What is the best luxury compact SUV of 2026?

The Volvo XC40 ranks #1 of 22 with a score of 90 out of 100. 5 recurring problems in owner reports, none very frequent, and its new price is $40,741 at the median.

Which luxury compact SUV has the fewest owner-reported problems?

The Genesis GV70: 1 very frequent problem and 2 recurring in owner reports.

What is the cheapest luxury compact SUV on this list?

The Volvo XC40, with a median new asking price $40,741, based on US listings.

How does CarWizz rank luxury compact SUVs?

Each car is compared only with the other cars on this page. Owner reliability is worth 45 points, new price 30 points and EPA combined fuel economy 25 points. A car without enough owner reports is not ranked, and a missing number earns no points.

Best luxury compact SUVs of 2026, ranked by owner data

We ranked 22 luxury compact SUVs on sale in the US and Canada against each other on three measured things: problems reported by owners, the new asking price, and EPA combined fuel economy.

Data from October 2026. Sources: owner reports, Auto.dev US listings, EPA ratings. How we rank · Best used luxury compact SUVs

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC)

#1 of 22

Volvo XC40

Score 90 out of 100

Owner reliability (40 of 45 points): 5 recurring problems in owner reports, none very frequent: fewer than about 88% of this list
Price (30 of 30 points): median new asking price $40,741 (50 US listings, Auto.dev): the lowest of this list
Fuel economy (20 of 25 points): 27 mpg combined (EPA): better than about 79% of the gas and hybrid cars on this list

New price: $39k–$43k (median $40,741)
Fuel economy: 27 mpg
Owner reports: 5 recurring problems in owner reports, none very frequent
Main owner complaint: Infotainment system glitches

Best for

Most reliable by owners
Genesis GV70
1 very frequent problem and 2 recurring in owner reports. Ranked #10.
Lowest new price
Volvo XC40
Median new asking price $40,741. Ranked #1.
Best fuel economy
Mercedes-Benz GLA
28 mpg combined (EPA). Ranked #3.

