There are lots of different midsize luxury SUVs out there, and to choose between them is no easy feat. With a variety of safety features, luxury touches and ratings, it can be difficult to narrow down which SUV is right for you. Let’s take a look at the top three midsize luxury SUVs’ road test ratings so you can narrow down your list. 

The 2021 Porsche Cayenne is number three on Consumer Reports’ list of midsize luxury SUVs

And with good reason. With its high road test scores, decent reliability, and positive owner experience, it makes sense that the Cayenne is a favorite.

Consumer Reports gives the 2021 Porsche Cayenne scores a 4/5 for its acceleration. It can reach 0 to 60 in 6.5 seconds. 

The Cayenne’s transmission scores a respectable 4/5. Routine handling receives an excellent 5/5. However, emergency handling only gets a 3/5. The Porsche Cayenne’s max avoidance speed is 50 mph.

Braking is pretty good in the Cayenne. It scores a 4/5 and can brake from 60 mph on dry pavement in 131 feet. On wet pavement that becomes 140 feet. The Cayenne’s headlights only score a 3/5. This isn’t uncommon in cars, but it can put a dent in a road test or safety score. 

The 2021 Lexus RXL is second on the list

The RX L scores the second highest for midsize luxury SUVs with an excellent road test score, very good reliability, and high owner satisfaction rating. 

Like the Cayenne, Consumer Reports gives the 2021 Lexus RX L a 4/5 for its acceleration. It can reach 0 to 60 in a decent 7.7 seconds. 

Transmission in the RX L scores a 5/5. Routine and emergency handling receive a 3/5 and the Lexus RX L’s max avoidance speed is 52 mph. 

Braking is very good in the RX L. It scores a 4/5 and can brake from 60 mph on dry pavement in 136 feet and wet pavement in 139 feet. The RX L’s headlights score a 4/5.

The 2021 BMW X5 is number one on Consumer Reports’ list

Consumer Reports loves the 2021 BMW X5. The X5 scores the highest for midsize luxury SUVs with a near perfect road test score, okay reliability rating, and very good owner satisfaction score. 

Consumer Reports gives the 2021 BMW X5 a 5/5 for its acceleration. It can reach 0 to 60 in 6.0 seconds, the fastest of the three. 

Its transmission scores a perfect 5/5. Routine handling receives a 4/5, though emergency handling only gets a 3/5. The BMW X5’s max avoidance speed is 52 mph, which is tied with the RX L for the highest of the three.

Braking is excellent in the X5. It scores a 5/5 and can brake from 60 mph on dry pavement in 129 feet. On wet pavement that becomes 142 feet.

The X5’s headlights only score a 2/5, which keeps it from winning a top safety award, and may disqualify it from some prospective buyers lists (especially if they drive often at night). 

Overall, these three midsize luxury SUVs are all recommended by Consumer Reports, and they all have good road test scores. Of course road test scores are just one facet of a vehicle. You may want to take a look at their reliability or safety ratings to paint a clearer picture of the right SUV for you, but if performance is a priority, the 2021 BMW X5 is the way to go.