This is a Motormouth couple car review of the top-5 subcompact luxury SUVs for 2023. In alphabetical order:
Audi Q3
Powertrain: The Audi Q3 has one powertrain option at this time, the 40 TFSI is no longer list on the website. The 45 has a 2L turbocharged 4-cylinder with an 8-speed automatic transmission, 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Standard AWD.
Pros: You can put regular fuel in the Audi Q3, it’s an affordable option, even the base model comes with plenty of standard features, it has a modern exterior and interior design with plenty of technology that is intuitive to us.
Cons: Steering on the Audi Q3 is very light, offers less cargo space and the cabin isn’t as quiet as some of its competitions.
BMW X1
Powertrain: 2L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with a 7-speed dual clutch transmission, 241 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, that’s up 13 horsepower and 37 lb-ft of torque from the outgoing model. Standard AWD.
Pros: The BMW X1 has dynamic and agile handling, it’s fun to drive, it has a more powerful turbocharged 4-cylinder and a quieter cabin compared to the outgoing model.
Cons: Although the BMW X1 iDrive 8 operating system is quick, most functions are now done in the touchscreen, there is no more dial at the centre console to control the screen.
Cadillac XT4
Powertrain: 2L turbo 4-cylinder engine with a 9-speed automatic transmission, 237 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. FWD and AWD options are available.
Pros: The Cadillac XT4 has a modern exterior design, good value, quick shifting 9-speed automatic transmission, plenty of power and a spacious interior.
Cons: The Cadillac XT4 is missing that luxury experience on the inside, the tech needs to be updated
Mercedes-Benz GLA/GLB
Powertrain: The base is a 2L turbocharged 4-cylinder with an 8-speed automatic transmission, 221 horsepower and a 258 lb-ft of torque. AMG 35 has 302 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque and the AMG GLA 45 with 382 horsepower ad 354 lb-ft of torque. Standard AWD in Canada but there is a FWD option in the US.
Pros:Both the Mercedes GLA and Mercedes-Benz GLB have a very pleasant and comfortable driving dynamics and dynamic enough for many buyers. The interior feels upscale and sophisticated. It has really held up all these years even though a new model is coming. The GLB is very practical with its boxy exterior design, it offers a lot of space including an available 3rd row.
Cons: Mercedes GLA cargo space is small compared to much of the competition, the Mercedes-Benz GLB on the other hand keeps up better with the competition. On the GLA/GLB, Apple Carplay and Android Auto are not standard, you have to buy a package and the heated steering wheel is a la carte on the GLA.
Volvo XC40
Powertrain: There are three powertrain options, including a pure EV. The gas models have a 2L turbocharged 4-cylinder and a mild hybrid system with either the B4 powertrain with 194 horsepower or B5 with 247 horsepower. The XC40 Recharge, the pure EV has a combined 402 horsepower and 359 km/ 223 miles of EV range.
Pros: The Volvo XC40 is smooth and refined drive with a very comfortable cabin, the interior is upscale and elegant yet practical with beautiful materials used. In the US, AWD is only available with the more powerful B5 engine, B4 is FWD. In Canada, both the B4 and B5 are AWD models.
Cons: The Volvo XC40 has a Higher driver seating position and may not work well for taller people. Volvo’s google based infotainment system is not intuitive to use and almost everything inside the cabin is controlled by the screen with only a few buttons inside the cabin.

Other subcompact luxury SUVs to consider are the Mini Countryman and the Lexus UX250h.

Andrea Instagram   / motormouth_andrea  
Zack Instagram   / motormouth_auto