Best luxury SUVs 2026: The most comfortable and premium SUVs ranked
| Written by: Matt Robinson | Last updated: 9th March 2026 |
A stretched limo is no longer the choice for the world's well-heeled to get around. Today, the trip from the boardroom to the private jet is more likely to be taken in a luxury SUV.
Top picks at a glance
- Best overall: Range Rover
- Best EV: BMW iX
- Best for sheer opulence: Rolls-Royce Cullinan
- Best for performance: Ferrari Purosangue
- Best for fuel efficiency: Audi Q8
- See the full top 10
It's not hard to see why. These titans of the road offer an abundance of space, the latest tech and the opportunity to look down on those in their small SUVs and family hatchbacks. The interiors are finished to the highest quality using the finest materials, while the suspension will be configured to iron out even the roughest road surfaces.
If this sounds like your thing – and you've got the funds to support the running costs – check out our list of the best luxury SUVs you can buy right now. And perhaps grab a lottery ticket on your way home from work...
- Find out how we test luxury SUVs at HonestJohn.co.uk
1. Range Rover: best luxury SUV both on- and off-road
Why buy it
- Genuinely capable off-road, supremely comfortable on it
Why avoid it
- V8 versions' extraordinary appetite for unleaded
The Range Rover is the archetypal luxury 4x4. World-famous for its impeccable high standards, this sets the bar even higher than before. The iconic silhouette has a clean, modernist new look, while cutting-edge infotainment screens have been beautifully integrated into the open-plan, leather-lined cabin. It’s more of a boutique hotel than a luxury SUV. Diesel and petrol engines include a potent BMW V8 while the plug-in hybrid offers around 70 miles of silent, zero-emissions electric running.
One of the world’s most comfortable and refined vehicles to drive or be driven in, the Range Rover is the luxury SUV to beat. And it's set to get even better with the introduction of the long-awaited Range Rover Electric. Using an enormous 118kWh battery pack, the Rangie EV is expected to have a range of over 300 miles on a full charge, plus plenty of power to overcome its 2.8-tonne mass.
Despite being more luxurious than ever, the Range Rover hasn't forgotten how to do the mucky stuff away from the asphalt. All versions have a low-range gearbox and an electronically controlled locking differential, along with generous ground clearance and a whopping 900mm wading depth.
Real MPG v Official MPG
Away from the plug-in hybrids, Range Rovers have a reputation for being thirsty, especially in petrol-engined guises. Yet Honest John readers are finding the mild hybrid-assisted D350 diesel version is achieveing a Real MPG that's an impressive 97% of its 36.2mpg official figure.
Read our full Range Rover review.
2. Bentley Bentayga: best luxury SUV for a tailored finish
Why buy it
- Extensive Mulliner customisation programme to create your bespoke Bentayga
Why avoid it
- Not the luxury SUV to choose if you want to blend into the background
British brand Bentley shocked the world when it launched its first luxury SUV, the Bentayga. It was facelifted in 2020, giving it a fresher and more cohesive look but it’s still a car that’s more about brawn than beauty. Inside, the famous Bentley hand-crafted luxury abounds, with more modern materials available alongside the traditional wood veneer.
The range has changed quite a lot over time, with the diesel engine not even lasting two years and the W12 dropped in 2024. Don't be too sad about the latter, though, as the current twin-turbo V8-powered Bentayga Speed is actually a bit punchier than the old 12-cylinder unit, putting out an enormous 650PS. There's also a less powerful version of the V8, if preferred, plus a V6-based plug-in hybrid offering up to 28 miles of pure electric driving
If you don't see anything you like in the configurator, Bentley's Mulliner programme allows for the creation of highly bespoke versions of the Bentayga. You'll need very deep pockets and a willingness to spend a lot of money on something that's getting quite old now. Regardless, it's not retiring any time soon, with Bentley electing to facelift the car a second time rather than bringing out an all-new version.
Real MPG v Official MPG
While the discontinued 6.0-litre W12-engined Bentley Bentayga was exceptionally thirsty, Honest John readers who owned one reported a Real MPG of 85% of the official figure – still, that's only 18.8mpg...
Read our full Bentley Bentayga review.
3. Rolls-Royce Cullinan: best luxury SUV for opulence
Why buy it
- Unrivalled luxury fittings are limited only be the depth of your pockets
Why avoid it
- In dark colours it's easily mistaken for a taxi cab from behind
The Cullinan is another unmissable luxury SUV. With its massive upright grille, long bonnet and voluminous body, it couldn’t be anything other than a Rolls-Royce. The interior is similarly inspired by the Phantom luxury car, with gorgeous materials interspersed with jewel-like details. Fitting, given that the Cullinan gets its name from a diamond.
