A new mainstream SUV now costs enough that it opens the door to something many buyers never consider: a lightly used luxury model. Thanks to steep depreciation, premium crossovers that sold for well over $50,000 just a few years ago can now be found for the same money as a brand-new family SUV.

That means buyers no longer have to choose between affordability and luxury. With the right used purchase, it’s possible to enjoy stronger performance, richer interiors, and more upscale technology without spending any more than you would on a new mainstream crossover.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, such as the EPA. Average used prices were sourced from Edmunds. Models are ranked based on their average list price, from most affordable to most expensive.

5

2023 Alfa Romeo Stelvio

Average list price: $28,014

To some, a used Alfa Romeo is an immediate red flag. The brand has garnered a reputation for being generally unreliable, but it’s a reputation that modern Alfas don’t really deserve. It does work in your favor if you’re buying used as depreciation is steep. J.D. Power even awards the 2023 Stelvio an 85 out of 100 for quality and reliability. Beyond its reliability, this Italian crossover offers an exceptional driving experience, and buyers looking to get away from the usual mundane options will find it more than a little charming.

A dancer that loves to be driven

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Alfa Romeo Stelvio
alfa-romeo-logo.jpeg
SUV
2023
Base:
$46,575

Base Trim Engine

2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas

Base Trim Transmission

8-Speed Automatic

Base Trim Drivetrain

Rear-Wheel Drive

Base Trim Horsepower

280 hp

Base Trim Torque

306 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm

Fuel Economy

22/29 MPG

Make

Alfa Romeo

Model

Stelvio

Segment

Compact Luxury SUV


Powering most 2023 Stelvios is a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that puts down a pretty stout 280 horsepower. The base model comes standard with rear-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is optional. All models above the base model come standard with all-wheel drive. There is also the 505-horsepower Quadrifoglio model, but that costs significantly more. Regardless, the Stelvio is one of the most rewarding and entertaining crossovers from behind the wheel.

Pros

  • Gorgeous styling
  • Drives like a sports sedan
  • More powerful than its four-cylinder rivals

Cons

  • Slightly cramped interior
  • Small infotainment screen
  • Build quality is better in German rivals

4

2022 Volvo XC60

Average list price: $28,469

For those that prioritize simple luxury and safety, there is one brand that stands tall above the rest. Volvo has built its reputation on innovative technology and comfortable interiors, and the 2022 XC60 demonstrates this perfectly. It might be a little more understated than some German rivals, but there are plenty of buyers that will prefer that.

Not to be underestimated

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Volvo XC60
volvo-logo.jpeg
SUV
2022
Base:
$42,650

Base Trim Engine

2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas

Base Trim Transmission

8-Speed Automatic

Base Trim Drivetrain

Front-Wheel Drive

Base Trim Horsepower

247 hp

Base Trim Torque

258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm

Fuel Economy

23/30 MPG

Make

Volvo

Model

XC60

Segment

Compact Luxury SUV


The 2022 XC60 comes in three different potencies. To start, you get the turbo-four B5 which utilizes a mild-hybrid 48-volt system, putting down 247 horsepower. The B6 adds a supercharger into the mix, pumping output up to 295 horses. There is also a 400-horsepower plug-in hybrid model dubbed the T8, but that demands a bit more money. It can go up to 35 miles on all electric power, though, when equipped with the extended-range battery.

Pros

  • Luxury without flashy gimmicks
  • Efficient in all forms
  • Exceptional suite of driver assist features

Cons

  • Interior cubbies are small
  • The ride is a bit too harsh
  • Infotainment system isn’t the most intuitive

3

2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300

Average list price: $29,105

Mercedes-Benz is associated with interior opulence and cutting-edge technology, and this is certainly true of the GLC-Class. It features an interior that is similarly styled to the C-Class sedan, but obviously with more space. To stick to our budget and spend less than you would on a new RAV4, you have to opt for the base GLC 300, skipping the plug-in hybrid models or the AMG-tuned models, though.

