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2025 Car Mileage with the Best Gas MileageMost Reliable Luxury Compact SUVs Under $30,000
Reliability and luxury didn’t always go hand in hand but these ten compact luxury SUVs can go the distance and then some.
The Best of All Worlds
Not too long ago the idea of a reliable luxury car was somewhat unheard of. Short of just a brand or two known for that combination, it’s largely been impossible to find such a vehicle. Thanks to many modern advancements we’ve pinpointed ten compact luxury SUVs that have a record of reliability. Unless otherwise noted, each one is available with less than 30,000 miles and with only a few years of use. That means they’ve got a long life ahead while providing supreme comfort, class, and quiet for their owners’. Here’s our top ten reliable luxury compact SUVs.
Cadillac XT5 – 2019
The 2019 Cadillac XT5 places a heavy focus on everyday comfort and luxury. It’s a smooth cruiser with a decent 3.6-liter V6 and the buyers choice of front or all-wheel drive. That’s actually preferable to the current version which often uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that disappoints compared to the V6. The handling is only ok though and that’s upsetting since it isn’t pillowy soft either. Nevertheless, we really like the everyday balance Cadillac offers in the XT5. It’s a jack of all trades and a master of none.
Infiniti QX50 – 2020
The QX50 isn’t particularly advanced or special compared to most of the SUVs here but it’s full of luxury touches. It features a powertrain that’s unique and seemingly reliable over the short time it’s been available. Every model comes with a variable-compression turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 268 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. That power is fed to the front or all four wheels through a continuously variable transmission. While the drivetrain is loud the cabin is full of luxury touches like a faux suede headliner, quilted leather upholstery, and real wood trim.
Acura RDX – 2020
That same attitude is largely how we feel about the 2020 Acura RDX despite the fact that it leans into the sport side of things a bit more heavily. Similarly to the Cadillac, it comes with front-wheel drive but can be optioned with all-wheel drive. Under the hood is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 272 hp and a ten-speed automatic transmission. This SUV was updated heavily for 2019 so it’s fresh inside with modern design touches, sleek switchgear, and luxurious leather.
Lincoln Corsair – 2020
2020 marked the beginning of production for the Corsair which is basically a luxuried-up Ford Escape. That’s not as bad of a thing as it might sound like as the Corsair gets either a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 250 hp or a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 280 hp. Neither is particularly sporty but both feel powerful enough for the segment. The interior looks fantastic too with rich upholstery, an elegant dash, and a smooth infotainment system. Notably, the Corsair scored five stars in NHTSA crash testing.
BMW X3 – 2018
Before some of you keyboard warriors start complaining that we put a BMW on a list about reliability, keep in mind that the brand managed third place in Consumer Reports reliability rankings. That’s third amongst all brands, not just luxury ones. With that out of the way let us tell you about how great the BMW X3 is. Among the SUVs we’ve already discussed it’s the best driver’s car of the bunch. You’ll have to look at a slightly older model, circa 2018 most likely but don’t be dismayed. It’s worth it as the X3 offers a great 2.0-liter base engine, an awesome 3.0-liter inline-six above that, and generous luxury, handling, and cargo space regardless of which trim you choose.
Volvo XC60 – 2019
The Volvo XC60 stands out mostly for its design and quality. Those in the market for a reliable compact luxury SUV do well to look at it if they prefer going against the grain. The XC60 isn’t focused on performance but offers three separate powertrains and the choice of front or all-wheel drive. It’s also not a super-luxurious SUV but it’s full of beautiful finishes, soft-touch surfaces, and unique quirks. That makes it feel inherently special. It’s also equipped with a slick infotainment system, decent cargo space, and good fuel economy figures.
Lexus RX – 2017
We couldn’t avoid adding the Lexus RX to this list despite the fact that you’ll have to accept a couple of drawbacks. Namely, it’s tough to find one any newer than 2017 under our budget unless you’re willing to deal with high mileage. From that year expect to drive away with about 50,000 miles on the odometer but remember this, you’re in the vehicle that set the bar for luxury SUVs. Both available powertrains come with about 300 hp and each is smooth. This is the first year where Lexus included its full safety suite too. It’s still a homerun so long as it’s been well maintained.
Audi Q5 – 2019
Under the hood of the 2019 Audi Q5 is a 252 hp inline-four cylinder engine that’s downright quick. In fact, thanks to the standard all-wheel drive system, it’s nearly as fast as a Porsche Macan. Don’t worry either, despite its relation to the notoriously unreliable brand Volkswagen, Audi ranks in the top ten in reliability among all brands. The cabin also inherits many of the features one would find in the aforementioned Porsche like the digital gauge cluster and high-quality switchgear. The only real downside of the Q5 is that it’s not particularly spacious behind the second row so don’t expect to fit a ton of cargo back there.
Porsche Macan – 2017
The ultimate luxury compact SUV is the Porsche Macan and it’s every bit as reliable as the rest of Porsche’s legendary lineup. 2017 served as the first year for the model but we still think it’s worthy of consideration as it perfectly blends sportiness, luxury, and reliability. It comes with the same 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine found in the Audi Q5 but is also available with a twin-turbocharged V6. Both engines mate to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel drive. While most would assume that the Macan is a rough and rigid rider they couldn’t be further from the truth. It’s capable of both carving canyons and cushioning creatures.
Lexus NX – 2020
Let’s say you love the RX but need something that’s a bit newer than 2017. The 2020 Lexus NX is available under budget with lower mileage. Yes, it verges on the subcompact / compact sizing line but we think it’s worthy of consideration as it offers 235 hp, a six-speed automatic transmission, and the choice of front or all-wheel drive. A hybrid version is also available and regardless of trim you’ll get a luxurious interior and serious reliability. For example, the rear seats are reclinable and even power-adjustable depending on trim.
