There’s no denying that the SUV craze has generated a wide variety of model types that can ideally suit the tastes of any driver. This vehicle class has undoubtedly come a long way, from the days of off-road-efficient box-shaped models to ones focused on providing family-friendly transportation lush with comfort and convenience amenities. Today, we even have electrified versions and ones exclusively made for rough roads.
One sub-category of SUVs that most people find enticing is the sophisticated SUV that’s tailored for those who like to indulge in the finer things in life. These SUVs are always worth a second look—luxury models—and finding one for a fair price can be far easier than you might think, especially if you look at used SUVs for sale. After all, don’t you deserve the best? Put your feelers out for any of the following models, and you can get a high-class luxury SUV for a price far better than a lesser model costs new.
The 2020 Lincoln Nautilus
Named for the ship commanded by Captain Nemo in “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea,” the Lincoln Nautilus might not be able to take you beneath the waves, but it can exceed your expectations on the road when it comes to luxury. Much like many of its predecessors, the Nautilus benefits from an interior that’s heavy on refinement and sophistication. Leather upholstery with ambient lighting suits any driver’s needs, and two powertrain options are available for drivers looking to prioritize performance or fuel economy.
The standard powertrain consists of a 2.0L four-cylinder engine that miraculously offers 250 hp, which is impressive considering the average specs of similar engines in other SUVs. Not only is the four-cylinder admirable in the realms of performance, but it also provides decent fuel economy for a vehicle of its size, with 21 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway for a combined 23 MPG. Of course, for those who have a lead and want to raise the stakes of speed, you can find a model with a V6 that gets you 335 hp. The Nautilus also features multiple driving modes to offer you the ideal experience behind the wheel.
The 2021 Audi Q3
As a brand, Audi has always been a proper representation of why German engineering is so impressive and always on the cutting edge. Drivers who are looking to grasp a hold of luxury without breaking the bank will be pleased with the Q3, Audi’s compact piece of machinery that delivers both luxury and performance and is sure to impress anyone with a penchant for the finer things in life.
Much like similar offerings from Mazda and Subaru, the Audi Q3 comes standard with AWD, allowing it to hug the road and defy any unpleasant weather conditions that Mother Nature might throw your way. An available 228 hp makes the Q3 a potent ride, which is assisted by an eight-speed automatic transmission for smooth travel.
2021 was a notable year for the Q3 as it made some noteworthy improvements to the interior. A fully digital splay that lines up with the steering wheel design is one remarkable feature that we enjoyed, not to mention an available 10.1-inch touchscreen that provides access to all of the entertainment options, which includes an available 680-watt stereo system with fifteen speakers. Heated seats with leather upholstery and lumbar support are standard, which accentuates the level of luxury that Audi has always been known for.
The 2018 Cadillac XT5
Of course, it’s impossible to discuss luxury vehicles and leave Cadillac out of the conversation. Long revered as the pinnacle of sophistication, one look at this brand’s iconic logo and you’ll know you’re dealing with showmanship and style on an operatic level.
The 2018 XT5 is a marriage of opposites that have become commonplace with Cadillac. Borrowing the size of many of their modern sedans with some of the notable attributes of the Escalade, the XT5 carries on the brand’s reputation for performance with a 3.6L V6 that propels the vehicle forward with 310 hp.
This vehicle’s lush interior matches its power, providing drivers with everything they could ask for. The two-toned leather upholstery and chrome gear shifter are a sight for the eyes, and the available fourteen-speaker stereo system is a sure treat for audiophiles. Not to worry, though, if you can’t find one with the fourteen speakers because even the base trims have an eight-speaker setup from the experts at Bose Audio to encapsulate you in a wall of sound.
The 2022 Jaguar E-Pace
Once again, we’re traveling across the Atlantic to scope out some premier European luxury—this time, in England. The Jaguar E-Pace is one of the more affordable offerings from a brand synonymous with luxury and sophistication. The E-Pace comes with AWD on all trims, and there are two available powertrains: a four-cylinder that pushes out 246 hp, and a mild-hybrid setup that raises the power output to 296 hp. Both are paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission for premium performance that hugs the road and shifts seamlessly.
As one could expect from Jaguar, the interior of the E-Pace has a unique design that enthralls anyone behind the wheel. Quilted leather seats with 18 different positions make for a comfortable experience that can be ideally tailored to your immediate wants. Like many vehicles, the interior is centered by the infotainment screen, but the layout is nearly perfectly symmetrical, with the gear shifter in the middle of the center console.
For tech-savvy drivers in the mood for something different than the typical offerings of most domestic counterparts, Jaguar has some unique items that would certainly be enough to satisfy even James Bond. An 11.4-inch touchscreen resides in the center of the dash and is equipped with Jaguar’s Pivi software, which includes compatibility with Apple and Android products. Available features bound to excite include a high-end Meridian sound system, built-in navigation, and 12-volt outlets to power additional devices.
Two Things to Consider When Shopping for a Used Luxury SUV
First, consider depreciation. All vehicles decline in value over time—an inevitable process. However, you have a chance to make this work in your favor, as some luxury brands depreciate much quicker than others. This means you might be able to snag one for a low price. As long as a luxury vehicle has been adequately maintained, it can last very long. Consulting a publication such as Kelley Blue Book can give you a ballpark estimate of what you might be paying.
Second, consider potential repairs. All luxury vehicles are built to offer drivers the finer things in life. Some require specific parts on the pricier side of the spectrum, so keep this in mind when considering a brand. No matter where you might be purchasing your vehicle, ask for a CARFAX report to ensure every already known issue is up to date.
Happy Hunting!
The marketplace for luxury SUVs is expansive, and the ones we listed here today are just the tip of the iceberg in terms of quality and sophistication. Getting behind the wheel of one can be a thrilling experience, and once you get a taste of the finer things in life, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make the switch sooner.
