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Jun 17, 2023

Top 10 Used Luxury SUVs To Buy Under $30,000

These used luxury SUVs are easily some of the best ways to spend $30,000. Although car prices continue to be at historically high levels since the pandemic, $30,000 can still buy you a lot of used

These used luxury SUVs are easily some of the best ways to spend $30,000.

Although car prices continue to be at historically high levels since the pandemic, $30,000 can still buy you a lot of used luxury SUVs. But with so many options out there, selecting a used luxury car can seem overwhelming. With that in mind, we've done the necessary legwork to put together ten of the best used luxury SUVs for $30,000 or less, so you can have complete confidence in your purchase.

You'll also be happy to know that our list is highly varied, which means you shouldn't have a problem finding an SUV that fits your needs. Read on for the ten best used SUVs to buy under $30,000, some of which won't leave you wanting for luxury.

We sourced pricing data from Edmunds and CarGurus for this list.

Engine

3.5-liter V6

Power

279 hp

Torque

252 lb-ft

Drive Type

FWD; AWD (optional)

Transmission

6-speed automatic

If you want a luxury SUV that doesn't require deep pockets, you'll be glad to know the highly impressive 2017 Acura RDX can be had for a little bit under $20,000. The vehicle has a well-rounded combination of power, handling, luxury, practicality, comfort, and technology. As the name implies, this model comes equipped with the Technology package, which bundles an array of safety and infotainment features, including an additional in-dash display screen, navigation, a 10-speaker audio system, voice recognition, GPS-linked climate controls, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind spot monitoring. A used 2017 Acura RDX can be had for between 10,000 and $30,000 on CarGurus.

Engine

Turbocharged 4.8-liter V8

Power

500 hp

Torque

516 lb-ft

Drive Type

AWD

Transmission

8-speed automatic

Want an affordable luxury SUV that goes around corners better than the average SUV? You won't go wrong with the 2012 Porsche Cayenne Turbo. Armed with a balanced chassis, a well-judged air suspension, and communicative steering, the Cayenne Turbo handles so responsively that even less experienced drivers can get the most out of it. Power is also superb, thanks to a turbocharged 4.8-liter V8 that kicks out 500 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. Depending on the condition, you can pick up a 2012 Porsche Cayenne Turbo for between 23,500 and $27,000, according to CarGurus.

Engine

Turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder

Power

241 hp

Torque

273 lb-ft

Drive Type

RWD; AWD (optional)

Transmission

9-speed automatic

The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class GLC has recently been given a major redesign for its second generation and is much more attractive. However, if you can't afford the latest version, you can pick up a 2018 model for less than $30,000 (according to CarGurus) and still be completely satisfied with your purchase. The small crossover SUV offers a dignified and sophisticated exterior design, a refined and spacious cabin with high-quality materials, good fuel economy, strong performance, and a quiet ride.

RELATED: 10 Best Cheap Used Luxury SUVs On The Market

Engine

Twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6

Power

340 hp

Torque

339 lb-ft

Drive Type

AWD

Transmission

7-speed automated manual

If you're willing to look past its poor fuel economy and limited rear seat and cargo space, the 2017 Porsche Macan S is a great small luxury SUV to own. It has a potent twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 that generates 340 hp, impressive and rewarding driving dynamics, a clean yet emotionally appealing design, and a luxurious interior. As you'd expect, the Macan S is reasonably quick off the mark, with 0-60 mph reached in 5.1 seconds.

The list of amenities is also good. The Macan S comes standard with power front seats, tri-zone automatic climate control, partial leather, simulated suede upholstery, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, a 10-speaker sound system, a power liftgate, heated outside mirrors, and similar. Current prices for a used 2017 Porsche Macan S range between $24,000 and $30,000, CarGurus. Of course, you can expect to pay more if you're after a low mileage example.

Engine

3.5-liter V6

Power

302 hp

Torque

273 lb-ft

Drive Type

AWD

Transmission

7-speed automatic

If you're considering a midsize luxury SUV capable of transporting you and your family in supreme comfort and with a decent array of niceties, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 4MATIC is a very sensible buy. According to CarGurus, for less than $30,000, you can find plenty of well-cared-for models with heated and power front seats, MB-Tex upholstery, memory settings for the driver's seat, an 8-inch screen, an eight-speaker audio system, a sunroof, 19-inch alloy wheels, a power liftgate, and rear privacy glass.

