Luxury SUVs often promise premium comfort, advanced technology, and refined driving manners, but those benefits usually come with a steep price tag. In 2026, however, the gap between mainstream and luxury models is smaller than ever. Many non-luxury SUVs now offer the same features, materials, and overall driving experience without the added cost of a premium badge.

This list highlights five SUVs that match the feel of luxury rivals while keeping pricing far more accessible. Brands like Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, and Toyota are leading this shift with upscale interiors, advanced tech, and smooth ride quality. For buyers focused on value over badge prestige, these five SUVs prove you don’t need to overspend to enjoy a truly premium experience.

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5

2026 Mazda CX-5

Starting MSRP: $29,990

Realistically, any Mazda SUV could find itself on this list. The highest CX-30 trims are impressively luxurious and the mid-size CX-70 and CX-90 easily challenge legacy luxury automakers. The new and updated 2026 CX-5, however, manages the best balance of affordability and premium features. This compact crossover features a plush cabin loaded with modern technology and a driving experience that is more engaging than you’d expect.

Performance and efficiency

Base Trim Engine

2.5-L Inline 4

Base Trim Transmission

6-speed automatic

Base Trim Drivetrain

All-Wheel Drive

Base Trim Horsepower

187 hp

Base Trim Torque

185 lb-ft

Make

Mazda

Model

CX-5

Segment

Compact SUV

Mazda has carried over the base powertrain from the outgoing CX-5 for the new model. It is proven and solid, but it could use a few more horsepower. The Japanese automaker has said that a hybrid model is coming, though, which should address the power deficiency. We wish we still had the 250-horsepower turbocharged option, though. Regardless, the CX-5 showcases an impressive level of refinement, and it is far more entertaining behind the wheel than you might expect.

Pros

• More spacious than before
• New 12-inch or 15.6-inch infotainment setup
• Best driver’s SUV at this price point

Cons

• No more turbocharged option
• Below average fuel economy
• Physical buttons and dials are almost all gone

4

2026 Hyundai Santa Fe

Starting MSRP: $29,200

If you’re in the market for a three-row SUV, the Santa Fe is one of the most affordable options on the market. Since its redesign back in 2024, it has taken on a much more upscale appearance, looking like a baby Land Rover. Even the lowest trims feel more plush than you would expect, but it’s the top trims, which come with things like Nappa leather upholstery, wood trim, ambient interior lighting, and a premium sound system, that truly impress.

Performance and efficiency

Base Trim Engine

2.5L Smartstream I4 ICE

Base Trim Transmission

8-speed automatic

Base Trim Drivetrain

Front-Wheel Drive

Base Trim Horsepower

277 HP @5800 RPM

Base Trim Torque

311 lb.-ft. @ 1700 RPM

Make

Hyundai

Model

Santa Fe

Segment

Midsize SUV

The non-hybrid Santa Fe features a turbocharged four-cylinder engine under the hood, which puts down an impressive 277 horsepower. This is enough to get it up to 60 miles per hour in as little as 6.3 seconds. The hybrid trades that acceleration for efficiency, with a 231 horsepower setup instead. This SUV wasn’t built for athletics, though, and what impresses most is its class-above ride quality and noise insulation.

Pros

• Rugged yet classy styling
• Loads of cargo space
• High ceiling for luxury

Cons

• Non-hybrid’s fuel economy is below par
• Not the most fun driving experience
• Third row is a little cramped

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3

2026 Kia Telluride

Starting MSRP: $39,190

The Telluride is one of the first vehicles on the market to enter the 2027 model year. The brand’s flagship three-row SUV was already exceptionally hard to fault, and the new model feels even more luxurious than before. Despite all the upgrades, the Korean automaker has kept its starting price just below $40,000. Top trims get SyntTex upholstery with suede inserts, ambient interior lighting, and a daul sunroof setup.

Performance and efficiency

Base Trim Engine

2.5L

Base Trim Transmission

8-speed automatic

Base Trim Drivetrain

All-Wheel Drive

Base Trim Horsepower

274 HP

Base Trim Torque

311 lb.-ft.