The seats are divine to sit in and there’s an abundance of space. Upper-class options are available too, from a champagne fridge to a couple of leather ‘Viewing Suite’ seats atop the drop-down tailgate. The creamy V12 engine delivers ample performance and is so smooth and quiet you will barely know it’s running.
The Cullinan Series II arrived in 2024. Despite what the name implies, this is a facelifted version of the existing car rather than an all-new effort, with the changes including a refreshed exterior and cabin improvements. The outside is set to remain as divisive as ever, but it's certainly a way to make a statement of wealth and status.
Real MPG v Official MPG
Officially, the Rolls-Royce Cullinan averages a best of 17.7mpg on the Combined cycle – we reckon if you can beat 15mpg in the real-world you can consider yourself to be winning.
Read our full Rolls-Royce Cullinan review.
4. Aston Martin DBX: best luxury SUV for 007 wannabes
Why buy it
- Class and performance with added practicality
Why avoid it
- No plug-in hybrid version to reduce running costs
The Aston Martin DBX is a head-turning luxury SUV from the sporting British brand. Aston’s first SUV, it is a striking and successful design, blending coupe curves and elegance with imposing height and presence. Because it is so large, it offers ample space inside, while the dashboard is inspired by a GT car, with exciting sweeps and a driver-focused feel.
The original 550PS V8 version was joined in 2022 by the mighty 707PS DBX707 flagship, which was the most powerful SUV in the world for a little while. The 707 proved hugely popular, at the expense of the 550PS model's sales, prompting Aston to drop the latter from the line-up.
You can still choose between two different DBX derivatives, though, because Aston Martin has subsequently launched an even fruitier version called the DBX S. It's slightly more powerful at 717PS, is 47kg lighter, and features a more focused suspension setup. Oh, and a big price tag – £210,000, which you can inflate drastically with options.
Real MPG v Official MPG
Neither version of the Aston Martin DBX can officially reach an average of 20mpg on the WLTP Combined cycle, but we think it's just about possible on a steady motorway run with restrained use of your right foot.
Read our full Aston Martin DBX review.
5. Mercedes-Maybach GLS: best luxury SUV for glitziness
Why buy it
- Best thought of as a Mercedes S-Class on stilts
Why avoid it
- First Class versions are woefully impractical
If the Mercedes GLS is the S-Class of SUVs, the Mercedes-Maybach GLS is its glamorous, ultra-exclusive luxury sibling: a car for when money is no object. The striking Maybach grille will turn heads, as will the polished metal exterior detailing, while everything inside has also been taken from the top drawer. You don’t have to suffer a three-person bench seat in the rear, either: choose two fully reclining captain’s chairs instead, complete with your own screens, tablet device and climate controls.
For maximum impact, go for the two-tone paint finish to really let the world know you’ve arrived. You'll pay a high price for this less-than-subtle look, though – the two-tone finishes are all £18k+. Bearing in mind the car costs the best part of £200k before you've added a single option, you can probably gather how expensive it can get.
There's only one engine available, the Mercedes-Maybach GLS600, which uses the company's tried and tested 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, here producing 557PS. It's a heavy thing, making it one of the slower options here with its 4.9-second 0-62mph time, but this car's all about making swift and relaxing progress, not trying to beat a VW Golf R off the line during the traffic light grand prix.
Real MPG v Official MPG
According to the official data, the Mercedes-Maybach GLS can average 20.5mpg. We reckon that's likely beatable on an unhurried motorway journey, but frequent application of the throttle will mean 18mpg or lower is more likely.
Read our full Mercedes GLS review.
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6. Porsche Cayenne: best luxury SUV for handling prowess
Why buy it
- One of the best-handling SUVs avalable
Why avoid it
- Nay-sayers will still tell you it's not a real Porsche
Sports car fans may not celebrate it, but the Cayenne has long been one of Porsche’s best-selling vehicles, delivering huge profits along the way. Now into its third generation, the standout draw for this luxury SUV has always been how it drives. It defies its tall stance and rugged SUV underpinnings with the sort of steering feel and handling balance car enthusiasts relish.
The engine line-up has incredible breadth, starting with a 353PS V6 and ending with the maddeningly fast Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid. Combining a twin-turbo V8 with a large battery and a powerful electric motor, it produces 739PS, enabling 0-62mph in just 3.7 seconds. On the flipside, it will cover 45 miles in pure EV mode, potentially saving its owners a lot of money. Providing they have sufficient self-control.
