SUVs made their names as rugged family haulers or off-road explorers that were never built for speed. But today’s high-performance SUVs have moved into the fast lane and combine speed, agility, and utility, giving you the thrills of a sports car with the space and comfort of an SUV.
These vehicles prove that you don’t have to compromise on performance to enjoy practicality. Here’s a closer look at the high-performance SUVs that deliver the kind of heart-pounding excitement typically reserved for exotic sports cars.
Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT
Blurring the line between an SUV and a sports car, the Cayenne Turbo GT offers razor-sharp handling and blistering acceleration. Its twin-turbo V8 roars to life with 631 horsepower, launching it from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.1 seconds.
Lowered suspension, active aerodynamics, and advanced all-wheel-drive systems keep it glued to the road. This SUV feels equally at home on winding mountain roads as it does on the racetrack.
Lamborghini Urus
When you think of Lamborghini, SUVs might not come to mind, but the Urus rewrites the rules. With a 641-horsepower V8 under the hood, it offers the kind of explosive performance you’d expect from an Italian supercar. Sharp steering and adaptive suspension make it surprisingly nimble for its size, delivering a thrilling drive on any terrain. This SUV handles like the supercars the brand is famous for.
BMW’s X5 M Competition
This performance powerhouse takes BMW’s legendary driving dynamics and elevates them to SUV form. A 617-horsepower twin-turbo V8 delivers a ferocious punch, while the M-tuned suspension ensures handling precision. Rear-biased all-wheel drive adds to the sporty feel, making it a joy to push hard on twisty roads.
Audi’s RS Q8
Expect adrenaline off the scale when you climb into the driving seat of this high-performance SUV from Audi that’s as elegant as it is exhilarating. A 591-horsepower twin-turbo V8 powers it to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds, while its Quattro all-wheel drive ensures surefooted handling. The adaptive air suspension lets it glide over uneven roads yet remains stiff enough for sharp cornering, handling like it’s on rails.
Aston Martin DBX
Aston Martin’s first venture into SUVs doesn’t disappoint, boasting the kind of driving dynamics usually found in the brand’s legendary sports cars. Powered by a 542-horsepower twin-turbo V8, it delivers speed and agility that defies its size.
Rear-biased all-wheel drive and finely tuned chassis give it a sharp, responsive feel, while the hand-crafted interior oozes sophistication.
Tesla’s Model X Plaid
Electric SUVs don’t get much faster – or sportier – than Tesla’s Model X Plaid. With an eye-popping 1,020 horsepower, it rockets from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.5 seconds, leaving most sports cars in the dust. The low center of gravity and responsive handling make it feel surprisingly agile, while the all-wheel-drive system ensures confidence on every twist and turn. This SUV proves that you don’t need a gas engine to enjoy high-performance thrills.
Mercedes-AMG’s GLE 63 S
AMG-specific tuning adds a playful edge to the handling of this big SUV, delivering performance that belies its size. A twin-turbocharged V8 with 603 horsepower helps, too. Air suspension and active roll stabilization systems keep it poised through sharp turns – a reminder that Mercedes-AMG knows how to make even a family-friendly SUV feel like a sports car.
Jaguar’s F-Pace SVR
A supercharged 5.0-liter V8 engine churns out 542 horsepower, delivering a thrilling soundtrack and lightning-fast acceleration for this high-performance SUV from Jaguar that doesn’t just look good—it drives like a dream. Lightweight aluminum architecture and sport-tuned suspension give it a dynamic, responsive feel.
Inside, the cabin blends premium materials with modern tech, creating a space as stylish as it is functional.
Maserati’s Levante Trofeo
Every exquisite detail of this high-performance SUV reflects Maserati’s dedication to speed and luxury. A Ferrari-built V8 engine unleashes 580 horsepower, offering breathtaking acceleration, while dynamic handling comes courtesy of all-wheel-drive and adaptive suspension. With its aggressive styling and unmistakable Italian flair, it’s impossible to ignore.
Alfa Romeo’s Stelvio Quadrifoglio
Despite a name that sounds like a pizza order, the Stelvio Quadrifoglio boasts sharp handling and a playful personality that leaves you begging for more. Its twin-turbo V6 engine produces 505 horsepower, propelling it from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds. What sets it apart is its lightweight design and quick, responsive steering, which make it feel more like a sports sedan than an SUV. Grazie!
Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk
Nothing about this SUV is subtle, from its aggressive styling to its 707-horsepower supercharged V8 engine. This muscle-bound SUV tears through the 0-to-60 sprint in just 3.5 seconds, while the all-wheel-drive system and sport-tuned suspension keep it planted during hard driving.
It’s shockingly nimble for its size and the perfect choice for anyone who wants raw power wrapped in a family-friendly package.
Volvo XC90 Recharge T8
You want proof that plug-in electric hybrids (PHEV) can be fun? Get behind the wheel of Volvo’s XC90 Recharge T8 and enjoy the ride. This SUV blends eco-friendly engineering with surprising performance, with 455 combined horsepower from its turbocharged engine and electric motor.
Air suspension provides a smooth ride while keeping body roll to a minimum in corners. The minimalist Scandinavian interior offers comfort and style.
Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat
With three rows of seats, this is undeniably a family-sized SUV. But the Hellcat isn’t cuddly – it’s a beast on four wheels. Its supercharged V8 engine cranks out 710 horsepower, and it charges down the road with ferocity yet still handles corners with surprising confidence. Brembo brakes and a track-ready suspension ensure it can stop and turn as well as it accelerates. It shows you don’t have to compromise practicality for sheer, unbridled fun.
Range Rover Sport SVR
Elegance and performance comfortably coexist in the Range Rover Sport SVR. A supercharged V8 with 575 horsepower and agile handling makes it fun to drive on twisty roads. But its opulent interior and off-road capability remind you it’s still a Range Rover at heart. It’s the perfect balance of refinement and adrenaline.
Cadillac’s Escalade-V Delivers Big Performance
Best known for its size and luxury, this SUV also delivers in the performance department. A supercharged V8 engine puts out 682 horsepower, while Magnetic Ride Control and air suspension provide impressive agility for something so large. Cadillac shows that even full-size SUVs can pack serious performance credentials.
Bentley Bentayga Speed
No other SUV combines speed and opulence quite like Bentley’s beautiful Bentayga Speed. The W12 engine delivers 626 horsepower, launching it to 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds, while its dynamic handling makes it impressive on winding roads.
Inside, it’s everything you’d expect from Bentley – hand-stitched leather, real wood trim, and state-of-the-art tech. It’s the ultimate choice for those who want their performance wrapped in uncompromising luxury.