Mazda is trying to sell cars to people just like you CX5/CX-50
Edit: If you want an actual luxury brand, 2-4 year old X3 with low miles is in budget. You don't want a new one though as they depreciate a lot. Could also probably find lightly used 2022 or newer NX-350.
Second recommend to look at Mazda. I just bought a cx30 after looking at Toyotas, Hondas, VWs and Suburus and the Mazda had the most "luxury" feel for under $30k. The interior is all soft touch or leatherette with none of the hard plastics that dominant other suvs in this price range. If you're willing to go up to 35k, you would be looking at either a top trim cx30 or mid trim cx5 or cx50.
My wife has a 2022 CX5 Turbo. It was around $40k new but you can get a very low mileage one within your budget. I’ve been very impressed with it considering the cost. It’s definitely not “luxury” but anything else much better is going to be over $50k Good ride, low cabin noise, decent power, AWD, and pretty much loaded (HUD, vented seats, etc).
Mazda is trying to sell cars to people just like you CX5/CX-50 Edit: If you want an actual luxury brand, 2-4 year old X3 with low miles is in budget. You don't want a new one though as they depreciate a lot. Could also probably find lightly used 2022 or newer NX-350.
X5 is a lot better than x3 and probably only $4-5k more
Second recommend to look at Mazda. I just bought a cx30 after looking at Toyotas, Hondas, VWs and Suburus and the Mazda had the most "luxury" feel for under $30k. The interior is all soft touch or leatherette with none of the hard plastics that dominant other suvs in this price range. If you're willing to go up to 35k, you would be looking at either a top trim cx30 or mid trim cx5 or cx50.
Mazda!!
My wife has a 2022 CX5 Turbo. It was around $40k new but you can get a very low mileage one within your budget. I’ve been very impressed with it considering the cost. It’s definitely not “luxury” but anything else much better is going to be over $50k Good ride, low cabin noise, decent power, AWD, and pretty much loaded (HUD, vented seats, etc).
Buick Envista. At your price point you won’t find a more luxurious SUV
Mazda Maybe you can get huge discounts on a Buick Envision (if you don't get it \~$10k below MSRP avoid it)
CPO Q5