Luxury SUVs offer many things, comfort, high-end features, and even great performance. But choosing the right luxury SUV is a big decision, as they often come with hefty price tags. To help you find the right luxury SUV, we’ve outlined the 12 best luxury SUVs in Canada for 2023.
Best Subcompact Luxury SUVs in Canada
Subcompact luxury SUVs offer a blend of low pricing, nimbleness, and premium features that many younger luxury car buyers seek. Here are some of the best subcompact luxury SUVs in Canada for 2023.
Lexus UXh
The Lexus UXh is the smallest of the Lexus SUVs, but it still has plenty to offer. It comes with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired to the Lexus Hybrid Drive system for a combined 181 horsepower (hp) and a combined fuel consumption rate of 6 L/100 km.
On top of being easy on fuel, the Lexus UXh has plenty of room in the back for children and younger teens. Keep in mind, adults and taller teens will likely find its 842 mm of rear legroom inadequate. Cargo room is tight with the rear seats upright at just 487 litres, but this is the norm in the subcompact SUV realm.
Despite being the brand’s entry-level crossover SUV, the Lexus UXh has plenty of premium features. These standard features include a six-speaker audio system, SiriusXM, an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, dual-zone automatic climate control, and more.
The Lexus UXh also has tons of safety gear, including standard blind-spot monitoring, automatic high beams, automatic emergency braking with bicyclist detection, lane-keeping assist, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and more.
The 2024 Lexus UX 250h starts from $46,332.50, but you can find a used Lexus UX and potentially save thousands.
Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
The GLA-Class is known for its agile handling and remarkable fuel efficiency as a subcompact SUV. Thanks to its powerful turbocharged engine, the GLA-Class offers a smooth and satisfying driving experience.
The base GLA 250 4MATIC features a standard 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that pumps 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet (lb-ft) of torque out to all four wheels. This delivers a respectable 6.7-second 0-to-100-km/h acceleration time.
Buyers can also opt for two AMG-tuned models. The AMG GLA 35’s 2.0-litre engine delivers 302 hp, and the AMG GLA 45 model pushes it to 382 hp. Respectively, these models sprint to 100 km/h in 4.9 and 4.4 seconds.
The 2023 GLA-Class includes top-of-the-line safety features like lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control.
But the GLA-Class offers more than good looks and performance. It also offers a spacious interior, with 976 mm of rear legroom and 435 to 1,430 litres of cargo space to provide a comfortable ride for passengers and their luggage.
It also has a decent array of standard features, including a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth audio streaming, USB-C ports, HD radio, a 7-inch instrument cluster, and more. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are not standard, but you can add them as options.
And let's not forget the GLA-Class's stylish design. With its sleek lines and modern features, this Mercedes-Benz SUV will turn heads wherever you go. From the bold grille to the sporty wheels, every Mercedes carefully crafted every detail of the GLA-Class to create a functional and beautiful vehicle.
The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class starts from a relatively affordable $45,000 new, but its manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quickly rises as you add features. The GLA-Class is the entry-level, volume-selling Mercedes-Benz SUV, so its used market is pretty healthy. You may be able to find a used GLA-Class starting a few thousand less.
Best Compact Luxury SUVs in Canada
Sitting just above the subcompact SUVs are the best compact SUVs. These models have slightly larger footprints than subcompact models, but they also have roomier cabins.
BMW X3
The BMW X3 is a popular compact luxury SUV for shoppers over the years. It still boasts all the legendary BMW style, luxury, and performance, but it puts it into a more affordable, smaller package than the larger and pricier X5.
The BMW X3 sets itself apart from its competitors with exceptional handling while still offering a smooth and comfortable ride — even on rough terrain. The BMW X3 also features a range of options, including different driving modes, allowing you to customize your driving experience to your preferences.
Powering the 2023 BMW X3 is a robust lineup of engine options starting with the standard 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder that produces 248 horsepower (hp) and 258 pound-feet (lb-ft) of torque. In the M40i model, you get a 3.0-litre turbo six-cylinder with 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. you also have the option of the xDrive30e Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) variant, which combines a 2.0-litre turbo engine and electric motor for 288 hp and 130 lb-ft of torque. the PHEV also delivers 29 km of all-electric driving with a full charge.
