The landscape of small luxury SUVs has dramatically changed. Forget the days when opting for a smaller, premium SUV meant sacrificing upscale features compared to luxury sedans. Today’s best small luxury SUVs deliver everything you expect from a luxury vehicle, and more. Think heated and ventilated seats, meticulously crafted cabins with leather and wood trims, and cutting-edge safety and infotainment systems. The advantage? You gain the enhanced versatility and capability of a sport utility vehicle.
Our top picks in the small luxury SUV segment prioritize generous storage, a crucial factor in smaller vehicles. All models featured offer standard or available all-wheel-drive, ensuring readiness for diverse driving conditions. Focusing on maneuverability and urban practicality, our selection includes SUVs from both the compact and subcompact categories. Here are our Top 10 Small Luxury Suvs for 2019 that redefine premium driving in a smaller package.
2019 Acura RDX
The 2019 Acura RDX represents a complete redesign for the model, and Acura has every reason to be proud of the result. This iteration of the RDX secured a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and recognition on WardsAuto’s prestigious top-10 list for infotainment technology. Its success is further underscored by contributing to an all-time annual sales record for the nameplate.
The RDX captivates with its striking design, both inside and out. The cabin boasts a futuristic center console elegantly bridging the center stack and armrest. Available open-pore ash wood and hand-stitched leather elevate the interior ambiance. Externally, the RDX showcases Acura’s signature “Jewel Eye” LED headlights, making a bold statement on the road.
2019 Alfa Romeo Stelvio
While Alfa Romeo 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 among the best small luxury SUVs. It stands out for its exceptional performance; the Stelvio even holds a Nürburgring record for the fastest lap time by a production SUV, regardless of size.
The 2019 Alfa Romeo Stelvio enhances its appeal with newly standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, alongside newly available heated rear seats. New carbon-fiber exterior accent packages further personalize its sporty aesthetic. The Stelvio retains its distinctive front-end styling and track-inspired options like Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes and Sparco racing seats, catering to driving enthusiasts.
2019 Cadillac XT4
Despite Cadillac’s recent streamlining of its sedan lineup, the brand remains strong in the SUV segment, offering the compelling 2019 Cadillac XT4. This all-new small luxury SUV distinguishes itself with premium cabin materials including carbon fiber, genuine wood, and diamond-cut aluminum. These elements create a luxurious environment, especially when paired with the XT4’s optional heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats.
Beyond comfort, the XT4 integrates advanced technology. Mobile Wi-Fi, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and sophisticated safety features like Cadillac’s digital Rear Camera Mirror are available. The XT4’s exterior is equally striking, 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-level option in the luxury SUV market, the 2019 Infiniti QX30 is a standout among the best small luxury SUVs. As Infiniti’s most accessible SUV, starting just over $31,000 MSRP, the QX30 offers remarkable value. Its exotic exterior design allows it to confidently compete with more expensive, conventionally styled rivals.
The QX30’s compact dimensions and sporty engine options contribute to a more engaging driving experience compared to many competitors. For enhanced luxury, upgrades like heated Nappa leather seating and LED headlights are available. It’s worth noting that the QX30’s overall length is less than a 2019 Honda Civic hatchback, highlighting its nimble size.
2019 Jaguar I-Pace
The 2019 Jaguar I-PACE earns its place as one of the best small luxury SUVs, garnering accolades beyond our own. Green Car Journal recognized the I-Pace as their 2019 Luxury Green Car of the Year, primarily due to its all-electric powertrain. This system provides an EPA-certified range of 234 miles on a single charge, making it a leader in electric luxury SUVs.
Performance enthusiasts will appreciate the I-Pace’s power; its electric motors deliver 394 hp and 512 lb-ft of torque, enabling a 0-60 mph sprint in just 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 124 mph. True to its luxury designation, the I-Pace features leather seating, genuine wood trim, and advanced technology expected in a premium vehicle.
2019 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque
The best small luxury SUVs often combine striking design with off-road prowess, and the 2019 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque perfectly exemplifies this blend. The Evoque’s exterior is undeniably modern, enhanced by standard LED headlamps and distinctive side vents. Roof customization is available with options including a fixed panoramic glass roof and contrast-color roofs in black or silver.
Inside, the Evoque cabin exudes elegance and sophistication with its predominantly digital controls. However, it remains true to Land Rover’s off-road heritage, offering over 8.3 inches of ground clearance and a wading depth of nearly two feet, making it adventure-ready.
2019 Lexus NX
The 2019 Lexus NX brings hybrid efficiency to our list of top small luxury SUVs. Specifically, the NX 300h hybrid powertrain delivers a combined 194 hp. The primary benefit is fuel economy, with EPA ratings of 33 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 31 mpg combined, achieved with standard electric all-wheel drive.
The NX also embodies Lexus luxury, offering climate-controlled front seats upholstered in supple leather. The NX 300h stands out further with its comprehensive suite of standard safety technology, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure alert, automatic high beams, lane-keeping assistance, and a rearview camera.
2019 Lincoln MKC
The best small luxury SUVs can offer advantages extending beyond the vehicle itself. The 2019 Lincoln MKC illustrates this point. It provides luxurious features like Bridge of Weir leather seating and genuine rosewood or ash wood accents. High-tech amenities such as mobile Wi-Fi and automatic emergency braking are also included. Performance is robust, with two turbocharged engine options, including a 2.3-liter unit producing 285 hp and 305 lb-ft of torque.
However, the Lincoln Black Label program truly distinguishes the MKC. This exclusive membership offers a range of premium services and experiences, from access to gourmet dining to streamlined airport security processes, enhancing the ownership experience.
2019 Porsche Macan
For driving enthusiasts seeking the best small luxury SUVs, the Porsche Macan is an ideal choice. This compact SUV delivers exhilarating performance, achieving a top speed of 169 mph and accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 4.2 seconds in its 2019 Porsche Macan Turbo configuration, powered by a 440-hp twin-turbo V6 engine.
While achieving peak performance requires the Porsche Performance and Sport Chrono packages, these options also incorporate comfort features. The Performance sport steering wheel, for example, is heated and trimmed with leather and Alcantara. Other packages focus on luxury, offering premium materials and advanced technology, ensuring a balanced experience.
2019 Volvo XC40
The 2019 Volvo XC40 generated significant buzz upon its launch, partly due to being the inaugural model in Volvo’s vehicle subscription program. Now established in the market, the XC40 is clearly one of the best small luxury SUVs, regardless of purchase method. Whether buying, leasing, or subscribing, the XC40 impresses with its striking exterior design, customizable with a contrast roof, signature “Thor’s Hammer” LED lighting, and bold alloy wheels up to 20 inches.
Volvo elevates cabin luxury in the XC40, particularly in the Inscription trim, featuring a cut-crystal gear-shift knob by Orrefors. True to Volvo’s reputation, the XC40 is also equipped with extensive safety technology, reinforcing its position as a leader in safety and luxury.