The hybrid gubbins can also be combined with the V6 and somewhere in the middle is perhaps the pick of the bunch, the V8-powered GTS, which puts even more emphasis on driving pleasure than the others. There is also the option of the new Cayenne Electric, but it shares little with the Cayenne other than the name.
Real MPG v Official MPG
Aside from the E-Hybrid versions, the entry-level Porsche Cayenne is the one to have for the least severe fuel consumption. Go easy with the accelerator and we reckon you should be on for a real-world 25mpg, if not a little more.
Read our full Porsche Cayenne review.
7. BMW X7: best luxury SUV for still being practical
Why buy it
- Spacious, comfortable and agile six- and seven-seater
Why avoid it
- Beauty's in the eye of the beholder... But that grille
Yes, the BMW X7 is another controversially styled BMW. With its enormous grille, there’s no missing it on the road and that’s before you consider just how large this bigger brother to the BMW X5 actually is. It can keep all its occupants entertained with bucketloads of technology, including the firm’s class-leading infotainment systems.
In 2022, BMW facelifted the car, but it didn't get any more subtle. If anything, it's even more divisive than before, with those big 'nostrils' now joined by a split headlight design also seen on the current BMW 7 Series. At the same time, the xDrive40i saw its power output increase from 340PS to 375PS. Not enough for you? The M60i punts out 530PS, which is enough for a 0-62mph time of just 4.7 seconds. Or if you'd rather save on fuel bills, there is still a diesel option in the form of the X7 40d.
So, it's luxurious, packed full of technology, potentially very fast and with a starting price close to £100,000, is reasuringly expensive. Much like a lot of the cars here. The X7 does have an ace up its sleeve, however, coming with seven seats as standard, or in a six-seater layout with two swanky 'captain's chairs' in the middle row.
Real MPG v Official MPG
Honest John readers are experiencing astonishingly positive fuel efficiency from their BMW X7s, particularly in mild hybrid-assisted xDrive40d guise – it has a Real MPG figure of 36.9mpg, which is 102% of the official claim.
Read our full BMW X7 review.
8. Audi Q8: best luxury SUV for real-world fuel economy
Why buy it
- Shares much in common with the Lamborghini Urus for less money
Why avoid it
- Brash, in-yer-face image isn't for everyone
The Audi Q8 is the coupe-styled sibling to the plush Audi Q7. We like it because it’s so outlandish. It never fails to turn heads, despite costing a healthy amount less than the car it’s related to beneath the surface: the Lamborghini Urus. It’s the closest to a sports GT you’ll get from a luxury SUV, but the top model of the Q range still seats four or even five in comfort, with the large boot you’d expect.
Audi build quality is second to none, it’s packed with technology, and the Q8 also offers quite a turn of speed, particularly in 600PS RS Q8 guise, later joined by a 640PS RS Q8 Performance. How does 0-62mph in just 3.6 seconds sound?
Away from the mighty RS models, there are two far less spicy engine options, but each will get the job done just fine. There's a 3.0-litre turbocharged petrol and a 3.0-litre diesel. The former is still usefully quick, completing 0-62mph in 5.6 seconds while the diesel isn't too far behind.
Real MPG v Official MPG
Despite its lustfully powerful petrol and diesel engines, Honest John readers who own Audi Q8s are finding them remarkably economical for a car of this size. How do Real MPG figures of 115% of the official claim sound for the 50 TDI version? The 55 TFSI is only just shy of that advantage at 114%, although that a less impressive 29.8mpg versus the diesel's real-world 37.6mpg.
Read our full Audi Q8 review.
9. BMW iX: best luxury SUV for making the electric switch
Why buy it
- Enormous driving range potential
Why avoid it
- Controversial styling is divisive
Even the most high-end cars are going electric and the iX is BMW’s top-level luxury SUV powered by a choice of large batteries. Several models are available with up to 659PS and over 300 miles of range. The looks are certainly stand-out, even if not to everyone’s taste, but there’s no arguing with the capacious and beautifully made interior, replete with sustainable materials.
It’s luxurious and resolutely modern in styling with one of the best infotainment systems on the market. Riding in it is a purely premium experience, with exceptional ride comfort and superb sound insulation. Oh, and it can tow up to 2500kg.
Much like the BMW X7, the iX's mid-life facelift hasn't addressed the controversial looks. Truth be told, you'll struggle to tell the new and old versions apart without someone pointing out the few tweaks that have been made. Of more importance are the improvements under the metal, with the iX gaining additional performance and more range.
