The image of a family car the size of a medium truck tearing up the track race in speeds some sports cars and supercars can only dream off still does not sit pretty well in mind. Neither does that of that of a soccer mum drowning you in the sounds only a Ferrari or Bugatti speed demon should be allowed to make. Yet, this is the reality that some enthusiastic engineers are creating, building on the trends set by the Lamborghini LM002 by redefining just what your SUV can do beyond off-road capability, reliability and family comforts.
The emergence of the performance SUVs segment as a viable niche is making car lovers world over giddy with excitement as the luxury brands are drawn into the intense competition. These SUVs match and in some cases pass what you would view as supercars, blending their elevation and weight with terrific speeds and incredible handling. They even sound the part and most have a price and exclusivity to lure a mega-rich oil prince or the discerning shopper looking to mix the traditional ruggedness of SUVs with the smoothness and finesse of supercars without having too much of either aspect to dwarf the other. As you can imagine, it is a delicate balance previously thought impossible but these 20 SUVs have been able to come close to attaining it.
20 Range Rover Sport SVR
With an engine lifted straight from the Jaguar F-Type, the Range Rover was gifted one of the best sounding engines you will hear from any car leave alone the performance SUVs. The 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine also makes the Range Rover Sports SVR the meanest and most powerful Land Rover around with its original 550 hp now upped to 575 hp and also generating 516 lb-ft of torque.
It still manages to handle all the off-road terrain without a fuss yet it eats up the track like a waft in a way that no two-tonne vehicle should be doing. 0-60 is done in 4.5 seconds with a top speed of 174mph.
The braking is magnificent while the eight-speed automatic transmission has clearly been optimized for speed with quick smooth shifts. The response from the tire gripping the road is immense reminding you of the Range Rover traditions. It also does all the usual Range Rover things well, and at just under $100,000, some of the luxuries feel like a bargain compared to the six-figure pricing of other models on this list. The only regret you have is the knowledge that you will not really enjoy this car to its fullest
19 Audi RSQ3 Performance
The Audi RSQ3 is Audi's response to the compact performance SUV and a direct competitor to the Macan S and the Mercedes Benz AMG GLA 45. While it's based on a quite underwhelming Audi, the Audi RSQ3 refuses to be tied down to the previous reputation and the new RSQ3 Performance offers a number of surprising delights that makes the competition in the compact segment even more interesting.
With more power and speed at 367hp and 343 lb-ft torque while the 0-60mph dash is attained in 4.4 seconds. While its competitors have their appeal like the Macan is more spacious while the GLA 45 has more power and the Benz trappings, the Audi RSQ3 Performance offers more character. In fact, few performance SUVs on this list offer the same thrilling road gripping responsiveness as the improved RSQ3. The five-cylinder, 2.5-liter TFSI engine anchors the solid powertrain and provides an exciting whizzing sound while reaching top speeds of 155mph. It is paired with a 7-speed double clutch automatic gearbox which when mated to an adjustable suspension makes the whole driving experience an exercise in appreciating the balance of comfort, handling and power. Better still, on a highway cruise the RSQ3 Performance does a commendable 30 miles per gallon.
18 Dodge Durango SRT
The Dodge Durango is one of the fantasy cars on this list. It has a hot rod and muscle car heritage and does not limit itself to the concerns of compact SUVs and other crossovers. With that in mind you can be sure that is Dodge does not concern itself with issues like eco-friendliness. The three-row SUV has always been overlooked especially given the success and attention-hogging tendencies of its cousin the Grand Cherokee. Yet the SRT treatment makes this Dodge Durango a worthy adversary and even backs up its claim as the fastest and most powerful three-row American SUV.
Under the hood, the Dodge Durango SRT holds a 6.4-liter V8 HEMI engine with 475 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque and it has a class-leading towing capacity of 8,700 pounds.
Add these figures to the ability to go from 0-60mph in just 4.4 seconds and a standing quarter mile is done in just 12.9 seconds by a 5.5 pound straight of the factory SUV. To enable you to enjoy the full power in your hands, you are provided with stiffer springs and rear sway Bay as well as an Active Damping System which varies the springs’ stiffness depending on your choice of the seven drive modes. A performance exhaust system ensures you get the soundtrack worthy of your power.
