The 10 Most Exclusive SUVs in 2021

In the US and around the globe, the SUV trend continues. With the luxury SUV space more crowded than ever, higher prices and tight production are making SUVs even more exclusive. Thinking about a top-of-the-line SUV for your next vehicle? See below for vehicles to add to your shopping list.

2021 MERCEDES-BENZ AMG G63

• MSRP: From $156,450
• Horsepower: 577 hp
• Curb weight: 5,845 lbs
• MPG: 13 city / 16 highway
• Engine: 4.0 L V8

The pinnacle of status and wealth in SUV form continues to be the G63. The vehicle underwent its first major redesign for the 2019 model year after nearly 40 years of production. Today the vehicle is modern and competitive with some serious tech, all while keeping some heritage vibes–namely, super satisfying door handles and the clankiest door sound in the industry. Mercedes recently trademarked the EQG nameplate, pointing to the electrification of this vehicle in the future. Don’t count out this original SUV anytime soon.

2021 MASERATI LEVANTE TROFEO

• MSRP: From $149,990
• Horsepower: 590 hp
• Curb weight: 5,070 lbs
• MPG: 14 city / 18 highway
• Engine: Twin Turbo V8

The Trofeo collection is the performance division of Maserati. Sometimes overshadowed by the more accomplished competition, Trofeo fights for relevance against the likes of AMG and Porsche. Packing a Ferrari V8, the Levante is competitive in performance and has the tune of a sweet, sweet sportscar.  Critics often call the rest of the vehicle’s characteristics tame, with average steering, ride quality, and braking. There’s no denying the value prop here—especially if the engine is top on your list.

2021 ASTON MARTIN DBX

• MSRP: From $176,900
• Horsepower: 542 hp
• Curb weight: 4,940 lbs
• MPG: 14 city / 18 highway
• Engine: 4.0 L V8

Aston Martin has been losing money, hundreds of millions in fact. The bright spot is however the gorgeous new DBX. Although a bit late to the party, production started in July 2020 and has been an initial success by doubling the vehicles the brand delivered this year thus far. As the latecomer to the already saturated ultra-SUV landscape, only time will tell in how this vehicle stacks up. With crisp lines, luxurious styling, and unique Britishisms, the vehicle does a pretty good job of differentiating itself against the competition.

2021 LAMBORGHINI URUS

• MSRP: From $218,009
• Horsepower: 641 hp
• Curb weight: 4,844 lbs
• MPG: 12 city / 17 highway
• Engine: Twin Turbo V8

With over 15,000 units on the road since its launch in 2018, the Urus is by far the highest-selling Lamborghini of all time. This vehicle serves customers who want a striking balance of luxury, performance, and style. The Urus is lighter than its platform mates thanks to carbon fiber polymers and has the worlds’ largest set of carbon-ceramic disk brakes. There’s no denying the engineering excellence and attention to detail, which is why the vehicle continues to be a runaway success for Lamborghini.

2021 MERCEDES-MAYBACH GLS 600

• MSRP: From $160,500
• Horsepower: 550
• Curb weight: 6,140 lbs
• MPG: 15 city / 19 highway
• Engine: 4.0L V8 Biturbo

Got a driver? Then you’ll probably need a Maybach. The GLS 600 is a rider-focused version of the GLS SUV, making the backseats a leather-lined luxuriously comfortable place to be. The high level of exclusivity and elegance is one of the main reasons Mercedes brands it as the “S-Class of SUVs”. It’s comparably priced to the other Mercedes on this list, but this is the option if comfort is #1.  Turn a blind eye to the specs on this one as it’s not as competitive as others, partially because of its big mass due to the luxury equipment (Champagne fridge anyone?).

2021 RANGE ROVER SVAUTOBIOGRAPHY Ultimate LWB

• MSRP: From $211,000
• Horsepower: 557
• Curb weight: 5,745 lbs
• MPG: 15 city / 19 highway
• Engine: 4.0L V8 Biturbo

The Range Rover SVAutobigraphy Dynamic is a mouthful of marketing lingo. The brand has done its best to put an ultra-high-end SUV together, but for some, it falls short. Maybe it’s because the vehicle rides on one of the oldest platforms, or maybe it’s the fact Land Rover continues to water down its nameplate. There are some highlights in the vehicle though. Much like the Maybach on the list, the backseat is where this vehicle shines. With diamond-quilted leather, carbon fiber inserts, and reduced ride height, this vehicle is made for the ultra-rich.

2021 BENTLEY BENTAYGA SPEED

• MSRP: From $245,000
• Horsepower: 626
• Curb weight: 5,542 lbs
• MPG: 12 city / 18 highway
• Engine: 6.0L W12

Much like the Urus, this SUV is the best seller in the Bentley lineup. Considering this is the fastest and most expensive version of the Bentayga, can we presume it’s the best of the best? The gorgeously impressive W12 is a reason in itself for the purchase. Reviewers frequently speak to the agile driving dynamics of the vehicle, especially given its curb weight. The Dynamic Ride System does much of the work, making the car feel light and nimbler than what it actually is. Arguably the best looking in the group, this vehicle earns its spot as a great all-around exclusive SUV.

2021 ROLLS-ROYCE CULLINAN

• MSRP: From $330,000
• Horsepower: 563
• Curb weight: 6,069 lbs
• MPG: 12 city / 20 highway
• Engine: 6.8 L V12

Rolls Royce has become synonymous as the pinnacle of luxury, and the Cullinan adds to this being even bolder and more ostentation. From box-grain leather, acres of wood, and lambs-wool carpeting, the interior is an experience unlike anything else. With a magic carpet-like ride and a buttery v12, the Cullinan checks nearly every box. The only complaint is the price and with a variety of customizations, many sell for nowhere near the starting MSRP.

2021 PORSCHE CAYENNE TURBO GT

• MSRP: From $180,800
• Horsepower: 631 hp
• Curb weight: 5,000 lbs
• MPG: 15 city / 19 highway
• Engine: Twin Turbo V8

This performance-focus Porsche is just a few tenths of a second behind the Porsche 911 turbo. With killer speed and a hatch for space, this vehicle combines the best of both worlds. The brand and performance are why most people choose this vehicle but keep in mind it may lack a level of specialness. It looks a little too similar to the base Cayenne (which arrives at a cost of less than half) and shares its MLB Evo platform with a slew of Volkswagen group products including this growing list: A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, Q5, Q7, and Q8, e-tron, Touareg, Bentayga, and Urus.

2021 Tesla Model X Plaid

• MSRP: From $99,990
• Horsepower: 1,020
• Curb weight: 5,390 lbs
• MPG: 101 MPGe combined
• Engine: Dual Motor

The most exclusive vehicle on our list, solely because Tesla has yet to deliver a single one. Maybe it has to do with the chip shortage, or maybe it’s the norm of Elon Musk over promising and underdelivering. Regardless, this competitively priced EV might give every car on this list a run for its money when it does finally get across the finish line. With next-level technology, the most advance autonomous driving capabilities, and the stupid-fast nature of an electric powertrain with 1,020 horsepower, be on the lookout when this vehicle hits the streets.

Note: Woodside Credit provides financing for all vehicles on the list, except the Porsche Cayenne and Tesla Model X. Contact us to learn more about Woodside Credit’s SUV lending guidelines.