If you’re in the market for a used luxury midsize SUV and your search has landed on the 2018 model year, you’re in luck. The 2018 luxury midsize SUV segment was exceptionally competitive, featuring a wide range of vehicles that balance premium comfort, capable performance, and advanced technology. Whether you prioritize sporty handling, maximum fuel efficiency, off-road prowess, or all-around family practicality, this model year has an option worth considering. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of all 19 ranked vehicles, from the top performer down to the most niche offerings in the class.
How These Rankings Work
Rankings are based on a combination of expert reviews, reliability data, safety scores, and total cost of ownership — the last of which is provided by Vincentric, an independent automotive data firm. Each vehicle receives an overall score out of 10, and average prices paid reflect real-world used market data.
The Top Tier: Scores 8.0 and Above
#1 — 2018 Acura MDX | Score: 8.2
The 2018 Acura MDX sits at the top of the rankings with a score of 8.2. It earns its position through solid handling, a smooth ride, and a well-crafted cabin that rivals more expensive competitors. The MDX offers a fuel economy range of 18–20 mpg city and 26–27 mpg highway, making it one of the more efficient non-hybrid options in the segment. Average prices paid land between $17,486 and $23,203, giving it an excellent value proposition for a first-place finisher.
#2 — 2018 BMW X5 | Score: 8.1
The 2018 BMW X5 earns a top-third ranking with a score of 8.1. It combines a genuinely luxurious cabin with what many reviewers consider the most athletically engaging driving dynamics in the class. Fuel economy is widely variable depending on the powertrain selected (14–23 city / 19–29 highway), and average prices paid range from $20,575 to $32,864 — reflecting its broader trim and engine lineup.
#3 (Tie) — 2018 Audi Q7 | Score: 8.0
The 2018 Audi Q7 is one of the highest-ranked vehicles in this class, scoring 8.0. It delivers great driving dynamics backed by strong engine options and solid safety ratings. Fuel economy stands at 19 city / 25 highway, and average prices paid fall between $18,050 and $21,656 — a competitive price point for the Audi badge and the Q7’s capabilities.
#3 (Tie) — 2018 Lexus RX 350 | Score: 8.0
The 2018 Lexus RX 350 also earns an 8.0, ranking near the top of its class. Its smooth, refined ride is one of the most consistently praised qualities in owner and expert reviews alike, complemented by a capable V6 engine. Fuel economy is rated at 18–20 city / 25–27 highway. Average prices paid are somewhat higher at $24,306 to $30,040, though Lexus’s strong predicted reliability often justifies the premium.
#3 (Tie) — 2018 Lexus RX Hybrid | Score: 8.0
For buyers prioritizing efficiency without sacrificing luxury, the 2018 Lexus RX Hybrid makes a compelling case. Also scoring 8.0, it earns a top-third spot in the class with ample passenger space and a standout fuel economy rating of 29–31 city / 28 highway — the best numbers among all non-plug-in vehicles in this ranking. Average prices paid range from $25,184 to $29,936.
The Upper-Middle Tier: Scores 7.7–7.8
#6 — 2018 Maserati Levante | Score: 7.8
The 2018 Maserati Levante offers some of the most exciting driving dynamics in the entire segment, earning a 7.8 score. However, it trails competitors on cabin material quality and features for the price. Fuel economy is modest at 14 city / 19–20 highway. Average prices paid range from $22,131 to $27,123, which is reasonable given its Italian heritage and dramatic styling.
#7 (Tie) — 2018 Acura MDX Hybrid | Score: 7.7
The 2018 Acura MDX Hybrid earns a 7.7 with strong acceleration and composed handling. While its fuel economy of 26 city / 27 highway is notably better than the standard MDX, it ranks in the middle of the class on some ownership cost metrics. Average prices paid are $21,818 to $24,351.
#7 (Tie) — 2018 Lincoln MKX | Score: 7.7
The 2018 Lincoln MKX places in the top third of the rankings thanks to excellent safety scores and solid overall value. Fuel economy is rated at 16–18 city / 23–25 highway. With average prices paid between $15,588 and $23,395, it represents one of the most affordable entry points into this ranked group.
