When it comes to the U.S. automotive market, compact crossovers are cleaning up. The segment continues to see unprecedented growth, even with a huge variety of options already on offer. The appeal of the luxury compact crossover is multifaceted, mixing a “go anywhere, do anything” attitude with comfort and inherent driveability. Luxury compact crossovers are practical and spacious, without going overboard in terms of exterior dimensions, improving fuel efficiency and maneuverability over larger SUVs. Inside, there are amenities aplenty without breaking the bank, while the high seating position provides ample views of the road ahead. And while better suited for mall crawling rather than rock crawling, luxury compact crossovers still get that “off-roader” style, plus AWD when the weather turns sour. And of course, the extra room in the rear supports a range of lifestyles, whether its kid hauling for a family, or gear running for active outdoorsy activities. There are even performance options, if you’re into that kind of thing.

Boil it down, and the philosophy goes something like this – mix equal parts practicality, comfort, and road presence, then spread evenly on a tall-bodied package. But where to start? To help you navigate this seemingly bottomless sea of possibilities, we’ve collected facts and figures from five of the best entries in the segment, including the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, Audi Q5, BMW X3, Jaguar F-Pace, and Mercedes-Benz GLC Class. Read on for the lowdown.

Continue reading to learn more about TopSpeed’s Top 5 Luxury Compact Crossovers.

Alfa Romeo Stelvio

In case you haven’t heard, Alfa is back in the U.S., and it’s bringing with it all the stylish panache you’d expect from the brand. Of course, that includes slinky sports cars like the 4C and high-powered sedans like the Giulia, but as of 2016, there’s another option on the table – the Stelvio. This is Alfa’s very first SUV, and it promises all the good stuff as the rest of the stable, but wrapped in a crossover bodystyle.

Outside, the Stelvio looks the part of a true Alfa Romeo, drawing from the same cues and lines as the Giulia, sporting three intakes in the front end, with two horizontal intakes in the lower bumper and a triangle for the central intake. Buyers get 13 different choices for the body color, plus 13 design choices for the alloy wheels. Wheel sizing ranges between 17-inches to 20-inches in diameter.

Inside, the Stelvio gets a driver-focused cabin layout, with high-end materials like full-grain leather upholstery, wood trim, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Behind the wheel is a TFT color information display cluster, which comes with a standard diameter of 3.5-inches, and optional at 7.0-inches. Various user inputs are made through the dual rotary controls, providing selections for the Alfa DNA system and Alfa Connect infotainment system. The display in the dash is either a 6.5-inch unit as standard, or an upgraded 8.8-inch display with 3D navigation. The Stelvio also tosses in advanced safety systems like an Integrated Brake System, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, and an Autonomous Emergency Brake with pedestrian detection. Dual-zone climate control keeps passengers comfortable, while stereo options include set-ups with 8, 10, or 14 speakers. In back is 18.5 cubic feet of cargo space, accessible via an electric tailgate.

The name “Stelvio” comes from a famed Italian mountain pass, so you know this SUV was built for having a little fun. Quick steering is complemented by sporty suspension with built-in Alfalink technology, while the curb weight was reduced thanks to aluminum for the engine, suspension, hood, doors, and rear hatch.

Alfa offers two engine choices – 280 horses with a 2.0-liter turbo, or a 2.2-liter diesel producing 210 horses. Each mates with an eight-speed automatic transmission and gets a carbon fiber driveshaft. Get the gas engine, and you’ll hit 62 mph in 5.7 seconds. The Q4 AWD system comes as standard, but RWD is also on the table. Go for AWD, and you can option in a mechanical self-locking rear differential as well.

Pricing starts at $41,995.

