Best Performance Midsize SUVs of 2026 and 2027

The Edmunds experts test drive luxury SUV contenders on our test track and in the real world. Our ratings assess performance, comfort, technology, utility, value and more. How we rank luxury SUVs
1st
2027 Audi RS Q8
Edmunds Rating
7.1/10
The Audi RS Q8 is ideal if you want a luxury SUV that provides outlandish performance without compromising comfort. This crossover is based on the regular Q8 but goes into max-attack mode with its muscular V8, secure handling and powerful brakes. But we think the RS Q8's tech is starting to feel dated, and Audi's asking price is daunting.
MSRP
$139,700
Combined MPG
16
2nd
2026 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE 63 S Coupe
Edmunds Rating
6.9/10
The GLE 63 S AMG Coupe is for the buyer who wants more of everything from their everyday drive. It's lush with power, looks like it wants to steal your lunch money, and has a wonderfully luxurious interior. That said, despite being both fast and technically capable, the GLE experience doesn't quite come together as cohesively as we'd expect for such a lofty as-tested price.
MSRP
$133,150
Combined MPG
17
3rd
2027 Audi SQ8
Edmunds Rating
6.8/10
The SQ8 is a sporty spin on Audi's Q8 midsize SUV that packs a 500-horsepower V8 and too many performance upgrades to count. It's considerably more dynamic than the standard Q8 and nearly as comfortable.
MSRP
$100,600 - $108,100
Combined MPG
16
4th
2026 Porsche Cayenne S
Edmunds Rating
6.8/10
The Porsche Cayenne is a practical midsize sport SUV that brings unparalleled levels of driver engagement. You'll pay the Porsche premium and need to accept a few compromises, but overall the Cayenne's practicality, luxury and performance make it a highly recommended choice.
MSRP
$89,900 - $164,500
Combined MPG
18 - 22
5th
2026 BMW X5 M
Edmunds Rating
6.8/10
The X5 M is a fast, capable and well-appointed performance SUV that might be a little too high-strung for its own good. It's not as smooth or comfortable as the standard X5, so this M model is best suited for those willing to compromise comfort for performance.
MSRP
$131,000
Combined MPG
15
6th
2026 Audi SQ7
Edmunds Rating
6.7/10
If you take Audi's already excellent midsize three-row SUV, the Q7, and inject it with a big dose of turbo V8, you'd end up with the Audi SQ7. It has sports car-beating acceleration with little compromise on comfort. It's almost too good to be real.
MSRP
$93,800 - $99,800
Combined MPG
16
7th
2026 Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT
Edmunds Rating
6.6/10
The Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT is one of the best SUVs we've ever driven. Acceleration, braking and handling are all world-class, and the sport-tuned suspension doesn't punish you on the street. The interior is comfortable and reasonably spacious, and the Cayenne's tech and storage have been improved thanks to a mild interior refresh.
MSRP
$214,800
Combined MPG
17
8th
2027 BMW X6 M
Edmunds Rating
6.4/10
The X6 M is incredibly quick and provides tenacious grip around turns. But the X6 also has a rough ride and a shrunk-down cargo area compared to its BMW X5 M sibling. It's a cool performance SUV, but just be aware of its compromises.
MSRP
$136,100
Combined MPG
15
9th
2026 Mercedes-Benz AMG G 63
Edmunds Rating
5.4/10
The Mercedes-AMG G 63 is the top-dog G-Class for a reason. It combines all the familiar G-Class attributes with an absolute wallop of power. This SUV has some ergonomic issues, sure, but the thrill of flooring it never gets old. The G 63 makes it easy to overlook many of the G-Class' shortcomings.
MSRP
$195,500
Combined MPG
15

Most Popular Luxury SUVs of
2025

Table view of

Vehicles included in the data set are exclusively retail registrations to individuals and do not include rental sales or registrations from government bodies*