#7 (Tie) — 2018 Porsche Cayenne | Score: 7.7
The 2018 Porsche Cayenne ranks near the top of its class in outright performance, with a broad price range reflecting its extensive engine and trim options — from $25,423 to $62,405 depending on variant. Fuel economy ranges from 14–18 city / 21–24 highway depending on the powertrain selected. Its balanced ride and handling remain a signature strength.
The Mid-Tier: Scores 7.5–7.6
#10 (Tie) — 2018 Cadillac XT5 | Score: 7.6
The 2018 Cadillac XT5 ranks near the middle of the class with a 7.6 score. While its American luxury styling has broad appeal, it doesn’t match the all-around competitiveness of the top-ranked options. Fuel economy is 18–19 city / 25–26 highway, and average prices paid range from $15,942 to $23,736.
#10 (Tie) — 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class | Score: 7.6
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE features a high-quality cabin and a lengthy list of available features, earning a 7.6. However, a high total cost of ownership — factoring in insurance, maintenance, and depreciation — holds it back in the rankings. Fuel economy is rated at 14–18 city / 18–23 highway. Average prices paid span a wide range from $20,322 to $43,548.
#12 (Tie) — 2018 BMW X6 | Score: 7.5
The 2018 BMW X6 lands in the middle of the rankings with a 7.5 score. As a sportback-style crossover, it trades some interior practicality for a more athletic silhouette and sharp performance. Fuel economy is 14–18 city / 19–25 highway, and average prices paid range from $23,573 to $35,124.
#12 (Tie) — 2018 Volvo XC90 | Score: 7.5
The 2018 Volvo XC90 earns a 7.5 and ranks in the top half of the class. Its standout qualities include high-quality Scandinavian interior materials, genuinely roomy seating across all rows, and an impressively wide used-market price range of $17,942 to $56,981 — reflecting everything from base trims to the ultra-premium Excellence edition. Fuel economy is rated at 20–22 city / 27–29 highway.
The Lower-Middle Tier: Score 7.4
#14 (Tie) — 2018 Infiniti QX60 | Score: 7.4
The 2018 Infiniti QX60 ranks toward the bottom of the class despite offering a roomy cabin, good safety scores, and a peppy V6 engine. Its overall score of 7.4 reflects shortcomings in areas where rivals outperform it. Fuel economy is 19–20 city / 26–27 highway, and average prices paid land between $16,810 and $17,511 — among the tightest ranges in the group.
#14 (Tie) — 2018 Land Rover Discovery | Score: 7.4
The 2018 Land Rover Discovery finishes in the bottom half despite being an outstanding off-roader. It scores 7.4, with on-road limitations holding it back in a class where many buyers prioritize urban usability. Fuel economy is 16–21 city / 21–26 highway, and average prices paid range from $17,183 to $21,502.
#14 (Tie) — 2018 Land Rover Range Rover Velar | Score: 7.4
The Range Rover Velar earns a 7.4 score, offering a comfortable ride, potent engine options, and a genuinely high-end cabin. Its ranking reflects trade-offs in reliability and ownership costs relative to its price. Fuel economy ranges from 18–26 city / 24–30 highway depending on powertrain. Average prices paid are $18,541 to $33,181.
The Bottom Tier: Scores 7.0–7.3
#17 — 2018 Lincoln MKT | Score: 7.3
The 2018 Lincoln MKT ranks near the bottom due to poor fuel economy (15–16 city / 21–24 highway), limited rear-seat space, and a less competitive overall package compared to class leaders. At $15,896 to $18,078, it is one of the most affordable options in this group.
#18 — 2018 Lexus GX | Score: 7.2
The 2018 Lexus GX 460 finishes near the bottom of the rankings with a 7.2. It earns recognition as a capable off-roader with strong predicted reliability, but its aging platform and poor fuel economy of 15 city / 18 highway limit its appeal. Average prices paid are $27,980 to $34,083 — a premium that is harder to justify against the competition.