Want something a little wilder? Opt for the X3 M, which includes a 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine that delivers 473 to 503 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque for a sub-four-second 0-to-100 km/h sprint time.
The driving experience isn’t all the BMW X3 offers. This luxury SUV also boasts advanced safety technology, providing you with peace of mind every time you get behind the wheel. The forward collision warning system will alert you if you're getting too close to the vehicle in front of you, while the automatic emergency braking system will apply the brakes if a collision is imminent. The lane departure warning system will also alert you if you start to drift out of your lane, helping prevent road accidents.
You also get many high-end features, including a standard 10.25-inch infotainment screen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a premium audio system, and more. And all this checks in at a starting MSRP of $55,200. However, you may save a few thousand dollars by opting for a used BMW X3.
Lexus NX
If you prefer a compact SUV with all the luxury features, the Lexus NX is a great option. The Lexus NX is a vehicle that offers a stylish exterior design and a refined interior with comfortable seating and top-of-the-line technology features.
But there's more to the Lexus NX than just its good looks. Under the hood, this compact luxury SUV comes standard with a 203-hp 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine in the NX 250 model. Moving to the NX 350, upgrades it to a 2.4-litre turbo four-cylinder engine with 275 hp. The NX 350h pairs an electric motor to a 2.5-litre engine for a total of 240 hp. All three powertrains can tow up to 907 kg.
Buyers can also opt for a PHEV variant called the NX 450h+. This plug-in hybrid SUV pairs a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and a larger battery pack for a combined 304 hp. It also delivers a 61 km electric range.
Inside, the Lexus NX features a spacious and luxurious interior designed with comfort and convenience in mind. The seats come covered in premium synthetic leather, and the driver’s seat offers standard eight-way power adjustment and two-way lumbar support for optimal comfort. And with features like a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 7-inch digital gauge cluster, and even more optional upgrades, the Lexus NX has something for all types of buyers.
As for interior roominess, the NX offers up to 1,328 litres of cargo room, and its rear seats are OK for kids and older teens with 917 mm of legroom and 876 mm of headroom. Adults, however, may find these rear seats a little too tight.
The Lexus NX is equipped with a wide range of safety features too. These include standard lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, automatic high-beam headlights, oncoming vehicle detection, lane-keeping assist, evasive steering assist, and adaptive cruise control.
The 2024 Lexus NX offers all the luxury you need in a compact footprint and a relatively low starting MSRP of $52,932.50. You can enhance your value by opting for a used Lexus NX for thousands less than a new one.
Acura MDX
The Acura MDX is another popular choice in the luxury SUV market, as it has tons to offer, including a refined interior, roominess, and top-of-the-line technology. If you prioritize comfort, this three-row SUV is worth considering.
Powering most 2023 Acura MDX models is a 3.5-litre V6 engine that produces 290 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque. Buyers seeking more power can upgrade to the Type S model, which includes a 3.0-litre turbo V6 with 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. All 2023 MDX models include a 10-speed automatic transmission and Super Handling All-wheel Drive (AWD).
The Acura MDX is also luxurious. Its interior keeps comfort in mind, with features like leather seats, a sunroof, and a premium sound system. It’s a luxury SUV for all occasions, whether commuting to work or taking a weekend road trip.
The 2023 Acura MDX also has safety features to keep everyone inside safe. Its standard safety gear includes advanced technology like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and more.
It also has premium tech features, including a standard 12-speaker audio system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, first- and second-row USB charge ports, Wi-Fi, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, and more.
For all the features it includes and the roominess inside, the MDX has a relatively low starting MSRP of $67,390. If you want to save some cash, you can also search for a used Acura MDX with all the same features.
Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class compact luxury SUV oozes style, luxury, and comfort. It has many features that make it stand out in its class, and it has two body styles: traditional SUV design and the sleeker Coupe model.