Exterior Dimensions

Wheelbase (inches)

110.9

Length (inches)

184.3

Height (inches)

65.7

Width (inches)

85

Front track (inches)

63.5

Rear track (inches)

65.1


Interior Dimensions

Headroom (front / rear)

N/A

Leg room (front / rear)

N/A

Shoulder room (front / rear)

N/A

Passenger volume

89 cubic feet

Cargo room

18.5 cubic feet

Seating capacity

5


Engine, Drivetrain, And Chassis

Engine type

turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, turbocharged 2.2-liter four-cylinder diesel

Drivetrain

AWD, RWD

Transmission

eight-speed automatic

Horsepower

280HP @ 5,250 RPM, 210 HP @ 3,750 RPM

Torque

295 LB-FT @ 2,250 RPM, 347 LB-FT @ 1,750 RPM

0-to-60 mph

5.5 seconds, 6.4 seconds

Top speed

143 mph, 134 mph

Fuel economy

22 mpg city and 28 mpg highway

Curb weight

3,660 pounds, 3,657 pounds


Pricing And Options

Stelvio

$41,995

Stelvio Ti

$43,995

Options

Driver Assist Static with Front Sensors Package (auto-dimming mirrors, blind spot and cross path detection, front/rear park assist system), Driver Assist Dynamic Plus Package (adaptive cruise control with stop and go function, automatic high beam headlamp control forward collision warning plus), Cold Weather Package (heated front seats, heated steering wheel, heated washer nozzles), Convenience Package (115-volt auxiliary power outlet, cargo comp adjustable rail system, cargo net), Harman Kardon Premium Audio, Dual-Pane Sunroof


Read the full review here.

Audi Q5

The Germans obviously have a heavy presence in this segment, starting with Audi and the Q5. The latest model iteration from the Four Ring brand gets the same chiseled good looks as the rest of the lineup, with sharp lines and crisp cuts front to back. The traditional Singleframe grille dominates the nose, while wide side intakes complement it in the bumper corners. There’s also a pair of fog lights. Enhancing the crossover’s natural visual width is a series of polished metal bars, present in the front grille and side intakes, with further polished metal used for the grille surround and window surround. The headlights get squared-off housings set with daytime running light bars. Lighting elements include either LEDs or Matrix LEDs, while LEDs are used for the taillights as well. Dynamic turn signals add some visual flair when indicating.

The fenders are high, bulging slightly from the body and adding a little extra visual muscle, while a diffuser element in the rear directs the air between the tailpipes. Dimensionally, the current Q5 is larger than the previous iteration, while the coefficient of drag is rated at a reasonably low 0.30.

Inside the Audi, there is a horizontal interior layout with a prominent 3D trim strip running lengthwise across the instrument panel. High-end materials are used prominently throughout, while a variety of onboard tech is offered for both entertainment and driver assistance. Behind the three-spoke multi-function steering wheel, buyers can get the optional Audi Virtual cockpit, which is basically a digital gauge cluster with a 12.3-inch screen providing info like road speed, engine rpm, nav directions, and more. A heads-up display is optional as well.

Further infotainment gear includes MMI navigation plus and MMI touch control, with a 8.3-inch display mounted high on the central console. A touchpad and rotary controller are mounted on the central tunnel for inputs, with support offered for handwritten entries.

Longitudinal seat adjustments for the rear are optional. There’s also a Wi-Fi hotspot with connectivity for up to 8 devices, plus three packages for automated assistance, with features like adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist, active lane assist, cross traffic alert, exit warning, and collision avoidance all making the list.

As you might expect, the Q5 gets the quattro AWD system with ultra technology for more grip without sacrificing too much efficiency. The suspension is composed of a five-link set-up front to back and is offered with adaptive components that vary in stiffness levels and ride height. There’s also electromechanical power steering with an optional dynamic set-up that will change the steering ratio based on road speed and steering angle. And although the current model is larger than before, Audi still managed to cut as much as 200 pounds from the curb weight (depending on the configuration) thanks to greater use of high-tensile strength steel and aluminum.

