Drive Car of the Year 2024 – Best Luxury SUV under $150K FINALISTS

Over the next few weeks, we'll be explaining all the categories and contenders for Drive Car of the Year 2024. Testing is currently underway, with the final winners to be announced early next year.

FINALISTS CONFIRMED 

*Updated 5pm, December 14, 2023 

The first round of voting has been counted and our Drive judges have selected the cars that will challenge last year's winner, the Jaguar F-Pace, for the title of Best Luxury SUV Under $150K. This category is a slight tweak to last year’s Best Medium Luxury SUV award to now include medium or large SUVs with luxury leanings.

The Jaguar F-Pace returns in 2024 to defend its crown as the front-running luxury SUV purchase. But it’s now up against new competitors, some of which are the toughest in class. But the Jaguar F-Pace’s undeniable performance heritage and state-of-the-art technology are high benchmarks to beat. 

The F-Pace’s powertrains are smooth, powerful, and quiet – all hallmarks that luxury car buyers hold in high regard. Cabin-wise, the F-Pace’s understated elegance shines through for buyers looking for an obviously premium experience.

You can read more about the Jaguar F-Pace here. 

Not typically a part of premium car conversation, the Kia EV9 has snuck its way into the Best Luxury SUV Under $150K category thanks to its high price, and the value it brings for that price. That you’re getting such a technically advanced electric vehicle platform, cutting-edge infotainment and a hugely spacious cabin are all key reasons to consider the Kia EV9 a premium vehicle. 

The Korean carmaker hasn’t skimped on the details either. The cabin is beautifully appointed with high-end materials, and its silent driving experience is sure to wow buyers. It’ll have its work cut out for it to compete with the traditional luxury market, but this car at least offers something different in its electrified powertrain.

Read more about the Kia EV9 here.

The Mercedes-Benz GLC has notably gone from a wide-ranging line-up of variants to a single specification only – the GLC300. While it seems like a strange direction for the brand to take given the popularity of SUVs, the new-generation GLC300 exudes luxury wherever you look. 

It comes with a powerful and efficient 2.0-litre turbo engine under the bonnet, an incredibly well-appointed cabin with choice materials wherever you look, eye-catching looks for the exterior, plus a spacious cabin whether you’re in the first or second row. As well, the infotainment system is one of the most sharply integrated systems you could ask for.

Find more Mercedes-Benz GLC news and reviews here.

Over the last 20 years, Porsche’s Cayenne has become the backbone of the German manufacturer’s model lineup, and is as synonymous with the brand as its iconic 911 sports car. Even though just the entry-level, self-titled Cayenne flies under our $150,000 price ceiling, the variant offers a spacious cabin, quintessential Porsche looks, a dynamic and signature Porsche driving experience, and a suite of new technologies for the driver to utilise. Powered by a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 under the bonnet which outputs 260kW/500Nm to all four wheels, the Cayenne is every bit as rapid as you’d expect from the nameplate.

Read more about the Porsche Cayenne here.

The below was first published on November 17, 2023

For many, the SUV has become the go-to vehicle, from the small run-about to the hulking off-roader and tow hauler. While all these types have to some degree been equal parts fashionable and practical for their owners, there are buyers who want an SUV that offers a high degree of luxury and technology and are prepared to pay for it.

That’s where the Drive Car of the Year Best Luxury SUV Under $150K comes in. This award is an updated version of last year’s Best Medium Luxury SUV, now open to any medium or large SUVs with luxury leanings under our price cap.

These are all premium vehicles that need to look the part with high-quality of cabin materials and thick paint and to some degree, a jewel-like detail finish. Plenty of room for a family and given these SUVs roll into the six-figure prices, the best in technology and safety as well as creature comforts is a given.

Last year’s winner was the Jaguar F-Pace with the Lexus NX as runner-up. This year the Jaguar returns to face strong competition with multiple high-class offerings from storied premium brands.  

Even though there’s a Who’s Who of premium vehicle manufacturers in this list, there are also brands stepping up into more expensive territory such as Jeep and Mazda, as well as new brands we’ve never seen before such as Ineos.

SUVs to watch out for here include the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Lexus RZ, Maserati Grecale, Mazda CX-90, Mercedes-Benz GLC, Porsche Cayenne and Range Rover Sport.

Drive’s rules require that, for a car to be eligible, it must:

That means that many entirely suitable and very appealing luxury SUVs won’t make the cut. They have been judged already, with their strengths not quite outstanding enough to pull them to the top. Likewise, there is a luxury SUV that will not be judged simply because it won’t arrive in time; that is, the Polestar 3.

The winner of the 2024 Drive Car of the Year Best Luxury SUV under $150k will be announced in February 2024.

Before then, we will announce the finalists, all of which deliver on the buyer’s expectations of performance, practicality and prestige in a well-rounded package. One thing is certain: this category promises to be one of the toughest confronting our 11 experienced judges.

Read more: 

Drive Car of the Year 2024 is a go!
Drive Car of the Year Overview
Drive Car of the Year 2023 winners