Are you looking for a car that combines the comfort and fuel efficiency of a sedan with the safety and practicality of an SUV? If so, you’re looking for a crossover. Though crossover vehicles aren’t a new innovation, they have become one of the biggest automotive success stories in recent years, quickly gaining market share in a corner of the automobile market where the luxury sedan has long reigned supreme.
Crossovers differ from traditional SUVs in a number of ways, but the biggest difference can be seen in the way they are constructed. SUVs are normally built on a large chassis, onto which various passenger compartments are added. This makes them sturdy and rugged, but it also means that they’re typically heavy and inefficient; off-road capabilities tend to be prioritized over passenger comfort.
By contrast, crossover vehicles are typically made in the same way as a sedan. Because they are designed primarily as passenger vehicles, they offer far more comfort and a better driving experience than your typical SUV. At the same time, crossovers are larger, sit higher above the road and often offer more luggage capacity than even the largest sedans.
Luxury Crossovers: Where Practicality Meets Comfort
Because they combine the best features of sedans and SUVs, crossovers are very practical. With more space than the average sedan, they offer more comfort for your passengers. The increased luggage space means that they are perfect for family holidays, and with increased off-road capability you can even take the kids skiing without worrying about getting stuck in the snow. The higher driving position makes for a safer and more enjoyable driving experience. Crossovers also include extra safety features to keep you and your family safe, should the worst happen.
You could, of course, get all these advantages by buying a traditional SUV, but there are a number of reasons why you might not want to do that. Having a huge, heavy, unwieldy SUV might make you feel safer, but you’ll spend most of your time looking for a large enough parking space. In addition, SUVs drink a lot of fuel. The slightly smaller body of a luxury crossover means that these vehicles are equally as practical when driving around town as they are out on the open road.
As with any vehicle category, there is plenty of choice available when choosing a crossover, from budget models right up to the most advanced and luxurious vehicles. Whether you are looking for optimal fuel efficiency, the most luxurious ride for your passengers, or simply the most enjoyable driving experience, there is a crossover for you.
So, without further ado, let’s look at the best luxury crossovers available in 2020.
2020 Audi Q5
The Audi Q5 has been around since 2009 and has since become one of the best-selling models in the German carmaker’s lineup. Audi is one of the companies that arguably invented the crossover category, and this 2020 Q5 model is keeping up that esteemed reputation with its latest design upgrades and high-end features.
The first thing you’ll notice about the 2020 Audi Q5 is its suave and sophisticated exterior. Instead of a solid paint job, consider getting a metallic or pearl effect paint finish for an added hint of luxury. The three trims include Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige. Customers have more choice when it comes to these packages and can customize their crossover with desired luxuries.
Tech is a big part of the Q5 experience. The interior has been completely reimagined with a virtual cockpit and 12.3 inch display. The Audi Connect system can bring driver’s the latest traffic on Google Earth and weather conditions for the latest updates. To make driving easier, the head-up display keeps your eyes on the road by displaying customizable info and warnings right on the windshield.
Opting for one of the Q5 packages will give you roomy sport seats, providing extra comfort for the driver and four passengers. Choose between an assortment of leather seatings to match your desired aesthetic and fold the rear seats to make more space. It doesn’t have the biggest cargo load, but the sport seating gives passengers some much wanted leg room to stay comfortable.
The Q5 isn’t the most powerful or exciting vehicle to drive around, but Quattro all-wheel drive gives it smooth and quiet travels. You can zip onto the highway or embark on some bumpy terrain, yet still experience a controlled and stable drive.
2020 Lincoln Nautilus
Small but effective details raise the luxury stakes inside and out of the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus. Formerly known as the Lincoln MKX, this vehicle is updated with increasingly modern luxuries for a crossover SUV.
With seating for five, passengers can enjoy the moody ambient lighting in the cabin. There are seven colors to choose from and they glow as you approach the vehicle. The active noise control will reduce any unwanted noise through wave technology to improve your driving experience. Another attractive quality the Nautilus offers is the panoramic vista roof that spans over both rows of seating.
There are some nifty driving features that only a luxurious SUV like the Nautilus can offer. The intelligent all-wheel drive functionality will monitor road conditions and deliver torque to the rear and front wheels to avoid sliding and enhance grip.
Not only that, but the electronic power-assisted steering will adjust fluidity accordion to your speed. Plus, the Auto Hold function gives drivers relief at long traffic stops by holding the brake and releasing it once your foot hits the accelerator.
The Nautilus has three trims and four new colors to choose from. Aside from looks, the Reserve can be bought with the Lincoln Co-Pilot Plus Package. This gives drivers comprehensive safety features such as a 360 degree exterior camera system, steering assist, adaptive cruise control and lots more.
2020 Volvo XC60
Hitting the road in the 2020 Volvo XC60 will guarantee you style points and savvy tech options. The Swedish brand updates its famous SUV with a standard 12.3 inch digital gauge display and plenty of optional features.
Each of the XC60 four trims exude luxury. The Momentum base model now comes standard with real leather upholstery and rear parking sensors. The next level up is the R-Design model. It has four-zone climate control and its former matter-silver exterior trim has been replaced with a glossy-black accent.
This next possible upgrade applies to the R-Design and Inscription models. Buyers can pay extra for the coveted feature of self-parking for a futuristic driving experience. One change that applies to all four trims is the power-folding rear seats have been axed.
The vehicle looks really good, but the performance might not meet the expectations of luxury crossover enthusiasts. Car and Driver tested the base T5-badged turbocharged engine with 2.0L four-cylinder. The 250 horsepower engine went from zero to 60MPH in 6.4 seconds. You may have to go with the T6 or T8 for stronger performance, and each is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The nine inch infotainment system comes standard on the XC60 in a portrait format. It’s elegantly designed and can still be used while wearing gloves. All in all, the XC60 is an option for consumers willing to dish out extra money to enjoy the luxury features this SUV has to offer.
2020 Subaru Outback
One of the most affordable luxury SUVs consumers can buy is the Subaru Outback. The vehicle is all-new for 2020, coming standard with all-wheel drive and redesigned interior. Its standard engine delivers 182 horsepower and a tough efficiency, giving drivers free range and capability to tackle rougher terrain.
The Outback got a lot more comfortable for passengers thanks to its genuine nappa leather, heated seats and heated steering wheel. One of the biggest changes in the 2020 models has to do with the available 11.6 inch infotainment system that adequately performs bluetooth, navigation and other functionality.
This year, Subaru introduced the Onyx Edition XT. It has the refined and sleek design which the Outback is recognized for, along with a 260-horsepower turbocharged engine. Its Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system gives drivers optimal control while driving in snow, mud and dirt. Plus, the exterior is styled with black accents while the inside opts for two-town water-repellent upholstery.
The Outback comes in seven different trims with the base model being equipped with a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine. Another new feature is the driver distraction monitoring which uses a camera and facial recognition software to monitor fatigue or lack of attention. Overall, the modern updates to the Outback make it an attractive option for SUV buyers.
Some Final Thoughts
As the luxury crossover market continues to develop, the range of vehicles available gets more and more bewildering. Yet choosing between these cars can be fairly straightforward, once you decide on your own priorities.
If you are looking for a true compromise between a sedan and an SUV, combining competent performance with great build quality, go for the Audi Q5. If you want a luxury sedan in the body of an SUV, the Lincoln Nautilus is your best choice. The Volvo XC60 is definitely the most luxurious car on this list, with interior styling that sets a new standard for luxury crossovers. On the other hand, if your priority is off-road performance, the Outback is the car for you.