That extends to an aluminum head for the engine options, which in Europe consists of four different diesels and a single gas-burning TFSI. The diesels range in output between 150 horses and 272 horses, while the gas option gets 252 horses. Only the gas TFSI is offered in the states. Routing the power is a seven-speed automatic transmission.

Pricing starts at $41,500.

Exterior Dimensions

Wheelbase (inches)

111

Length (inches)

183.6

Height (inches)

65.3

Width (inches)

74.5

Front track (inches)

63.6

Rear track (inches)

63.3


Interior Dimensions

Headroom (front / rear)

41.7 / 39.3

Leg room (front / rear)

41 / 37.8

Shoulder room (front / rear)

57.7 / 56.5

Passenger volume

101.5

Cargo room

26.8 cubic feet

Seating capacity

5


Engine, Drivetrain, And Chassis

Engine type

turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder

Drivetrain

AWD

Transmission

seven-speed automatic

Horsepower

252 HP @ 5,000 RPM

Torque

273 LB-FT @ 1,600 RPM

0-to-60 mph

5.9 seconds

Top speed

130 mph

Fuel economy

23 mpg city and 27 mpg highway

Curb weight

4,045 pounds


Pricing And Options

Audi Q5 Premium

$41,500

Audi Q5 Premium Plus

$45,500

Audi Q5 Prestige

$50,800

Options

Navigation and Telematics package (Audi connect Care with limited time subscription, Audi connect Prime & Plus with 6-month trial subscription, Audi virtual cockpit, MMI navigation plus with MMI touch), Convenience package (eight-way power front seats with driver memory, Audi advanced key with keyless entry and start/stop, doors and trunk, heated auto-dimming power folding exterior mirrors with memory, SiriusXM satellite radio with complementary 90-day subscription), panoramic sunroof, heated front seats


Read the full review here.

BMW X3

Next up on our list is the contender from Bavaria, the BMW X3. Bimmer just released an upgrade for the crossover, which includes fresh exterior styling that aims to recall “rugged off-road” vehicles, not to mention a longer wheelbase as well. Up front is a 3D kidney grille intake set in a hexagonal shape, while the lower bumper is equipped with fog lights. The taillights also get a 3D shape. Lighting the road ahead is the option for adaptive LED’s or Icon Adaptive Full LED units.

In back is a roof spoiler, plus twin exhaust tips, and for the first time ever, a factory-installed trailer hitch. Side steps provide improved access to whatever you’ve got mounted on the roof, while satin and silver matte trim pieces add extra flair. The corners are equipped with 18-inch Y-Spoke wheels wrapped in all-season run-flat tires, but plus-sized 19-inch wheels are also on offer.

Inside, the BMX X3 is equipped with comfortably plush (yet supportive) seats, with standard power adjustable side bolsters. Ambient lighting is in the foot wells and SensaTec upholstery is added to the dash. The layout is appropriately driver focused, asymmetrically orienting the various controls towards the seat behind the steering wheel. Further hexagonal shapes are used, mirroring the exterior, while the latest model is equipped with upgraded storage space. Up top is an anthracite headliner. The rear bench offers a 40:20:40 split for more flexible storage, and there’s a remote release in back to help save time while loading up. The new model also gets a three-zone automatic climate control system with separate controls for rear-seated passengers, plus separate zones for the passenger and driver in front.

Go for the optional package, and BMW will add chrome kidney grille bars and two-tone bumpers to the exterior, plus extra nice stuff inside. Go for the M Sport Package, and BMW will add adds a sporty new leather steering wheel and M-branded door sill finishers.

Although you wouldn’t expect a top-heavy crossover to fall in line with BMW’s old “ultimate driving machine” ethos, the X3 still promises a lot of fun if properly configured. It starts with a 50:50 front-to-back weight distribution, while the M Sport Package takes things further with 19-inch M Double-Spoke Wheels and available Performance tires. Adaptive suspension is also on offer, as is the M Aerodynamic kit, which throws on a new front apron, larger intakes, side skirts, a diffusor rear apron, and Shadowline exterior trim. Larger M Double-Spoke 20-inch Wheels with Performance tires are also on the options list.

