Luxury cars, particularly SUVs, have the ability to accommodate seven to eight passengers and all of their belongings with increased towing capacity. However, no matter what vehicle you buy, you want the best value for your dollar, but you don’t always get what you pay for. Two of the most expensive luxury SUVs may not be the best.

1. The Lexus LX 600

One of the most expensive SUVs on the Edmunds list is the Lexus LX 600. The base MSRP starts at $89,160 and goes up to $129,250 for the Ultra Luxury model. Surprisingly, this model only came in at number six on the list.  According to Edmunds, “the LX fails to really provide the modern luxury experience you’d expect from a vehicle that costs this much. Most buyers’ needs will be better served by other vehicles.” 

Some cons listed were a big and top-heavy feel around turns, an excessively floaty ride like a 1970s Cadillac, some driver aids that can be overly intrusive, and not as much cargo space as some rival SUVs. Some positives were the Mark Levinson audio system and the luxury trim available for the rear passengers.

2. The Jeep Grand Wagoneer

The newly redesigned 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer came in at the number four spot on the list. It has a base MSRP of $89,995, and the Series II Obsidian model has an MSRP of $110,990. According to Edmunds, “it falls short of rival large luxury SUVs in regards to quality, comfort, technology, and value.”

Some of the pros listed were plenty of seating in all three rows, plenty of towing power, and plenty of new tech features. Some of the cons listed were interior controls that are distracting to use, it feels big, and floaty when driving over bumps, and some interior materials that lack the luxury feel of other luxury SUVs. 

Recommendations for cheaper alternatives

The Mercedes GLS-Class and Lincoln Navigator have higher overall scores and start at a much more affordable price. The Mercedes GLS-Class has a starting MSRP of $81,800 and came in first on the list. According to Edmunds, “It takes everything we enjoy about the top-rated GLE SUV and puts it into a larger, more potent package, and it might just be one of the most well-rounded vehicles on sale today.”

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class has three-row seating, easily able to handle even the largest family. It’s the largest passenger vehicle that Mercedes-Benz makes, and it lives up to the Mercedes-Benz reputation with luxurious appointments such as heated and ventilated seats as well as an augmented navigation view.

The Lincoln Navigator was a close second, and the experts at Edmunds said, “The Lincoln Navigator makes plenty of power, and its cabin accommodations are at first-class standards.” Some luxury details include Perfect Position front seats, a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment interface, and an available hands-free driving mode. It has a starting MSRP of $79,330.

For those who are interested in luxury as well as value, this list compiled by Edmunds is a great place to start researching your next vehicle.