A focus on pure comfort from behind the wheel

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Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class SUV
mercedes-benz-logo.jpeg
SUV
2022
Base:
$43,850

Base Trim Engine

2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas

Base Trim Transmission

9-Speed Automatic

Base Trim Drivetrain

Rear-Wheel Drive

Base Trim Horsepower

255 hp

Base Trim Torque

273 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm

Fuel Economy

22/27 MPG

Make

Mercedes-Benz

Model

GLC-Class SUV

Segment

Compact Luxury SUV


Every GLC 300 comes equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 255 horsepower. A very slick-shifting nine-speed automatic transmission is standard, as is rear-wheel drive. On the used market, there are far more models with the German brand’s 4MATIC all-wheel drive system, though. While not as entertaining to drive as some of the other cars on this list, the GLC is exceptionally comfortable.

Pros

  • Impressively smooth four-cylinder engine
  • High quality materials used throughout the interior
  • Standard-setting ride quality

Cons

  • Steering lacks any kind of feedback
  • Touch buttons on the steering wheel are just silly
  • Smaller than average cargo hold

2

2023 Audi Q5

Average list price: $31,453

Audi doesn’t take as many risks as some of the other luxury brands out there, sticking to a sleek, simple, and consistent formula that has always worked for them. It doesn’t stand out by outdoing its rivals in any specific area, but rather exists as a well-rounded luxury SUV that does everything well. With the nameplate recently entering a new generation, prices of the older generation have taken a bit of an extra dip.

A comfortable jack-of-all-trades

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Audi Q5
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SUV
2023
Base:
$44,200

Base Trim Engine

2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas

Base Trim Transmission

7-Speed Automatic

Base Trim Drivetrain

All-Wheel Drive

Base Trim Horsepower

201 hp

Base Trim Torque

236 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm

Fuel Economy

23/29 MPG

Make

Audi

Model

Q5

Segment

Compact Luxury SUV


Audi offers a plug-in hybrid version of the 2023 Q5, but its pricing sits a bit above our target here. This leaves the base 40 and 45 powertrains. Both feature a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, with the 40 putting down 201 horsepower and the 45 making 261 horses instead. In terms of comfort, the Q5’s ride is fantastic, though it doesn’t deliver the same level of sportiness as some of the other luxury options out there.

Pros

  • Handsome exterior styling
  • Lots of standard technology
  • The optional 45 powertrain is quick off the line

Cons

  • Not quite as spacious as some rivals
  • Lacking in driving verve
  • The design team played things safe

1

2022 BMW X3 30i

Average list price: $31,740

For almost as long as it has been around, the X3 has been the benchmark that all other luxury crossovers strive to live up to. Not only does it have a plush cabin loaded with high-end technology, but it walks the line between comfort and performance better than most. If you exclude the M40i, there are plenty of well-cared-for options for around the same price as a new RAV4.

An exceptionally well-balanced SUV

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BMW X3
bmw-logo.jpg
SUV
2022
Base:
$43,700

Base Trim Engine

2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas

Base Trim Transmission

8-Speed Automatic

Base Trim Drivetrain

Rear-Wheel Drive

Base Trim Horsepower

248 hp

Base Trim Torque

258 lb-ft @ 1450 rpm

Fuel Economy

23/29 MPG

Make

BMW

Model

X3

Segment

Compact Luxury SUV


While the inline-six M40i models are tempting, 2022 model years list for an average price of $45,850, which is much higher than our budget. Luckily, the base four-cylinder powertrain in the X3 is fantastic. It makes 248 horsepower, with the sDrive models being rear-wheel drive and the xDrive models being all-wheel drive. We think that the driving dynamics in the X3 are near perfect, with it driving even better than some of the brand’s modern sedans.

Pros

  • Great levels of athleticism
  • More efficient than you might expect
  • Sleek and muscular styling

Cons

  • Tiny side mirrors
  • Slightly old-school interior
  • The M40i is too pricey

If you’re after affordable luxury, depreciation is your friend

New cars are becoming pricier by the year, with even the traditionally sensible RAV4 now sitting well over the $30,000 mark. What makes justifying these new cars even harder is the fact that there are a ton of slightly used luxury cars on the market that offer more performance, tech, and comfort for the same amount of money. While they come with obvious ownership caveats, the above showcase that you can get quite a lot of car for around $30k.