Despite the lofty purchase prices involved, the premium midsize crossover class is a thriving category with a number of popular contenders. All starting prices are above $40,000, and some hover in the $50K range. Several top $100,000 in their fanciest form.
But the lower-cost models, at least, offer quite a bit for the money, and aren’t significantly pricier than “regular” midsize crossovers when similarly equipped. And it’s easy to justify any extra expense through a combination of ritzier interior materials, a higher level of available features, and a more prestigious nameplate.
All vehicles in this class are 4-door wagons except the BMW X6, Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe, and Porsche Cayenne Coupe, which have hatchback-like sloping rear rooflines. All premium midsize SUVs offer all-wheel drive—and on a few, it’s the only way they come—and the rest are about evenly split between front-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive being standard.
HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2022
The Acura MDX and Infiniti QX60 are both redesigned after skipping the 2021 model year. The MDX rides an all-new, slightly larger platform and wears sleek new styling and upgraded interior materials. New features include a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen controlled by Acura’s True Touchpad interface, and a 10-speed automatic transmission in place of the previous 9-speed. The QX60 shares its basic underpinnings with the Nissan Pathfinder, which is also redesigned for 2022. The new QX60 gets crisp new styling, a much more luxurious cabin with several new technology features, and a 9-speed automatic transmission in place of the previous continuously variable transmission (CVT).
The BMW X5 gets a specially trimmed Black Vermillion Edition, and the fastback-roof X6 loses its rear-wheel-drive 6-cylinder model—AWD is now standard. The Buick Enclave is refreshed via an exterior styling facelift, a push-button shifter instead of a conventional lever, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, and more standard driver-assist features. The Land Rover Range Rover Sport loses its available plug-in-hybrid and diesel powertrains. The Lexus GX 460 gets a 10.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, as well as a specially trimmed Black Line Special Edition model. The Maserati Levante lineup gets a trim-level revamp, as well as slight horsepower bumps for its V6 engines. The Porsche Cayenne Coupe adds a Turbo GT model with a 631-hp twin-turbo V8, specially tuned chassis, and unique trim inside and out. A redesigned version of the Volvo XC90 is expected to debut in the near future.
MODELS THAT OFFER SOMETHING UNUSUAL
Although fuel economy isn’t typically a primary concern for vehicles in this price range, the class includes a few hybrids. Hybrid versions are offered in the BMW X5, Lexus RX, Lincoln Aviator, Porsche Cayenne, and Volvo XC90. All but the Lexus are plug-in hybrids, and those plug-ins are powerful machines that favor performance as much as fuel efficiency—they all have nearly 400 horsepower or more.
Beyond that, several models come in high-performance trim. The BMW X5 M and X6 M offer a turbocharged V8 with up to 617 hp. The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is available in AMG 63 S form with 603 horsepower. The Range Rover Sport is available with a 518- or 575-horsepower supercharged V8. The Maserati Levante Modena S has a 550-hp turbo 3.8-liter V8, and the Trofeo version has 580 hp. The Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid pairs a turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 with a plug-in-hybrid system for a total of 671 horsepower.
Vehicles in the Premium Midsize Crossover/SUV class:
Acura MDX
BMW X5
BMW X6
Buick Enclave
Cadillac XT5
Cadillac XT6
Genesis GV80
Infiniti QX60
Land Rover Discovery
Land Rover Range Rover Sport
Lexus GX 460
Lexus RX
Lincoln Aviator
Lincoln Nautilus
Maserati Levante
Mercedes-Benz G-Class
Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
Porsche Cayenne
Volvo XC90
