as the crossover and SUV boom continues in the USA, manufacturers vying for the top spot are cramming even more luxury in wherever they can. This is our take on the best luxury midsize SUVs of 2026.

Vehicles are assigned a BuzzScore in relation to their direct segment competitors, and as such, vehicles in this list, while similarly scored, do not necessarily compete directly against one another. Find out more about how the BuzzScore ratings work here. These lists are continuously updated with the latest BuzzScores and vehicles as they become available.

1 BMW X5 M

The best luxury midsize SUV, according to its BuzzScore of 8.6 out of 10, is the BMW X5 M. This two-row model is well-balanced between its luxury features and premium materials, and its sporty powertrain and other upgrades. There's only one version of the X5 M, the Competition, which starts at $131,000. It's powered by a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 that makes 617 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. When we drove one, our road tester noted that, unlike usual M cars that put sportiness before comfort, the X5 M doesn't beat up its occupants.

"BMW M cars often deliver harsh ride comfort in the name of performance, but the X5 M Competition still provides reasonable comfort. The big wheels do transmit road imperfections, but if you leave the suspension in its comfort mode, the X5 M doesn't beat up its occupants."

- Jared Rosenholtz, Editor-At-Large, CarBuzz

2 Porsche Cayenne

A luxury midsize SUV that offers plenty of options is the Porsche Cayenne. This model is available in more variations than any other on this list — and all of them are great. Buyers can choose a traditional SUV, a coupe, an EV, and each variant has numerous trims of their own. Focusing on the standard SUV brings us to a starting price of $89,900. This base model is powered by a 3.0-liter turbo V6 that makes 348 hp, but other trims may find power from a PHEV system, or a V8. Even the base model is as luxurious as one might expect from the brand, with more standard features than anyone ever needs.

"We have always been unashamed fans of the Cayenne, and the new models just underscore why. In the past, we found the Cayenne S to be the sweet spot for those that want the full Porsche experience from an SUV, and it remains so. The ride is smooth, but the chassis is reactive and keeps the Cayenne stable for when you take the long and winding way home from work on a Friday."

- Ian Wright, Senior Road Tester, CarBuzz

3 BMW iX

The next midsize luxury SUV from BMW on our list is the iX. It's about the same size as the X5, but this one comes with an all-electric powertrain. There are three versions available; the cheapest iX is the xDrive45 for $75,150, then the xDrive60 follows suit at $88,500, and the most powerful trim is the M70 for $111,500. Horsepower ranges from 402 hp in the base model and 650 in its top trim. All three trims are powered by a duel-motor setup. Our test drive proved that it's both a luxurious and modern place to spend a commute, and its base model is still more than enough car for the average buyer.

"the car rides very planted, and never wallows, even when trying to be comfortable. It's also not on the other extreme of harsh, either. The ride is a little firm, but that translates to whip-sharp handling in corners around the reservoirs of New York. The throttle slows a bit when in Eco mode; the pedal is fairly dead until you're leaning way into it, where it then squirts back all the power you've been missing. Sport lowers the body, ups the Hans-Zimmmer-composed "fake" sounds inside and out, gives some weight back to the power steering setup, and gives you the maximum attack throttle, which can be a lot of fun but is dangerous around police officers."

- Justin Westbrook, CarBuzz

4 Lincoln Aviator

For a more relaxed, comfortable driving experience than the first few models provide, the Lincoln Aviator is a valid choice. This one is a three-row model with room for up to seven occupants that will enjoy a host of standard features in all rows. As is the case for every Lincoln model, there are three trims to choose from; the Premiere starts the lineup at $56,910, while the Reserve and Black Label follow at $66,730 and $85,910, respectively. The Black Label trim is the most luxurious by far, with features like a Revel Ultima 3D 28-speaker audio system, 30-way Perfect Position seats, and more.

5 Acura MDX

In fifth place among the best luxury midsize SUVs is the Acura MDX. Honda's luxury brand offers a compelling three-row family model that's built on the same platform as the Honda Pilot. It's available in a few trims that use the same 3.5-liter naturally-aspirated V6 as the Pilot, but its top trim takes the cake. Sure, you could buy a base model for a starting price of $51,800, but the Type S Advance is well-worth its $75,850 MSRP. It has a 3.0-liter turbo V6 that makes 355 hp. No matter which model you choose, you'll be left with Honda dependability, tri-zone climate control, tons of storage space, and more.

"The sports seats are pure Acura - they feel thick, supportive, and comfortable with plenty of adjustment in the Type S. The third row is cramped, but unless you're looking at a full-size SUV, that's always the case. The second row is a pleasant place to be, and with plenty of headroom and legroom for a couple of large adults."

- Ian Wright, Senior Road Tester, CarBuzz

6 Lexus RX

The best midsize luxury SUV 2026 that Lexus has to offer is the RX. Like many other Lexus models, this SUV offers a variety of variants; the RX can have a gas-only engine, a hybrid, or a plug-in hybrid powertrain. The gas variant starts at $49,725, while the hybrid costs at least $52,025, and the PHEV starts at $65,230 before destination. No matter which one you choose, the RX has room for up to five people across two rows of seats and a maximum of 46.2 cubic feet of cargo space. All trims come with a host of comfort features. Even the base model has NuLuxe upholstery, heated front seats, and more.

"We spent the day driving all three flavors of the RX, and they all had one thing in common. The RX is a comfortable cruiser with the kind of quiet and smooth ride that can easily cause you to find yourself cruising along feeling like you're doing 60 mph when you're doing 80. The suspension is firmly damped but perfectly tuned with the spring rate to deal with bad roads and bumps."

