Best Luxury SUVs Under $60,000 in the US: Which SUV Should You Choose?

Introduction

Entering the luxury SUV market may seem like a daunting venture. There is seemingly a never-ending list of possible choices and all of them have impressive features and very cool designs, so how can you discover the one that best fits the three characteristics of prestige, performance, and price?

 The sweet spot of many buyers is just below the 60,000 range- a range that would provide an incredible quality yet would not require an investment in the six-figure range.

This manual is designed to attract sophisticated customers in the US who are on the hunt to buy the best luxury SUVs at less than 60000 dollars. We know how difficult it is to make sense out of the technical terms and the advertisement statements to get a vehicle that suits you. 

The Luxury SUV Market Today

The luxury SUV market is still on the rise, with consumers wanting vehicles with a combination of usefulness, comfort, and high features. Contemporary consumers demand not only a high-quality badge but also a car that provides them with a better driving experience, advanced safety, and uninterrupted connectivity.

The incorporation of modern technology is one of the most important trends. Super-sized touchscreens, digital instrument clusters, and the complete dashboard driver-assistance systems have become the norms. Moreover, the demand for more fuel-efficient powertrains is increasing, and hybrid and plug-in hybrids are becoming common even in the luxury segment. 

Key Criteria for Evaluating Luxury SUVs

With luxury cars, this is not to be done by looking at the sticker price. We have weighed the finest models based on a framework of guidelines that we believe is a comprehensive method of informing you of what is truly important.

• Performance: This is the engine power, acceleration, handling and the driving dynamics. A great luxury SUV should be strong and well-built simultaneously.
• Comfort and Interior Quality: We assess the comfort of seats, noise, material quality and interior design that the cabin was made of. Cabin to be a retreat, either a day-trip or a journey.
• Technology: This is the infotainment system, connectivity (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) and other convenience features. The technology should be easy to operate and enhance relevance in driving.
• Safety: We check the crash-test results of such organizations as NHTSA and IIHS, standard, and available advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).
• Fuel Economy: This is one of the aspects that apply to the cost of ownership in the long run. The EPA’s estimates of driving in the city and highway are discussed.
• Reliability and Long-Term Value: A Luxury car is a gigantic investment. We perceive brand name as a parameter of reliability, warranty, and a possible resale as a parameter of the long-term ownership costs.

Top Luxury SUVs Under $60,000

This is our in-depth overview of the five best luxury SUVs that one can purchase below 60,000. We will deconstruct what each of them is unique about and what kind of audience they can suit.

1. Acura MDX: The Family-Deal Performer.

The Acura MDX has been a family favourite since it was launched as an affordable 3-row SUV, but maintaining a premium standard. It balances functionality and sportiness, driving experience very well, and thus a good option in this segment.

Handling is the outstanding characteristic of the MDX. In the case of the MDX with Acura having the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), the car provides unbelievable grip and maneuverability, making it appear much smaller and agile than the size of the vehicle.

 The interior is wide and well-equipped with three rows of seats and high-quality materials in the whole interior. The basic AcuraWatch package is an all-encompassing package of safety features that ensures confidence in the journey of a family.

Pros:

• Superb handling and driving, particularly SH-AWD.
• Large three-row seating is suitable in a family.
• Extensive standard safety systems.

Cons:

• An infotainment system is not always easy to operate on-the-road.
• The fuel economy is average in the class.

Best in: Families who need the three row of seating but do not wish to lose out the exciting driving experience.

2. Lexus NX: The Efficient and Refined Cruiser

The Lexus NX is difficult to compete with buyers who are more interested in fuel efficiency, reliability and a serene driving experience. The NX is the leader in mpg with a variety of powertrains, such as a highly efficient hybrid (NX 350h) and a plug-in hybrid (NX 450h+).

The NX features a well-designed interior that has high-quality materials and a modern and user-friendly design centered on a big touchscreen. The ride is also incredibly smooth and silent, and it seals occupants off the bumps of the bumps.

 The image of Lexus as being incredibly dependable and reselling well is another factor that makes it attractive as an intelligent investment in the long run. The Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 is a standard that has impressive driver aids.

Pros:

• Huge fuel efficiency of hybrid and PHEV vehicles.
• Comfy, quiet, and luxurious interior.
• High quality and high resale price.

Cons:

• Not as interesting to drive as other competitors.
• Cargo capacity is smaller in this class as compared to others.

Best to: The environmentally aware drivers and commuters who prioritize comfort and refinement and have a long-term ownership plan.

