For those who want the thrill of a sports car but need the practicality of an SUV, there’s good news—high-performance SUVs now rival many top-tier sports cars. With powerful engines, quick acceleration, and advanced handling, these vehicles offer a perfect balance between speed and versatility. Here are 18 SUVs that blend power, agility, and practicality, making them stand out in both performance and design.
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Lamborghini Urus
The Lamborghini Urus is redefining what an SUV can achieve in terms of performance. It features a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine capable of producing 641 horsepower, enabling a blistering 0 to 60 mph sprint in just 3.5 seconds. The Urus not only hits a top speed of 190 mph but also maintains versatility with all-wheel drive and adaptive air suspension. This combination of raw power and off-road capability makes it one of the most well-rounded performance SUVs on the market.
Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid
The Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid merges sports car performance with hybrid technology, creating an extraordinary 670-horsepower SUV. It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in a stunning 3.6 seconds, which easily rivals many sports cars. Thanks to Porsche’s active suspension management, it handles tight corners with ease while still providing a comfortable ride. The Cayenne also offers a top speed of 183 mph, proving it’s more than just eco-friendly—it’s an athletic powerhouse.
BMW X5 M Competition
The BMW X5 M Competition impresses with its 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine that produces 617 horsepower. It rockets from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds, a performance rival to many track-focused sports cars. With an advanced all-wheel-drive system and precise handling, it delivers control even at high speeds. The luxurious interior complements its performance features, making it both a high-speed machine and a comfortable daily driver.
Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk
Equipped with a monstrous supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine, the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk generates an astounding 707 horsepower. It accelerates to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds, which puts it squarely in competition with muscle cars. This performance SUV stays true to Jeep’s off-road heritage while offering sports car-level speed.
Tesla Model X Plaid
The Tesla Model X Plaid pushes the boundaries of electric performance, with its tri-motor setup delivering 1,020 horsepower. It rockets from 0 to 60 mph in a jaw-dropping 2.5 seconds, leaving most traditional sports cars in the dust. In addition to its incredible speed, the Model X Plaid provides instant torque and precise handling, making it a thrilling ride. Tesla’s electric platform ensures both top-tier performance and efficiency, proving electric SUVs can compete with the best.
Aston Martin DBX707
Aston Martin’s DBX707 combines luxury and performance in a stunning SUV package. It boasts a 697-horsepower twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine, which propels it from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 3.1 seconds. The DBX707’s advanced handling systems ensure sharp cornering and agility, rivaling many high-performance coupes. While maintaining Aston Martin’s signature elegance, this SUV is also a serious contender in the performance segment.
Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S
The Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S is a high-performance SUV that delivers 603 horsepower from its 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine. Hitting 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds, it offers the kind of acceleration typically associated with sports cars. Featuring AMG’s Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system, it offers excellent grip and control on all surfaces. Beyond its speed, the GLE 63 S maintains the luxury and comfort Mercedes is known for, making it a versatile performance vehicle.
Audi RS Q8
With a 591-horsepower twin-turbo V8 engine, the Audi RS Q8 blends high performance with everyday practicality. It surges from 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds and boasts a top speed of 190 mph, positioning it as a direct competitor to sports cars. Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system ensures that the RS Q8 handles with precision in both straightaways and curves. Its aggressive styling further highlights its ability to deliver speed and style in one package.
Bentley Bentayga Speed
The Bentley Bentayga Speed is a masterclass in luxury and performance, boasting a 6.0-liter W12 engine with 626 horsepower. This SUV accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 190 mph, putting it in rare company. Beyond its blistering speed, the Bentayga Speed offers customizable driving modes and adaptive suspension, ensuring a smooth ride across various terrains. All of this performance comes wrapped in Bentley’s signature luxurious design.
Range Rover Sport SVR
The Range Rover Sport SVR is equipped with a 575-horsepower supercharged 5.0-liter V8 engine, allowing it to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds. While it provides sports car-level acceleration, it doesn’t sacrifice the off-road capability that the Range Rover brand is known for. This SUV handles both paved roads and rugged terrain with ease, thanks to its adaptive suspension system. The SVR also features a sport-tuned chassis, enhancing its agility and cornering performance.
Maserati Levante Trofeo
The Maserati Levante Trofeo, with its Ferrari-built 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, generates an impressive 590 horsepower. Accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds, this SUV delivers exhilarating performance that mirrors many high-end sports cars. Maserati’s Q4 all-wheel-drive system ensures stability and handling on all road types. Beyond speed, the Levante Trofeo’s luxurious Italian design and craftsmanship set it apart in the performance SUV market.
Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio
The Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio packs a punch with its 505-horsepower 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 engine. Hitting 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds, this SUV offers both speed and agility, making it a standout in its class. Alfa Romeo’s precise steering and 50/50 weight distribution provide exceptional handling, giving the Stelvio a sports car-like feel. Its Italian styling and unique performance characteristics make it a true driver’s SUV.
Jaguar F-Pace SVR
Jaguar’s F-Pace SVR is powered by a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 engine that produces 550 horsepower, pushing the SUV to 60 mph in 4.0 seconds. Its advanced all-wheel-drive system offers excellent grip and enhances cornering stability, ensuring a dynamic driving experience. The F-Pace SVR pairs its thrilling performance with Jaguar’s signature design, creating an SUV that’s both sporty and elegant. It stands out as a versatile option for those seeking speed without sacrificing utility.
Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat
The Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat is a high-powered three-row SUV, featuring a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine that generates a jaw-dropping 710 horsepower. This beast hits 60 mph in 3.5 seconds, making it one of the fastest in its class. Despite its size, the Durango SRT Hellcat offers sharp handling and precise steering.
Ferrari Purosangue
Ferrari’s first-ever SUV, the Purosangue, lives up to the brand’s legacy with its naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12 engine delivering 715 horsepower. It sprints from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds, offering blistering speed typically associated with Ferrari’s sports cars. Ferrari’s all-wheel-drive system ensures that this SUV can handle high-speed corners and straights with precision. The Purosangue combines the luxury and performance of Ferrari’s sports cars with the versatility of an SUV.
BMW X6 M Competition
The BMW X6 M Competition brings impressive performance to the SUV market with its 617-horsepower twin-turbo V8 engine. Accelerating to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds, it rivals the speed of many traditional sports cars. BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system ensures enhanced traction, making it suitable for both high-speed driving and everyday use.
Cadillac Escalade-V
The Cadillac Escalade-V is a full-size luxury SUV with performance at its core, thanks to its supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine delivering 682 horsepower. Despite its size, it can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, making it faster than many mid-sized SUVs. Magnetic Ride Control optimizes suspension for both comfort and performance, allowing for smooth handling at high speeds. The Escalade-V seamlessly blends Cadillac’s luxury with serious performance capability.
Audi SQ7
The Audi SQ7 offers a high level of performance with its 500-horsepower 4.0-liter V8 engine, reaching 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds. With Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system and advanced air suspension, the SQ7 provides a sporty yet smooth driving experience. Its dynamic driving modes allow for tailored performance settings, making it versatile enough for both spirited drives and everyday commutes. The SQ7 proves that an SUV can be fast, luxurious, and practical.
This article originally appeared in MyCarMakesNoise.
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