- Ian Wright, Senior Road Tester, CarBuzz

7 Aston Martin DBX S

One of the most expensive models on our list is the Aston Martin DBX S. The DBX S is a genuinely great midsize SUV with more than enough power and sports-car-like handling. We know this is a luxury SUVs article, so high prices are a given, but the DBX S starts at $270,500, and options easily add another $100k to the total. The right buyer with deep enough pockets might not have a problem with that, since it means getting a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 that makes 717 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque. Leather and Alcántara wrap the interior to elevate its driving experience around town.

"There is an almost comedic amount of grip on offer from the huge tires and wonderfully supple suspension. The steering is tuned on the DBX S to be quick, but never feels twitchy and dispatches corners with absolute authority, whether it's just enjoying the drive on a back road or giving the DBX S a workout. When giving it a workout, the drivetrain is happy to send all the power to the back wheels when appropriate, then hook up the front wheels when power is being laid down heavily."

- Ian Wright, Senior Road Tester, CarBuzz

8 Audi RS Q8

Those who want the prowess of a Lamborghini for a fraction of the price will rejoice in the Audi RS Q8. It's built on the same platform as the Lamborghini Urus; it uses the same 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 that makes 631 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque. Combined with standard Quattro all-wheel drive, the RS Q8 can sprint to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds. While it certainly provides more than enough performance, it's also a luxurious midsize SUV. Some standard features in this two-row model include a 123-inch customizable digital gauge cluster, 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise assist, a Bang & Olufsen sound system, and more.

9 Genesis GV80

Hyundai's luxury brand competes with the best luxury brands on the market with the Genesis GV80 SUV. It keeps up with rivals like the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class and BMW X5, which we think it accomplishes. Buyers can choose among eight trims; the base model starts at $57,700, and comes with a 2.5-liter turbo I4 that makes 300 hp. For a 3.5-liter turbo V6, you'll have to spend at least $75,950 for the 3.5T Advanced AWD trim. Either way, the model can seat up to seven occupants in certain trims, while others fit five. All trims are plush and comfortable, with our road tester explaining how the entire lineup is well-appointed and luxurious.

"The absolute standout feature of the GV80 is the interior. It’s what makes this SUV look and feel like a luxury car from the moment you open the door. It doesn’t matter which trim you go for because the full lineup is nicely appointed. It’s not a matter of whether you want luxury, but of just how much luxury will make you happy."

- Nicole Wakelin, CarBuzz

10 Volvo XC90

Since Volvo pulled the plug on its largest sedans and wagons, its new flagship model is this: the XC90 midsize SUV. While we're sad to see the old flagships go, the XC90 is befitting of the title. This three-row Volvo is every bit as luxurious as its rivals. There are three available trims that start with the Core at $61,050 before the $1,395 destination charge. Power is sourced from either a mild hybrid system or a plug-in hybrid that provides 58 MPGe and 32 miles of all-electric range. On the inside, buyers can opt for a six- or seven-seat layout — no matter which one you choose, the XC90 remains worthy of its luxury flagship status.

"The air suspension is still the better of the two setups in this situation, soaking up primary and secondary vibrations without the motion sickness-inducing floatiness that often accompanies air. It also provides better chassis control, displaying admirable composure through the rolling hillsides of rural Sweden, and then raising and lowering for easier ingress and egress and loading into the trunk."

- Roger Biermann, Managing Editor, CarBuzz

Characteristics Of The Best Luxury Midsize SUVs

What sets luxury midsize SUVs apart from their lesser kin - is it simply a matter of price or brand? Let’s break down the common traits of these beautiful bruisers:

• Premium cabins: Having an opulent interior bedecked with the finest materials is required, along with a serene and quiet cabin. Spending time in a top luxury midsize SUV should be a pleasant experience for everyone on board.
• Looks and style: To stand out from mainstream models, luxury midsizers should be striking, handsome, and bold. Halo models will have exterior styling that draws attention and identifies the premium designation.
• Under the hood: Potent powertrains ranging from gas to fully electric options are available, and they should be capable of decent performance. While sporty aspirations and fire-breathing engines do exist in the segment, you won’t find any underpowered power plants equipped.
• Size and handling: The perfect “in-between”, midsize crossovers have the benefit of being well-sized to accommodate passengers in comfort while avoiding ponderous proportions that make maneuvering around town a chore. Many will also feature adaptive air suspension or other tech to smooth out road bumps and ensure the utmost in comfort.
• Features and tech: Luxury midsize SUVs have access to the best in sound systems, comfort features, and driver assists. This includes items like heated and ventilated seats with massage function, large infotainment displays, quad-zone climate control, and cutting-edge features to prevent and mitigate collisions.
• Price: Since you’re getting the best materials, newest technology, and latest features, these cruisers will cost you a pretty penny. And with more of these equipped with fully electric power plants, upcoming luxury SUVs in this segment will likely be even more expensive.

What To Consider Before Buying Luxury Midsize SUVs

If you have your heart set on a luxury midsize SUV, be sure to consider all the advantages and disadvantages before forking over your hard-earned cash:

Pros

• Spacious accommodations for passengers
• Packed with driver assists, tech, and features, so expect excellent safety reviews
• Luxury midsize SUVs handle better in comparison to larger, more unwieldy SUVs
• Superb practicality, although you may need to fold down seats for the most cargo space
• Capable powertrains and comfortable suspensions for a smooth, effortless ride
• Beautiful design and on-road presence

Cons

• Middling fuel economy in comparison to smaller, lighter crossovers
• Premium cars don’t come cheap, so expect high price tags
• Less space for passengers than some full-size rivals with 3 rows
• No real off-roading ability in this segment, although pavement or broken road surfaces are easily handled

Sources: BMW, Audi, Lincoln, Lexus, Acura, Genesis, Volvo, Aston Martin, Porsche