Best Used Luxury SUVs: Moving Upscale Without the Premium Price Tag
These newish luxury SUVs from Acura, Mercedes, and other automakers are worth considering.
Bob HernandezWriterMotorTrend StaffPhotographerManufacturerPhotographerRyan LugoIllustratorJan 30, 2025
It can be discouraging to see how expensive new luxury SUVs have become, but not all hope is lost. Beating the high prices by buying slightly used is a sound piece of advice. It’s only half the hack, though. Prospective purchasers also need to know how to traverse a confusing and intimidating used-car market. That’s where MotorTrend comes in—we can set you on the right path. Our roundup of the best used luxury SUVs includes small and midsize models, even a three-row. Keep reading to see which luxury SUVs made the cut.
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About MotorTrend’s methodology: We consider many of the same factors in our new-car rankings system. Our research focused on 3–5-year-old vehicles, which means we chose vehicles from the 2021–2023 model years. An above-average J.D. Power quality and reliability rating is a plus. Any vehicle we recommend must have earned an IIHSTop Safety Pick award or NHTSAoverall five-star safety rating and have some used-car inventory with under 80,000 miles (the upper limit on many automaker CPO programs).
2022 Acura RDX – Compact Luxury SUV
Pros: All versions of this small SUV deliver a compelling blend of athleticism and luxury. Handling on AWD models is excellent, and every version of the crossover comes with a comfortable ride. An upscale, well-packaged interior is also part of the deal. Standard tech not offered previously includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Driver assist features on every model include lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow.
Cons: It uses an irksome center-console-based touchpad and rotary dial infotainment interface instead of a touchscreen. Shifts from the RDX’s 10-speed automatic are occasionally clunky.
2022 Acura RDX – Compact Luxury SUV Specifications
- Approximate Price: From $28,500
- Safety Ratings: IIHS Top Safety Pick+, NHTSA five stars overall
- Fuel Economy: 22/28 mpg city/highway
- Driving Range: 410 miles
- 0–60 MPH Acceleration: 6.4 seconds
2022–2023 BMW X3 – Compact Luxury SUV
Pros: Every variant is quick and sporty, offering an engaging and direct driving experience that is generally also refined and undemanding. The X3’s cargo hold is spacious, and tech appointments include large standard 10.3-inch and available 12.3-inch infotainment displays. The 2023 BMW X3 features standard hands-free keyless entry not offered on the 2022 model.
Cons: Interior styling is largely forgettable. Ride stiffness is brutal on the X3 M. At moderate speeds, the performance model’s transmission can be a little jerky, too.
2022–2023 BMW X3 – Compact Luxury SUV Specifications
- Approximate Price: From $23,000
- Safety Ratings: IIHS Top Safety Pick+, NHTSA five stars overall
- Fuel Economy: 23/29 mpg city/highway
- Driving Range: 430 miles
- 0–60 MPH Acceleration: 6.3 seconds