Engine options include a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with variable cam timing and a twin-scroll exhaust turbocharger, plus an electrically adjustable waste gate. Power is rated at 248 horses and 258 pound-feet of torque, with the 0-to-60 mph sprint done in 6 seconds. Upgrade to the X3 M40i, and you’ll get a 3.0-liter M Performance six-cylinder, which is turbocharged to 355 horsepower for a 0-to-60 mph time of 4.6 seconds. Both powerplants are mated to an eight-speed Steptronic transmission.

Pricing for the latest 2018 model has yet to be announced, but we expect a number close to the 2017’s entry MSRP of $40,500.

Exterior Dimensions

Wheelbase (inches)

112.8

Length (inches)

185.9

Height (inches)

66

Width (inches)

84.2

Front track (inches)

63.8

Rear track (inches)

64.4


Interior Dimensions

Headroom (front / rear)

41.1 / 39.1

Leg room (front / rear)

40.3 / 36.4

Shoulder room (front / rear)

57.6 / 56

Passenger volume

N/A

Cargo room

28.7 cubic feet

Seating capacity

5


Engine, Drivetrain, And Chassis

Engine type

turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder

Drivetrain

AWD

Transmission

eight-speed automatic

Horsepower

248 HP @ 5,200 RPM, 355 HP @ 5,500 RPM

Torque

258 LB-FT @ 1,450 RPM, 369 LB-FT @ 1,520 RPM

0-to-60 mph

6 seconds, 4.6 seconds

Top speed

130 mph

Fuel economy

N/A

Curb weight

4,156 pounds, 4,277 pounds


Pricing And Options

note: prices listed are for the 2017 model year

BMW X3 sDrive28i

$40,050

BMW X3 xDrive 28i

$42,050

BMW X3 xDrive 35i

$48,950

Options

xLine Package (silver matte trim, upgraded wheels), Lighting Package (xenon adaptive headlights or adaptive full LED headlights, including high and low beams and around-corner illumination), Cold Weather Package (heated front seats, heated steering wheel), Technology Package (heads-up display, navigation, remote services)


Read the full review here.

Jaguar F-Pace

Jaguar only recently got into the crossover game, dropping its first entry in the segment at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show. As you’d expect, the cat badge did a bang up job on the exterior styling, taking cues from such stunners as the F-Type coupe.

The look comes from the same brains that made the C-X17 concept, and sports bold, muscular proportions, short overhangs front and back, a raked angle for the shoulder line, and solid shapes for the intakes and grille. One of the names behind the design you might recognize – Ian Callum, also known as the pen behind the Aston Martin DB7, Nissan R390, and Jaguar XK, is currently the Director of Design at Jaguar.

Exterior features include LED taillights, LED fog lights, and adaptive LED headlights with daytime running lights with a J-Blade housing design. The F-Pace is optionally available with 22-inch wheels with 18-inchers as standard, while aluminum is used for the body and hood to keep weight low.

Inside, the F-Pace features something Jaguar calls a Sports Command driving position, which basically aims to combine sports car-like support with a high-up crossover-esque perspective on the road. Jaguar also says the dash design was intended to resemble a cockpit, while the instrument panel mimics the XE and XF sedans. Premium materials are used throughout, with available leather upholstery and 14 different seat adjustments for improved comfort, not to mention heating and cooling functions as well. The trim options include Meshed Aluminum and Satin Grey Ash Wood.

Behind the steering wheel, there’s a TFT digital display, with the option for a 12.3-inch virtual instrument display also on offer. Get the virtual instruments, and you’ll be able to choose from four different display modes, including navigation instructions. Premium feel is enhanced thanks to ambient lighting with 10 different color choices, optional four-zone climate control, and optional gesture control.

