Hoping to spoil yourself with a new luxury SUV? These days, you’ve got no shortage of options worth considering. But if you’re after the best of the best? Kelley Blue Book (KBB) revealed its picks for the best luxury SUVs of 2021. Read on to find out who made the cut.  

5. The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC is a compact luxury SUV

Price: $43,200-$45,200

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC secured a spot on Kelley Blue Book’s list of the best luxury SUVs of 2021. This particular Mercedes-Benz model is a compact luxury SUV that KBB says lives “up to the prestige represented by the three-pointed star in the grille.” 

It comes powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that KBB claims “feels refined.” As for how fuel-efficient this Mercedes-Benz SUV is? According to the EPA, with its standard turbocharged engine under the hood, the GLC SUV delivers an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.

This new luxury SUV makes nary a compromise when it comes to amenities too. In fact, standard on all models are sought-after features such as a 14-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory, heated front seats, and a 10.25-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This year’s model also offers features such as a self-parking system and a powered tailgate.

4. The BMW X5 is a midsize SUV and one of the best luxury SUVs of 2021

Price: $59,400-$105,100

The BMW X5 landed a spot on KBB’s list of the best luxury SUVs of 2021 too. Unlike the Mercedes-Benz GLC, the BMW X5 is a new midsize luxury SUV. The X5 isn’t just one of the best luxury SUVs of 2021 either. As a matter of fact, KBB also chose this year’s model as its Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Award winner.

As for what this SUV has to offer? Choose from a full lineup of engines, including a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6, a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 with an electric motor, a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8, and a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 that churns out a thrilling 600-hp.

And when it comes to the BMW X5’s interior? All BMW X5 models come standard with features like SensaTec faux leather upholstery, heated front seats, automatic climate control, panoramic moonroof, and remote engine start. Also standard are tech-savvy amenities such as a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch central touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation.

3. The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA is a city-friendly subcompact luxury SUV

Price: $36,230-$54,500

Are you a city dweller? If you are, KBB says the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA is a city-friendly subcompact luxury SUV. It’s also one of the best luxury SUVs of 2021. Though, it’s no surprise as to why. The GLA offers up plenty of cabin space. It also comes stock full with plenty of tech and upscale features, KBB reports.

KBB isn’t wrong, either. While it might look like a small SUV on the outside, the second-generation GLA provides an additional 4.5 inches of rear-seat legroom and nearly an inch of extra front headroom compared to the previous generation. 

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA also comes brimming with standard features. In fact, standard on all models includes dual-zone climate control, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 7-inch fully digital instrument panel, and the MBUX system.

2. The 2021 Audi Q5 won KBB’s Compact Luxury SUV Best Buy Award

Price: $47,800-$56,500

Sitting near the top of KBB’s list of the best luxury SUVs of 2021 is the 2021 Audi Q5. The new Audi Q5 also recently won KBB’s Compact Luxury SUV Best Buy Award, which is certainly nothing to scoff at. According to KBB, the Q5 provides an “excellent combination of amenities, technology, design, and luxury, without sacrificing SUV practicality.”

The Q5 offers plenty of engine options to choose from too. Standard is a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. Also available is a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 with an electric motor and a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 that can move from 0-60 mph in just 4.7 seconds.

The 2021 Audi Q5’s interior aims to please as well. According to KBB, it’s both comfortable and practical. It also comes outfitted with standard features like leather upholstery, tri-zone climate control, heated front seats, keyless entry with push-button start, and a 10.1-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.

1. The Genesis GV80 is the best luxury SUV of 2021

Price: $48,900-$65,550

The 2021 Genesis GV80 landed the top spot on KBB’s list of the best luxury SUVs of 2021. It’s also KBB’s pick for its Midsize Luxury SUV Best Buy for 2021. According to KBB, Genesis hit a homerun with its first-ever SUV. In fact, the organization praises it as the ideal blend of “innovative, intuitive high-tech features with a cushy interior.”

The interior of this luxury SUV is cushy too. The SUV’s 12-way power-adjustable front seats not only offer up plenty of room to get comfortable but are also heated. Meanwhile, the rest of the interior offers up features like a 14.5-inch screen, 12-speaker premium audio system, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration, and four USB ports. 

As for what it’s like to drive this luxury SUV? KBB likens it to driving a sports sedan. Though, that’s likely because the SUV comes standard with rear-wheel drive. Regardless, KBB reports that the SUV’s standard 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine boasts “plenty of power and provides brisk acceleration.”

Which is the best luxury SUV for you?

Whether you opt for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA or the 2021 Genesis GV80, KBB’s picks of the best luxury SUVs of 2021 make for an excellent place to start if you’re shopping for a new luxury SUV. However, before making any final decisions, we recommend taking each of these luxury SUVs out for a spin.