12 Best Luxury SUVs for 2021

Luxury SUVs will offer more than any other model. It is not all about power and aggressive approach, but convenience, safety, advanced options, and of course, premium materials. These vehicles are perfect for city cruising, off-road drive, or long trips.

Here are our picks for the best future luxury SUVs that will be available next season. We won’t go with exotic and expensive models where you need the fortune to afford one.

2021 BMW X5

The German carmaker is one of the favorites in the luxury class. The X5 is the versatile mid-size SUV that will bring a lot of stuff for upgrades. Even the base package is attractive enough. Still, the M50i and the X5M will bring the drive impression to the whole new level. If you want to push the performance to the limits, the Competition package is there to deliver 615 hp.

The 2021 BMW X5 is a five-seater by default. More features are available for the entry-level version. Now, both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay is there. Premium audio comes with optional packages or higher trim levels. The X5 can become a three-row SUV as well. Soon, an electric iX5 will join the lineup. If you want the SUV with coupe styling, the X6 is the right model.

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2021 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Volvo XC90 Recharge is not an all-electric model like the XC40. The old T8 is renamed. The plug-in hybrid version is still the highlight of the lineup, at least until the all-electric version appears late next year. The company sticks to the T5 and T6 configurations, both based on a 2.0-liter four-cylinder unit. The Swedish company is well-known for its luxury and safety, and the 2021 Volvo XC90 will be the flagship model with the level of features.

For the next season, designers prepared small updates inside and outside the vehicle. Many buyers will skip the 2021 YM and wait for the big redesign. The price of the mid-size seven-seat SUV is just under $50,000 and if you want 400 hp coming from the Recharge version (ex T8), you will have to splash more than $70,000.

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2021 Volvo XC90

2021 Lexus RX

RX is the best-selling luxury SUV. This model has better numbers than some non-premium vehicles. Still, the lack of changes for the 2021 Lexus RX will help other luxury models catch up. However, it won’t be an easy task, since the company is delivering a versatile SUV and it is the main strength. The base version is the 2021 Lexus RX 350 with a V6 gasoline engine. You can upgrade the drivetrain with a hybrid unit. Look for the RX450h.

The default layout is coming with five seats, and the 2021 Lexus RX350L is an extended version with an extra row and seven spots. It can be also paired with a hybrid drivetrain. The special package is F Sport with cosmetic tuning which boosts the appearance and improves handling. A blind-spot monitor is now standard all across the lineup, while the 2021 Lexus RX offers a wireless charger as an optional upgrade.

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2021 lexus rx350l three row

2021 Mercedes GLS

The 2021 Mercedes GLS is the largest SUV by the German carmaker. Still, it is not the most expensive, since the super-luxurious G-Class is sending a message about its owners. On the other hand, the GLS is a family SUV that takes care of comfort and safety. Like the X5, Mercedes will also offer a high-performance version in cooperation with AMG tuning.

The vehicle is still new and the 2021 Mercedes GLS is not bringing major changes. The second generation was introduced last year. Now, the focus is on other vehicles and electric units. The GLS is available with the plug-in hybrid. The base setup includes a 3.0-liter turbo-six with 360 hp and 370 lb-ft. A V8 brings outputs to 485 hp and 515 pound-feet, but the price jumps to $98,000 before further upgrades. Stick to the V6 and you will save more than $20,000.

2021 Infiniti QX60

The 2021 Infiniti QX60 will be either a new model or the company will skip it for the big redesign in the following year. But, option 1 is more likely, since the Japanese manufacturer can’t afford to lose a year in such a competition. The expectations of a mid-size SUV are huge. The total overhaul will introduce a new look inspired by the Monograph concept and Inspiration platform.

Nissan, the owner of the premium brand, is not out with details about every vehicle. We know the Rogue is the first model to arrive. After that one, the seven-seat 2021 Infiniti QX60 might follow. The SUV has a lot of catching up to do, especially in the hybrid segment. Lexus, Mercedes, and Lincoln are already there.

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2021 Infiniti QX60 concept

2021 Acura MDX

Another Japanese SUV that offers seven seats. Still, the 2021 Acura MDX will be a six-seater if you pick captain’s chairs for the middle row. A V6 remains the main source of power and the optional Sport Hybrid combines a 3.0-liter unit with an electric battery for 320 horsepower. A Super Handling All-Wheel Drive is one of the best 4WD systems in the market. Also, we would like to praise the optional offer. The MDX is available in a single trim level and all other features are coming through additional packages.

The 2021 Acura MDX Type S is now more likely to happen. The company made the badge alive again with the TLX sedan. It spreads the speculation to many other vehicles. The mid-size SUV is the flagship model and we believe it will get the Type S package before any other sibling. A twin-turbo V6 will produce 360 hp if engineers carry over the same engine from the sedan. The price is going to be at least $65,000.

