Best Compact Luxury SUVs for 2021
Car and Driver's rankings are arrived at from the results of our extensive instrumented testing of several hundred vehicles each year and from our expert editors' subjective impressions gained in real-world driving. We've ranked the best compact luxury SUVs based on roughly 200 data points encompassing acceleration, handling, comfort, cargo space, fuel efficiency, value, and how enjoyable they are to drive. We take rankings seriously because we want you to know everything about the vehicles that you're interested in.
Read about how we test and evaluate vehicles here.Top Ranked Compact Luxury SUVs for 2021 at a glance
C/D Rating: 10/10
1
2021 Porsche Macan
10
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$53,450
EPA MPG
20–21 combined
C/D SAYS: The 2021 Porsche Macan sits on the small side of the compact-luxury segment, but it is the definitive counterpoint to the idea that all SUVs are boring to drive. Learn More
2
2021 BMW X3
9
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$43,995
EPA MPG
23–27 combined
C/D SAYS: BMW sedans have lost some of the dual-personality demeanor that made them both fun to drive and luxurious, but the 2021 X3 recaptures a bit of that magic. Learn More
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3
2021 Volvo XC60
9
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$42,795
EPA MPG
23–25 combined
C/D SAYS: Stylish, modern, and undeniably desirable, the 2021 Volvo XC60 is the Swedish brand's twist on today's l compact luxury SUV. Learn More
4
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
8.5
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$44,250
EPA MPG
23–25 combined
C/D SAYS: The Mercedes-Benz GLC-class is quick in a straight line and handsome all over, but the compact luxury ute isn't as much fun to drive as its sportier peers. Learn More
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5
2021 BMW X4
8
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$52,595
EPA MPG
23–25 combined
C/D SAYS: Some might find the 2021 BMW X4’s higher style to be worth the extra cost over the mechanically similar X3, but we don’t quite get it. Learn More
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6
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe
8
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$52,700
EPA MPG
24 combined
C/D SAYS: The Mercedes-Benz GLC300 Coupe is flashier than its squareback SUV counterpart, but being more fashionable leads to compromised rear headroom and cargo space. Learn More
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7
2021 Audi Q5 / Q5 Sportback
8
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$44,395
EPA MPG
25–27 combined
C/D SAYS: The 2021 Q5 and Q5 Sportback applies Audi's luxury formula to the compact-SUV template with mixed results due to handling doesn't match that of sportier rivals. Learn More
8
2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio
7.5
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$43,845
EPA MPG
24–25 combined
C/D SAYS: With an enticing design and entertaining driving manners, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio is a gorgeous and gratifying alternative to typical compact luxury crossovers. Learn More
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9
2021 Jaguar F-Pace
7
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$51,345
EPA MPG
22–24 combined
C/D SAYS: The 2021 Jaguar F-Pace is the luxury automaker's best-selling model, a sexy, sharp-driving two-row SUV that's appropriately frisky. Learn More
10
2021 Lincoln Corsair
7
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$37,200
EPA MPG
24–25 combined
C/D SAYS: Handsome, smooth-riding, and thoughtfully designed the 2020 Lincoln Corsair improves the brand's small SUV offering but doesn't beat the segment's best. Learn More
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