Make

Kia

Model

Telluride

Segment

Midsize SUV

The standard Telluride comes equipped with a 274-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine under the hood. Its power delivery is smooth, and its ride quality matches what you’d get from brands like Lexus or Genesis. New for this model year is a hybrid model, which combines the 2.5-liter four pot with two electric motors to make 329 horsepower. The hybrid is capable of getting up to 60 miles per hour in as little as 6.6 seconds, which isn’t bad for a near 5,000-pound SUV.

Pros

• Spacious third row of seats
• Very refined driving experience
• New hybrid is impressively efficient

Cons

• Fairly steep increase in price from the outgoing model
• Slower than before
• Hybrid model is very pricey

2

2026 Nissan Pathfinder

Starting MSRP: $39,900

Nissan has seen a bit of a downtick recently in terms of popularity, and people have forgotten just how well the Japanese brand can do luxury. The Pathfinder has always been one of the vehicles in their lineup that proves this best. For the 2026 model year, Nissan has brought about meaningful updates that only further this idea. The top-trim Platinum model easily competes with luxury three-row SUVs, and does so for a fraction of the price.

Performance and efficiency

Base Trim Engine

3.5-liter V6

Base Trim Transmission

9-Speed Auto

Base Trim Drivetrain

Front-Wheel Drive

Base Trim Horsepower

284 HP @6400 RPM

Base Trim Torque

259 lb.-ft. @ 4800 RPM

Make

Nissan

Model

Pathfinder

Segment

Midsize SUV

Where a lot of other brands have downscaled to turbocharged four-cylinder engines, Nissan is still holding on to their V-6 in the Pathfinder. It makes 284 horsepower in most models, but the adventurous Rock Creek model makes 295 horses. This gets it to 60 miles per hour in as little as 6.6 seconds. Nissan has paid extra attention to sound deadening materials, making the cabin feel particularly serene.

Pros

• Perky V-6 engine
• Hushed ride
• 6,000 pound towing capacity

Cons

• Mundane driving dynamics
• Ride is a little too stiff
• Third row is too small for adults

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1

2026 Toyota Crown Signia

Starting MSRP: $44,490

Toyota’s Crown Signia feels like a bit of a cheat code. The Crown nameplate is considered a luxury spinoff in Japan, but the Crown’s relatively palatable starting price means that this mid-size SUV undercuts its luxury rivals by thousands of dollars. It may not offer the most impressive performance, but its cabin is comparable to some of the most plush Lexus models on the market, with things like standard leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and an optional panoramic sunroof.

Performance and efficiency

Base Trim Engine

2.5-liter 4-Cylinder Hybrid

Base Trim Transmission

CVTi-S

Base Trim Drivetrain

All-Wheel Drive

Base Trim Horsepower

188 HP @6000 RPM

Base Trim Torque

178 lb.-ft. @ 4300 RPM

Make

Toyota

Model

Crown Signia SUV

Segment

Compact SUV

Toyota’s plush mid-size SUV is a hybrid-only affair. It comes with a 2.5-liter four-pot under the hood which works together with three electric motors. All-wheel drive is standard. The Crown Signia is quick enough that it never falls behind traffic, but it isn’t especially fast. Instead, it prioritizes quiet and comfortable cruising, with an upscale ride quality.

Pros

• Cabin that will remind you of a Lexus
• Impressively efficient
• Great curb appeal

Cons

• Very boring to drive
• Not the most inspiring interior design
• Engine gets a little noisy under acceleration

Material

Oxford

Organizer Dimensions

21″L x 14.6″W x 10.3″H

Special Feature

Foldable

This 13.5-gallon trunk organizer features compartments to organize and store groceries, sports equipment, emergency supplies, and other daily essentials.

Luxury badges don’t feel worth it in 2026

In a survey conducted by Mazda, 76 percent of respondents indicated that they don’t feel that traditional luxury badges are worth the markup anymore. This isn’t all that surprising, especially when you consider just how good mainstream options have become. Getting the top trim of a mainstream SUV can often net you better materials and more features than entry-level luxury models, and you’ll save yourself tens of thousands of dollars in some cases. For most buyers, luxury SUVs just aren’t worth it anymore.