The expectations of luxury SUV buyers are higher than ever. Upscale interiors, performance-oriented drive dynamics, plenty of cargo space, and practicality and capability both on and off-road have become the segment standard. These days, it’s entirely feasible to find all these attributes in a single package.
Here’s a look at ten of the best luxury SUVs money can buy in Canada in 2024, from traditional mainstays to avant-garde upstart sport utility vehicles and everything in between.
Best Luxury SUVs in Canada
- Acura MDX
- BMW X3 M40i
- Cadillac Escalade
- Genesis GV80
- GMC Yukon Denali
- Land Rover Range Rover
- Lexus NX
- Mercedes-Benz GLS
- Porsche Cayenne
- Volvo XC90
Acura MDX
The Acura MDX midsize crossover SUV was redesigned for the 2022 model year, though it arrived in Canada early in 2021. This fourth-generation MDX is built on a new platform with an updated body, chassis, and suspension. Fans of Honda’s luxury division were already loyal MDX buyers thanks to its attainable nature. Now, it’s become an even stronger contender against its more expensive rivals. The engine is a 3.5-litre i-VTEC V6 producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, and power feeds through an efficient 10-speed automatic transmission. Acura’s Super Handling All-wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system is standard in Canada. The suspension upgrades are a highlight and give the MDX a surprisingly fun driving experience for its size. The 2024 Acura MDX starts in Canada at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $67,409 for the Tech grade. (All prices include destination charges and fees unless indicated).
Acura MDX Review
BMW X3 M40i
Most luxury automakers offer their vehicles with a variety of powertrains to please all types of drivers. We'd argue that BMW does this exceptionally well by offering most vehicles in entry-level, M Sport, and BMW M variants. While the BMW X3 M and X3 M Competition rival modern sports cars and have historically been spectacular performance versions of this compact SUV, the BMW X3 M40i is the Goldilocks of the M3 line-up. Its 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline 6-cylinder engine produces 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque that’s fully available from 1,800 rpm. This equates to a delightful amount of power for backroads driving that doesn’t overdo it on grocery runs. The 2024 BMW X3 M40i starts in Canada at a price of $75,555.
Cadillac Escalade
The current-generation Cadillac Escalade just might be the most impressive full-size luxury SUV ever to come to market. It comes with stylish design with an American flair, tech features such as an enormous, three-panel OLED infotainment and instrument cluster arrangement, an available 36-speaker AKG sound system, and Cadillac’s Super Cruise hands-free highway driver assist system, and that’s just the start. A 420 hp, 460 lb-ft 6.2-litre V8 resides under the hood of this full-size SUV with a 3.0-litre inline-six diesel powertrain available as an alternative engine option. Plus, three different damper setups are offered: basic coil-overs, coils with magnetic dampers, and the latter combined with an air suspension that lets this beast float over even the nastiest of winter-ravaged roads. In Canada, the 2024 Cadillac Escalade starts at $112,523.
Genesis GV80
The Genesis GV80 was the first SUV to be launched by Hyundai’s luxury division. It’s offered in both two- and three-row configurations, each with standard all-wheel drive. A 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine forms the entry level and makes 300 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. On the 3.5T iterations, a larger 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 generates 375 hp and 391 lb-ft. The 3.5T Prestige grade, available with two or three rows, includes an electronic limited-slip differential that can sent up to 100 percent of the rear axle’s available torque to the left or right wheel on demand. Heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, a wireless smartphone charging pad, and a panoramic sunroof are among the standard equipment, while an active road noise cancellation system and 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster are reserved for the most expensive grade. Pricing on the 2024 Genesis GV80 in Canada starts at $76,150. That’s a much more affordable price point than rivals like the BMW X5 or Audi Q7 can offer, and it also includes at-home concierge service, five years of scheduled maintenance, map updates, and more. If you’re looking for a compact SUV with a similar balance of all-in pricing and luxury amenities, the Genesis GV70 is worth a look as well.
GMC Yukon Denali
Like the related Cadillac Escalade that appears further up this list, the GMC Yukon is an appealing upscale large SUV. A 420 hp, 460 lb-ft 6.2-litre V8 powers the Yukon’s Denali trim level. Like the Escalade, three different damper setups are available: coil-overs, magnetic dampers, and the latter combined with an air suspension that give this enormous SUV a ride quality befitting a much smaller vehicle. Plus, with leather upholstery and gradient-finished wood inserts, the interior impresses with its upscale look, making even the Denali trim a relative bargain in luxury terms. Pricing for the 2024 GMC Yukon Denali in Canada starts at $102,675. For 2023, a new high-end Denali Ultimate trim launched that includes GM’s Super Cruise autonomous highway driving technology. This trim also comes with 22-inch wheels, unique chrome accents, 16-way massaging front seats with contrasting stitching, aluminum and open-pore wood trim, and an 18-speaker Bose Performance Series sound system with speakers in the front-row headrests. Pricing for the 2024 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate starts in Canada at $129,075.
