2024 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA 35
Horsepower: 302 HP
When you see AMG attached to the Mercedes-Benz name, you know the vehicle is a high-performance model. It seems crazy to think the GLA 35 has a four-cylinder engine, but it’s one of the most potent models in the lineup and an impressive performance-oriented luxury SUV.
Powertrain Specifications
| Engine | 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder mild hybrid |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Horsepower | 302 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft |
| Driveline | AWD |
| Fuel Efficiency | 22/28 MPG |
| Towing Capacity | 3,500 pounds |
You could go with the more pedestrian GLA250 and have a lot less power, but when you want an SUV with impressive handling and a bulldog-like presence on the road, the Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA 35 is what you want to drive.
Pros
- One of the market’s best infotainment systems
- Mercedes badge at an affordable price
- Impressive handling
Cons
- Most advanced safety features are optional
- Too much road noise for a luxury SUV
- Cargo capacity is small
32024 BMW X2 M35i xDrive
Horsepower: 312 HP
When you see the X2 name, you know this is a coupe-style SUV, which also indicates this BMW is meant for fun and active driving. The BMW X2 M35i has standard AWD and a punchy engine to make it one of the best luxury SUVs with a four-cylinder engine on the market.
Powertrain Specifications
| Engine | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Transmission | 7-speed automatic |
| Horsepower | 312 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft |
| Driveline | AWD |
| Fuel Efficiency | 23/32 MPG |
| Towing Capacity | 3,500 pounds |
The BMW X2 is a subcompact SUV, which means it handles a lot like a sports car while offering fun and active driving wherever you need to go. Carve up the corners and push this SUV hard to challenge your driving skills on the open road.
Pros
- A roomy SUV coupe
- Impressive technology
- Comfortable front and rear seats
Cons
- Polarizing design
- Sluggish transmission shifts
- Interior surfaces collect fingerprints, smudges, and dust
2024 BMW X1 M35i xDrive
Horsepower: 312 HP
The BMW X1 is the smallest crossover in the BMW lineup, but that doesn’t mean you should underestimate it. When you want small, affordable, and impressive driving dynamics, it is hard to beat the BMW X1 M35i.
Powertrain Specifications
| Engine | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Transmission | 7-speed automatic |
| Horsepower | 312 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft |
| Driveline | AWD |
| Fuel Efficiency | 23/32 MPG |
| Towing Capacity | 3,500 pounds |
There’s nothing entry-level about the X1. This little SUV handles perfectly, making it feel much more like a sporty and fun car than an SUV. When you think of SUVs, the BMW X1 might not come to mind, but when you think of fun, active driving, it should.
Pros
- Roomy seating
- Lots of available high-tech features
- Quick acceleration and sporty handling
Cons
- Transmission can be slow to downshift
- Rough-feeling engine stop-start system
- Expensive option packages