Although the F-Pace is most definitely not a sports car, Jaguar was intent on making it fairly interesting to drive. As such, stiffness was a major concern, in addition to weight savings. So, like the rest of Jaguar’s lineup, the F-Pace employs the brand’s Lightweight Aluminum Architecture for the bones, sporting the largest amount of the aluminum alloy used in a Jaguar vehicle to date. This includes the suspension components, with diecast aluminum front suspension turrets and other sections of the double wishbone set-up. Helping it turn is an Electric Power Assisted Steering system with a standard variable ratio. Options include an adaptive suspension system as well, which also gets that sporty rear-biased feel.

Engine options include two different tunes for a supercharged 3.0-liter V-6, with either 340 horsepower or 380 horsepower on tap. It’s essentially the same engines offered with the F-Type coupe sports car, with 90-degree cylinder banks and a roots-type blower. Go for the 380-horsepower option, and you’ll reach 60 mph in 5.1 seconds, with the top speed limited at 155 mph. Each engine option mates to an eight-speed automatic transmission and AWD system. If you’re so inclined, there’s also an Ingenium diesel four-cylinder on the options list, with output rated at 180 horsepower.

Pricing starts at $40,990.

Exterior Dimensions

Wheelbase (inches)

113.1

Length (inches)

186.3

Height (inches)

65

Width (inches)

81.5

Front track (inches)

64.6

Rear track (inches)

65.1


Interior Dimensions

Headroom (front / rear)

37.8 / 37.5

Leg room (front / rear)

40.3 / 37.2

Shoulder room (front / rear)

57.7 / 55.8

Passenger volume

N/A

Cargo room

33.5

Seating capacity

5


Engine, Drivetrain, And Chassis

Engine type

turbocharged 2.0-liter diesel four-cylinder, supercharged 3.0-liter V-6

Drivetrain

AWD

Transmission

eight-speed automatic

Horsepower

180 HP @ 4,000 RPM, 340 HP @ 6,500 RPM, 380 HP @ 6,500 RPM

Torque

318 LB-FT @ 1,750 RPM, 332 LB-FT @ 4,500 RPM

0-to-60 mph

8.2 seconds, 5.3 seconds, 5.0 seconds

Top speed

129 mph, 155 mph

Fuel economy

N/A, 23 mpg city and 18 mpg city

Curb weight

3,913 pounds, 4,408 pounds, 4,102 pounds


Pricing And Options

Jaguar F-Pace 20d AWD

$40,990

Jaguar F-Pace 35t AWD

$42,390

Jaguar F-Pace S AWD

$56,700

Options

Tow hitch, load space storage rails, Black Design Package, Gloss Black roof rails, 20-inch wheels, Comfort and Convenience Package (climate-controlled front seats, heated rear seats, gesture-controlled tailgate, electrically reclining rear seats, rear seat remote release), Technology Package (InControl Touch Pro system, 10.2-inch Capacitive touchscreen, SSD-based navigation system, 12.3-inch virtual instrument cluster, 825-watt Meridian Surround Sound System, InControl Wi-Fi system)


Read the full review here.

Mercedes GLC Class

Now in its second generation, the Mercedes-Benz GLC Class is high-end German luxury and elegance in a capable, stylish package. Merc says the design outside is a combination of “sensual purity and a modern aesthetic over the classic off-road look.” The style is in many ways an evolution of what was used for the GLC Class’s predecessor, the GLK Class, which the GLC replaced in 2015. Truncated overhangs, a three-dimensional radiator grille, twin louvers, and a centrally mounted three-pointed star badge are all present. Buyers can get optional LED headlights, while LEDs are used for the taillights as well. Extra high-gloss trim is also on the list, while matte black was added to the wings. Wheel sizing can get as big as 20 inches in diameter. When it comes to functionality the bumpers are actually “optimized for off-road use,” with a 28-degree angle of approach and departure, while the rest of the body panels offer an impressive coefficient of drag – down to 0.31, which helps massively with efficiency.