17 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT
The Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT is a case in ambition, insanity and simplicity all delivered in such mind-boggling doses that even those who doubt the necessity of such a car still cannot help but be awed at the end result. Its looks are bold and aggressive and daring even the most aggressive supercar designs can be intimidated. Add this to the menacing sound of the 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine when the Grand Cherokee SRT is at full throttle and you have quite a menacing car.
However, this SUV goes beyond just looks and an intimidating attitude. At almost half the price of its closest competitors like the X5M and X6M twins, you get performance statistics that are either at par or close making this easily the best value for money performance SUV in the market if you can forego a few reliability issues that tend to plague jeeps. With the Hemi providing 475 HP and 470 lb-ft of torque you go from 0-60mph in just 4.4 seconds. In a 2.4 tonne vehicle, this feels even much faster. The luxury additions on this Jeep may not match the Mercedes, Porsche or BMW options but you hardly lack for anything. Different driving modes ensure you are at home on the track, or in town regardless of the weather while improved cornering and handling just make this a vehicle to fall in love with.
16 Porsche Macan Turbo
The Porsche Macan does the small things excellently and it is not just content to be known as the Porsche Cayenne's little brother. The five-seater has won accolades in different aspects yet Porsche decided to add one more extra talking point with the top trim engine being a twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter v8 engine.
Couple this with the performance package and you have a nimble beast with 440 hp and capable of getting from 0-60 mph in just 4.2 seconds. The torque is 443 lb-ft MD the top speed is 169 mph.
Several modes including the Sport mode and off-road modes allow you to match the Porsche Macan Turbo performance to your terrain and driving needs. The dual-clutch PDK gearbox matches the best options in the segment allowing you to experience fast and smooth transitions through the gears. A firm steering and powerful brakes grant you the comfortable handling you need to steer this piece of machine at such incredible speeds and acceleration without having a fight over control. Now the driving may not be as responsive as what you would expect from other Porsche brands especially the sports cars, but it more than holds its own as a performance SUV.
15 Brabus G800 Widestar
The Mercedes Benz G- Wagon was never intended to be the sports car crushing SUV that Brabus turned it into. But having created a cult following, even Mercedes could not get rid of it, and then the tuner Brabus got it and added things to it that should not be realistic on 5,000 pounds of steel. It does not have to pretend to have the curves of a supercar, its angular look matches precisely with its outrageous capability for the ultimate beastly look. A new tech-heavy bi-turbo V12 engine system, a new exhaust system that comes with high-performance turbochargers, a whole new aerodynamic package with fender flares, four water-to-air intercoolers was all part of the Brabus G800 kit.
With the new package and tuning, the wagon is able to produce 800 horsepower and a mind-boggling 1,047 lb-ft of torque. 0-60 mph is easily attained in 4.2 seconds with a top speed of 168 mph when you remove the electronic speed limiter that has it at 155 mph not that you will ever need that anyway. The sheer size of the wagon and the immense power required a new suspension system and Brabus obliged with the Ride Control suspension and new 23 inch wheels. The interior is a luxurious as a $381,000 SUV gets.
14 The BMW X5M/X6M
BMW has always been one of the pioneers in the SUV segment yet after the launch of the original X5 it seemed it had left the class-leading status to other luxury brands who took the mantle and began the supercar SUV era. Yet, having had to play catch, the Bavarian group managed to deliver one of the best driving SUVs in the market right now. There is very little to differentiate the X5M from the X6M save for their rear shape.
It seems the manufacturers developed some sort of midlife crisis and decided to make a sexier version of the X5M whose rear design has split opinion of its attractiveness as well as suitability. This change means it has lesser room inside.
The X6M also costs a couple of thousands more than the X5M. Yet everything else that matters performance-wise remains the same. The two share a similar twin turbo 4.4-liter engine V8 engine which is BMW’s most powerful engine capable of delivering 567 hp along with 553 lb-ft of torque. They all have an 8-speed automatic transmission and all weigh upwards of 2.2 tonnes with the X6M being the lighter. 0-60 mph is done in 4.2 seconds. If you can get through the multitude of settings, this will be a riding experience to always come back to.
13 Jaguar F-Pace SVR
The Jaguar F-Pace SVR is a proof that there is always room for improvement. The standard Jaguar F-Pace when launched as Jaguar's first entry into the SUV segment was a masterstroke with the sales and raving reviews proof of its masterpiece. In the compact segment, it reigned as king in just about every aspect of refining even though its beauty was subtle rather than shouting. Then the guys at Jaguar took it to the Jaguar Land Rover's Special Vehicle Operations division and they came up with the SVR managing to squeeze out more power, speed and integrated it with numerous technology it drives and feels like a different car.
