Best New Luxury SUVs in 2022 Ranked

Aside from a new-and-improved infotainment system and better climate controls, the Infiniti QX80 rolls into 2022 largely unchanged. Its 400-hp V-8 engine is great, providing power on demand, although on the highway, the seven-speed transmission doesn’t always play nice. Still, the QX80 can be ordered in rear- or all-wheel-drive configurations and boasts a healthy 8500-pound max tow rating. The interior is nice, but no longer feels fresh and is missing some features found in other luxury SUVs. All of that would be fine were it not for a starting price of $71,995. The QX80’s most impressive stat is its spacious cargo hold, but that too can be had with the significantly cheaper and anatomically identical Nissan Armada.

• Base price: $71,995
• EPA fuel economy combined/city/highway: 16/14/20 mpg
• Cargo capacity: 17 cu ft

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The Cullinan‘s purpose is to ferry the most discerning from place to place in the most convenient and unobtrusive way. An example of this is its forward-facing cameras, information from which allows the suspension to adjust for changes in the road’s surface. The Cullinan’s twin-turbocharged V-12 provides effortless thrust and does so in near silence. Its tow hitch is hidden, only presenting itself when needed, so as not to distract from the vehicle’s stately appearance. The dashboard’s design looks vintage in the best of ways despite its somewhat-clumsy digital gauge cluster. Rear leg room is abundant, although we found the seats surprisingly stiff. All this goodness can be yours for the low, low price of $332,750.

• Base price: $332,750
• EPA fuel economy combined/city/highway: 14/12/20 mpg
• Cargo capacity: 21 cu ft

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The Bentley Bentayga aims to deliver elegance and sportiness in an exclusive package. In that regard, it hits its mark. To take delivery of one, you’ll have to hand over at least an estimated $185,000, though that price can easily soar past the $250K mark with higher trim levels and/or bespoke options. Bentley claims the Bentayga will do 190 mph, making it the fastest SUV in the world (that can be ordered with a third row). Available engines consist of a 543-hp twin-turbocharged V-8 or, for those who want to achieve Bentley’s top-speed numbers, a 626-hp W-12. A beefy eight-speed transmission is tasked with sending that power to each corner. As expected, the Bentayga’s interior design is pure class, and buyers have the option of handpicking its materials as they see fit.

• Base price: $185,000 (est)
• EPA fuel economy combined/city/highway: 18/15/24 mpg
• Cargo capacity: 17 cu ft

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A new Land Rover Range Rover already has been revealed and will be coming soon. It will get rid of diesel and hybrid powertrains, but keep a 395-hp turbocharged inline-six and a 523-hp twin-turbo V-8. It’s too new to rank, but this is where the 2021 model sits. The current Range Rover has legendary off-road capabilities, high levels of luxury, and a staggering array of options. Customers can select between two wheelbase lengths and as many as six engine options, including a supercharged V-8, plug-in hybrid powertrain, and even a diesel. Pricing starts at $93,350, but you can spend twice that on the short-wheelbase SVAutobiography Dynamic, the sportiest of the bunch. The long-wheelbase SVAutobiography, with its hot-stone massage chairs, mohair floor mats, and onboard refrigerator, is peak luxury from Land Rover. At least until the new one arrives later in 2022.

• Base price: $93,350
• EPA fuel economy combined/city/highway: 21/19/25 mpg
• Cargo capacity: 32 cu ft

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A new grille, lighting package, and infotainment display comprise the bulk of the Navigator’s 2022 refresh. Thrust is provided by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6, capable of putting down 440 horsepower, which can be sent to the ground via an optional four-wheel-drive system. The Navigator’s five available trim levels include two long-wheelbase models: Reserve L and Black Label L. We’re fans of the Reserve and Reserve L trims, which add features such as heated and ventilated seats and a head-up display. Other features include 30-way-adjustable front seats with a massaging function; ActiveGlide, Lincoln’s new semi-autonomous driving aid; and a tow package that bumps the Navigator’s capacity to 8700 pounds. While not the worst in class, our Navigator returned just 18 mpg highway during testing—3 fewer mpg than its EPA rating.

• Base price: $78,005
• EPA fuel economy combined/city/highway: 18/16/21 mpg
• Cargo capacity: 21 cu ft

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The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G550 is upscale, iconic, and capable. It has locking front, rear, and center differentials that allow it to tackle rough terrain with ease. It’s powered by a smooth twin-turbo V-8 making 416 horsepower, and its interior looks as if it were cut from a Boca Do Lobo advertisement. Pricing starts at $132,800, but options will increase that number significantly. Despite the old-fashioned aesthetic, the latest G550 drives much better than its predecessor. It also offers most of Mercedes-Benz’s newest technology, including a 12.3-inch infotainment display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and adaptive cruise control.

• Base price: $132,800
• EPA fuel economy combined/city/highway: 18/17/19 mpg
• Cargo capacity: 39 cu ft

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The 2021 AMG G63 represents the top of the line for the G-class, one of Mercedes’s longest-running models. Grunt is provided by a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 that puts out 577 horsepower and a colossal 627 pound-feet of torque. Power’s routed through a nine-speed transmission to three locking differentials. The G63’s torque converter also has a crawler gear, confirmation that the AMG badge hasn’t killed this model’s off-road prowess. Inside, you’ll find premium materials and plenty of technology that sit in stark contrast to its classic exterior design. Standard features include a 12.0-inch infotainment display, digital instrument cluster, optional Wi-Fi, and adaptive cruise control.