3. Volvo XC60: The Scandinavian Sanctuary

Volvo XC60 is a masterpiece of contemporary minimalistic design. The sophisticated look and perfectly designed interior bring it out as a serene and classy space. High-quality materials such as wood trim and soft leather are used to decorate the cabin, whereas the seats are known to be exceptionally comfortable during long drives.

Safety is, as usual with Volvo, a main priority. XC60 is also equipped with state-of-the-art safety technology, such as the Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driving system offered by Volvo. Another fun feature is the infotainment system powered by Google, which allows easy integration with Google Maps and Google Assistant to issue voice commands in an easy and convenient way. 

Pros:

• Tremendous Scandinavian style, both interior and exterior.
• Safety and comfortable seats that are industry-leading.
• An entertainment system based on Google, which is user-friendly.

Cons:

• The dynamics of driving are more comfortable than sporty.
• Most controls are highly susceptible to touchscreen.

Best: Buyers who would like to be safe, comfortable and have a minimalist style of dress.

4. BMW X3: The Ultimate Driving Machine of SUVs

The X3 has been the model that has been the standard of performance in the compact luxury SUV market segment. It enables the brand to provide the unique driving sensations with masterful handling, quick steering, and various strong engine choices. The four-cylinder base is also lively, and the inline-six that is available gives it snappy acceleration.

The interior of the X3 is driver-centric and has a rational design, high-quality materials, and comfortable sport seats. It is equipped with the iDrive infotainment system which is among the best in the business, as it offers high-quality graphics with simple navigation using touchscreen, rotary controller or voice recognition. 

Pros:

• Handling and performance that is best in the class.
• Strong and effective engine choices.
• High-quality infotainment system and functional interior.

Cons:

• Has become costly with alternatives.
• Other competitors provide standard saf.
• ety tech.

Best for: Driving enthusiasts who need the practicality of an SUV but refuse to compromise on performance.

5. Cadillac XT5: The American Standard for Comfort

The Cadillac XT5 has a very American interpretation of the luxury vehicle, with its focus on the soft, comfortable ride and the spacious and quiet interior. It is great at taking out the bumps and other road imperfections and it is among the most comfortable cruise bikes in the category.

The cabin of the XT5 is spacious, particularly to the back-seat occupants and the cargo area is expansive. Its design is contemporary and it is done using quality materials giving it a high-end feel. The infotainment system is simple and user-friendly, and the standard features available are many and offer a lot of value to the price.

Pros:

• Very comfortable and silent ride.
• Huge interior and lots of legroom in back seat.
• Extra wide range of standard features.

Cons:

• Favors the sporty driving feel of the competitors.
• The quality of interior materials is not as high as some competitors.

Ideal use: Buyers who would like a comfortable, spacious, and well-furnished SUV that would allow them to make leisurely cruise and commute to work.

Luxury SUV Comparison

Finding the Right SUV for You

When it comes to choosing the most appropriate luxury SUV that is not more than 60,000 dollars, it is all about your own priorities. These are all fine cars that serve different classes of drivers.

The Acura MDX is an excellent vehicle in case you need a vehicle with a larger body yet it should be thrilling to drive. To the people who value their fuel consumption, low cost of owning a vehicle and a quiet ride to work, the Lexus NX is the obvious choice.

 In the event your preferences are based on the advanced design, unparalleled safety, and the highest comfort, the Volvo XC60 will seem to be your place of shelter on wheels. The BMW X3 presents an unrivaled performance experience to the driving enthusiast who must have an SUV utility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the best luxury SUV with a fuel economy of less than 60,000?

A: Normally the Lexus NX hybrid (NX 350h) and plug-in hybrid (NX 450h+) models have the best fuel economy in this category. The hybrid model has a whopping EPA-estimated 39 MPG, combined, and thus is a leader to drivers in need of cost savings at the pump.

Q: Which is the most reliable SUV among the reviews of the owners?

A: According to long-term Lexus and Acura are always rated highest when it comes to reliability, according to sources such as J.D. Power and Consumer Reports. Lexus NX and Acura MDX are also solid long-term investments due to their durability and cheaper-than-average maintenance expenses.

Q: What SUV would give the greatest cargo space?

A: The Acura MDX will win in terms of maximum utility. Being the only three-row SUV in this list, it has the greatest overall cargo capacity with the second and third rows folded down (up to 95 cubic feet). In five-seat models, the Cadillac XT5 and the BMW X3 have very competitive cargo holds.