#19 — 2018 Land Rover Range Rover Sport | Score: 7.0
The 2018 Land Rover Range Rover Sport ranks last among the 19 vehicles with a score of 7.0. It boasts refined driving dynamics, superb off-road capability, and powerful engine options, but high ownership costs and reliability concerns keep it at the bottom of the class. Fuel economy ranges from 15–22 city / 20–28 highway. Average prices paid span $23,539 to $40,061, the widest range among bottom-tier vehicles.
Quick Comparison: All 19 Vehicles at a Glance
| Rank | Vehicle | Score | Avg Price Paid | MPG (City/Hwy) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | 2018 Acura MDX | 8.2 | $17,486–$23,203 | 18–20 / 26–27 |
| #2 | 2018 BMW X5 | 8.1 | $20,575–$32,864 | 14–23 / 19–29 |
| #3 | 2018 Audi Q7 | 8.0 | $18,050–$21,656 | 19 / 25 |
| #3 | 2018 Lexus RX 350 | 8.0 | $24,306–$30,040 | 18–20 / 25–27 |
| #3 | 2018 Lexus RX Hybrid | 8.0 | $25,184–$29,936 | 29–31 / 28 |
| #6 | 2018 Maserati Levante | 7.8 | $22,131–$27,123 | 14 / 19–20 |
| #7 | 2018 Acura MDX Hybrid | 7.7 | $21,818–$24,351 | 26 / 27 |
| #7 | 2018 Lincoln MKX | 7.7 | $15,588–$23,395 | 16–18 / 23–25 |
| #7 | 2018 Porsche Cayenne | 7.7 | $25,423–$62,405 | 14–18 / 21–24 |
| #10 | 2018 Cadillac XT5 | 7.6 | $15,942–$23,736 | 18–19 / 25–26 |
| #10 | 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE | 7.6 | $20,322–$43,548 | 14–18 / 18–23 |
| #12 | 2018 BMW X6 | 7.5 | $23,573–$35,124 | 14–18 / 19–25 |
| #12 | 2018 Volvo XC90 | 7.5 | $17,942–$56,981 | 20–22 / 27–29 |
| #14 | 2018 Infiniti QX60 | 7.4 | $16,810–$17,511 | 19–20 / 26–27 |
| #14 | 2018 Land Rover Discovery | 7.4 | $17,183–$21,502 | 16–21 / 21–26 |
| #14 | 2018 Range Rover Velar | 7.4 | $18,541–$33,181 | 18–26 / 24–30 |
| #17 | 2018 Lincoln MKT | 7.3 | $15,896–$18,078 | 15–16 / 21–24 |
| #18 | 2018 Lexus GX | 7.2 | $27,980–$34,083 | 15 / 18 |
| #19 | 2018 Range Rover Sport | 7.0 | $23,539–$40,061 | 15–22 / 20–28 |
Which 2018 Luxury Midsize SUV Is Right for You?
The right choice ultimately depends on your priorities. Here is a quick summary to guide your decision:
- Best all-around value: 2018 Acura MDX — top-ranked score at a mid-range price point
- Best for driving enthusiasts: 2018 BMW X5 or Porsche Cayenne — both deliver outstanding on-road performance
- Best fuel economy (non-plug-in): 2018 Lexus RX Hybrid — 29–31 mpg city is exceptional for the segment
- Best for off-road use: 2018 Land Rover Discovery or Range Rover Sport — purpose-built capability
- Best budget entry into the segment: 2018 Lincoln MKX — top-third ranking at some of the lowest prices in the group
- Most unique design: 2018 BMW X6 — for buyers who want the sportback crossover aesthetic
- Best Scandinavian luxury: 2018 Volvo XC90 — top-half ranking with standout cabin quality
The 2018 model year represents a strong generation for the luxury midsize SUV segment, with several vehicles scoring 8.0 or above. Whether you’re prioritizing performance, efficiency, or all-around family utility, there is a well-regarded option at nearly every price point.
Have a favorite from this list, or have you owned one of these models? Share your experience in the comments — real-world ownership perspectives help future buyers make more confident decisions.
References
- U.S. News & World Report. (2018). Best 2018 Luxury Midsize SUVs. Retrieved from https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/rankings/used
- Vincentric. (2018). Total Cost of Ownership Data for 2018 Luxury Midsize SUVs. Retrieved from http://www.vincentric.com/