Under the base GLC 300 4MATIC’s hood is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine that delivers 255 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. This power heads through a nine-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels. If you want more fun, upgrade to the AMG GLC 43, which pushes the 2.0-litre engine to 385 hp and delivers a 4.9-second 0-to-100-km/h sprint time.
The GLC-Class features a high-tech infotainment system that provides access to various entertainment and information options via its standard 7-inch touchscreen. The Mercedes GLC-Class has optional Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, so you can easily connect your smartphone to the car's system.
The GLC-Class boasts a range of comfort features that make driving a pleasure. It includes standard heated seats that provide warmth during cold weather, while the optional sunroof allows you to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air while driving.
The GLC-Class is also packed with safety features. This luxury SUV includes automatic emergency braking, crosswind assist, adaptive high-beam assist, and more.
The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class’s MSRP starts at $51,600 and quickly climbs from there as you add features. This is a popular Mercedes-Benz SUV, so you’ll find plenty of used GLC-Class models on the market and save a few thousand dollars.
Best Mid-size Luxury Crossover in Canada
Mid-size crossovers offer two or three rows of seating to accommodate more passengers. However, as a step below full-size models, these mid-size luxury SUVs can sometimes have very limited third-row legroom.
Lexus RX
The big brother of the Lexus NX, the Lexus RX, is another addition to the best luxury SUVs in Canada list for many of the same reasons as its smaller sibling. The RX boasts a sleek and stylish design, roomy interior, loads of standard features and options, and plenty of power.
Step inside the RX, and you'll find a spacious cabin with seating for five, 978 mm of rear headroom, and 949 mm of rear legroom. It also has up to 838 litres of cargo space with the rear seats upright and 1,308 litres folded. The RX’s seats are supportive and come wrapped in synthetic leather. The seats also include standard heating and ventilation for comfort in hot and cold weather.
The RX goes beyond just comfort with a range of powerful engine options that start with the RX 350’s standard 2.4-litre turbo four-cylinder that injects 275 hp through an eight-speed automatic transmission and out to all four wheels.
Next up are two hybrid variants. The RX 350h uses a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and electric motor to ship 246 hp out to all four wheels. The RX 500h upgrades the internal-combustion engine to a 2.4-litre turbo unit for a combined 367 hp.
Like the NX, the Lexus RX is big on safety features and includes standard lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, automatic high-beam headlights, oncoming vehicle detection, lane-keeping assist, evasive steering assist, parking assist with automatic braking, road sign assist, proactive driving assist, and adaptive cruise control.
All this rings in at a starting price of $62,682.50, but you can save a few thousand dollars opting for a used Lexus RX with similar features instead.
Audi Q7
Audi may not be as popular as other automakers on this list of the best luxury SUVs in Canada, but it has much to offer. One great example is the Audi Q7, as it offers the complete package: style, substance, and even performance.
The Q7 comes standard with a 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder engine that pumps 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque through an eight-speed automatic transmission and out to all four wheels. This adds up to a 7.1-second 0-100 km/h sprint time. Optionally, you can add a 3.0-litre turbo V6 that cranks out 335 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque and pumps it through an eight-speed automatic transmission and out to all four wheels. This is good for a 5.9-second 0-100 km/h sprint time.
Folks seeking a performance luxury SUV can opt for the SQ7, which bumps the 3.0-litre engine to 500 ho and 568 lb-ft of torque for a 4.5-second 0-100 km/h sprint time.
The Q7 stands out with its spacious and luxurious interior with all the latest tech and comfort features, including four-zone automatic climate control. four-way power front seat lumbar, leather seating, a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and much more.
The Q7 is also spacious, with 985.5 mm of legroom and headroom in the second row. The third-row seats are tighter, offering just 741.7 mm of legroom and 911.9 mm of headroom. Cargo room is decent at 402.1 litres behind the third row, 1,010 litres behind the second row, and 1,970.9 litres with all rear seats folded.
