Best Subcompact Luxury SUVs for 2024 and 2025

In the luxury subcompact SUV market, you’ll discover an array of choices for 2024 and 2025, each blending the upscale ambiance of a luxury car with the practicality and nimbleness ideal for daily driving. Highlighted models like the 2024 Volvo XC40 and 2024 BMW X1 lead this category by offering advanced technology, quality interior materials, and responsive handling that define their versatile performance.

Exploring the compact luxury SUV segment’s evolution presents vehicles with expanded interior spaces and more robust engines. The Genesis GV70 is a standout, noted for its sophisticated cabin and remarkable fuel efficiency, achieving an impressive combined mileage. These SUVs are designed to elevate your commute and weekend getaways, ensuring a luxurious driving experience without sacrificing performance.

2024 Volvo XC40

MotoPickers Rating: 7.6/10

The 2024 Volvo XC40, starting at $40,500, boasts a stylish exterior and a well-equipped interior. Its base engine delivers 247 horsepower, merging elegant design with agile performance. Comfortably seating five passengers, it features all-wheel drive (AWD) that enhances handling across various conditions and ensures quick acceleration for lively driving. The model is also well-regarded for its safety, offering a comprehensive suite of protective features, accessible cargo space, and a driving position that enhances visibility.

Despite some variability in interior quality among trim levels and a 12” infotainment system that might take some getting used to, the XC40 compensates with an EPA rating of 24 MPG in the city and 30 highway MPG, effectively balancing performance and fuel economy. These attributes solidify the XC40’s position in the luxury subcompact SUV segment, making it a versatile and reliable choice for daily commuting and extended road trips.

2024 BMW X1

MotoPickers Rating: 7.7/10

Starting at $40,500, the 2024 X1 is BMW’s most price-accessible SUV. This model introduces the M35i xDrive variant to its lineup, providing a performance-oriented choice for enthusiasts. Powering the X1 are engines that range from a 241 horsepower turbo-four to a robust 312 horsepower in the M35i xDrive, ensuring engaging driving dynamics.

Inside, the X1 boasts a sleek and luxurious cabin furnished with BMW’s latest 10.7” iDrive 9 infotainment system, complete with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for superior connectivity. It easily accommodates five, offering more room than typical for a subcompact SUV. Fuel efficiency is also a key strength, with an estimated 23-25 MPG in the city and 31-34 MPG on the highway, making it ideal for city commutes and longer drives.

2024 Mercedes-AMG GLA-Class

MotoPickers Rating: 7.8/10

The 2024 AMG GLA-Class from Mercedes showcases a refreshed design and upgraded technology, starting at $56,450. Enhancements include new high-output LED headlights that improve visibility and a restyled rear with modern taillights that augment the vehicle’s sleek aesthetics. Under the hood, an efficient powertrain with a hybrid-assist system producing 302 horsepower balances performance with fuel economy.

Inside, the AMG GLA-Class is equipped with the Keyless GO package as standard, providing effortless entry and start ups. It also includes advanced driver assistance systems like high beam assist and comprehensive parking assistance for added convenience. Handling and acceleration remain sharp, while dual 10.25” infotainment screens offer seamless integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, enhancing connectivity and entertainment.

2024 BMW X2

MotoPickers Rating: 7.9/10

The 2024 BMW X2, starting at $42,000, stands out in the subcompact luxury SUV category with a focus on dynamic driving experiences. It offers a peppy engine with 241 horsepower, providing brisk acceleration and responsive handling. The X2 is only available in AWD, highlighting its exclusive performance across varied terrains. Notably, it achieves fuel efficiency of 23-24 MPG in the city and 32-33 MPG on highways, allowing for enjoyable drives without frequent fuel stops.

For its second-generation debut, BMW’s 2024 X2 increases in size, embraces a coupe-esque exterior with redesigned headlights, and boosts its horsepower via a revised powerplant.

2024 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

MotoPickers Rating: 8.0/10

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class, refreshed for the year and starting at $44,450, enhances its luxury appeal with a suite of updates. It now features a standard 10.25” infotainment system equipped with Mercedes’ latest software. The model introduces a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that boosts engine performance while improving fuel efficiency. Its powertrain includes a turbocharged four-cylinder engine generating 221 horsepower and an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, offering a refined driving experience.

The GLB-Class elevates its interior with standard features like a heated steering wheel, asserting its upscale status. It also provides ample passenger space and an optional third-row seat, albeit compact. Compared to the sleeker GLA, the GLB’s boxy design allows for greater cargo volume, measuring 22 cubic feet (cu. ft.), and a more practical layout.