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MDX

2021 Lincoln Aviator

Why Aviator before Navigator? Well, the mid-size SUV is nearly as big as the full-size model Plus, it is fresh and offers a mighty PHEV unit. There are also many options we can find on the largest SUV in the lineup, including the Black Label edition. Only minor changes will make the 2021 Lincoln Aviator different from its predecessor. Large 21- and 22-inch wheels are added to the options list. Designers also updated the colors palette with Asher Gray, Ocean Drive Blue, and Flight Blue paints.

The Reserve package takes the most minor changes. Still, the top of the lineup version will be the 2021 Lincoln Aviator Black Label with a thematic interior and hefty price. Grand Touring is the model with a PHEV system that can burst nearly 500 horsepower. Even the standard offer is powerful enough. A 3.0-liter twin-turbo petrol engine delivers 400 ponies.

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2021 Lincoln Aviator flight theme

2021 Cadillac Escalade

Ford and GM took the battle to the luxury realm with their premium branches – Lincoln and Cadillac. Escalade is the longest-serving model. Unlike Lincoln, we take the 2021 Cadillac Escalade before new XT5 and XT6, which are somehow underachieving. The full-size SUV is the best-seller in the segment.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade will be an all-new model. GM updated all its big rigs, and the independent rear suspension is the major upgrade. A 6.2-liter V6 is still under the hood, amid rumors that twin-turbo V6 might replace it. A ten-speed auto gearbox sends power to rear or all wheels. The price starts at $76,200. The ESV comes with an extended cab and extra space for cargo.

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2021 Cadillac Escalade debut

2021 Audi Q7

Until the Q8 builds up the reputation, the 2021 Audi Q7 will be the best SUV in the family. The list of changes for the upcoming model is not long, since the vehicle went through the redesign for the current edition. Still, the company adds a blind-spot monitor to all trims. Audi also reshuffled options across the higher-end versions and upgraded additional packages with more features.

The RS/SQ7 is still not official for the US market. The mid-size SUV needs to catch up with the competition, especially its archrivals, BMW and Mercedes. Without a performance-oriented model, the 2021 Audi Q7 won’t stand too much of a chance among buyers. Every option counts, even these exclusive, with a lot of power are appreciated in the luxury segment.

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2021 Audi sQ7

2021 Land Rover Range Rover

The largest vehicle in the SUV lineup is also the most luxurious. The 2021 Range Rover will come with special upgrades. The company adds the 50th anniversary edition. The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Fifty will have only 1970 copies. So, you need to be quick to get this version based on the Autobiography trim. The HSE model serves for further upgrades and the new package for this one is Westminster. The top trim remains the SV Autobiography with hefty price that can go up if you select the Dynamic Black Edition.

The engine lineup is not changed. Inline-six and mild-hybrid system are the base setup. A powerful V8 is also available, as well as a turbodiesel. All engines are using an eight-speed automatic transmission that sends power to all wheels. The MSRP starts from $94,000. You need to add about $10k for the Westminster Edition. If you are after the 2021 Range Rover Fifty, then be ready to spend $150k.

2021 Genesis GV80

The 2021 Genesis GV80 is a new player in the luxury SUV class. It can be a reason to buy it and a downside at the same time. The vehicle is new and brings a fresh impression. The company also wants a quick breakthrough, so we can expect discounts and special prices. On the other hand, suspicious buyers will wait for the first feedbacks.

Hyundai is the owner of this brand. The 2021 Genesis GV80 is the first of the kind, and we can already read speculations about other GV- models. For the mid-size luxury SUV, engineers developed a new engine. A couple of turbocharged units will serve buyers looking for a better price, or higher outputs. Soon, the company will upgrade the offer with a hybrid drivetrain. The base price for the 2021 Genesis GV80 with turbo-four engine is $50,000 while the V6 will cost you at least $10,000 more.

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2021 genesis gv80

2021 Porsche Cayenne

The 2021 Porsche Cayenne is one of the most versatile models in the list, especially when the company makes the GTS official. You can select standard or coupe styling, and from there all other options. Six different engine configurations are there. The base one comes with 335 hp. A 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 on Cayenne S will increase the outputs to 435 hp and 405 lb-ft. A 3.0-liter unit also comes with electric support. The 2021 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid is returning 455 hp and 515 lb-ft.

A pair of V8 setups is waiting for buyers willing to splash a lot of cash for their ride. A 4.0-liter engine is also used by Lamborghini Urus. For the 2021 Porsche Cayenne Turbo, it bursts 541 hp and climbs up to 670 horsepower to make the Turbo E-Hybrid one of the top five most powerful SUVs in the US. You will have to pay at least $165,000 to get this model.

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new 2021 Porsche Cayenne