This luxury SUV offers opulence and comfort on a budget
If this is the first time you’re shopping for a new SUV, you might notice a bit of swelling. Lots of new or recently redesigned luxury SUVs are bigger than they were before, and so are their prices. Even as MSR projects increase to accommodate larger vehicles with more technology, there are still plenty of options if you have a maximum budget of around $ 40K.
After narrowing the current crop of luxury SUVs to those with entry prices within our budget, we looked at the overall score for each vehicle in the US. The overall score takes into account the criteria that matter most to consumers, including performance, interior comfort, quality, reliability and safety. When two or more vehicles from this list are linked with the same overall score, the cheaper car will rank higher.
Some of the scores listed here may not match the results of the review. Our reviews are updated regularly as new information becomes available, so you can always have the most recent resources available when shopping.
Read on to find out the best new luxury SUVs under $ 40K for 2020.
2020 Lexus NX Hybrid
$ 39420 | US News Overall Rating: 7.3 / 10
While the Lexus NX Hybrid looks good and feels better in the cabin, its acceleration and handling are disappointing. That is why it ranks third in the ranking of hybrid and electric luxury SUVs. The four-cylinder engine pairs with three electric motors, and while the system isn’t impressive in terms of driving pleasure, you’ll save a lot on the pump. On the plus side, the NX offers a standard all-wheel drive system and excellent expected reliability.
Standard interior features include keyless entry, push-button operation, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, and Wi-Fi hotspot. Safety, The NX has a rearview camera, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, lane centering, and traffic light recognition – the last two. They are the new ones for this year.
2020 Buick Envision
33,500 dollars | US News Overall Rating: 7.4 / 10
While Buick Envision doesn’t pose much of a threat to class leaders in terms of true luxury, this compact SUV is efficient, comfortable, and affordable. However, due to a lackluster base engine and modest cabin, it occupied the lower half of our class rating. A four-cylinder engine is standard and a turbo four are available.
Standard features include an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Wi-Fi hotspot, heated front seats, a rear view camera, rear parking sensors, and GM’s Teens Safety Settings System.
2020 Lexus NX
$ 36,870 | US News Overall Rating: 7.4 / 10
The compact, efficient, reliable and spacious Lexus NX crossover is a good choice for those who value comfort over performance. However, its shortcomings in terms of agility and infotainment technology translate to an average position in our rating.
The infotainment system offers an 8-inch screen and touchpad controller that requires little training, and includes Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, and Wi-Fi hotspot. For safety features, you’ll benefit from Rear View Camera, Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, associated with pedestrian and cyclist detection, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist and Traffic Sign Recognition.
2020 Lexus UX Hybrid
34,500 dollars | US News Overall Rating: 7.5 / 10
The Lexus UX Hybrid has a lot to offer as one of the most affordable, efficient and sporty luxury compact hybrid crossovers on the market. The combination of a four-cylinder engine and two electric motors is fine for daily driving, but most competitors perform better – a big reason why the UX Hybrid is ranked in the lower half of our ratings. Luxurious hybrid and electric SUV.
The UX Hybrid’s standard equipment list is similar to the standard UX, with a 7-inch display, touch and voice recognition control, Android Auto (new for 2020), Apple CarPlay and an access point. Wi-Fi. For safety functions, you’ll enjoy forward collision warning, emergency automatic braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-keeping assist, lane-keeping assist, traffic sign recognition Automatic high beams.
2020 Cadillac XT4
$ 35,695 | US News Overall Rating: 7.5 / 10
The Cadillac XT4 is a luxury compact SUV with a spot in the lower half of our ranking. It features a powerful turbocharged four-cylinder engine and boasts some of the best rear row and cargo space metrics in its class. It is not as polished as the competitors that dominate this segment, but it is well balanced and equipped.
Inside you’ll find an 8-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, remote startup, rearview camera, and GM Teen Driver security system. For the 2020 model year, Forward Collision Warning and Front Automatic Emergency Braking join the list of standard features.
2020 Infiniti QX50
37,250 USD | US News Overall Rating: 7.5 / 10
The Infiniti QX50 has been redesigned for 2019, and new feature updates for 2020 are helping to address some of the shortcomings of previous models. However, its modest performance and confusing infotainment system still hold it in the lower half of our luxury compact SUV rating. The cabin is spacious and comfortable, with plenty of space for passengers and cargo. The turbocharged four-cylinder engine gives appropriate ratings for fuel mileage.
The infotainment system features a dual-screen layout and this year Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are again standard. For safety functions, there is a rear view camera, front and rear collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency brake, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, traffic alert. Rear traffic, rear parking sensors and automatic high beams.
Lexus UX 2020
32,300 dollars | US News Overall Rating: 7.6 / 10
The Lexus UX has a more aggressive appearance than many of the secondary compact SUVs. Below the deck, however, is a smooth crossover that emphasizes ride quality rather than driving dynamics. In fact, its four-cylinder engine doesn’t deliver the performance its exterior design implies, which is why it lands in the lower half of our segment.