Under the hood, the GLE 350 has a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 302 horses and 273 lb-ft of torque – enough to hustle it to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds. A seven-speed automatic transmission comes standard.

Engine

Turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder

Power

248 hp

Torque

273 lb-ft

Drive Type

AWD

Transmission

7-speed automated manual

The 2020 Audi Q5 Quattro Premium 45 TFSI is the latest used luxury SUV on this list. So it's good to know it is also affordable, considering it comes with the latest technologies and very low mileage. It has a spacious interior with high-grade materials, a sportily honed exterior design, thrilling handling, and a straightforward infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto smartphone integration. The vehicle also offers two USB ports, HD Radio, Bluetooth, and a 10-speaker audio system. If you have a $30,000 budget, a used 2020 Audi Q5 quattro Premium 45 TFSI ranges from 22,000 to $30,000, as per Edmunds.

RELATED: 10 Used SUVs You’ll Never Regret Buying

Engine

3.0-liter turbocharged V6

Power

362 hp

Torque

369 lb-ft

Drive Type

AWD

Transmission

9-speed automatic

Mercedes-Benz has been well-regarded for its luxury cars, and the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class 450 4MATIC is yet another spectacular reason why the brand continues to be every bit as compelling a proposition, even in the used market. Often seen as the avant-garde trendsetter in the large luxury SUV segment, the GLS brings phenomenal amenities, including heated front seats, a power driver seat, memory settings for the driver's seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, synthetic leather upholstery, genuine wood trim, and a leather-covered steering wheel.

Other standard 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS features include a power liftgate, 19-inch alloy wheels, power-folding and auto-dimming outside mirrors, LED running lights and taillights, as well as an air suspension. For those with $30,000 to spend on a luxury SUV, used 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class 450s sell in a range between $24,000 and $30,000 according to CarGurus.

Engine

Turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder

Power

248 hp

Torque

258 lb-ft

Drive Type

AWD

Transmission

8-speed automatic

Agile, practical, comfortable, and reasonably powerful, the 2018 BMW X3 xDrive30i is a very worthy addition to this list. It is great to drive and has a classy, well-designed interior, fantastic build quality, useful cargo space (28.7 cu. ft with all seats in use & 62.7 cu. ft max), as well as a smooth and powerful turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 248 hp and 258 pound-feet of torque.

In addition, there are many features to look forward to, such as the front sport seats, tri-zone automatic climate control, a 40/20/40-split rear seat that can be folded to maximize cargo space, driver-seat memory settings, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with wheel-mounted shift paddles, an easy-to-use 6.5-inch screen, and a 12-speaker audio system. Used 2018 BMW X3 xDrive30i models are available on CarGurus's website for between $27,000 and $30,000.

RELATED: 10 Best Used SUVs For Performance And Comfort

Engine

Turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder

Power

300 hp

Torque

300 lb-ft

Drive Type

AWD

Transmission

8-speed automatic

The BMW X5 ticks almost all the boxes a midsize luxury SUV should. Excepting the cramped optional third-row seats, this vehicle is flawless. It has deft handling, an incredibly comfortable and very high-quality cabin, advanced tech, and exceptionally strong performance. Not to mention, it is one of the most reliable used BMWs you can buy. The vehicle has an adequate turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder with 300 horsepower and equal torque on tap. Helping to send that power to all four wheels is an eight-speed automatic transmission. A used 2018 BMW X5 xDrive35i can be yours if you're willing to spend between $21,300 and $30,000, according to CarGurus.

Engine

3.5-liter V6

Power

295 hp

Torque

268 lb-ft

Drive Type

FWD; AWD (optional)

Transmission

8-speed automatic

It's not perfect. However, if you're in the mood for something Japanese that costs between $21,000 and $30,000 (CarGurus), the 2017 Lexus RX 350 will not disappoint. It offers numerous features that meet a wide range of owner needs, roomy and comfortable seats, a quiet ride, great safety scores, and top-level build quality.

Under the hood, there's a reasonably efficient 3.5-liter V6 that puts out 295 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque. Front-drive models return 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, while versions with all-wheel drive gain 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

Monday Goma delights in writing about cars. He has written buyer's guides, car reviews, product reviews, etc., for a bunch of car dealership sites in the U.S. When not writing about cars, Monday can often be found either playing FIFA or researching new automotive technologies. Monday is married to a very devout, hardworking, strong-willed, and truly remarkable woman.