Inside, the cabin space is reminiscent of the larger GLE SUV. There are handcrafted elements, plus high-end materials like Nappa leather, and open-pore wood trim. The layout incorporates a new dashboard and center console, plus one-piece panel, and rounded air vents. Up top is the option for a large panoramic glass roof. Infotainment spec includes rotary controls and smartphone-esque controls for the touchscreen. There’s also a touchpad for handwriting inputs, plus plenty of assistance systems, including Collision Prevention Assist Plus, Active Highbeam Assist, Attention Assist, and Crosswind Assist. A heads-up display provides additional info. In back is a 40:20:40 split for the rear bench, and a hands-free access release for the rear cargo area.

Under the hood is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, which routes through a 9G-Tronic automatic gearbox with a magnesium transmission housing, hitting the pavement via a 4Matic AWD system, that splits torque at a 45 to 55 percent ratio front to rear. RWD is also on offer. Managing the weight is an Air Body Control multi-chamber air suspension, which complements the five-link set-up in the corners and gets multiple drive modes for comfort, sportiness, or off-roading. Achieving that goal is a variable damping system, controlled via a Dynamic Select system. This system also modifies the engine. It’ll also raise the ride height if additional ground clearance is required. The chassis boasts a lower weight than the latest iteration, cutting as much as 176 pounds by comparison thanks to the inclusion of additional aluminum and high-strength steel. Finally, an Electromechanical Direct-Steer system directs it all.

Pricing starts at $39,150.

Exterior Dimensions

Wheelbase (inches)

113.1

Length (inches)

183.3

Height (inches)

64.5

Width (inches)

74.4

Front track (inches)

63.9

Rear track (inches)

63.7


Interior Dimensions

Headroom (front / rear)

37.8 / 38.5

Leg room (front / rear)

40.8 / 37.3

Shoulder room (front / rear)

57.3 / 56.6

Passenger volume

N/A

Cargo room

19.4

Seating capacity

5


Engine, Drivetrain, And Chassis

Engine type

turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder

Drivetrain

AWD, RWD

Transmission

nine-speed automatic

Horsepower

241 HP @ 5,500 RPM

Torque

273 LB-FT @ 1,300 RPM

0-to-60 mph

5.9 seconds

Top speed

130 mph

Fuel economy

21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway, 22 mpg city and 28 mpg highway

Curb weight

3,927 pounds, 4,084 pounds


Pricing And Options

Mercedes-Benz GLC300

$39,150

Mercedes-Benz GLC300 4Matic

$41,150

Options

Air Balance Package (cabin fragrance system, cabin-air purification system), Sport Package (AMG body styling, 19-inch AMG twin 5-spoke wheels finished in grey, sport brake system, topstitched MB-Tex upper dash trim), Advanced Parking Assist Package (Parktronic with Active Parking Assist, Surround view System, Hands-Free Access), Leather Seating Package (leather upholstery, power front passenger seat with memory), Premium 1 Package (Blind Spot Assist, keyless-Go, household-type 115-volt power outlet, SiriusXM Radio with6-month all access trial), Premium 2 Package (includes Premium 1 Package content, Comand hard-drive navigation with 8.4-inch screen, touchpad controller, 3 years of navigation map updates, voice control, SiriusXM Traffic and Weather with 5 years of service, illuminated front door sills, multicolor LED ambient lighting, storage package), Premium 3 Package (includes Premium 2 Package content, Distronic Plus with Steering Assist, BAS Plus with Cross-Traffic Assist, Pre-Sage Brake with Pedestrian Recognition, Pre-Safe Plus, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Speed Limit Assist, cabin fragrance system, cabin air purification system, active ED headlights with Adaptive Highbeam Assist)


Read the full review here.