The F-Pace SVR has an extra dose of aggression even the hood design matches styling with functionality and with a 44% increase in power it comes with the power of 550 horses and 502 lb-ft of torque. This makes it incredibly fast accelerating from 0-60mph in just 4.1 seconds. The 5.0 liter supercharged V8 also sounds the part thanks to the Variable Valve active exhaust system which offers you the option of a smooth silent cruise or a roaring V8 sound. A lighter body, next-generation chassis, a new anti-roll bar, bigger and more powerful brakes, wide tracks and a specially tuned suspension system are among the refinements that have seen the Jaguar F-Pace SVR become the benchmark upon which the handling of performance SUVs is measured.
12 Mercedes Benz AMG GLE 63 S
Mercedes Benz has a number of SUVs optimized for performance and the GLE 63 S is one of the bigger SUVs and one of the last model to use the twin-turbocharged 5.5 liter V8 engine from AMG. This gives it immense power with 577hp with 560 lb-ft of torque which is maddening considering the accurate cornering the GLE 63 S provides. Step on the plate and you will have other road users mad and frightened as you veer past them while feeling close to nothing.
This is perhaps the one let down you encounter with the GLE 63 S, its refinement levels offer a quiet drive but with all that power, you feel a sense of missing out on the driver and car engagement.
The outstanding thing about this is its acceleration given the size and weight concerned.0-60 mph is attained in just 4.1 seconds and a top speed of 175mph. Fuel economy and interior looks are not a big priority with the GLE 63 S and that much is seen in the 18mpg around town and the 23mpg on the highway.
The interior does feel a bit dated when compared to the Porsche Cayenne and the Audi SQ7 but it is faster and handles well than the latter and it is cheaper than the former.
11 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S
A big SUV that packs refinement, lots of speed and power while still being able to handle the rough terrain without a problem. The Porsche Cayenne is the car that helped save the financial situation of the whole company creating a brand with its own standards in performance and luxury and managing to go one extra than what the BMW X5 had set. It revealed just what the field of SUVs can achieve and with the introduction of the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S, it just went one better. It is a dominant ultimate car that clearly deserves its mantle as the meanest Porsche ever.
With an acceleration of 0-60mph in just 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 176 mph, the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S shames cars like the Aston Martin V8 Vantage and even the Cayenne GTS. The 4.8 liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine produces 562 hp and a massive 590 lb-ft of torque. It also features a lot of technological tricks especially in the 2019 version to help it match advances made by the rest of the competition and stay ahead of the pack. For instance, it adapts the rear-axle steering which enables it to change its footprint as the situation demands to provide better handling and also comes with a three-chamber air suspension.
10 Bentley Bentayga
The Bentley Bentayga caused enough waves as the brand made its first entry to the SUV segment and what a success it has been. At one point, the Bentley Bentayga was the most powerful and fastest SUV in the land and the fact that that reign did not last as long as it would have wanted is a testament to how competitive the performance SUV segment has become. This is not to say that the Bentayga has lagged behind as others made significant progress.
A maximum speed of 187 mph still dwarfs many of the competing models while the acceleration from 0-60mph in just 4.0 seconds is the realm of supercars. The engine is one of the biggest and most powerful around, a 6.0 liter W12 twin-turbocharged engine which puts out 600 hp and 663 lb-ft of torque.
The engine is paired with a ZF 8 speed automatic gearbox. All these power places strong demands on the controls of this car considering it weighs almost 2.5 tonnes. Yet the Bentayga rises to the challenge with active anti-roll bars and eight driving mode settings to help you get through corners fast with minimum fuss and also manage any kind of surface though it is highly unlikely anyone with $200,000 to burn will be taking this car off-road.
9 Maserati Levante Trofeo
Further proof of how tight the competition is in the supercar SUVs segment is the pace with which Maserati responded to the assault by Porsche, BMW and Jaguar with their new entrants of Porsche Cayenne Turbo S, BMWX5M and the Jaguar F-Pace SVR. After lacking a high flying flagship model for long, the Maserati Levante Trofeo which was introduced in the New York Motor Show does that and more.
