POPULAR LUXURY SUVS TO AVOID AND WHAT TO GET INSTEAD

Instead of settling for what's popular, choose a smart, reliable SUV that performs well in CR's tests

Is the BMW X5 a better choice than the Land Rover Defender?

By Jon Linkov

Luxury SUVs are designed to offer all the key features of a mainstream model, such as a commanding view of the road, a spacious and well-equipped cabin, and the added security of available all-wheel drive. They’re wrapped in a stylish body that surrounds a cabin filled with leather touchpoints, high-quality trim, and additional sound-absorbing materials.

But while automakers promise that their SUVs will give you the ultimate luxury driving experience, some of these exclusive models are far worse than their peers.

Just because an SUV is expensive or has an exclusive nameplate doesn’t mean it’s a good vehicle. Luxury SUVs aren’t immune to having an uncomfortable ride, maddening controls, or being so unreliable that they spend more time in the service bay than on the road for your daily driving.

That’s why it’s important to approach each new-car shopping experience with an open mind and use CR’s ratings to find the best-performing vehicles in the class and price range you’re considering. Our testing shows that some new cars outperform others you see on the road everywhere you go.

Consumer Reports has thoroughly tested the models listed below to help you make an informed decision. We conduct road-test evaluations and gather data from our Annual Auto Surveys to provide insights into each model’s performance and reliability. Based on this data, we then rate and rank each vehicle, with the highest Overall Score going to cars that excel in all areas we examine.

Below, we present popular luxury SUVs in six categories and offer alternative options with higher Overall Scores.

If you’re a CR member, you can access the article and the list below. If not, you can become a member to access exclusive ratings and reviews for each vehicle, as well as a wide range of other products, including grills, mobile phones, TVs, and home appliances.

Luxury Subcompact SUV to Avoid

The Tonale small luxury SUV comes standard as a plug-in hybrid, with a 1.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine driving the front wheels and an electric motor providing power to the rear. This gives it a combined 285 hp and all-wheel drive. We found it quite quick, but the power delivery is inconsistent. The EPA estimates that the Tonale can drive 32 miles on electric power. We measured its fuel economy at 29 mpg when operating as a hybrid. Handling is rather mundane, the stiff suspension makes for a rough ride, and the SUV isn’t particularly sporty through the twisty bits. Additionally, the cabin is loud, and the interior quality doesn’t match the vehicle’s price, with numerous hard plastic surfaces. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system is fundamentally easy to use, but the touchscreen is plagued with tiny icons that are difficult to decipher and pinpoint while driving. The Alfa’s below-average predicted reliability is another reason to stay away from it.

The Better Choice

One of the better entry-level luxury SUVs, the X1 is based on a front-drive platform, although all-wheel drive is standard. Its turbo four-cylinder engine is very responsive and fuel-efficient. The seven-speed dual-clutch automatic shifts smoothly, but the initial takeoff is abrupt. The ride is stiff, but handling is agile and secure. The control layout relies on the touchscreen for most climate and media adjustments. The seats are very comfortable, the cabin features stylish details, and the floating center console frees up space for the driver’s right knee.

Luxury Compact SUV to Avoid

The XC40 comes standard with all-wheel drive and a 247-hp turbo four-cylinder engine that packs a decent punch. However, the ride is stiff, and the engine has a coarse growl. Worse still, the controls, such as the electronic gear selector and infotainment system, are unintuitive and frustrating to use. Handling is mundane but secure. The cabin is nicely furnished, and the front seats are very comfortable. The XC40’s below-average reliability is another reason for buyers to look for a different SUV.

While this generation of the NX is quick and fuel-efficient, with a swanky interior, it isn’t particularly engaging to drive. The NX350’s 275-hp turbocharged four-cylinder returned 25 mpg overall in our tests. Its handling is responsive, though not sporty, and the ride is firm yet comfortable. The cabin is impeccably furnished, but it is narrow, and outward visibility is hampered by thick roof pillars and small windows, particularly toward the rear. The infotainment touchscreen isn’t the most intuitive. The electronic interior door releases, unintuitive gear selector, and low center dash vents are small faults. Above-average reliability is another high point.

