Comfort, style, practicality and power: our list of the best luxury SUVs of 2021 offers the ultimate luxury experience on wheels.

Consumers expect a lot from today’s top-rated SUVs. 

The luxury SUV market is exploding in 2021, and even the most traditional luxury automakers are getting in on the fun. Just take a look at what Ferrari and Aston Martin are launching for the segment.

Most luxury car brands now also offer hybrid and all-electric models. These EV SUVs promise a lot of speed and fun in a greener package.

But that’s not all! From enhanced safety ratings to semi-autonomous driving features, we’ll see in our rankings that innovation continues to drive the SUV market.

Ready to buy your next luxury SUV? We’re reviewing the best premium SUVs of 2021 to help you find the right one for you.

1. Porsche Macan: better handling:

Driving an SUV can sometimes feel heavy and laborious, especially on small, windy roads. That’s when the 2021 Porsche Macan shines. It has specs to impress, brushed aluminum trim, Alcantara interiors and a high-tech cabin (with features like surround sound, wireless charging pads for smartphones, cameras for semi-autonomous driving functions and heated windshields). If you want a car that feels like it’s made for easy, smart use, this is the car to buy.

0-60 mph / 0-100 kph in 4.7 seconds, mobile wifi and (all new in 2021) integrated Apple CarPlay: the new Porsche Macan makes it easy to enjoy your time on wheels, whether you’re co-driving or driving.

The Porsche Macan boasts a top speed of 260 km / h.

 

2. Cadillac Escalade: more cargo space:

As the fifth generation of the very popular model, the 2021 Cadillac Escalade offers many features of the beloved car everyone knows well, but with all-new elements of technology, style and luxury.

This year’s Escalade comes with two engine options: a 6.2L V-8 and a turbo-diesel inline six-cylinder. However, there’s no wrong choice: both versions will be powerful, both versions will have a stylish assembly and all the infotainment options you could want.

For 2021, there has also been a complete redesign for the Escalade. Now, this quintessential SUV has a more independent rear suspension, the latest in interior technology and much better styling. With semi-aniline leather, 16-way adjustable seats (with massage!), a 36-speaker audio system and semi-autonomous driving features, this car is the smartest Escalade we’ve seen yet.

However, its real selling point is its cargo space. No matter where you go, you’ll be able to carry everything you need with you in the Escalade, with its long-wheelbase model offering the most cargo space we’ve ever seen in an SUV.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph / 0 to 100 km / h in 5.9 seconds; it can reach a top speed of 193 kph / 120 mph.

 

3. Lamborghini Urus: sportier SUV:

The ‘S’ in SUV stands for sport, giving modern SUVs the challenge of integrating practical functions and adventurous autonomy in a multi-purpose vehicle. Lamborghini decided to look to its past to meet this modern car: decades ago, the historic brand introduced an SUV made for the military, the Lamborghini LM002.

Today, with a very reminiscent styling, the Lamborghini Urus brings a similar spirit with modern technological features and dazzling power. The Urus has a 4.0L twin-turbo V8 engine powering it, giving it enough power to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph / 0 to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds.

The massive wheel arches help this car navigate off-road with great skill; the interior of this Lamborghini makes it feel like the high-end car that it is. The cabin is filled with inlaid wood, Alcantara, full grain leather and other gorgeous luxury options.

The Lamborghini Urus can reach a top speed of 190 mph, or 305 kilometers per hour.

 

4. Rolls-Royce Cullinan:

Most expensive SUV: The Rolls-Royce Cullinan persists as our most expensive SUV of the year. As Rolls-Royce’s entry into the SUV market, it is undoubtedly one of the most luxurious and comfortable SUVs we have seen and tested.

The Cullinan features soft-close doors, electrically adjustable headrests, a power tailgate, fully bespoke wheels and offers the opportunity to tailor the cabin to the driver’s precise specifications. It can be fitted in any color, the trim can be your choice and no expense has been spared to make passenger comfort out of this world. It also deserves a place on our list of the most expensive cars of the year!

It can also drive: the Cullinan has a top speed of 155 mph / 249 kph, and can accelerate from 0-60 mph / 0-100 kph in 4.8 seconds.

5. Mercedes-Benz GLE:

Best Overall Luxury SUV: Our award for best overall SUV goes to another Mercedes-Benz: the all-time popular GLE. It has been redesigned as a hybrid for 2021 and is set to shape the future of sustainable SUVs.

This SUV features a six-cylinder engine, Mercedes-Benz’s EQ Boost system and an advanced suspension. That means it will deliver a smooth ride and get you where you need to go fairly quickly; the GLE has a top speed of 280 km/h / 174 mph, and can accelerate from 0-100 km/h / 0-60 mph in 7.1 seconds.

This eco-friendly SUV also has a spacious interior with large infotainment modules and controls that make it handle extremely well. It is available in its standard GLE version but also in GLE Coupe. All in all, this is the best SUV of 2021 for most people, and it is certainly our pick overall.