Top-5 Subcompact Luxury SUVs for 2023 // Which would you pick?

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.

[JazzyLnae]

I have the Q3 & love it. Putting regular gas in it saves me so much money. I do a lot of city & long distance driving.

[tomdrummy]

At this point, any vehicle can be “luxury” with the right trim and features. And the non luxury brands may be more reliable and cost less to service.

[michaelhogen]

Bought a 2022 XC40 last year and love it. I’m 6’ and find the drivers’ seat to be just fine. The infotainment system does have a learning curve but once learned it works well.

[Kdn]

I love my Q3. Purchased it a few months ago. K didn’t know much about the Q3 until I watched one of your previous videos. My ears perked up when regular fuel was mentioned. Love driving it and plenty of space for me.

[aic]

Thanks so much for this video! I know I have mentioned this in one of your videos, but the insights you shared in your review of the XC40 were so helpful for me when I was car shopping 2 years ago. I fell in love with the Volvo XC40, lol! I can attest to everything you said about quality of the ride and the ride height. One thing I should add is that I’m 5’8 and frequently wear heels, and I don’t find the car uncomfortable or too short!

[raymondadams]

Mini Countryman is always a bridesmaid never a bride 🙁 The F60 Countryman has been very reliable and the 7 speed DCT is bitter smooth. I absolutely love mine. It wish they received more love from reviewers.

[timphillips]

Looking forward to another of your informative countdown videos Andrea and Zack.

[stevenraihl]

I actually looked at the Lexus 250awd, Volvo XC40, and GLB. Just out of curiosity I looked at a RAV4. It was a (base) model fwd. Boy was it plastic fantastic inside and out. But wow I liked how it drove. Looking at hauling around a 65lbs pound dog. Yes the RAV4 is a size class bigger, has a more utilitarian interior. I ended up ordering a RAV4 XSE hybrid awd. I added the technology and winter packages, plus panoramic roof option and premium white paint. The interior has all the soft touch surfaces features I need. But a pwr passenger seat (would be nice).

I couldn’t be happier with my purchase. I swapped out the OEM tires for a much quieter touring tire. Added sound deadening tiles above spare in the tire compartment too.

I’ve owned BMW’s, Lincoln’s and a Cadillac. Guys, I couldn’t be happier! Sometimes buying a fully loaded standard brand is smarter $$ wise. Besides my model RAV4 isn’t that common. I receive more attention in my RAV4 then I ever did in the other makes. Lookiloos on the road are giving thumbs up. Plus can I look at your your RAV4? While parked in public area’s.

I’ve saved a lot o $$ on my new car purchase. 15-20k averaged out. Besides used prices for my model are the same or more than I paid in some US markets. Just food for thought everyone.

[angelherg]

I have a big question.

Could you guys make a video explaining the difference types of engine… “stuff”?

Like inline vs V, Atkinson cycle, etc.

You guys always mention these things and I just nod along and smile 😅. It could be one big video with all these info that you guys can refer people to in every video.

Keep it up, you guys have become my go to car review channel.

[lgbunbury]

Thanks for mentioning the Lexus UX250h. You are right on in that the backseat legroom and cargo areas are small but we can get our three grand daughters in there on booster seats! We absolutely LOVE our 2022 ux250h! So much fun and AWD in a compact hybrid with amazing fuel economy!

[mattmatt]

I really enjoy all your reviews. We are in the market for a new vehicle and I wouldn’t buy something without watching both of you review it first! It would be fantastic if you introduced some truck reviews!

[michaelsylvester]

Love these reviews thanks for sharing.

[xixix]

You guys are truly the most personable and easy to listen to when it comes to car reviews

[kellingtonlink]

I think you guys nailed the list. The Volvo seems quite intriguing. I keep forgetting about them. Thanks for the video.

[rayl.]

Thanks for the video. I am currently driving XC 40 and had a Q3 in the past. XC 40 is my top pick, follow by X1, Q3, GLB. Like the look of XC40, it has a smooth and powerful ride. I am not a tall person, have no issues of the higher seat. It’s very comfortable for a long ride. The only thing that I like to see is a bit heavier steering wheel.

[hay]

I looked at the Q3, GLB and X1, ended up getting the X1 and love it. It's big upgrade from older generations, fun to drive and comfortable. I dislike the no button design, and I think the door close is not as soft as other luxury models.

[sammyt]

The UX is the only one I'd actually buy; for leasing it would be either the Mercedes GLA or the Volvo XC40. Thanks for another great video.

[derbscott]

I was looking for a new car and looked at the BMW X1, Q3 and XC40…decided on the XC40 for all the things you guys talked about…great content…

[marshalynne]

Thank you for the information it was very valuable in assisting me and making my choice of the XC 40 Volvo.

[rudinatelaj]

Thank you both for this exciting review of SUVs. I bought Volvo xc 40 B5 (the plus version) for many reasons : the exterior design, the cover of the engine, the screen that looks like a human face, this model has no exhaust pipe, 360 degree camera & all safety features Volvo is known for. I can go on & on & on for many practical features that every human would like to have in a suv vehicle.