Luxury Two-Row Midsized SUV to Avoid

Land Rover’s go-anywhere Defender SUV is refined and quick, but its frustrating controls and unimpressive fuel economy count against it. The Defender comes with a choice of turbocharged four- or six-cylinder engines, or a supercharged V8. Body styles include two- and four-door versions, as well as a long-wheelbase model. Five-, seven-, and eight-passenger seating configurations are available. The various off-road-ready features include selectable modes to help traverse a variety of terrains. We found acceleration plentiful with the 110 model powered by the turbo six-cylinder, but it managed just 18 mpg overall. The ride is steady yet firm, and the tall SUV feels somewhat clumsy in corners. Below-average reliability is another reason to skip the Defender.

Recent updates have given the X5 a 14.9-inch curved touchscreen with the new iDrive 8 infotainment system and a digital instrument display. Many of the physical climate controls have been replaced by touchscreen-based buttons. The standard 3.0-liter turbo six-cylinder engine now makes 375 hp, is quick and smooth, and returns a decent 23 mpg overall. We also tested the xDrive50e plug-in hybrid, which can run on electric power for 39 miles and gets 21 mpg as a hybrid. The ride is comfortable and impressively steady and composed. The luxurious cabin is whisper-quiet, and the seats are all-day comfortable. Handling isn’t sporty, but it is very competent. The X6 is a sportier, coupelike version. Adaptive cruise control and lane centering assistance are optional.

Luxury Three-Row Midsized SUV to Avoid

The three-row GX is a sturdy and luxurious vehicle, albeit a body-on-frame design with a live rear axle rather than an independent rear suspension. It uses a robust 349-hp, 3.4-liter turbo V6 with a 10-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive. This combination brings swift acceleration but an unimpressive 18 mpg overall. Handling is clumsy, while the unsettled ride jiggles and rocks the GX back and forth over nearly all road imperfections. Wind noise is pronounced on the highway. Getting in and out is difficult due to the tall step-in height. Fit and finish is good but not dazzling. The third-row seat is tiny and hard to access. All of this combines to give the GX a low road-test score.

Based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, the TX is Lexus’ mainstream three-row SUV. Sized a notch up from the RX, the TX 350 comes with a 275-hp turbo four-cylinder that returns 21 mpg overall but requires premium fuel. Handling is on the mundane side, which isn’t unexpected for a luxurious, family-friendly SUV. There is plenty of room in all three rows and tremendous cargo-toting abilities when the third row is folded. Seven-passenger versions come with a second-row bench seat, while six-seat versions come with captain’s chairs.

Luxury Large SUV to Avoid

The GLS is a very functional three-row SUV that exudes luxury, thanks to a gorgeous interior. The 3.0-liter turbo six-cylinder engine provides plenty of smooth and effortless power. The ride is composed, and handling is responsive for such a large luxury coach. All of the seats are first-rate, and the interior can be configured for either six or seven passengers. However, the infotainment system is distracting to use while driving because many common tasks require multiple steps. Plus, when using the steering wheel controls, it’s easy to inadvertently change a display or an audio selection. Finally, the GLS has below-average reliability.

BMW’s luxurious three-row X7 comes standard with a 375-hp turbo inline-six engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This gem of a powertrain provides ample acceleration and respectable fuel economy. The comfortable ride is helped by the X7’s air suspension, which keeps the body composed, and the handling is remarkably responsive for such a large SUV. The interior is incredibly quiet and richly furnished. It features a wide, curved screen that houses the climate and infotainment systems, as well as the gauges. Reliability remains above average.

Luxury Electric SUV to Avoid

The Q4 50 E-Tron Quattro we tested has an 82-kWh battery pack with a dual-motor setup and all-wheel drive, which gets an EPA-rated driving range of 258 miles. It can accept a charging output of 175 kW when using a DC fast charger. Level 2 home charging from near-empty takes 9 hours. Power delivery is smooth, quiet, and effortless, and acceleration is more measured than in other EVs. Handling is responsive, and the ride is firm but composed. The interior has an uncluttered design, and the front seats are comfortable and supportive. In addition to its below-average reliability rating, the Q4 has below-average owner satisfaction.

The RZ shares its platform and many components with the Toyota bZ. Available as a front-wheel-drive RZ 300e or AWD RZ 450e, it’s a fine-driving SUV, with quick acceleration, a comfortable ride, and a quiet cabin. Power, range, and charging speeds were increased for the 2026 model year, with the 450e version now rated for about 260 miles of range. The EV now has a 74.7 kWh lithium-ion battery and a maximum acceptance rate of 150 kW at DC fast charging stations. It also features a Tesla-style NACS charge port, allowing owners to charge at Superchargers.

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2025-09-10T20:19:38Z