Standard features include a 7-inch screen with touchscreen controller, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto (new for this year), Wi-Fi hotspot, rear view camera, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, Pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, lane-keeping assistance in lane centering and traffic lights recognition.
2020 BMW X2
36,400 dollars | US News Overall Rating: 7.7 / 10
The BMW X2, which comes in the middle of our luxury compact SUV rating, features a stylish interior and a pleasant engine package. Still, it’s a little lower than many of the others in the class, including another minor crossover from BMW’s own ranks (more on that later). The X2 is priced slightly higher than its competitors – many of them are on this list – and offers less interior space. Things are even brighter in terms of performance, as the X2 offers excellent handling and a base four-cylinder turbocharged engine.
For 2020, an 8.8-inch touch screen infotainment system is now standard, and navigation has also been added to the standard configuration. You will also benefit from a rearview camera, lane change warning, forward collision warning, automatic low-speed emergency braking, automatic high-beam lighting, sign recognition and road, front and rear parking sensors.
Lincoln Corsair 2020
35945 USD | US News Overall Rating: 7.9 / 10
Lincoln Corsair is brand new for 2020, replacing the old MKC. A lackluster performance keeps the Corsair in the lower half of the compact luxury SUV’s rating, but this handsome crossover is roomy, comfortable and generously equipped. The 8-inch touchscreen comes standard with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Wi-Fi hotspot.
The list of security features is where you really get your money’s worth. Standard equipment includes a reversing camera, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, pre-collision warning, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, rear cross traffic alert, automatic high beam headlights and Lincoln MyKey.
2020 Acura RDX
37,800 dollars | US News Overall Rating: 8.1 / 10
With a complete redesign in 2019, the Acura RDX is well worth a look if you’re looking for a luxury budget compact SUV. RDX ranks in the top half of our Class rating. If performance is your priority, the RDX’s driving experience may be too quiet to satisfy you, although its turbocharged four-cylinder engine is sufficient for daily driving.
Both rows of seats are comfortable, and interior features include a 10.2-inch display with touchpad controller, Apple CarPlay, Siri Eyes Free, backup camera, and the AcuraWatch driver assistance package, which includes forward collision warning and automatic frontal emergency. Braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist and lane departure mitigation.
2020 Volvo XC40
33700 dollars | US News Overall Rating: 8.3 / 10
The elegant and tech-savvy Volvo XC40 is one of the best contenders for the compact luxury compact SUV rating thanks to its smooth performance and easy-to-use features. The XC40 also offers a selection of engines, which is rare among its competitors in the European segment. Inside you will find enough space for adults in both classes.
As for the equipment, there’s a 9-inch vertical touchscreen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a rear view camera. Standard safety features include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, automatic high beams, highway departure mitigation, near collision mitigation and traffic light recognition.
Audi Q3 2021
$ 36,000 | US News Overall Rating: 8.3 / 10
The Audi Q3 is a strong contender in our rating of a compact luxury compact SUV thanks to its distinct interior, sophisticated design and attractive performance. The Q3 combines a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a four-wheel drive system for good acceleration and handling. Inside you’ll find an infotainment system with an 8.8-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a rear view camera.
From a safety perspective, the Q3 comes standard with Audi Pre Sense Basic, which equips the car to protect occupants in the event it detects an impending collision. Audi Pre Sense Front with pedestrian detection is also standard, which acts as a forward collision warning and an automatic emergency brake system. Finally, lane departure warning is a new standard for 2021.
2020 BMW X1
35200 dollars | Overall US News Ranking: 8.4 / 10
The BMW X1 is a great choice for a luxury compact SUV, with an affordable base price and many more features. It looks small and graceful – and it is – so you might be surprised at how spacious the interior is. This is the reason why it currently ranks top in its category. For 2020, the X1 gets an updated exterior design and a standard 8.8-inch infotainment screen. Each X1 receives a powerful turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
Other features include Apple CarPlay, navigation, and a rear view camera. BMW does not skimp on safety features – standard equipment includes forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, speed limit recognition, automatic high beams and front and rear parking sensors.
The 13 Best Luxury SUVs Under $40,000 in 2020
- 2020 Lexus NX Hybrid: $39,420 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.3/10
- 2020 Lexus Envision: $33,500 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.4/10
- 2020 Lexus NX: $36,870 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.4/10
- 2020 Lexus UX Hybrid: $34,500 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.5/10
- 2020 Cadillac XT4: $35,695 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.5/10
- 2020 Infiniti QX50: $37,250 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.5/10
- 2020 Lexus UX: $32,300 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.6/10
- 2020 BMW X2: $36,400 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.7/10
- 2020 Lincoln Corsair: $35,945 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.9/10
- 2020 Acura RDX: $37,800 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.1/10
- 2020 Volvo XC40: $33,700 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.3/10
- 2021 Audi Q3: $36,000 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.3/10
- 2020 BMW X1: $35,200 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.4/10
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