Compact luxury SUVs combine the practicality of a small SUV with the tech and creature comforts of a luxury vehicle. Some of the most prestigious luxury automotive brands produced competitive compact luxury SUVs in 2022. Automakers like BMW and Mercedes-Benz predictably clinched high positions in compact luxury SUV rankings. How do the five best compact luxury SUVs of 2022 stack up?

5th: 2022 Lincoln Corsair

Ford’s luxury brand Lincoln produces some fine SUVs. The Corsair is one of Lincoln’s most popular models.

The 2022 Lincoln Corsair starts at $36,580. It uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine to make 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. The Corsair achieves 22 miles per gallon in the city and 29 miles per gallon on the highway.

Lincoln’s compact luxury SUV comes standard with active noise control, heated front seats, and heated power outside mirrors. The Corsair includes decent standard features, but there are other compact luxury SUVs on the market that offer better performance and more refined cabins.

4th: 2022 Acura RDX

The Acura RDX is one of the few Japanese nameplates to land a high position in compact luxury SUV rankings. It shines because it’s safe, reliable, and comfortable enough to provide that luxury feel.

The 2022 Acura RDX starts at $40,600. It uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine to make a whopping 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque (now we’re gettin’ somewhere). The RDX gets 22 miles per gallon in the city and 28 miles per gallon on the highway.

Acura’s compact luxury SUV comes standard with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, ambient cabin lighting, and sport seats with leatherette. The Acura RDX is more powerful than the American Lincoln Corsair, but there are plenty of rivals that are more luxurious than both models.

3rd: 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

German automaker Mercedes-Benz is known for producing vehicles that are the epitome of luxury. The GLC-Class is no exception.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class starts at $45,850. It uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine to make 255 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. The luxury SUV gets 22 miles per gallon in the city and 28 miles per gallon on the highway.

The Mercedes Benz GLC comes standard with a parking damage detector, blind-spot assist with exit warning assist, and an illuminated entry system. Its main rival predictably comes from Bavarian Motor Works: the BMW X3.

2nd: 2022 BMW X3

There’s a BMW to compete with just about every Mercedes-Benz luxury vehicle on the market. The 2022 BMW X3 is the 2022 Mercedes-Benz’s rival, and many consider it to be the better model, if ever so slightly.

The 2022 BMW X3 starts at $43,700. It uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine to make 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. The X3 achieves 23 miles per gallon in the city and 29 miles per gallon on the highway.

The BMW X3 comes standard with BMW SensaTec upholstery, dark oak wood trim, and dynamic cruise control. The X3 is the sweet spot between comfort and performance. It has a well-equipped cabin, great tech, and enough power to engage most drivers. The 2022 BMW X3 makes a strong case for the best compact luxury SUV, but there’s another competitor that many critics and experts feel deserves the top spot.

1st: 2022 Genesis GV70

Genesis is South Korean automaker Hyundai’s luxury division. Hyundai and Kia have produced superb final trim-level compact SUVs in recent years. The Genesis GV70 takes things a step further.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 starts at $42,900. It uses a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine to make a mighty 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. The GV70 gets 22 miles per gallon in the city and 28 miles per gallon on the highway.

The Genesis GV70 comes standard with a heated steering wheel, a wireless phone charger, and a Genesis digital key. U.S. News & World Report calls the GV70 the best luxury compact SUV. The GV70 is more affordable than many of its rivals and offers great performance and opulent features. Can Genesis hold on to the top spot in 2023 despite being such a new brand compared to Mercedes-Benz and BMW?