SUVs offer a lot of practicality and versatility compared to sedans and sports cars. Most people consider them to be the Swiss army knife of cars because you can drive them on good roads and uneven terrain. These features have led to an increase in the popularity of crossovers and SUVs.
Because of this, many manufacturers are creating some of the best SUVs we’ve seen in years. The added electrification of powertrains has helped manufacturers develop fuel-efficient versions. The result is a range of sophisticated and state-of-the-art SUVs that offer everything a consumer could wish for. Here are some of the best compact luxury SUVs of 2022 you can get from US and European markets.
10/10 Large American SUV: Cadillac XT5
Cadillac has produced such masterpieces as the CT4-V and CT5-V Blackwing in recent years. Even if the XT5 doesn’t have the same performance, it’s a great compact luxury SUV. Like its European competition, the XT5 offers a quiet cabin with one of the most competitive payload capacities in the compact luxury SUV class.
Cadillac offers two engine options for the XT5, a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and a 3.6-liter V6. While both provide ample performance, the latter has more power with 310 ponies and 271 lb-ft of torque. The XT5 excels in usability with above-average cargo space. It also has a modern interior with quality materials.
9/10 We Prefer to Buy: Audi Q5
The Q5 offers good performance, precise build quality and a refined look. It does everything right, from a well-controlled ride to sharp handling to a powerful turbocharged four-cylinder engine. For better fuel economy, Audi offers a plug-in hybrid variant that also delivers a faster 5.0 seconds from 0 to 60 mph.
The Q5 features Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive system, giving it peace of mind in snowy weather. It also boasts expressive styling and advanced technology that take the driving experience to the next level.
8/10 Large American SUV: Buick Envision
When it comes to luxury, Buick isn’t the first brand that comes to mind. However, the Envision is one of the best compact luxury SUVs on the market. It offers a beautiful exterior design and a comfortable cab, equipped with high-quality materials and features.
The Buick Envision gets a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbo engine as standard. It produces plenty of acceleration thanks to its 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Buick also offers three trim levels namely Preferred, Essence and Avenir. The latter provides a luxurious ride with a dazzling interior design that rivals the Audi Q5 and BMW X3.
7/10 We’d Rather Buy: Range Rover Velar
The Velar has a beautiful design that makes it stand out from the crowd. It looks expensive thanks to its powerful proportions such as the front, flowing waistline and elegantly tapered back. Because of these proportions, it immediately attracts attention.
The Velar has multiple engine options, with the base 247 horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder providing plenty of power. The optional inline-six powerplant offers better performance, especially in the 395 hp HST trim. Inside the Velar is a tranquil retreat with elegant leather-wrapped materials.
6/10 Large American SUV: Ford Mustang Mach E
The Mach E is a content-rich electric SUV that’s also nimble and fast. It offers numerous configurations and equipment packages, making it an excellent compact electric SUV. Buyers can choose an enhanced performance experience with the GT or the content-rich Premium model.
Even though it’s no ordinary Mustang, the Mach E offers reasonable performance and sufficient range. It also has plenty of modern gadgets and gizmos. The interior houses a streamlined dashboard with an attractive digital instrument panel and a beautiful vertically mounted touchscreen.
5/10 We would rather buy: Jaguar I Pace
The I Pace is a fascinating all-electric luxury SUV that looks great and drives well. It has a futuristic approach and has an EPA certified range of 253 miles. The I Pace performs and drives like a sports car thanks to its instantaneous acceleration.
It has tactile controls and controlled stance. The interior showcases Jaguar’s pioneering design, features and spacious passenger space. The refined interior also features a flashy dashboard and plenty of desirable features, such as heated front and rear seats, a head-up display, four-zone climate control and plush leather upholstery.
4/10 Large American SUV: Acura RDX
The RDX is both beautifully designed and fun to drive. It’s a great BMW and Porsche competitor, thanks to a powerful engine and sharp handling. While the Acura doesn’t have a posh interior like the GV70, it strives to match its technology and convenience features.
The RDX offers excellent usability, value-oriented pricing and pleasant manners. Under the hood of the RDX is a punchy 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. It offers a smooth ride thanks to the 10-speed automatic with front or all-wheel drive.
3/10 We would rather buy: Jaguar F Pace
The F Pace is Jaguar’s luxury performance SUV that combines performance, design and intuitive technologies. These aspects ensure that the F Pace delivers exceptional handling, so that every ride feels extraordinary. The exterior has a Jaguar F Pace dynamic appearance with signature twin J-badge headlamps, deep grille, wider vents and a seamless bonnet.
The design elements are also visible from the interior, with every detail coming together to provide a peaceful retreat. It shows off British craftsmanship with leather-wrapped surfaces in a variety of colorways and diamond-stitched seats with a massage function.
2/10 Large American SUV: Lincoln Corsair
The Corsair successfully uses premium materials to hide its Ford roots. It has handsome, brand-appropriate styling and cabin environments that mimic its larger Lincoln siblings. The Corsair gets a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbo engine as standard. However, Lincoln also offers a plug-in hybrid with the top Grand Touring trim.
The Corsair offers a luxury package designed to satisfy anyone who values comfort over driving thrills. The handsome cabin has soft leather upholstery and a host of features such as a head-up display, adjustable mood lighting and 24-way electrically adjustable seats.
1/10 We would rather buy: Porsche Macan
The Macan is the perfect SUV for anyone who wants to stand out from the crowd. It is characterized by a young, dynamic and urban style and at the same time offers extensive standard equipment and the typical Porsche experience. This five-door, five-seat SUV remains one of the sportiest compact SUVs.
Thanks to its Porsche DNA, the Macan has a sloping roofline with characteristic sports car contours. While the base Macan offers a 261 horsepower 4-cylinder turbocharged engine, it still offers amazing acceleration, precise steering and predictable handling.