2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale

MotoPickers Rating: 8.0/10

The 2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale, priced from $43,845, stands out in the subcompact luxury SUV class, featuring a plug-in-hybrid system. It offers a performance-oriented ride with 285 horsepower and standard AWD, providing a dynamic experience. Its combined fuel economy achieves an impressive 77 MPGe, while the gasoline engine maintains 29 MPG, showcasing efficient yet powerful driving.

Stepping inside the Tonale, you’ll find a cabin that offers a high-end feel, although it may not match the luxury of some competitors. The SUV seats five passengers and has critical standard safety features like a Blind Spot Monitor. Despite some interior materials not reflecting top-tier luxury, the Tonale impresses with its responsive ride and poised handling.

2024 Lexus NX

MotoPickers Rating: 8.5/10

The 2024 Lexus NX, starting at around $40,205, caters to those seeking comfort and modern features in their vehicle. The interior boasts plush materials and a thoughtfully designed space that comfortably accommodates five passengers in its two-row setup. The smooth-handling NX also includes a wide array of technology and safety features as standard, including the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which contains a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection.

While the base engine of the NX, producing 203 horsepower, offers adequate performance for daily driving, those seeking more power can choose from options up to 275 horsepower. The NX’s cargo capacity may not be the best, but its focus on providing a luxurious driving environment and extensive features list solidifies its position as a strong choice.

2024 Audi Q3

MotoPickers Rating: 8.7/10

Starting at $37,400, the 2024 Audi Q3 offers an affordable entry into the upscale compact SUV market. The Q3 comfortably seats five, providing a serene cabin atmosphere via design touches like a high-quality available Sonos sound system with 15 speakers. It also includes adaptive cruise control as a standard feature, improving convenience through semi-autonomous capabilities.

The Q3’s AWD system comes standard, although it’s not tailored for aggressive driving. Engine options range from 184 to 228 horsepower, and fuel efficiency is commendable, with the SUV achieving 20-22 MPG in the city and 28-29 MPG on the highway. However, its cargo space is smaller than that of some competitors, which could be a consideration for those needing more capacity. Despite this, the 2024 Audi Q3 is an attractive choice for those seeking a luxury SUV that combines comfort and technology at an accessible price.

2024 Mercedes-AMG GLB-Class

MotoPickers Rating: 8.9/10

The 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLB 250, priced from $44,450, flaunts an updated exterior with a sharper look and redesigned LED headlights and taillights. A 48-volt hybrid-assist system under the hood enhances the SUV’s powertrain performance, and new 19” and 20” wheel options contribute to refined handling. A redesigned steering wheel further enriches the driving experience, making it more engaging.

Inside, the GLB wraps passengers in luxury with high-quality materials and a cockpit equipped with Voice Control with Natural Language Understanding. The hybrid-assisted engine delivers smooth and responsive acceleration, emblematic of modern luxury performance. This blend of power and meticulous engineering ensures an exhilarating and sophisticated drive.

Frequently Asked Questions

This section provides detailed answers to common questions about the latest luxury subcompact SUVs for 2024 and 2025.

What are the top-rated luxury subcompact SUVs for 2024?

Your top luxury subcompact SUV options for 2024 include the BMW X1, renowned for its exceptional blend of comfort and technology.

The Volvo XC40 alternatively stands out with its capable safety features and distinctive Scandinavian design.

Which 2024 subcompact luxury SUVs offer the best fuel efficiency?

The 2024 BMW X2 and Volvo XC40 are the most fuel-efficient cars, offering impressive miles per gallon in cities and highways.

However, with its slightly higher highway MPG rating, BMW’s X2 may be more efficient for frequent drivers.

What new features are being introduced in luxury subcompact SUVs for 2025?

For 2025, anticipate enhanced driver-assistance systems with more advanced self-driving technology and an increase in electric powertrain options, which will help mitigate EV-related fears like range anxiety. 

These innovations promise more efficient performance and greater environmental awareness on the road.

Which subcompact luxury SUV models are known for having the smoothest ride?

Volvo’s subcompact SUVs, including the XC40, feature refined suspension systems for a smooth ride.

BMW’s X1 is also highly regarded for its comfortable driving dynamics.

How do the 2024 luxury subcompact hybrid SUVs compare in terms of performance?

Luxury subcompact hybrids in 2024 combine robust electric motors with efficient combustion engines.

This integration provides responsive and spirited performance while optimizing fuel consumption.

What are the best-rated pre-owned luxury subcompact SUVs?

Considering value retention and build quality, previous years’ BMW X1 and Volvo XC40 models rank as top choices among pre-owned luxury subcompact SUVs.

BMW manufactured its X1 in 2009, while Volvo produced its first XC40 in 2017.