Best Luxury SUVs Of 2023

Looking to swap out your commuter for a more luxurious ride? The SUV market has seen significant changes in recent years, with a bigger push for luxury SUVs becoming less of a niche and more of a norm.

Some of the best, top-rated luxury SUV models for 2023 include familiar brands like Tesla and Cadillac. The vehicles on this list all deliver a combination of a plush ride, top-class interiors, and many comfort and convenience features.

2023 Cadillac Lyriq

The 2023 Cadillac Lyriq was an important debut for the marque when it became its first all-electric luxury SUV, a launch model that really encapsulated what it means to go luxury with innovation and sustainability. This is the best luxury crossover SUV for 2023, based on our BuzzScore, and the best in the midsize segment.

As you drive, the 2023 Lyriq offers a comprehensive suite of safety features with forward collision alert to warn you of potential head-on collisions and front pedestrian braking to avoid any accidents with pedestrians.

In addition, the advanced active noise cancelation of the 2023 Lyriq brings an ultra-quiet driving experience to the inside of the cabin, making it peaceful and quiet. The sum of its highly premium materials, advanced technology, and attention to detail make the 2023 Cadillac Lyriq one of the best choices for buyers who need a highly premium electric SUV.

2023 Volvo XC40

The 2023 Volvo XC40 is next up and continues to impress as one of the best choices for luxury drivers. This XC40 represents a chic and practical choice for those who like the idea of a compact SUV but do not wish to compromise on the luxury factor.

Inside, the XC40 shouts Scandinavian panache with its minimalist design and quality finishes. Comfort and functionality are carefully designed in the cabin through generous storage solutions and premium finishes. And for a richer sound experience, the available Harman Kardon premium audio system is at hand to let you feel every beat of your playlist.

The 2023 XC40 has two turbocharged powertrains that produce between 194 and 247 horsepower, each with a 48-volt hybrid system.

2023 Volvo XC90 Recharge

2023 Volvo XC90 Recharge

Base MSRP

$71,900

Engine

2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Plug-in Hybrid

Horsepower

455 hp

Fuel Economy

58 MPGe/27 mpg

The 2023 Volvo XC90 Recharge is a plug-in hybrid luxury SUV that combines elegance, performance, and sustainability in style. The 2023 XC90 Recharge combines a 2.0L turbocharged and supercharged four-cylinder with an electric motor to produce a combined 455 horsepower. The result is quick acceleration and a refined, smooth drive.

One of the unique features that put the 2023 XC90 Recharge near the top of our list is its ability to drive on pure electric power for distances of up to 33 miles, courtesy of the 18.8 kWh battery. This capability is perfect for daily commutes and city driving since it offers an environmentally friendly alternative compared to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles.

Inside, the XC90 Recharge is a hallmark of Volvo’s commitment to style and comfort. The cabin is dressed with high-quality materials, which include Nappa leather upholstery and genuine wood trim. A large touchscreen display infotainment system with navigation, entertainment, and vehicle settings looks good but isn’t always intuitive.

2023 Cadillac Escalade-V

The first of several Escalade models on this list, the 2023 Escalade-V rumbles with its supercharged 6.2L V8 engine, pumping out 682 hp and 653 lb-ft of torque, making it a wildly powerful luxury SUV that delivers performance-ready driving memories.

One of the most exciting performance features in the Escalade-V is Magnetic Ride Control. This system automatically adjusts the suspension to deliver a smooth and controlled ride on whatever road the driver may find themselves on, so add some driving comfort and stability to make the experience of driving premium.

The inside of the Escalade-V is equally impressive, fitted with rich leather upholstery and premium metal accents. The advanced infotainment system features a huge curved OLED display spanning the whole dashboard, giving a clear and intuitive interface to the navigation, entertainment, and even vehicle settings. Downsides include an enormous price tag and equally frightening gas bills.

It isn’t a rational purchase, but the Escalade-V is one of the best large luxury SUV models of 2023.

Lexus RX Hybrid

2023 Lexus RX Hybrid

Base MSRP

$49,400

Engine

2.5L Inline-4 Hybrid

Horsepower

246 hp

Fuel Economy

37/34 MPG

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid is a model designed for both seamless performance and economy on fuel. The RX 350h pairs a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor to make 246 hp combined, while the RX 500h benefits from a 2.4-liter turbo-four that improves the combined output to 366 hp. In the RX 350h, the EPA suggests it will get up to 36 mpg combined and a a range of over 600 miles.

The 2023 RX Hybrid also includes regenerative braking, which recharges the battery during deceleration to complement overall efficiency. The 2023 RX Hybrid is rounded out by advanced driver assistance features such as Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 with adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist.

