When you think of SUVs, power and size usually come to mind, but agility often gets overlooked. However, some SUVs manage to defy expectations, offering both incredible power and surprisingly nimble handling. In this article, we’ll explore 16 SUVs that not only pack a punch under the hood but also handle like a dream, making them standout choices for those who want the best of both worlds.
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Porsche Cayenne Turbo
The Porsche Cayenne Turbo is an SUV that surprises with its nimble handling, despite its size. Equipped with a powerful V8 engine, it delivers an impressive 541 horsepower, launching from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds. The advanced engineering, including adaptive air suspension and active anti-roll technology, ensures the Cayenne remains stable and responsive through sharp turns.
BMW X5 M
In the realm of performance SUVs, the BMW X5 M distinguishes itself with a combination of brute power and agility. Under the hood, a 4.4-liter V8 engine pumps out a hefty 600 horsepower, providing lightning-fast acceleration. The M-tuned suspension, along with adaptive dampers, allows the X5 M to corner with minimal body roll. Rear-wheel steering adds to its responsiveness, making this SUV feel much nimbler than its size might suggest.
Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S
The Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S effortlessly blends power with agility, surprising drivers with its nimble handling. It boasts a 603 horsepower V8 engine, ensuring robust acceleration while maintaining exceptional stability. The 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system, paired with AMG-specific suspension settings, delivers superb grip through corners.
Audi SQ7
The Audi SQ7 is an SUV that combines powerful performance with surprising agility. A twin-turbocharged V8 engine under the hood generates 500 horsepower, delivering swift acceleration. The quattro all-wheel-drive system provides optimal traction, while the adaptive air suspension and dynamic steering enhance its nimbleness. Advanced chassis technology keeps the SQ7 flat and stable, making it a precision instrument on winding roads.
Range Rover Sport SVR
Known for its off-road prowess, the Range Rover Sport SVR also impresses with its on-road agility. A 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine unleashes 575 horsepower, propelling the SVR with ease. Its lightweight aluminum architecture and adaptive dynamics minimize body roll, even during spirited cornering. Thanks to its torque-vectoring system, the Sport SVR remains planted and responsive, delivering a thrilling drive on any terrain.
Lamborghini Urus
The Lamborghini Urus redefines the SUV segment with its supercar performance and sharp handling. A 641 horsepower twin-turbo V8 engine powers the Urus, providing blistering acceleration. But it’s not just about speed—features like adaptive air suspension, rear-wheel steering, and active torque vectoring make this SUV exceptionally agile in corners. The Urus delivers a driving experience that few SUVs can match, offering the thrills of a Lamborghini with the practicality of an SUV.
Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio
The Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio combines Italian design flair with impressive performance and agility. Its 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 engine produces 505 horsepower, enabling it to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds. The Stelvio’s lightweight design, rear-biased all-wheel-drive system, and adaptive suspension contribute to its exceptional handling. Agile and precise, it feels more like a sports car than an SUV, especially on twisty roads.
Jaguar F-Pace SVR
The Jaguar F-Pace SVR offers a blend of power and agility, making it a standout among performance SUVs. Its 550 horsepower supercharged V8 engine ensures exhilarating performance. Lightweight aluminum construction and a sport-tuned suspension system enhance its nimbleness, while the all-wheel-drive system provides excellent grip.
Maserati Levante Trofeo
The Maserati Levante Trofeo is a luxury SUV that surprises with its sharp handling, driven by a Ferrari-built V8 engine producing 590 horsepower. The adaptive air suspension and Skyhook performance damping system keep the Levante poised and stable, even through tight corners. Thanks to its rear-biased all-wheel-drive system, this SUV offers a driving experience that’s as thrilling as it is controlled. Maserati’s commitment to performance and design is evident in the Levante Trofeo, making it a standout in its class.
Aston Martin DBX707
The Aston Martin DBX707 is a luxury SUV that offers a dynamic driving experience with its surprising agility. Powered by a 697 horsepower 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, it accelerates with authority. The DBX707’s adaptive air suspension and active anti-roll bars ensure precise handling, even at high speeds. With its rear-wheel-drive bias and sharp steering, the DBX707 delivers the kind of driving excitement typically reserved for sports cars.
Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk
The Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is a powerful SUV that also delivers unexpectedly sharp handling. Its supercharged V8 engine produces 707 horsepower, providing blistering straight-line speed. However, the Trackhawk’s sport-tuned suspension and stiff chassis allow it to handle corners with remarkable control. Despite its size, this SUV’s advanced all-wheel-drive system ensures it remains planted and responsive, making every drive an exhilarating experience.
Ford Explorer ST
The Ford Explorer ST is a family SUV that delivers more than just practicality—it also offers surprising agility. Powered by a 400 horsepower twin-turbo V6 engine, it accelerates with authority. The rear-wheel-drive bias and sport-tuned suspension provide sharp handling, making the Explorer ST feel nimble on twisty roads. Stiff chassis dynamics and precise steering further contribute to a driving experience that’s as fun as it is functional, making this SUV a standout in its segment.
Chevrolet Tahoe RST
The Chevrolet Tahoe RST is a full-size SUV that manages to offer both power and agility, defying expectations. Its 6.2-liter V8 engine delivers 420 horsepower, ensuring strong performance in a variety of driving conditions. The RST package includes a sport-tuned suspension and upgraded brakes, which allow the Tahoe to handle more like a smaller, sportier vehicle. Even in tight corners, its precise steering and responsive chassis ensure that the driver remains in control, making the Tahoe RST a compelling choice for those who demand both space and performance.
Lexus LX 600
The Lexus LX 600 is a luxury SUV that impresses with its balance of power and agility, despite its rugged build. Its twin-turbocharged V6 engine delivers 409 horsepower, providing brisk acceleration and responsive performance. The adaptive suspension and advanced chassis control systems keep the LX 600 stable and composed, even on challenging roads. Lexus’s dedication to combining refinement with off-road capability is evident in the LX 600, offering a driving experience that’s both luxurious and nimble.
Cadillac Escalade V
The Cadillac Escalade V is a full-size luxury SUV that delivers both power and agility, making it a unique offering in its class. Featuring a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine that produces 682 horsepower, the Escalade V accelerates with ease. Despite its size, the sport-tuned suspension and magnetic ride control system ensure sharp handling and a smooth ride. Advanced chassis technology and precise steering make this SUV surprisingly nimble, allowing it to tackle corners with confidence.
Genesis GV80
The Genesis GV80 is a luxury SUV that delivers a refined driving experience with a surprisingly agile feel. Its turbocharged V6 engine produces 375 horsepower, ensuring brisk acceleration and confident performance. The GV80’s adaptive suspension and advanced all-wheel-drive system allow it to corner with precision, maintaining a smooth and controlled ride. The responsive steering and balanced chassis make the GV80 feel more like a sports sedan than an SUV, offering a dynamic and engaging driving experience.
This article originally appeared in MyCarMakesNoise.
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