• Base price: $157,500
• EPA fuel economy combined/city/highway: 14/13/16 mpg
• Cargo capacity: 39 cu ft

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All-wheel or rear-wheel drive? Gas or diesel? Long or longer wheelbase? The 2022 Cadillac Escalade offers plenty of choices. Pricing starts at $77,890 for the Luxury trim and tops out at $103,240 for the top-range Sport Platinum. And while fuel economy is generally not this segment’s strong suit, we were able to achieve 26 mpg highway in a turbo-diesel-equipped Escalade. Another departure from Escalades of old is the adoption of an independent rear suspension, which, in combination with the available air springs and adaptive dampers, helps keep the three-ton truck planted in the corners. In keeping with the steep price tag, there is also a top-tier interior that offers the latest in infotainment and driver-assist technologies including GM’s sophisticated Super Cruise, which enables hands-off highway driving.

• Base price: $77,890
• EPA fuel economy combined/city/highway: 16/14/19 mpg
• Cargo capacity: 25 cu ft

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After a 29-year hiatus, the Grand Wagoneer nameplate has returned. Though, unlike your grandpa’s, this one’s stuffed with technology and packs a serious punch under the hood. Every 2022 Grand Wagoneer comes standard with a 6.4-liter V-8 with 471 horses and powering all four wheels. Gas mileage is a dismal 15 mpg combined, however. Buying a Grand Wagoneer will also deliver a serious punch to your wallet. The most affordable Series I trim comes in at just under $90K. With that in mind, we think the Series II model, with its bigger wheels and interior upgrades, delivers a better bang for your buck despite adding another $7000 to the starting price. A third-row bench is also standard and is the segment’s most spacious. Luggage space is also among the best you’ll find.

• Base price: $89,845
• EPA fuel economy combined/city/highway: 15/13/19 mpg
• Cargo capacity: 27 cu ft

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For those looking to add a little exclusivity to their garage, the Mercedes-Maybach GLS600 might fit the bill. Inside you’ll find two rows of heated, massaging seats covered in premium nappa leather. That last touch extends to the dash and door panels, where it’s accompanied by authentic wood trim. Compared to its less posh twin, the GLS580, the Maybach’s 558-hp twin-turbocharged V-8 also puts out significantly more power. An air suspension further serves passenger comfort by tuning out road irregularities while also improving handling. Unlike other GLS models, there’s no third-row seat here, but the second-row chairs can be tricked out with all manner of adjustments and even a champagne cooler in between. These premium features, however, are accompanied by a premium price. Sticker on a 2021 GLS600 starts at $161,550 and rapidly increases from there. Note that, at this writing, the Maybach GLS is on hiatus for 2022, but 2021 models might still be available.

• Base price: $161,550
• EPA fuel economy combined/city/highway: 16/15/19 mpg
• Cargo capacity: 19 cu ft

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In keeping with AMG tradition, the GLS63 is as much hot rod as it is hauler. Lying in wait beneath its long hood is a hybrid-assisted, 603-hp twin-turbocharged V-8 that allowed this classy brute to achieve a zero-to-60 time of 3.6 seconds in our testing. It also got 22 mpg on the highway. Power is routed to all four wheels via a smooth nine-speed automatic transmission. An active anti-roll system aids handling, but the XXL 23-inch wheels diminish ride quality somewhat. Besides its muscular powertrain, this SUV still has plenty of utility, and its third-row seat is spacious enough to fit adults. Front-seat passengers are greeted by a pair of 12.3-inch screens, one serving as the instrument cluster, the other as the infotainment display. Pricing for the 2021 GLS63 starts at $133,150—and like the GLS Maybach, the GLS63 is currently on hiatus for 2022.

• Base price: $133,150
• EPA fuel economy combined/city/highway: 16/14/18 mpg
• Cargo capacity: 17 cu ft

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The GLS450 enters 2022 as the model’s sole trim level, giving credence to rumors that the company is struggling to supply the American market with V-8-powered vehicles. Despite that, with a starting price of $78,250, the GLS450 has always been our pick over its more powerful twin due to its more affordable price and still-impressive engine. Power comes from a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with assistance from a 48-volt hybrid system. Unlike its most obvious competitor, the BMW X7, the GLS450 also comes standard with an air suspension. Other standard features include all-wheel drive, seating for seven, a large infotainment display, and a 13-speaker Burmester sound system. Mercedes-Benz claims the GLS450 will achieve 23 mpg on the highway, although in our testing it fared slightly better at 24 mpg—an impressive result for such a large, luxurious machine.

• Base price: $78,250
• EPA fuel economy combined/city/highway: 21/19/23 mpg
• Cargo capacity: 17 cu ft

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We love the BMW X7 for its athletic handling, stout engine options, and standard third-row seating. The entry-level xDrive40i, powered by a 335-hp turbocharged inline-six, represents the best value of the three available trim levels despite a starting price of $75,895. All-wheel drive comes standard across the range, as does a 10-speaker audio system, Apple CarPlay, and driver-assistance technology. Buyers looking to exchange more cash for more performance may find either the M50i or track-capable Alpina XB7 to their liking. The former starts at just over $100K and offers a 523-hp twin-turbocharged V-8 and improved handling via adaptive damping. Alpina’s $142,000 XB7 takes things to another level by increasing the X7’s power output by nearly 100 horsepower over the M50i while giving the almost-three-ton SUV sports-car-like response—with added exclusivity.

• Base price: $75,895
• EPA fuel economy combined/city/highway: 21/19/24 mpg
• Cargo capacity: 13 cu ft

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