Safety is a top priority in a luxury family SUV, and the Q7 performs well here too. This three-row luxury SUV comes standard with a 360-degree camera, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, automatic high-beam headlights, and more.
The Audi Q7 offers all these features and tech at a starting price of $76,950, but you may find a used Q7 with similar features and save a few thousand dollars.
BMW X5
The BMW X5 is an icon in the luxury SUV segment, so it has to be on our list of the best luxury SUVs in Canada. It features a class, style, and performance level that many automakers have tried and failed to replicate.
The 2024 BMW X5 has three engine options, starting with the xDrive40i option which has 375 hp, standard AWD, and sprints this base X5 to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds. Moving into the xDrive50e model adds in the plug-in hybrid capabilities and boosts the output to 483 hp. Thanks to its 19.2 kWh battery pack, this model can travel 63 km on electricity alone, adding a dose of practicality.
Finally, the M60i xDrive model pairs a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 with a mild-hybrid system for 523 hp and a 4.3-second 0-100 km/h time.
Inside, the 2024 BMW X5 seats up to five people and plenty of rear-seat roominess. It checks in with 950 mm in rear legroom and 1,036.3 mm of rear headroom. As for cargo space, the 2024 BMW X5 has 959.9 litres of room behind the rear seats and 2,047.3 litres with the rear seats folded.
The 2024 BMW X5 is also very well-equipped. Some of its standard equipment includes synthetic leather upholstery, cargo cover, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless phone charger, a 10-speaker audio system, SiriusXM, adaptive cruise control, a panoramic moonroof, multi-zone automatic climate control, rain-sensing wipers, 12.3-inch instrument cluster, 14.9-inch infotainment screen, and more.
Safety tech is also plentiful and includes standard front and rear parking sensors, automatic high-beam headlights, and more.
The 2024 BMW X5 starts from $89,949.50, but you can save a few thousand dollars by opting for a used BMW X5.
Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class blends style, performance, and comfort into a stylish mid-size luxury SUV. The GLE-Class is for drivers who want an exhilarating driving experience without compromising comfort or convenience.
The 2023 GLE-Class has four engine options, starting with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo unit with 255 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. This power flows through a nine-speed automatic transmission and AWD. Next is the GLE 450 4MATIC, which tosses in a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engine and a mild-hybrid system for 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. Respectively, these models sprint to 100 km/h in 7.1 and 5.7 seconds.
You can upgrade to one of two AMG models if you want more performance. The AMG GLE 53 bumps the 3.0-litre engine to 429 hp, dropping the acceleration time to 5.3 seconds. The AMG GLE 63 adds a hand-build 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine with 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque for a 3.8-second sprint time.
The GLE-Class also features an air suspension system that offers a smooth and comfortable ride, even on bumpy roads.
The GLE-Class has a spacious and luxurious interior with comfortable leather seats and 1,038.8 mm of rear legroom. This luxury SUV can accommodate up to five passengers and 630 to 2,055 litres of cargo, making it perfect for family trips.
The GLE-Class comes with the highly-rated MBUX 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which offers voice recognition, navigation, and standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. This luxury SUV also includes a premium sound system and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
The GLE-Class has advanced safety features such as active park assist, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and more. These features help to keep the driver and passengers safe by preventing accidents and alerting the driver of potential hazards on the road. It also has an available 360-degree camera system to help you see all your surroundings while backing up.
The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is a luxury SUV, so it’s rather pricey, with a base MSRP of $75,800. However, you may find a used GLE-Class and save a few thousand dollars while getting similar features.
Best Full-Size Luxury Crossover in Canada
The massive three-row land barges known as full-size SUVs offer a range of premium features, room for passengers in all three rows, and even a superb towing capacity, making them a great option for larger families and those who like to tow.
Cadillac Escalade
If you want a full-size luxury SUV, the best of the best has long been the Cadillac Escalade. This massive, three-row SUV is great for shoppers with big families, a lot of cargo to haul, or a trailer to tow.