BMW iX Real EV Range
Of the current BMW iX line-up it's the xDrive60 which has the longest official driving range – according to the WLTP Combined cycle you could be looking at up to 426 miles. How does taht translate to real-world use? Providing you're not maximising its performance, 350 miles should be easily managed in the winter, with 400 miles possible in the mildest months.
Read our full BMW iX review.
10. Ferrari Purosangue: best luxury SUV for performance
Why buy it
- It's a Ferrari. And it's a Ferrari. Did we mention it's a Ferrari?
Why avoid it
- The least practical of this top 10 – and deliberately so
For years, Ferrari was adamant that it would never make a luxury SUV. "It’s not in our DNA," said the then-boss back in 2016. But times and management change and now Ferrari’s first SUV is out in the world, even if the company doesn’t like to use the word ‘SUV’. As far as it's considered, what you're looking at here is a 'Ferrari Utility Vehicle'. Right.
The Ferrari Purosangue is a four-door, four-wheel-drive sports car with a high ride height – rather like an SUV, in other words. It has a very un-SUV-like engine, though, in the form of a 6.5-litre, naturally aspirated V12 that produces 725PS and revs beyond 8000rpm.
It's manically fast, covering the 0-62mph sprint in 3.3 seconds, but the performance stats only tell half the story. Under the skin, there's a series of motors linked to the dampers that can apply up to 6000Nm of force at each corner, all in the name of keeping the Purosangue level in the corners without having to make it uncomfortably firm. Quite the trick.
Will it go off-road? Ferrari says yes, but it’s not really designed for that. It’s a Ferrari, after all.
Real MPG v Official MPG
Officially, the Ferrari Purosangue will average a best of 16.3mpg – frankly, if you regularly achieve better than that, we'd suggest you're not driving it properly.
Read more about the Ferrari Purosangue.
How we test cars: the luxury SUV method
The only way we know how to test cars here at Honest John is 'beyond thoroughly'. Our writers' knowledge and expertise hasn't been acquired by hours of online browsing and configurator playing – we get under the skin of all cars to understand exactly what each one's about, giving us unparalleled knowledge to distinguise the okay from the excellent. To determine the 10 best luxury SUVs for 2026, our expert editorial team has:
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Driven over 10,000 miles: From motorways to narrow urban thoroughfares, with all manner of A- and B-roads in between, we see how each performs and the best — and worst — of the nation's highways.
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Prodded and parked: Many of these gargantuan beasts look tricky to park, especially in multi-storey car parks – so we test whether or not they have on-board tech to make the job easier. We also see how practical they are for school runs and jaunts to the golf club. Plus, in cars such as these which are designed to be driven in as well as driven, we explore what the palatial back seats offer.
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Real MPG Data: Unlike other car websites, we combine our tests with thousands of reader-supplied fuel economy results compiled in our unique Real MPG database. Official test figures are one thing, those from the real world are quite another.
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Owner Feedback: Owners' reliability ratings from the Honest John Satisfaction Index into our reviews so that you can easily find out whether the car you planned to buy is likely to behave or be a pain.
Our reviews are 100% independent. We don't take money from car manufacturers to influence our rankings. Our only priority is helping you find the right car.
Frequently asked questions about luxury SUVs
Are luxury SUVs good for off-roading?
The original luxury SUV, the Range Rover, was created firstly as a working vehicle – just one that was a bit less basic than the classic Land Rover. Over the years, it has progressively become ever more luxurious but its core abilities have always remained: there are few more able 4x4s. While other luxury SUVs, in general, are not quite as capable, they are all good for a spot of mild off-roading. A muddy field should hold no fears.
Can you get an electric luxury SUV?
Luxury SUVs are generally large and imposing machines that historically weren’t available in fully electric guise. But things are changing fast. You can now choose a plug-in hybrid version of the latest Range Rover, for example and a pure electric model is nearly here. The BMW iX is purely electric and there's an EV version of the Porsche Cayenne. Rolls-Royce has already committed to a pure electric future.
Which SUV has the most luxurious interior?
At this level, any luxury SUV has an interior that will make you feel pampered. But it’s at the really high end that things get extra-special. The Rolls-Royce Cullinan, for example, offers a tailor-made interior customised to your exact specification, while the choice of hand-crafted materials you can choose from when configuring a Bentley Bentayga is incredible. The Mercedes-Maybach GLS offers features you’d normally associate with a private jet.
