Are You Getting the Most From Your Luxury SUV?

Luxury is something that can vary widely in different brands. Buying a luxury SUV from an economy brand is probably not the type of luxury that most drivers have in mind. Furthermore, as vehicles age, the concept of luxury starts to wither away.

Power windows and power mirrors may have been considered a big luxury at one time. If those leather seats aren't looking as fresh and inviting as they used to look, you may be fooling yourself about the "luxuries" that your SUV has to offer.

An 8-track player and state-of-the-art Hi-Fi stereo system doesn't sound very state-of-the-art today. In order to assess whether your SUV is truly luxurious or just a marketing delusion, you should compare it to the features and models listed below.

Features to Expect in a Luxury SUV

When you start assessing the value of late-model luxury SUVs, the game has changed significantly. Luxury SUVs are known for their high-quality interior materials, upgraded infotainment, ease of reconfiguration, handling quality, performance, and fuel economy. You will also find that many of the upscale SUVs have polished wood inlays, supple leather seating, and aluminum trim to create the image of class.

Instead of just having power seats, luxury SUVs will feature seats that massage, cool, heat, and adjust in 8 to 30 different ways. These seats also have memory settings to automatically configure for different drivers to achieve maximum comfort. They may also have a higher level of automation, like the Tesla Autopilot feature that allows the vehicle to accelerate and steer on its own with driver supervision.

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Of course, you pay more for performance, adaptive suspensions, and fine-tuned traction and acceleration driving modes. Paying for luxury means paying for premium features that are not found on the base or economy models. But the luxury trim package in a Kia SUV may be faux leather power seats and slightly larger infotainment display; whereas, the luxury package on a Porsche Macan is the standard equipment.

10 Great Luxury SUVs

If you truly want a true luxury SUV, you have to shop from one of the top luxury brands listed below. These are some of the most impressive vehicles on the market today: 

  • 2019 Lincoln Navigator - The Lincoln Navigator is a full-size luxury SUV that offers comfortable seating for seven adults. This roomy vehicle also features Perfect Position seats that can be manipulated at 30 different points to dial in ultimate road comfort and massage.
  • 2019 Porsche Macan - The core feature of the Porsche Macan is its best-in-class handling. This SUV features adaptive suspension and a sporty suspension package. Choose from the V6 or 4-cylinder turbo engines. If you slide back a year, you can even find the coveted twin-turbo model.
  • 2019 Porsche Cayenne - Like its Macan cousin, the Porsche Cayenne is geared

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    for performance and offers even stronger engine options and all-wheel-steering. Who can resist a turbocharged V8 that cranks out 541 horsepower? The Cayenne truly sets itself apart with sporty engineering designs that you won't find in other brands.

  • 2019 Volvo XC60 - This SUV features elegant interiors and comfortable massaging seats. You'll love the styling of this SUV and the quality of the materials.
  • 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class - The GLC-Class is focused on premium style and comfort. But the model is also spacious and can be found with a mighty 469 horsepower AMG engine.
  • 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class - This model is decked out with plenty of infotainment tech, ambient lighting, and power chairs even in the rear. Although it isn't available in any AMG tuned models, the in-line 6-cylinder and turbocharged 4-cylinder models provide plenty of power.
  • 2019 BMW X1 - Leading-class cargo space and plenty of room for four full-grown adults make this an excellent crossover model. It also has dynamic handling and a firm ride that is ideal for the highway.
  • 2019 Audi Q7 - The Quattro all-wheel drive, supercharged V6, and Virtual Cockpit all make this Q7 a little gem. If you are shopping for a luxury SUV, Audi is one of the trendiest brands.
  • 2019 BMW X5 - The audiophile sound system, 456 horsepower V8, and iDrive technology make this BMW model worth a second look. Everything has been updated for the current model year and looks fresher than ever.
  • 2019 Lexus NX 300 - Lexus is one of the most reliable brands out there. And they provide a full range of smart technology safety features in this luxury SUV. Keyless entry, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and many other premium features all come standard.

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