Though firms like BMW and Porsche made their names constructing sedans and sports activities automobiles, compact SUVs such because the X3 and the Macan, respectively, have change into core merchandise for these manufacturers over the past decade or so. Almost each luxurious model available on the market now sells a small crossover that matches into this phase, and a few of them are legitimately nice to drive. There’s a variety of fashions out there, from four-cylinder base trims to high-horsepower efficiency trims. The very best premium compact crossovers combines the dynamic enjoyable of a sport sedan, the flexibility of an SUV, and the comforts of a luxurious automotive into one platform. Listed here are a few of our favorites ranked so as of choice.
2025 Porsche Macan
Base worth: $64,895
The excessive worth of entry and comparatively small cargo space imply the Porsche Macan shouldn’t be for everybody, however crossover consumers prepared to spend a premium for a deal with driving dynamics will discover essentially the most thrilling SUV-shaped providing on the highway. These excited by the very best driving expertise at the very best worth will probably be trying on the Macan T, which mixes the efficiency parts of the dearer GTS with the four-cylinder engine discovered within the base automotive. An electric Macan can also be a part of the lineup and it affords much more horsepower.
Genesis should still be a younger luxurious model, however the GV70 is a extremely aggressive product that provides precisely what buyers are in search of on this phase. Its fashionable exterior, plush inside, and highly effective engine choices make it an attractive alternative. The elective twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 is especially fast, however even the bottom 300-hp 2.5-liter turbo-four is not any slouch, and all-wheel drive is normal throughout the board.
The BMW X3 has lengthy been a mainstay of this phase, and it is fully redesigned for 2025 with a cool new look. The engine selections are beefed up as nicely, beginning with a 30 xDrive mannequin with a 255-hp turbo-four and rounding out the lineup with a six-cylinder M50 xDrive placing out 393 hp. BMW can also be engaged on an electric version called iX3 that would be the first of the “Neue Klasse” fashions to journey on a brand new platform.
The Maserati Grecale suits in the identical mini-segment because the Macan, prioritizing a sporty driving expertise and costing much more than different opponents. The ensuing automotive scales all the way in which as much as 523 horsepower in Trofeo trim, however the four-cylinder base mannequin shouldn’t be precisely sluggish, both. There’s additionally an electrical model with 550 horsepower referred to as the Grecale Folgore.
The Audi Q5 might not be as sporty as its Porsche cousin, however it brings Audi’s signature Quattro all-wheel drive at a considerably cheaper price level. The usual Q5 is obtainable with a 2.0-liter turbo-four, and the efficiency mannequin is the SQ5 with a 362-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 and a torque vectoring rear differential. Each the Q5 and SQ5 are redesigned for 2025 (although the outgoing mannequin continues to be on sale for the 2025 mannequin yr) and are additionally provided in a Sportback physique type with a extra sharply sloped rear roofline.
The GLC-class is Mercedes’ compact-crossover providing, and it is out there in all kinds of variations. The bottom GLC 300 SUV, with a 255-hp turbo-four engine, has the broadest enchantment, and can also be provided in a barely swoopier GLC Coupe format. The AMG variations pack further energy, aggressive visuals, and upgraded chassis, beginning with the 416-hp GLC 43. Pictured right here is the top-dog GLC 63 S E Efficiency, a plug-in hybrid with the identical 671-hp powertrain from the C 63 sedan. Irrespective of which you select, the GLC acts the a part of a Mercedes with stable driving dynamics, a fancy inside, and, in fact, the all-important three-pointed star badge.
With its distinct styling and Italian character, the Stelvio is a novel alternative amongst compact luxurious SUVs. It is nice to drive, with even the bottom mannequin offering good energy from its 280-hp turbo-four and sharp steering response for a crossover. The high-performance Quadrifoglio mannequin was sadly discontinued after 2024, however it provided an much more sensational expertise from behind the wheel due to its 505-horsepower twin-turbo 2.9-liter V-6.
The XC60 is a trendy crossover that brings what Volvo does so nicely within the bigger XC90 to a smaller footprint. It has been available on the market since 2017, and that age is beginning to present, however it’s nonetheless a superb possibility provided at a aggressive worth level. Powertrain choices embody a 247-hp turbo-four with a 48-volt hybrid system within the B5 and a 455-hp plug-in-hybrid setup within the T8. The PHEV model is legitimately fast and is obtainable with an attractive Polestar Engineered efficiency package deal.
The Lexus RX virtually invented the thought of a compact luxurious crossover when it first arrived within the Nineteen Nineties, and it has proved to be a gross sales chief. The newest technology of the RX arrived for 2023 and follows an analogous components as its predecessors, hewing extra in direction of consolation and tranquility than sportiness and efficiency. The addition of the RX 500h F Sport Efficiency mannequin helped change {that a} bit, because it has a 366-hp hybrid setup that makes for a fast RX. However in case you’re in search of a extra sedate luxurious SUV, you may have the selection of the turbo-four RX 350, the hybrid RX 350h, and the plug-in-hybrid RX 450h+.
The RDX is not as thrilling as different Acura fashions just like the Integra Type S hot hatchback, however it affords just a few performance-oriented options to entice fanatics. Acura’s SH-AWD system is elective and lends the RDX a extra athletic character, and its 272-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter engine is aggressive amongst different compact luxurious SUVs by way of acceleration. Drawbacks embody a finicky touchpad-based infotainment system and a few low-rent inside supplies, however the RDX is on the cheaper facet of this phase particularly when in comparison with German choices from Mercedes and BMW.
