If you’re in the market for a luxury SUV, you’ve likely already resigned yourself to ponying up a pretty penny in order to make the purchase. But just because you’re comfortable shelling out top dollar for the right car, doesn’t mean you’re trying to avoid sensible spending altogether. Ideally, your goal is to find that sweet spot when it comes to seeking the most affordable luxury vehicle. That’s why we’re here to help. Check out our list below to see our selections for the top five used luxury SUVs available for under $50K.
2014 Lincoln Navigator
- When it comes to seating capacity, the Navigator has few rivals in that department. With the ability to seat eight passengers comfortably, the Navigator still offers quality cargo space accompanied by an upscale environment.
- While on the topic of cargo space, the Navigator offers as much as 128 cubic feet (enough to fit at least 28 bags of golf clubs!) of storage area in extended models. Adding to the convenience is a power-folding third-row that stows neatly beneath the floor to accommodate the need for extra room.
- Though the Navigator lives up to its luxury billing with a quiet, smooth ride, the vehicle’s handling leaves something to be desired when compared to other competitors in its class.
- There simply aren’t that many luxury vehicles out there that can seat eight passengers in comfort, swallow a small mountain of cargo or tow a 9,000-pound trailer, and do it all with style. (Edmunds)
2015 GMC Acadia
- In government crash test scores, the Acadia earned a top five-star rating for overall performance. Standard safety equipment includes antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, front seat side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags, a rearview camera and rear parking sensors.
- Compared to other rivals in its class, the Acadia is a leader when it comes to cargo space offerings. With the Acadia’s third-row taken out, there’s room for 116.1 cubic feet of cargo, large enough to fit 25 bags of golf clubs.
- Though it receives a slight knock for being a bit cumbersome, the overall driving impressions of the Acadia are solid, delivering a quality balance between secure handling and a luxurious ride.
- With a big cargo hold, a comfortable ride and generous standard features, the three-row 2015 GMC Acadia ably meets the needs of crossover SUV shoppers. It’s one of our top picks. (Edmunds)
2013 Acura MDX
- Though technically classified as a luxury crossover, the Acura MDX is one of the more well-rounded midsize SUVs around. While it’s 80 cubic feet of cargo space without third-row seating is notably less than other larger competitors, it still provides plenty of storage room for the pack rat in you.
- Less luxurious than some of its European counterparts, the MDX still offers an array of practical and easy to use high-tech features. The Panasonic/ELS surround-sound audio system in the MDX comes standard and ranks as one of the best in the business.
- The MDX handles very capably for a three-row SUV. Per Edmunds, “The all-wheel-drive system, while biased toward the front wheels, does an outstanding job of shifting torque during hard cornering. Body roll is controlled well and the MDX’s center of gravity feels lower than it looks to the eye.”
- [The MDX]’s cabin is roomy, the seats are comfortable, the center stack is well organized, and the amount of luxury makes it a relative bargain for the buck. (TopSpeed.com)
2015 Infiniti QX60
- For large families, the 2015 Infiniti QX60 is one of the top options available in its class due to its flexible seating. The second row is capable of sliding 5.5 inches moving forward and back, which allows passengers to reach and exit from the third row with little restriction. Also, to add to the novelty, the second and third row seatbacks also recline.
- Though it receives some demerits for feeling a bit sluggish when attempting to pass on the open road, the QX60 offers a smooth, comfortable ride once it settles into freeway speed. However, the luxurious ride is offset some with the feeling of heavy steering going through turns.
- The cargo capacity available with the QX60 isn’t bad, but it does take a backseat to its competitors with 76.5 cubic feet of space with the second and third-row seats folded.
- With its roomy seating and comfortable ride, the 2015 Infiniti QX60 is a good choice for a family-oriented, seven-passenger luxury crossover SUV. (Edmunds)
2014 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
- When it comes to performance, there may not be a better luxury SUV on the market than the GL-Class. Available in four different models, the GL450 model’s 4.7-liter turbocharged V8 engine produces 362 horsepower, 406 lb-ft of torque and the ability to accelerate to 60 mph in a scant 6.2 seconds.
- With seating capacity to comfortably fit seven people, the GL has a legitimate full-size third row that offers plenty of room to all passengers. The interior materials and features are also excellent, featuring heated seats, a dual-screen entertainment system and a panoramic sunroof.
- The safety features available on the GL are similarly remarkable when compared to its performance and interior design. In fact, in Edmunds brake testing, all non-AMG GL-Class models came to a stop from 60 mph in around 115 feet – an exceptionally short distance for a vehicle of its size and stature.
- Roomy, powerful and solidly built, the 2014 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is one of the very best three-row crossover SUVs you can buy. (Edmunds)