The full ranking

#1
Volvo XC40
Score 90
New price
$39k–$43k (median $40,741)
Fuel economy
27 mpg
Owner reports
5 recurring problems in owner reports, none very frequent
Main owner complaint
Infotainment system glitches
Why #1
- Owner reliability (40 of 45 points): 5 recurring problems in owner reports, none very frequent: fewer than about 88% of this list
- Price (30 of 30 points): median new asking price $40,741 (50 US listings, Auto.dev): the lowest of this list
- Fuel economy (20 of 25 points): 27 mpg combined (EPA): better than about 79% of the gas and hybrid cars on this list
#2
Mercedes-Benz GLB
Score 77
New price
$43k–$48k (median $44,735)
Fuel economy
27 mpg
Owner reports
2 very frequent problems and 2 recurring in owner reports
Main owner complaint
Underpowered and unreliable four-cylinder engines
Why #2
- Owner reliability (32 of 45 points): 2 very frequent problems and 2 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 71% of this list
- Price (25 of 30 points): median new asking price $44,735 (50 US listings, Auto.dev): lower than about 84% of this list
- Fuel economy (20 of 25 points): 27 mpg combined (EPA): better than about 79% of the gas and hybrid cars on this list
#3
Mercedes-Benz GLA
Score 73
New price
$40k–$54k (median $43,939)
Fuel economy
28 mpg
Owner reports
1 very frequent problem and 6 recurring in owner reports
Main owner complaint
High maintenance costs
Why #3
- Owner reliability (22 of 45 points): 1 very frequent problem and 6 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 48% of this list
- Price (27 of 30 points): median new asking price $43,939 (50 US listings, Auto.dev): lower than about 89% of this list
- Fuel economy (24 of 25 points): 28 mpg combined (EPA): better than about 95% of the gas and hybrid cars on this list
#4
BMW X1
Score 70
New price
$43k–$48k (median $44,992)
Fuel economy
28 mpg
Owner reports
1 very frequent problem and 6 recurring in owner reports
Main owner complaint
High maintenance costs
Why #4
- Owner reliability (22 of 45 points): 1 very frequent problem and 6 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 48% of this list
- Price (24 of 30 points): median new asking price $44,992 (46 US listings, Auto.dev): lower than about 79% of this list
- Fuel economy (24 of 25 points): 28 mpg combined (EPA): better than about 95% of the gas and hybrid cars on this list
#5
Alfa Romeo Tonale
Score 69
New price
$37k–$46k (median $42,002)
Fuel economy
24 mpg
Owner reports
3 very frequent problems and 1 recurring in owner reports
Main owner complaint
Severe electrical/software failures
Why #5
- Owner reliability (28 of 45 points): 3 very frequent problems and 1 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 62% of this list
- Price (29 of 30 points): median new asking price $42,002 (48 US listings, Auto.dev): lower than about 95% of this list
- Fuel economy (12 of 25 points): 24 mpg combined (EPA): better than about 47% of the gas and hybrid cars on this list
#6
BMW X2
Score 68
New price
$49k–$55k (median $52,814)
Fuel economy
27 mpg
Owner reports
1 very frequent problem and 3 recurring in owner reports
Main owner complaint
High maintenance and repair part costs
Why #6
- Owner reliability (40 of 45 points): 1 very frequent problem and 3 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 88% of this list
- Price (8 of 30 points): median new asking price $52,814 (43 US listings, Auto.dev): lower than about 26% of this list
- Fuel economy (20 of 25 points): 27 mpg combined (EPA): better than about 79% of the gas and hybrid cars on this list
#7
Audi Q3
Score 66
New price
$45k–$47k (median $46,062)
Fuel economy
24 mpg
Owner reports
1 very frequent problem and 4 recurring in owner reports
Main owner complaint
High maintenance/repair costs
Why #7
- Owner reliability (32 of 45 points): 1 very frequent problem and 4 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 71% of this list
- Price (22 of 30 points): median new asking price $46,062 (50 US listings, Auto.dev): lower than about 74% of this list
- Fuel economy (12 of 25 points): 24 mpg combined (EPA): better than about 47% of the gas and hybrid cars on this list
#8
Mercedes-Benz GLC
Score 62
New price
$49k–$65k (median $56,965)
Fuel economy
26 mpg
Owner reports
1 very frequent problem and 3 recurring in owner reports
Main owner complaint
High maintenance and repair costs
Why #8
- Owner reliability (40 of 45 points): 1 very frequent problem and 3 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 88% of this list
- Price (5 of 30 points): median new asking price $56,965 (48 US listings, Auto.dev): lower than about 16% of this list
- Fuel economy (17 of 25 points): 26 mpg combined (EPA): better than about 66% of the gas and hybrid cars on this list
#9
Volvo XC60
Score 62
New price
$46k–$53k (median $51,149)
Fuel economy
26 mpg
Owner reports
2 very frequent problems and 2 recurring in owner reports
Main owner complaint
High long-term maintenance and repair costs
Why #9
- Owner reliability (32 of 45 points): 2 very frequent problems and 2 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 71% of this list
- Price (13 of 30 points): median new asking price $51,149 (50 US listings, Auto.dev): lower than about 42% of this list
- Fuel economy (17 of 25 points): 26 mpg combined (EPA): better than about 66% of the gas and hybrid cars on this list
#10
Genesis GV70
Score 61
New price
$44k–$59k (median $51,431)
Fuel economy
22 mpg
Owner reports
1 very frequent problem and 2 recurring in owner reports
Main owner complaint
Dealership/service experience deficiencies
Why #10
- Owner reliability (45 of 45 points): 1 very frequent problem and 2 recurring in owner reports: the fewest on this list
- Price (11 of 30 points): median new asking price $51,431 (50 US listings, Auto.dev): lower than about 37% of this list
- Fuel economy (5 of 25 points): 22 mpg combined (EPA): better than about 21% of the gas and hybrid cars on this list
#11
BMW X3
Score 54
New price
$48k–$54k (median $50,945)
Fuel economy
28 mpg
Owner reports
2 very frequent problems and 5 recurring in owner reports
Main owner complaint
Interior materials perceived as cheap, with extensive hard plastic
Why #11
- Owner reliability (14 of 45 points): 2 very frequent problems and 5 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 31% of this list
- Price (16 of 30 points): median new asking price $50,945 (50 US listings, Auto.dev): lower than about 53% of this list
- Fuel economy (24 of 25 points): 28 mpg combined (EPA): better than about 95% of the gas and hybrid cars on this list