With a maximum speed going past the 187 mph of the Bentley Bentayga, and a 3.8-liter bi-turbo V8 engine putting out 582 hp and 538 lb-ft of torque, the Maserati Levante Trofeo gets to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds. It has 22-inch tires with new forged aluminum wheels which differentiate this car from the usual Levante. Also new are the twin bonnet vents, a carbon fiber engine cover and aero kits and massive air intakes. A balanced weight distribution of 50-50 across all the axles and an adjustable air suspension along with all-wheel drive mean this Maserati will not be coming up short in the handling department. It also keeps in mind the balance between performance and luxury with the interior furnishings a display of practical opulence. This may just have to do as the Ferrari SUV we wish for.
8 Brabus GLE 850
The Brabus GLE 850 is another Mercedes Benz which got the doping treatment from Brabus. The doping levels on these car are quite high that what was initially a $110, 000 car eventually comes out priced at over $300,000. That is a lot of cash, that is supercar levels expensive and this tuned out model has the specs to match the pricing.
The 5.5 liter V8 gets upgraded to a 6.0 liter V8 engine with bigger twin turbos and further tuning pushes the horsepower to 850 while putting out an immense 1,069 lb-ft of torque.
A new exhaust system with adjustable noise levels further increases the naughtiness of this vehicle while the improved drivetrain allows you to hit 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds and at top speeds of 320 Km/h (200 mph). The speed could have been higher but the guys at Brabus faced tire restrictions hence the 320 Km/h limit. Now new suspension system has been fitted since the GLE comes with an Airmatic suspension. The only change is the modification of the settings through the introduction of a control module which lowers the riding height by 35mm which lowers the center of gravity and allows for enhanced driving dynamics.
7 Mercedes Benz AMG GLC 63 S Coupe
Mercedes Benz has a number of performance SUVs and the AMG GLC63 S Coupe continues the tradition with even better offerings. It picks up powertrain parts from a C63 and an E63 and shows the latest trend-setting practice from Mercedes Benz of downsizing a V8 and fitting it into one of its smallest SUVs classes with pleasantly surprising results. The 4.0 twin-turbocharged V8 engine from the C63 pumps out 503 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque in this model which places it a bit below a couple of SUVs from the same maker. The E63 provides a nine-speed automatic transmission with the rave-reviewed 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system.
The one thing the GLC63 S Coupe does, and does better, than any SUV in the Mercedes Benz line is speed. It hits 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds which places it among the leading pack even with close competitors having obtained upgrades which seemingly only managed to upgrade their power output. The is easily the most enjoyable performance SUV to drive since it rides like a car with the pleasant V8 engine sound to match. It makes use of multi-chamber air springs to enable adjusting different drive modes and the spring rates for better handling.
6 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio
The Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio is a car with quite a reputation including being the fastest SUV on the Nürburgring with a lap time of 7 min and 51 sec. It has also earned itself several car of the year awards from different manufacturers and it is with good reason, this is a driver’s performance SUV.
The 2.9 liter, twin-turbocharged V6 churns out 503 hp at 6500rpm and 442 lb-ft from 2500-5000 rpm. The engine gets paired with an improved ZF 8-speed automatic gearbox allowing the SUV to go from 0-62 mph in just 3.8 seconds and hit a maximum speed limit of 176 mph.
The gearbox has been revised to accommodate the all-wheel-drive drivetrain and the increase in curb weight. However, the default driving mode is rear wheel drive with the front wheel getting on the action when the system picks up a loss of traction. The driving experience is frighteningly smooth with the rasping engine providing the needed soundtrack and the seamless shifts of the gears making you forget you are hurling 1800 plus pounds of a machine at insane speeds. This is an SUV created largely for performance so aspects like space and ergonomics are not the main focus here yet with the way it attacks the corners, all is easily forgiven.
5 Nissan Juke-R 2.0
One word to describe the Nissan Juke –R is monstrous. Whichever aspect of this compact SUV you look at whether it is the design and styling, the sheer power and speed or the price, nothing about this SUV is in the realm of normal or conventional. This is a car which was unveiled as part of a marketing stunt yet went on to cover most car junkies’ fantasy, a compact crossover with the specifications of a supercar. If the first model with its 485 hp and 3.7 seconds acceleration from 0-60mph was crazy, then the figures of the Nissan Juke-R will make even the fantasy enthusiasts take a pose and wonder.
The Nissan Juke-R 2.0 gets a 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine from the 2012 Nissan GT-R giving it 600 hp and the 0-60 mph is reached in under 3.0 seconds as claimed by the maker and it is very believable. A seven-speed automatic dual clutch gearbox is used along with a four-wheel drive system. Its size and short wheelbase help in handling compared to bigger SUVs and it truly drives like a supercar, but this also helps in making it more responsive when you push it to the limits. Still for those with $400,000 to burn this is more than enough fun.