Land Rover Range Rover
The Range Rover is a seriously impressive beast. It’s available in short- and long-wheelbase versions and with either Land Rover’s Ingenium inline-six engine, a plug-in hybrid powertrain for improved fuel economy, or a 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 producing 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque borrowed from the BMW engine portfolio. It features clean lines, premium materials, available heated seats for the third row (a rare feature), and updated touchscreen infotainment and digital instrument cluster screens with rich high-resolution displays. The Range Rover’s blend of luxury appointments makes it easy to forget just how ridiculously capable this large luxury SUV is off-road with its standard air suspension and multiple drive modes. In Canada, pricing for the 2024 Range Rover starts at $141,640.
Lexus NX
Now in its second generation, the Lexus NX luxury compact SUV is being built in Cambridge, Ontario for the first time, joining the Lexus RX and Toyota RAV4. A gas-only and hybrid powertrain are joined by a new fuel-efficient plug-in hybrid variant. The Lexus NX 250 comes with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder gas-powered engine that produces 203 horsepower and comes with standard all-wheel drive. The conventional hybrid, the NX 350h, has a combined system output of 240 hp and a combined fuel consumption rating of 6.0 L/100 km. The NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid SUV has 304 net horsepower, a combined fuel rating of 2.8 Le/100 km, and up to 61 km of electric-only range. Pricing on the 2024 Lexus NX starts at $52,886.
Mercedes-Benz GLS
True to form for Mercedes, the GLS SUV sets the standard for interior design and refinement in luxury SUVs. The Mercedes-Benz GLC compact SUV and Mercedes-Benz GLE mid-size two-row SUV would hold their own on this list, but we feel the GLS represents the epitome of what Mercedes can achieve. Three models are sold in Canada. The Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 comes with a 3.0-litre inline-six-cylinder turbo engine with a mild hybrid system, which makes 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. Upgrade to the Mercedes-Benz GLS 580 and you’ll get a 4.0-litre biturbo V8 with mild hybrid drive, producing 483 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. If you have the budget to go all-out, the high-performance Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 increases the 580’s power figures to 603 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque. Regardless of which model you choose, you can option your GLS to the nines with opulent leather upholstery, open-pore wood inserts, upgraded safety features, and more. The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS carries a starting price of $116,100 in Canada, not including destination or other fees as these are determined by individual dealerships.
Porsche Cayenne
After all this time, the suggestion that a Porsche SUV was ever a good idea can get an enthusiast spitting vitriol. But if you ask us, the refreshed 2024 Porsche Cayenne and its fashionable sibling, the Porsche Cayenne Coupe, are the best versions yet of this luxury two-row SUV. The base Cayenne’s 3.0-litre V6 single-turbo engine now generates 348 hp and 368 lb-ft of torque, an improvement of 13 hp and 36 lb-ft over the previous version. Plus, the V8 option returns to Cayenne S models to the tune of 468 hp and 442 lb-ft. The new fully digital instrument cluster and revised dashboard design with an optional infotainment screen for the front passenger elevate this SUV’s desirability. Pricing for the 2024 Porsche Cayenne in Canada starts at $95,535.
Volvo XC90
Volvo’s three-row SUV is proof that latest doesn’t always mean greatest. Though it was one of the brand’s earlier releases under its current ownership back in 2015, its refined styling, yogic zen-inspiring interior, and excellent relative value for price make it a repeat feature on luxury best-of lists. Gas-powered and plug-in hybrid options are offered, with the latter Recharge PHEV coming with 53 kilometres of all-electric range. The infotainment system isn't always the most intuitive to use, but you can get around that by using Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. Pricing on the 2024 Volvo XC90 in Canada starts at $74,989.
Honourable mentions
If you’re looking specifically for a plug-in hybrid three-row SUV, the Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring from Ford’s luxury division is a solid option. The Infiniti QX60 holds its own among gas-powered three-row luxury SUVs. And on the luxury large SUV side, the new Wagoneer line from Jeep packs some seriously upscale features and finishes into a desirable package.
Note: Images may show US models.