The Escalade starts things off with a trio of potent engine options, starting with a 6.2-litre V8 engine that pumps 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque through a 10-speed automatic transmission and a standard four-wheel-drive (4WD) system. Buyers seeking a diesel powertrain can pick up the 3.0-litre six-cylinder with 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. This engine pairs with a specially tuned 10-speed automatic transmission and 4WD.
Buyers seeking a performance feel can opt for the Cadillac Escalade-V, which features a supercharged 6.2-litre V8 that produces 682 hp and 653 lb-ft of torque.
In addition to having a collection of powerful engines, the Cadillac Escalade has tons of standard features. They include a 16.9-inch infotainment screen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, a 19-speaker AKG Studio audio system, Wi-Fi, a 14.2-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12-way power driver’s seat, heated front seats, heated outboard rear seats, a power split-folding third-row seat, wireless phone charger, and much more.
The Cadillac Escalade also has plenty of room for the whole family. Its second-row seats have 1,059 mm of legroom and 988.1 mm of headroom, making them plenty roomy for all sizes of passengers. The third row is tighter, with 970.3 mm of headroom and 886.5 mm of legroom, but there is still plenty of room for teens and adults in a pinch.
Safety is also a big deal in this full-size SUV. It comes standard with top-notch safety gear like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, front and rear parking sensors, surround-view camera, rear pedestrian alert, lane-keeping assist, forward-collision warning, and more.
While the Cadillac Escalade is deserving as one of the best luxury SUVs in Canada, it comes at a significant starting price of $105,297. You can save a few thousand dollars and get many of the same features by purchasing a used Cadillac Escalade.
Jeep Wagoneer
Jeep has long offered unmatched off-road prowess, but it’s also offered a decent amount of luxury with models like the Grand Cherokee. Recently, Jeep stepped further into the luxury SUV space with the full-size Wagoneer. This luxury full-size SUV combines a unique and stylish exterior design with a spacious, comfortable interior and many upscale features.
Under its hood, the 2023 Jeep Wagoneer comes standard with a 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline-six-cylinder engine that produces 420 hp and 468 lb-ft of torque. This power flows through an eight-speed automatic transmission and out to a 4WD system.
Inside, the 2023 Jeep Wagoneer offers a wide range of upscale features. These include perforated Nappa leather seating, a nine-speaker Alpine audio system, Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, an acoustic windshield, tri-zone automatic climate control, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and much more.
The 2023 Wagoneer also has plenty of standard safety gear, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and more.
The Wagoneer’s cabin is quite roomy, as its second-row seats have 1,016 mm of headroom and 1,085 mm of legroom. The third row is tighter but still roomy with 991 mm of headroom and 930 mm of legroom. Cargo space is also plentiful inside the Wagoneer, as it offers between 775.9 litres with all three rows upright to 3,304.6 litres with all the rear seats folded.
The 2023 Jeep Wagoneer starts from $86,290, but you can save a few thousand dollars with a quality used Jeep Wagoneer.
Save Big on the Best Luxury SUVs in Canada at Clutch
The best luxury SUVs in Canada have a lot to offer, but they also come with large price tags. Fortunately, you can snag a used luxury SUV with many of the same features and save thousands of dollars. And at Clutch, Canada’s premier online automotive marketplace, we offer high-quality used luxury SUVs without you having to head to the dealership. The Clutch SUV-buying process is 100% online.
Every used luxury SUV we offer endures a 210-point inspection and reconditioning process to ensure they’re ready to go. We also add a 6,000-km or 90-day warranty on every used SUV we sell.
Plus, purchasing a used luxury SUV from Clutch means you skip going to the dealership, as our purchase process is 100% online. At Clutch, you can rest assured there’s no haggling required.
On top of that, we offer a 10-day or 750-km test-own period. If your luxury SUV isn’t a good fit during that period, you can return it for a refund or exchange it for another vehicle.
Are you planning on trading in a vehicle for a used luxury SUV? Clutch can handle trade-ins too, and you can get your offer online. If you're satisfied with our offer, we'll pick up your trade-in vehicle and apply the trade-in value to your purchase.
