Luxury midsize SUVs sit in a crowded part of the market, where price tags climb quickly and brand prestige often drowns out practical differences. Kelley Blue Book’s experts score each model on a five-point scale, which makes the field easier to compare. Here are thirteen luxury midsize SUVs from the ranking, ordered from the lowest score to the highest.
The tech news worth your time: 400,000+ professionals from Google, Apple and OpenAI read Techpresso, a daily email with the most interesting tech news and insights.
We may earn a commission if you sign up.
1. Porsche Cayenne: Priciest Of The Bottom Tier
The 2025 Porsche Cayenne ties for last place in KBB’s luxury midsize ranking at 4.2 out of 5, even though its starting price is $86,695. That makes it the most expensive entry among the lowest-scoring group. The KBB review of the Cayenne still puts it within a narrow band of the field.
The gap between the Cayenne and the leaders is only six tenths of a point, so the score is not a verdict against it. Buyers who want a sporty driving feel may weigh that above the rating, while shoppers focused on value will notice how much the badge adds to the bill.
2. Lincoln Nautilus: Hybrid Power For Less
KBB’s experts give the hybrid-powered 2026 Lincoln Nautilus a rating of 4.2 out of 5, with pricing that starts at $55,990. It shares the bottom tier of the list with several rivals, yet it costs far less than the Cayenne at the same score. See the KBB page for the Nautilus for the full breakdown.
For owners, the hybrid drivetrain is the practical angle, since it points to lower fuel spending in everyday use. A low sticker for the class makes it a reasonable pick for anyone cross-shopping luxury brands on a tighter budget.
3. Lincoln Aviator: Three Rows Of Comfort
The 2026 Lincoln Aviator is a three-row SUV that lands at 4.2 out of 5 in KBB’s ranking, starting at $58,605. Like the smaller Nautilus, it sits in the lowest scoring group. KBB’s 2026 Aviator listing gives the details behind that number.
Families that need a third row will find fewer luxury choices than in two-row segments, which is part of the Aviator’s appeal. The rating suggests shoppers should test-drive it against the higher scorers before signing anything.
4. Audi Q8: Big Coupe-Style Presence
The 2025 Audi Q8 rates 4.2 out of 5 in KBB’s luxury midsize list, with a starting price of $75,695. That puts it among the lowest-rated models, while costing noticeably more than most of them. The KBB entry for the Q8 lays out how the experts scored it.
Its price sits well above the Audi Q7 that scored higher, so buyers are paying for styling and exclusivity rather than a better rating. Anyone drawn to the Q8 should compare it directly with the Q7 before deciding.
5. Lexus TX: Family-Friendly Luxury
The 2026 Lexus TX scores 4.3 out of 5 and is described by KBB as “one of the most family-friendly midsize luxury SUVs,” with a starting price of $57,890. That quote is the clearest summary of its role on the list. Read the KBB write-up on the TX for the reasoning.
For households that carry kids and cargo, a family-focused label matters more than raw performance figures. Its price falls in the middle of the field, which makes it a straightforward alternative to the pricier European three-row options.
6. Volvo XC60: Cheapest Ticket In Class
The 2025 Volvo XC60 earns 4.4 out of 5 and is the least expensive SUV on the list, starting at $48,345. A score that high at that price is an unusual pairing among luxury models. The KBB page for the XC60 supports both figures.
Shoppers who want a premium badge without a premium bill have an obvious candidate here. It also shows that the highest prices in this class do not guarantee the highest scores.
7. Mercedes-Benz GLE: Stuttgart’s Star SUV
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE scores 4.4 out of 5 in KBB’s ranking, with a starting price of $63,500. That places it in the middle of the thirteen models. Details appear on the KBB listing for the GLE for the current model year.
The GLE has long been a mainstream choice in the segment, and its score reflects solid, consistent marks rather than a standout. Buyers may find its price reasonable compared with the Porsche and Audi models ranked lower.
8. Audi Q7: Seven Seats And Quattro
The seven-seat 2025 Audi Q7 rates 4.5 out of 5 in KBB’s ranking, starting at $61,795. It outscores the pricier Q8 by three tenths of a point while costing less. Check the KBB review of the Q7 for the full scoring.
For a family that wants room for seven, the Q7 pairs capacity with a higher rating than its coupe-style sibling. That makes it the more sensible Audi for most buyers on this list.
9. Acura MDX: A Rare Value Play
The 2026 Acura MDX earns 4.5 out of 5, and KBB praises something uncommon in the luxury class: value, with pricing from $53,250. That emphasis on affordability sets it apart from rivals that lean on prestige. The 2026 MDX page at KBB explains the verdict.
Value-minded shoppers can read the rating as a signal that the MDX delivers luxury touches without the usual premium. It sits comfortably below many competitors on price while scoring above several of them.
10. BMW X5: An American Favorite
The 2026 BMW X5 scores 4.6 out of 5, and KBB calls it “one of America’s favorite luxury vehicles.” Pricing starts at $69,750. Its place near the top reflects broad appeal in the class, as shown on the KBB page for the X5.
The X5 costs more than most of the leaders, so the premium goes toward brand and driving character. Buyers should weigh that against the Lexus RX, which scores higher and starts at a much lower price.
11. Lexus RX: The Dependable Pick
The 2026 Lexus RX rates 4.7 out of 5 in KBB’s ranking, with a starting price of $51,975. That makes it one of the top-scoring models and one of the more affordable. The KBB entry for the RX backs up both numbers.
A high rating at a price near the bottom of the field is a strong combination. Anyone looking for the best balance of score and cost in the class has good reason to start with the RX.
12. Lexus GX: Rugged And Refined
The rugged 2026 Lexus GX also earns 4.7 out of 5, with KBB crediting a balance of on-road comfort and off-road capability “that few can match.” It ties with the RX for second place. The KBB review of the GX develops that point.
The GX suits owners who want a luxury interior but still plan to leave the pavement. Its off-road emphasis gives it a distinct role among the top scorers.
13. Genesis GV80: Class Of The Field
The 2026 Genesis GV80 tops KBB’s luxury midsize SUV ranking at 4.8 out of 5, starting at $59,195. It beats established German and Japanese rivals despite coming from a younger brand. The KBB page for the GV80 shows the score.
The result suggests that prestige and heritage no longer decide the segment. A price under many of the lower-rated models makes the GV80 the clear first stop for shoppers comparing this class.
The tech news worth your time: Subscribe to Techpresso →
We may earn a commission if you sign up.
More from Morning Overview
- Ford is recalling 223,472 F-150 pickups because the fuel tank can leak or detach
- Hybrids have 15% fewer problems than gas cars, while EVs and plug-in hybrids have about 80% more, Consumer Reports finds
- Regulators cleared the first U.S. small modular reactor, 4 months early
- Lake Powell sank to a record 3,517 feet, nearing the level that stops Glen Canyon Dam’s turbines
