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Luxury SUVs can be expensive. They offer excellent performance, premium cabin materials, and plenty of cool tech features. Even the tiniest luxury SUV models can have some large price tags. These tiny luxury SUV models cost more than the most popular midsize SUVs.

How much does the average midsize SUV cost today?

The midsize SUV vehicle class is highly competitive today. In 2021 Kia, Chevrolet, Honda, and Hyundai all have produced midsize SUVs that are having incredible years in sales. The average price between the current three most popular midsize SUV options calculates to a starting price of about $33,286.

A midsize SUV starting under $34,000 is reasonable considering the power, ride quality, and utility that modern midsize SUVs provide. They are perfect for shuttling friends and family from destination to destination safely and comfortably. Despite being much smaller, these luxury compact SUVs are priced higher than most popular midsize options.

The 2022 Audi Q5 is the height of luxury

A blue 2022 Audi Q5 is parked on the road.
The 2022 Audi Q5 | Audi

The 2022 Audi Q5 brings a sense of refinement that most mainstream midsize options can’t compete with. It starts at $44,100. The Q5 costs $10,814 more than the average price of the three current most popular midsize SUVs.

The Audi Q5 makes 261 horsepower using its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. In comparison, the popular midsize 2022 Kia Telluride makes 291 using its 3.8-liter V6 engine. The less powerful Q5 focuses more on tech than it does on speed and acceleration, though it has enough oomph to satisfy most drivers.

The 2022 Audi Q5 features a 10.1-inch dashtop infotainment system that consumers love. Its cabin is the height of luxury. The Q5 may not be as spacious as mainstream midsize SUVs, but it is delightful to experience for those who get to squeeze into its cabin.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 sets the standard for tiny luxury SUVs

The interior of a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 luxury SUV.
The interior of a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 luxury SUV | Mercedes-Benz

If there’s one thing that Mercedes-Benz knows, it’s luxury. The German automaker masterfully designs and produces vehicles that provide an experience almost exclusive to the automotive brand. According to U.S. News, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 is one of the most luxurious SUVs this year.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 starts at $36,230. This is $2,944 more than the average cost of the three most popular midsize SUV options. The GLA 250 may offer much less room, but it has more style than the average mainstream midsize SUV.

The Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 makes 221 horsepower using its 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine. It features a standard MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) voice assistant. The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 comes standard with Active Brake Assist, Attention Assist, and Mercedes-Benz Emergency Call Service. It also features an intuitive 7.0-inch infotainment system.

Should you buy a tiny luxury SUV or a popular midsize model?

Mercedes-Benz GLC Class luxury crossover SUV car on display at Brussels Expo on January 9, 2020 in Brussels, Belgium. The new GLC-class can be equipped with rear wheel drive or the permanent all-wheel drive system 4MATIC.
The Mercedes-Benz GLC | Sjoerd van der Wal via Getty Images

Different SUV owners have different needs. If you have a large family or friend group and plan on packing them into your SUV frequently, midsize SUVs are a better option for space and comfort. Small luxury SUVs are designed for drivers who value more refined cabin and interior materials.

Popular midsize SUV options like the 2022 Kia Telluride are better choices for most SUV drivers that desire utility more than fancy tech and an upscale interior. Tiny luxury SUVs like the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 may not be the most practical for the average SUV driver, but they sure are fancy.

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