Most Affordable Luxury SUVs for 2024
The most affordable new luxury SUVs are ranked based on our analysis of their lowest base prices, though local market conditions might push a specific model’s price above the starting MSRP for vehicles in short supply or with high demand.
The most affordable luxury subcompact SUV is the Buick Encore ($24,600 starting MSRP), with the Buick Envista being the most affordable luxury small and compact SUV ($22,900 starting MSRP). The Lexus RX 350 ranks #1 for the most affordable luxury midsize SUVs ($48,600 starting MSRP).
The most affordable luxury large SUV is the Buick Enclave ($45,000 starting MSRP) and the most affordable luxury crossover SUV is the Buick Envista ($22,900 starting MSRP). Topping the list for the most affordable luxury three-row SUVs is the Buick Enclave ($45,000 starting MSRP), while the Lexus UX 250h ranks first for the most affordable luxury hybrid SUVs ($35,540 starting MSRP).
The most affordable luxury plug-in hybrid SUV (PHEV) is the Alfa Romeo Tonale ($45,995 starting MSRP), with the Fisker Ocean being the most affordable luxury electric SUV ($37,499 starting MSRP).
Luxury SUV shoppers looking for the lowest-price models will find them listed below and ranked by the starting price of their base trim levels. SUVs continue to gain dominance in the new car market, and buyers seeking the premium styling, advanced powertrains, and improved standard features list included with luxury-branded SUVs will find them here.
The cheapest luxury SUVs are subcompact and compact models, which may offer limited interior space but still include convenience features like sunroofs and touchscreen infotainment systems featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Most compact luxury SUVs also feature standard advanced driver assistance technologies such as forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist, with some even including smart cruise control in their base price.
Despite their diminutive size, these smaller luxury SUVs offer sporty driving dynamics. Models like the Acura RDX and Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 start with front-wheel drive (FWD) as standard equipment, but all-wheel drive (AWD) is optional. Other models, like the Audi Q3, BMW X1, and Land Rover Range Rover Evoque, come with AWD standard. All of them deliver at least 180 horsepower, with many offering 250+ hp from their four-cylinder turbo engines.
Larger midsize luxury SUVs provide a more roomy cabin and increased cargo space, though the starting prices climb and fuel economy drops. Buyers can expect between 20-25 mpg from models like the Genesis GV80 and Porsche Cayenne. While fuel efficiency drops in this category, the driving experience is undeniably enhanced by more powerful engine options, more advanced, off-road capable suspensions, and front seats with everything from heating to cooling to massaging features.
Midsize luxury SUVs are also where buyers can choose a third-row on models like the BMW X5, and coupe-like body styles on others, like the Porsche Cayenne. While not exactly sports cars, these coupe(ish) midsize SUVs offer sports-car-like performance in their most aggressive trims levels, such as the Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE.
The largest luxury SUVs, along with electric models and those featuring plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) technology, are the most expensive. These vehicles aren’t really for shoppers looking to save money, but we’ve ranked them in ascending price to quickly identify the “cheapest” models in each category. Many of these offer the most advanced drivetrain technology, superb comfort, and, in the case of PHEVs, excellent fuel efficiency.
You can browse all of these luxury SUV categories below.
How We Rank These Cars
The Most Affordable Car lists rank vehicles by their starting MSRP.
Starting MSRP is the lowest MSRP across all trims for a given new car model. In the event there is a tie, we use iSeeCars proprietary rating of the overall quality of the car (iSeeCars Score) to break the tie.
The overall iSeeCars Score is an analysis of three factors: reliability, resale value and safety. It is calculated based on the latest research and analysis by our data science team. The data analysis comes from over 12 million new and used vehicles in our Longest-Lasting Cars and 5-Year Depreciation Studies, combined with NHTSA and IIHS Safety Ratings.
Vehicles are scored in three categories:
Reliability
The reliability score represents an analysis of iSeeCars' proprietary research on the longest-lasting vehicles.
Value Retention
The value retention score is based on our data science team's statistical analysis and prediction of 5-year depreciation from MSRP to determine which cars hold their value best, using US Bureau of Labor Statistics data to adjust for inflation.
Safety
The safety score is calculated based on the last five years of crash test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and incorporates the latest Top Safety Pick information from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
