8 Features That Make a Great Luxury SUV

Some people spend a lot of time in their vehicles—perhaps even so much time you could say they practically live in their cars. So, we know all too well that, sometimes, you just want to treat yourself to a luxury vehicle with perks that make long days behind the wheel better.

As an extensive auto group—one with not just a single SUV dealership in our family but several—we've worked with plenty of customers who asked us, “If I want to simply love being in my SUV, what features should I look for?” We’ve given this a lot of thought, and we've accumulated a list of eight features that make for a truly excellent luxury SUV.

1) Awesome Sound System

Music can influence your mood. It can start your day off on the right foot, help you celebrate the great days, and help you recover from the tough ones. If you feel like music is everything, then you need a great sound system.

These aren’t just for music, though. Many people with long commutes see their time in the car as a time to better themselves by listening to audiobooks. You need a great sound system for that, too. You want to make sure you catch every word, every whisper, and every mood-setting sound. Let’s not forget about how popular podcasts are today. A great sound system lets you enjoy that hilarious talk show or informational health podcast even more.

So, find an SUV with a great sound system. That’s generally going to mean lots of speakers—ideally, at least one per passenger, if not more. The best ones have a handful for everyone. Take the Lexus TX, for example, which has an available 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo system; with seven seats, the Lexus TX has triple the speakers as it can have passengers! Nobody will complain that they can’t hear the audio in this luxury ride.

2) Massaging Seats

Sitting in traffic goes from terrible to terrific when you have massaging seats. It’s not just a luxury; some would even say it’s a necessity. Sitting for long periods of time—especially in the upright position you have to for driving—is rough on your back and legs. It can cause muscle aches, cramping, and fatigue. Massaging seats, however, will activate those muscles, keeping them loose and agile.

We promise you that your chiropractor would be happy to hear that your luxury SUV had massaging seats. The Bentley Bentayga is one excellent luxury SUV with this feature. The Mercedes GLS 580 also has these available. Just know you’ve been warned: once you’ve experienced these, you may never want to get out of your vehicle again.

3) Highly Adjustable Seats

Impressive seat adjustability is also a must-have in any luxury SUV. Most luxury SUVs boast this feature today—take the Acura MDX, for example, which has a 16-way power-adjustable front seat. This gives you nearly countless possibilities when it comes to perfecting your driving position. Adjust the seatback angle, the distance of the seat from the pedals, and the seat height. You can almost feel weightless when you get the right position, reducing pressure points on your body for a more comfortable drive.

4) Voice Assistants

It’s hard not to feel like a total boss when your SUV has voice-activated systems. From Google Built-In to Amazon Alexa, many luxury SUVs have these smart systems built into their cabins today. All Volvo vehicles built in or after 2023, for instance, have Google Built-In.

That means you can use Google Play to play music, audiobooks, and podcasts. You can use Google Maps to get where you’re going and Google Assistant to make appointments, set reminders, ask questions, and more. What’s more, you can ask for all of these features without taking your hands off the wheel. Just say, “Hey Google, what time does the pharmacy close?” and it will tell you. It’s kind of like having a secretary right there in the vehicle for you. Now, that’s luxury!

5) Panoramic Moonroofs

If you have to spend extended time in your vehicle, it can start to feel claustrophobic, no matter how beautiful the interior is. That’s why we highly recommend finding a vehicle with a panoramic moonroof (sometimes called a sunroof). These offer sprawling vistas of your surroundings. So when you’re stuck in traffic in the city, at least you can appreciate the architecture—and when you’re taking friends or family through a national park, they can enjoy an even more comprehensive look at the beautiful trees and nature.

Some of these roofs also have tilt and slide features, so you can let in fresh air through a gap in the glass and the roof. If you’re a fan of a nice breeze, then you have to experience opening the windows and that moonroof for all-around airflow.

6) Ambient Lighting

Music isn’t the only thing that sets the right mood in your cabin; ambient lighting can, too. SUVs like the Lincoln Navigator allow you to choose a color scheme that will populate pretty much anywhere there are lightbulbs in your cabin. So you can choose invigorating colors to energize you for the day or cool, calm ones to soothe you at the end of it—or you can create a party vibe on nights you’re cruising with friends to a club. Create the vibe you want with ambient lighting.

7) Attractive Accents

For some, a beautiful cabin is the epitome of luxury. If simply seeing the beauty around you makes you happy, then you deserve a stunning cabin. Many high-end SUVs have distinct styling features, so you’ll just have to think about the look you’re going for. Some have wood paneling paired with leather for a warm, rustic appeal. Others have chrome accents and unique upholstery stitching for a modern and edgy aesthetic. You can speak to one of our associates at any of our dealerships about the aesthetic that most fits your style, and they can show you several SUVs that meet the description.

8) Smartphone Tech

What’s the use of a beautiful cabin if it’s clogged up with wires and cords? Look for a wireless charging pad so you can leave the USB cords at home. The Buick Enclave Avenir has wireless charging, so you can always power up your smartphone even when you forget the cords at the office.

Wireless smartphone compatibility also helps keep your dash area tidy. With this system, your Apple or Android phone will sync up to your infotainment screen. So you can control your smartphone apps right there on the in-vehicle screen for easier viewing and command.

Find a Luxury SUV You Love at Any of Our Dealerships

Are you ready to find the SUV of your dreams? Visit any one of our dealerships. One of our SUV experts can help you find a model with all of the features that you’re most excited about. You deserve to get in an SUV that you genuinely enjoy spending time in.

These are just some of our favorite luxury features, but if there is something you have in mind, ask us if we have it available. Our team consists of experts on luxury brands, so we’ll know current and pre-owned models that will fit your needs. If you practically live in your car, you should love to be there—and a luxury SUV can help you do that.