    20252025

    Some Takeaways

    • Audi dropped out of the top 5 in overall luxury SUV sales for the first time.
    • While still the industry leader, Tesla sold about 35,000 less luxury SUVs in 2025 than in 2024.
    • For the forth year in a row, Tesla, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz were the top 3 sellers of luxury SUVs.
    Powered by

    *The IHS Markit reports, data and information referenced herein (the "IHS Markit Materials") are the copyrighted property of IHS Markit Ltd. and its subsidiaries ("IHS Markit") and represent data and research by IHS Markit. The IHS Markit Materials are based on standard segments and geography and may differ from any customized view of such data. The IHS Markit Materials speak as of the original publication date thereof and not as of the date of this customized view of such data. Moreover, while the IHS Markit Materials reproduced herein are from sources considered reliable, the accuracy and completeness thereof are not warranted, nor are the opinions and analyses which are based upon it. Opinions, statements, estimates and projections in this message or other media are solely those of the individual author(s). They do not reflect the opinions of IHS Markit or any of its affiliates. IHS Markit has no obligation to update, modify or amend this message or other media, or to otherwise notify a recipient thereof, in the event that any matter stated herein, or any opinion, projection, forecast or estimate set forth herein, changes or subsequently becomes inaccurate. IHS Markit prohibits this customized view of such data from being copied, downloaded or incorporated by recipients in a database of their own. IHS Markit and R.L. Polk & Co. are trademarks of IHS Markit. Other trademarks appearing in the IHS Markit Materials are the property of IHS Markit or their respective owners.

    Best Luxury SUVs

    SUVs are a commanding force across the automotive landscape. This is especially true of luxury SUVs, which account for well over half of luxury vehicle sales. Manufacturers continue to introduce models to respond to demand, which has been stimulated by SUVs' increasingly car-like fuel economy. An SUV also provides special benefits, including an elevated driving position, available all-wheel drive and a large, flexible cargo area. It's no wonder buyers are flocking to luxury SUVs despite the price premium they command over upscale sedans.

    Luxury SUVs are distinct from their non-premium counterparts in several areas. Most vehicles in these categories boast upper-crust interior materials and build quality. The best examples offer pillow-soft suspensions that glide over even the roughest roads. Powertrain options run the gamut from electric SUVs and fuel-sipping plug-in hybrids to immensely powerful gasoline SUVs, with all manner of automatic transmissions on offer. And of course, there's the prestige that comes with owning a vehicle that is a clear cut above an everyday SUV.

    Our list of top-rated luxury SUVs is the result of hundreds of hours of driving, testing and comprehensive evaluation. We take each vehicle to a private test track, where we measure acceleration, braking and handling performance. Next, we drive it on a real-world driving loop that tests its performance on city streets, through twisty mountain curves, and in high- and low-speed freeway conditions. Finally, our editors take a turn at the wheel and come to a consensus on an overall rating for the vehicle relative to its competitive set.

    Luxury SUV Features

    While many luxury SUVs come well-equipped, they all offer myriad options and features for a somewhat custom feel. Look for frills such as leather upholstery, premium audio and a sunroof for a true luxury experience. Ventilated seats are must-haves for many shoppers but aren't always available on smaller luxury SUVs. Modern safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist and 360-degree parking cameras, are par for the course and essential for easily placing large SUVs on the road.

    Choosing the Right Luxury SUV for You

    There are dozens of luxury SUVs spread across many competitive segments, so it can be difficult to figure out where to start. Subcompact (“X-Small”) and compact ("Small") crossovers offer a strong value statement to city dwellers, empty nesters, and those who simply want something that stands out from a typical SUV. Small families that need a bit more passenger and cargo space will likely find an appropriate vehicle in the midsize class. Full-size SUVs are perfect for growing families or, again, individuals who just want to make a statement. No matter which luxury SUV type appeals to you the most, Edmunds has the tools to point you in the right direction in your search for the perfect luxury SUV.