Finalists for Drive Car of the Year 2026: premium SUVs under $150,000

The editorial team at the popular automotive portal Drive has named the finalists for the prestigious Drive Car of the Year 2026 among premium SUVs priced up to $150,000. These models stood out for their capabilities, forward-looking tech and the level of comfort they bring to buyers.

Porsche Macan

Last year, the second-generation Porsche Macan took the honor in the category for the best luxury SUV under $150,000. Its move to a fully electric platform hasn’t compromised the mid-size Porsche’s performance, day-to-day practicality or composure, although the $150,000 cap means the Turbo flagship sits beyond consideration.

This year the Porsche Macan range is broader than before. The rear-wheel-drive base version is priced at $129,800 excluding on-road costs, while the Macan 4 and Macan 4S — both with all-wheel drive and stronger outputs — are listed at $137,600 and $149,300 respectively. The spread gives shoppers clear stepping stones without straying over the price ceiling.

BMW iX

The 2024 winner in the best electric car under $150,000 category, the BMW iX returns in an updated class to try to recapture the limelight.

Refreshed for 2025, the BMW iX is now offered solely as the xDrive 45 M Sport at $142,900 excluding on-road costs. It brings generous dimensions and a claimed 602 km WLTP range from its sizable 94.8 kWh battery — numbers that keep it compelling on paper.

Volvo XC90

While the updates to the XC90 released this year may seem modest, the largest Volvo still makes a strong case for anyone seeking a luxurious, comfortable SUV. Two versions sit under the $150,000 threshold: the Ultra B5 Bright at $104,990 excluding on-road costs and the plug-in hybrid Ultra T8 at $130,990.

A new look distinguishes the latest Volvo XC90, and the cabin has been refreshed with a different 11.2-inch infotainment unit and an updated instrument-panel design. The restrained tweaks suit the model’s relaxed brief.