#12
Alfa Romeo Stelvio
Score 51
New price
$47k–$60k (median $50,690)
Fuel economy
24 mpg
Owner reports
2 very frequent problems and 4 recurring in owner reports
Main owner complaint
Electrical warning lights and gremlins traced to a weak or failing factory battery
Why #12
- Owner reliability (22 of 45 points): 2 very frequent problems and 4 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 48% of this list
- Price (17 of 30 points): median new asking price $50,690 (43 US listings, Auto.dev): lower than about 58% of this list
- Fuel economy (12 of 25 points): 24 mpg combined (EPA): better than about 47% of the gas and hybrid cars on this list
#13
Maserati Grecale
Score 43
New price
$63k–$82k (median $69,961)
Fuel economy
20 mpg
Owner reports
1 very frequent problem and 3 recurring in owner reports
Main owner complaint
Severe electrical/battery issues (hybrid models)
Why #13
- Owner reliability (40 of 45 points): 1 very frequent problem and 3 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 88% of this list
- Price (2 of 30 points): median new asking price $69,961 (50 US listings, Auto.dev): lower than about 5% of this list
- Fuel economy (1 of 25 points): 20 mpg combined (EPA): better than about 5% of the gas and hybrid cars on this list
#14
Cadillac XT5
Score 41
New price
$45k–$54k (median $51,094)
Fuel economy
22 mpg
Owner reports
2 very frequent problems and 4 recurring in owner reports
Main owner complaint
Sudden engine/electrical shutdown while driving
Why #14
- Owner reliability (22 of 45 points): 2 very frequent problems and 4 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 48% of this list
- Price (14 of 30 points): median new asking price $51,094 (49 US listings, Auto.dev): lower than about 47% of this list
- Fuel economy (5 of 25 points): 22 mpg combined (EPA): better than about 21% of the gas and hybrid cars on this list
#15
Lexus NX
Score 41
New price
$48k–$52k (median $48,268)
Fuel economy
24 mpg
Owner reports
3 very frequent problems and 4 recurring in owner reports
Main owner complaint
12V Battery Drain (Hybrid Models)
Why #15
- Owner reliability (9 of 45 points): 3 very frequent problems and 4 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 19% of this list
- Price (20 of 30 points): median new asking price $48,268 (50 US listings, Auto.dev): lower than about 68% of this list
- Fuel economy (12 of 25 points): 24 mpg combined (EPA): better than about 47% of the gas and hybrid cars on this list
#16
Land Rover Range Rover Evoque
Score 29
New price
$50k–$55k (median $51,837)
Fuel economy
22 mpg
Owner reports
2 very frequent problems and 5 recurring in owner reports
Main owner complaint
Catastrophic turbocharger failure
Why #16
- Owner reliability (14 of 45 points): 2 very frequent problems and 5 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 31% of this list
- Price (10 of 30 points): median new asking price $51,837 (49 US listings, Auto.dev): lower than about 32% of this list
- Fuel economy (5 of 25 points): 22 mpg combined (EPA): better than about 21% of the gas and hybrid cars on this list
#17
Audi Q4 e-tron
Score 22
New price
No data yet
Fuel economy
97 MPGe
Owner reports
2 very frequent problems and 4 recurring in owner reports
Main owner complaint
Software and Electronic System Failures
Why #17
- Owner reliability (22 of 45 points): 2 very frequent problems and 4 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 48% of this list
- Price (0 of 30 points): No data yet (no new listing prices)
- Fuel economy (0 of 25 points): No data yet (too few EVs to compare)
#18
Land Rover Discovery Sport
Score 22
New price
$45k–$51k (median $48,601)
Fuel economy
20 mpg
Owner reports
3 very frequent problems and 5 recurring in owner reports
Main owner complaint
Ingenium Diesel Engine Failures (Pre-2019)
Why #18
- Owner reliability (2 of 45 points): 3 very frequent problems and 5 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 5% of this list
- Price (19 of 30 points): median new asking price $48,601 (48 US listings, Auto.dev): lower than about 63% of this list
- Fuel economy (1 of 25 points): 20 mpg combined (EPA): better than about 5% of the gas and hybrid cars on this list
#19
Land Rover Range Rover Velar
Score 20
New price
$61k–$67k (median $64,388)
Fuel economy
23 mpg
Owner reports
4 very frequent problems and 2 recurring in owner reports
Main owner complaint
Catastrophic engine failure (requiring full replacement)
Why #19
- Owner reliability (9 of 45 points): 4 very frequent problems and 2 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 19% of this list
- Price (3 of 30 points): median new asking price $64,388 (50 US listings, Auto.dev): lower than about 11% of this list
- Fuel economy (8 of 25 points): 23 mpg combined (EPA): better than about 32% of the gas and hybrid cars on this list
#20
Audi Q5
Score 20
New price
$53k–$57k (median $55,317)
Fuel economy
24 mpg
Owner reports
3 very frequent problems and 5 recurring in owner reports
Main owner complaint
Driver-assistance systems (adaptive cruise
Why #20
- Owner reliability (2 of 45 points): 3 very frequent problems and 5 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 5% of this list
- Price (6 of 30 points): median new asking price $55,317 (50 US listings, Auto.dev): lower than about 21% of this list
- Fuel economy (12 of 25 points): 24 mpg combined (EPA): better than about 47% of the gas and hybrid cars on this list
#21
Porsche Macan
Score 10
New price
$77k–$125k (median $110,915)
Fuel economy
20 mpg
Owner reports
3 very frequent problems and 4 recurring in owner reports
Main owner complaint
Exorbitant maintenance and repair costs ("Porsche Tax")
Why #21
- Owner reliability (9 of 45 points): 3 very frequent problems and 4 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 19% of this list
- Price (0 of 30 points): median new asking price $110,915 (29 US listings, Auto.dev): lower than about 0% of this list
- Fuel economy (1 of 25 points): 20 mpg combined (EPA): better than about 5% of the gas and hybrid cars on this list
#22
Tesla Model Y
Score 2
New price
No data yet
Fuel economy
114 MPGe
Owner reports
3 very frequent problems and 5 recurring in owner reports
Main owner complaint
Poor initial build quality
Why #22
- Owner reliability (2 of 45 points): 3 very frequent problems and 5 recurring in owner reports: fewer than about 5% of this list
- Price (0 of 30 points): No data yet (no new listing prices)
- Fuel economy (0 of 25 points): No data yet (too few EVs to compare)

