Best SUVs Under $100K

The Aviator is a relatively new offering from Lincoln, first appearing two years ago. Based on the midsize Ford Explorer, it's Lincoln's second-largest vehicle, measuring some 22 inches shorter than the full-size Lincoln Navigator and about 9 inches longer than the two-row Lincoln Nautilus. Like its siblings, the Aviator distinguishes itself with luxurious good looks and plush accommodations. It carries up to seven passengers across three rows of seats, delivering a comfortable and quiet ride, not to mention strong acceleration from its potent base engine - a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6.

Higher trims also offer a plug-in hybrid powertrain capable of an estimated 21 miles of electric-only range. In keeping with the Lincoln brand, the Aviator favors luxury over sportiness, so it isn't as athletic as some rivals, such as the Audi Q7 or the BMW X7. Instead, more like the pricier Mercedes-Benz GLE, it pampers occupants with premium materials as well as abundant features and tech.

The Lincoln Navigator is one of the most luxurious full-size SUVs available. And it comes loaded with the features and tech that buyers in this segment expect. The sumptuous interior feels right in step with this class of vehicle, too. The four-wheel independent suspension and noise-absorbing countermeasures engineered by Lincoln deliver a cocoon of comfort and quietness.

The gargantuan people-hauler is based on the Ford Expedition, which itself shares much of its mechanical makeup with the Ford F-150 pickup. So unlike crossover SUVs that are built with a car-like body and chassis, the Navigator is built like a truck with a separate body riding on a full ladder frame. With heavy construction like that, it's not surprising that all of the Navigator's luxuries are backed by serious capability.

The Navigator is available in two lengths, the standard model and the L, which offers a 9-inch longer wheelbase and enough cargo space to overpack for any adventure. Every Navigator has the same potent powertrain: a 450-horsepower twin-turbo V6 paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Navigator's all-wheel-drive system is optional and top models receive a low range-equipped four-wheel-drive system packaged with the heavy-duty trailer tow package. Speaking of towing, a properly equipped two-wheel-drive Navigator can move up to 8,700 pounds of trailer, which is more than any other full-size luxury SUV.

The Audi SQ7 is a high-performance version of Audi's largest SUV, the Audi Q7 midsize crossover. Its most notable upgrade is the standard, 500-horsepower V8 engine that is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. It makes this SUV quicker in a straight line than many sports cars. The three-row SQ7 seats seven people inside a refined cabin packed with safety and technology. The only areas where it comes up short are third-row comfort and cargo space, both of which are average at best.

The BMW X5 M provides even more power but at an even higher price. The Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S also boasts more power than the SQ7 and has a six-figure price tag, but it also offers substantially more cargo room.

This is Jaguar's entry into the hugely competitive midsize luxury SUV segment. And like many of its European competitors, the F-Pace offers equal parts luxury and performance. There are three different engine choices, standard all-wheel drive and even a high-performance SVR model for those who want to combine SUV practicality with sports car performance. Dynamic styling gives the F-Pace a sporty look, but the result is a tight cabin for both rows of seating. A refresh for 2021 updated the styling on the outside and added a new infotainment system on the inside. All the latest technology is available, although it's not always easy to use.

Taken as a whole, the F-Pace is a strong contender for those who want a sporty SUV that won't get lost in the crowd of competitors from Germany and Japan. That group includes the Japanese luxury trio of the Lexus RX, Acura MDX, and Infiniti QX60. From Germany, there's the BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE, Porsche, and Audi Q5. It's also worth considering the Lincoln Nautilus as well as the new Korean Genesis GV80.