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Cadillac Escalade

Cadillac is all about quality, which is why we included three separate Escalade models made this list. This time, it’s the regular Cadillac, which is still an imposing vehicle, even if it isn’t as large as the ESV or as powerful as the Escalade-V.

The 2023 Escalade is powered by a 6.2L V8 that cranks out 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. This strong powertrain ensures strong acceleration and impressive towing capabilities, hence being perfect for those who require both luxury and utility. A more efficient turbodiesel with the same amount of torque is also available.

The Escalade also offers independent rear suspension, which enhances drive comfort and handling, making sure that it offers a premium driving experience. A 10-speed automatic transmission shifts through the gears smoothly.

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Cadillac Escalade ESV

The last 2023 Escalade on our list, the Escalade ESV takes all that’s good about the standard Escalade and ups the ante with a little extra room and practicality. For example, the 2023 Cadillac ESV has an extended wheelbase, providing more room for passengers and cargo. That makes it a good fit for families or those who simply need more room to take up their adventures.

The same 6.2L V8 engine from the standard Escalade is under the hood of the Escalade ESV, churning out 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. A 10-speed automatic transmission provides smooth and responsive shifts for improved driving. The Duramax turbodiesel is also available here.

The extended wheelbase means third-row passengers have more legroom, and there’s more cargo space behind the third row. With the infotainment system now sporting a large, curved OLED, it’s easy to navigate through navigation, entertainment, and vehicle settings.

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Lincoln Navigator L

2023 Lincoln Navigator L

Base MSRP

$82,720

Engine

3.5L Twin-Turbo V6 Gas

Horsepower

440 hp

Fuel Economy

16/23/19 mpg (RWD) | 15/21/17 mpg (AWD)

One of the best family-friendly luxury SUVs for 2023, the Lincoln Navigator L pulls no punches. Wherever you go, the 3.5L twin-turbocharged V6 engine keeps this SUV prowling with ease, largely thanks in part to its impressive output of 440 hp and 510 lb-ft. of torque.

Consider it a good pick-up-and-go luxury SUV, with its adaptive suspension which actively tailors the damping to create a smoother, better ride. This pairs well with the independent rear suspension to further refine the driving experience for every passenger.

Of course, if you’re traveling with friends and family, the 2023 Navigator L has entertainment on hand with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility to stream your favorite songs, albums, playlists, and more. For what you get, this is a worthy consideration for anyone who favors luxury SUVs.

Tesla Model X Plaid

The next entry on this list personifies the future of luxury SUV driving with each new iteration. The 2023 Tesla Model X Plaid uses the familiar tri-motor all-wheel-drive system from Tesla, which combines for 1,020 horses—certainly an impressive feat. It should not come as a surprise, therefore, that 0 to 60 mph can be achieved in just 2.5 seconds.

It also delivers 333 miles on just one charge—a reasonable choice for commuters, especially for longer distances. All the while, Tesla’s Autopilot system is there for hands-free driving and active safety features like speed assist, collision avoidance assist, and lane assist, too.

To complement this luxurious experience, the 2023 Model X Plaid features unique falcon-wing rear doors that add an extra degree of sophistication, unmatched in the market.

Lexus NX Hybrid

2023 Lexus NX Hybrid

Base MSRP

$41,955

Engine

2.5L Inline-4 Hybrid

Horsepower

240 hp

Fuel Economy

41/37 MPG

A size class below its RX Hybrid sibling, the Lexus NX Hybrid is another classy luxury SUV and one of the best for 2023 in the compact segment. Starting at well under $45k, the NX Hybrid’s 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motor combine for 239 hp. Known as the NX 350h, this model returns 39 mpg combined and has a total range of over 560 miles. There is also the NX 450h, a plug-in hybrid version of the NX with a 37-mile all-electric range, efficiency of 84 MPGe/36 mpg combined, and 304 hp combined. However, the price gets much closer to the $60k mark if you go for the PHEV.

Regardless of the NX Hybrid model you choose, all of them have a high-quality interior and many safety features. However, like some more expensive Lexus models, the driving experience doesn’t excite. This is a small SUV that sticks closely to the luxury formula.

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Summary: America Has No Shortage Of First-Rate Luxury SUVs

From a variety of powertrain choices, and body styles from compact to full-size, the number of luxury SUV choices is large. These vehicles take the stress out of the daily commute with their comfortable interiors and superlative refinement, while most offer more versatility than a comparable sedan. While there is a higher price to pay for a luxury SUV, many will consider the extra expense worthwhile.