4 Lamborghini Urus
As far as looks go, this is the one performance SUV that truly looks the part especially borrowing from its supercar heritage. The Lamborghini Urus was another statement that the field of performance SUVs is the next frontier for the best car technology has to offer with every major luxury car brand save for Ferrari, taking a dip. Lamborghini made its step in a bold style with a car that showed the wait had been worthwhile as the Lamborghini Urus went straight to top the charts on its unveiling.
While on paper you would fear that the Lamborghini Urus lacks practicality and it is all performance-centered, you will be surprised with its spaciousness and ability to handle the light off-road work without as much as a fuss.
It may share the same underpinnings as the Bentayga, Porsche Cayenne and the Audi Q7 but the Lamborghini Urus feels, drives and powers in a uniquely different way worth the $200k it is priced at. The 4.0-liter twin turbo V6 engine delivers 650 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque and powers the almost 2.2-tonne car from 0-62mph in just 3.6 seconds. It has a maximum speed of 190mph and comes with an 8-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel drive.
3 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk
The Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is the most powerful SUV outside those coming from tuner companies. With 707 horsepower and 645 lb-ft, it seems to dare you to do more and it is very tempting to unleash the full power of the supercharged 6.2 liter Hellcat Hemi V8 that was picked straight from the Hellcat in a race to keep up with competitors from Land Rover, BMW and Mercedes Benz. It may not drive like its competitors and its interior while being nice and being comfy way beyond average SUVs does not match the opulence of the German carmakers.
Its drive is also a bit shaky when you compare the handling and cornering but that is not really what the Trackhawk is all about. This SUV is all for brute force and speed and even the handling mentioned above feels great for a car weighing about 5,300 pounds. With an acceleration from 0-62 mph of 3.5 seconds, none of these competitors come close for the sheer effect of adrenalin rising terror the Trackhawk is capable of. It is equipped with a more robust transmission, ZF, eight-speed transmission that can easily handle 800 lb-ft of torque. It comes packed with several controls tech, bigger suspensions and massive brakes to ensure you still retain a semblance of control when hurling down the highway or around town.
2 Hennessey Jeep Grand Cherokee HPE800
It was jokingly billed as the replacement to Santa's sleigh and it is easy to see why it would not be such a bad idea. Hennessey performance took the 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 and worked on it to produce a beautiful beast. On its own, the Grand Cherokee SRT is a beast with its 6.4-liter HEMI V8 engine gives out 465hp and 465 lb-ft and does the 0-60mph in under 4.5 seconds.
The first thing that changes is the engine capacity with the displacement increased to 7 liters and the twin turbos are also considerably bigger. This results in almost a double output of power with 805 hp and 823 lb-ft of torque.
The 0-60mph dash is done in 3.1 seconds while the 1/4 mile is completed in 10.9 seconds. To deal with all these power and size, there are several sections and parts which have been improved. First, there is the new transmission systems and a torque converter, the suspension system has been lowered for the sport mode. There are also 15.1 inch brakes from Brembo and the inherited gets leather styling from Alcantara. If you are looking for exclusivity, this is a good purchase because only 24 will be made.
1 Tesla Model X P1000D
For all that things Tesla has been accused of, no one can accuse them of not having the guts to dare ambitiously and brilliantly futuristic at the same. The Tesla Model X is a supercar in every sense of the word only that it is an SUV which can comfortably carry five adults while being deceptively compact. The design itself gives the out the opulence to expect from the self-opening Falcon Wing doors, the most appealing dashboard and comprehensive infotainment and climate control set up.
This is without even considering the 503 hp and the 479 lb-ft of torque from its engine. 0-60 mph is attained in an unbelievable 2.9 seconds and in the Ludicrous Mode it truly drives like an F1 car should. A battery range of a more than 300 miles for the top range option ensures you are well served for most of your needs without the inconvenience of having to recharge. Of course it would not be a Tesla if it did not have some niggling issues like the noisy doors when driving over uneven roads. Yet the technology used, the futuristic vision of the Tesla is something that makes it easy to overlook such issues. With future upgrades, Tesla model X P100D should still maintain its top position.
Sources: autowise.com, autobytel.com, topspeed.com, motor2.com, roadandtrack.com, topgear.com