Not enough data to rank yet

These luxury compact SUVs are sold here, but we won't rank a car on guesses.

Acura ADX: not enough owner reports yet
Acura RDX: not enough owner reports yet
Cadillac OPTIQ: too new to judge (on sale since 2024)

How we rank

Owner reliability, 45 points. Problems that owners report again and again, from our owner reports. A very frequent problem counts twice. Fewer problems than the other cars on this page earns more points.
New price, 30 points. The median asking price in US listings (Auto.dev). Cheaper than the others earns more.
Fuel economy, 25 points. EPA combined rating. Electric cars are compared only with other electric cars, in MPGe.
No guesses. A car needs enough owner reports and three years on sale to be ranked. A number we don't have earns 0 points and says "No data yet". We never compare NHTSA complaint counts between models, because they grow with the number of cars sold.

Questions

What is the best luxury compact SUV of 2026?: The Volvo XC40 ranks #1 of 22 with a score of 90 out of 100. 5 recurring problems in owner reports, none very frequent, and its new price is $40,741 at the median.
Which luxury compact SUV has the fewest owner-reported problems?: The Genesis GV70: 1 very frequent problem and 2 recurring in owner reports.
What is the cheapest luxury compact SUV on this list?: The Volvo XC40, with a median new asking price $40,741, based on US listings.
How does CarWizz rank luxury compact SUVs?: Each car is compared only with the other cars on this page. Owner reliability is worth 45 points, new price 30 points and EPA combined fuel economy 25 points. A car without enough owner reports is not ranked, and a missing number earns no points.

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