Entering the realm of the luxury automobile may seem like a tall task for car buyers, but with brands like Volvo, it’s easier than you may imagine.

Take their subcompact SUV offering, the XC40, for example. Starting around the low $40K price range, it provides a foot in the door for people looking to step up on the class scale — as long as they’re good with limited space in the rear seats and in the cargo hold.

Volvo’s larger XC60 and XC90 SUVs are more spacious, but if you’re less concerned with the amount of space but still want the Volvo quality design, drive quality and safety features, the XC40 is a strong option to consider — and it competes well against other smaller SUV options in the class — including the Audi Q3, BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLB, Acura ADX and Lincoln Corsair.

Read on for a full review on the 2026 Volvo XC40, which I recently had the opportunity to experience, to learn more about how it holds up vs. its rivals.

Mercedes-Benz vehicles are plentiful and come in all shapes and sizes, including some uniquely designed smaller SUVs.

I recently spent some time driving one of those options, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLB35 4Matic, a compact, beautiful and powerful luxury SUV.

First introduced in 2020, the GLB (the second smallest Benz SUV option) first gets your attention with its boxy design, then the AMG power and advanced technology take the GLB to the next level.

The 2024 AMG GLB35 takes on tough luxury competition including BMW X1, Audi Q3 and Volvo XC40. Read on to learn more about how the GLB holds up in this competitive segment.

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Immediately of note is the GLB’s boxy but attractive look, which also helps with cargo space. The GLB gets a slight refresh for 2024 in the exterior design (front and rear lighting, bumper, etc.).

A large Benz logo highlights the front, along with a small AMG logo on the hood. Bold, rectangular designs are included on the grille and lighting up front.

With the respect BMW has earned over nearly a century of making automobiles, it’s no surprise that many luxury buyers want to get behind the wheel of one of their current-day offerings.

But as a luxury ride, the price often presents a major barrier to access, leading potential buyers to explore some of BMW's smaller offerings as potential entryways into the brand.

One such vehicle is the BMW X1, the brand’s smallest crossover SUV offering, which got a full redesign for 2023 that carries over into the 2024 lineup.

This little ride packs a lot of features into a small package — including strong overall design, an upscale interior, a performance boost over past models, and updates to safety and tech features.

I recently tested a 2023 BMW X1 xDrive28i model, and I’m back with a full report on how it measures up in a crowded luxury crossover segment that features strong offerings such as the Audi Q3, Mercedes-Benz GLA, Volvo XC40 and more.

If you want to get people’s attention in the automotive world, there’s a couple routes you can take. You can aim at putting out the best product that outshines what is currently on the market. Or you can aim for a more affordable product to draw in car buyers looking to save.

Rarely are both achievable at the same time, but Lexus has come close to achieving that rare feat with its 2020 Lexus UX 250h, a hybrid SUV which delivers best-in-class fuel mileage and offers a beautifully designed vehicle inside and out.

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Lexus’ UX, a subcompact SUV, slots in just below the Lexus NX in the automaker’s SUV lineup. It’s also one of the few vehicles in this class to offer a hybrid variant, giving it a leg up on the competition.

The exterior design features the usual sharp Lexus look, with a bold-looking grille and smooth angles and curves. Go inside the UX, and you'll find a luxurious look and feel, and some of the most comfortable seats in the business.