SUVs sit high from the ground while offering ample interior space for families. Nowadays, most SUVs provide an optional third row, adding more space for adults or kids at the back. Inevitably though, there’s more to SUVs than practicality and reliability.
Besides having a raised suspension and more interior space, some SUVs add a sprinkle of power, making them track or straight-line champs. They also add some mean, rugged styling and optional four-wheel drive to help them drive over most terrains. Below are some of the best American performance SUVs and European options that are great to drive.
10 Great Performance SUV: Ford Mustang Mach-E GT Performance
Ford offers various configurations of its Mustang Mach-E SUV. These range from the performance GT to the content-rich Premium model. The Mustang Mach-E is one of the best vehicles for anyone needing a crossover but wanting an EV.
Sure, despite the name, the Mach-E is no Mustang. However, it's still more agile and quick than most of its competition. In addition, the Mach-E has great looks with a well-appointed interior featuring the latest gadgets and gizmos. The GT Performance sits at the top of the model range producing 480 hp and 634 lb-ft of torque.
9 We’d Rather Drive: BMW X3 M Competition
The X3 remains one of the best-handling SUVs on the market with its catlike reflexes. It was the first model to get the S58 engine that later found its way into the M3/M4 combo and the now-new M2. The S58 offers new-found aggression, making the X3 M Competition feel like a performance sedan.
Drivers looking for thrills can find that in the X3 thanks to the 503 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque from the turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine. The Competition gets some quad exhausts that sing a thunderous tune on acceleration.
8 Great Performance SUV: Tesla Model X
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The Model X is a quick, high-tech SUV with a flashy gimmick of falcon wing rear doors. It’s a unique but expensive proposition in the ever-growing EV SUV segment. As standard, the Model X is available with two electric motors producing 670 hp.
The most powerful Model X is the Plaid featuring three motors that are enough for 1,020 hp. Even though the Plaid isn’t as agile as the Model S Sedan, it's surprisingly quick for its size, with a 0 to 60 mph time of 2.5 seconds. The Model X features a modern cabin with a giant screen dominating the dashboard.
7 We’d Rather Drive: Jaguar F-Pace SVR
The standard F-Pace is already a stunning SUV. For the SVR, Jaguar takes performance up a notch with their potent supercharged 5.0-liter V8. The roaring engine offers a more focused driving demeanor motivating the SVR to reach from 0 to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds.
Its impressive 543 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque guarantee a thrilling driving experience. Jaguar also equips the SVR with precise steering for sharp handling. The SVR also has excellent suspension, offering a softer ride over harsh roads. This helps make it a great daily commuter.
6 Great Performance SUV: Cadillac Escalade-V
The Escalade has long served as Cadillac’s flagship model. It’s a large SUV with aggressive looks and an extroverted take on luxury. Despite using the same underpinnings as the GMC Yukon, Chevrolet Tahoe, and Suburban, it makes a solid case as a competitor to other large luxury SUVs like the Mercedes-Benz GLS, jeep Grand Wagoneer, BMW X7, and Lincoln Navigator.
It features Cadillac’s most advanced luxury features and technology. The cabin is filled with designer leather fabrics, while the dashboard displays a sizable curved display. Even though Cadillac offers the Escalade with a few engine options, the Escalade-V uses a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 producing 682 hp and 653 lb-ft of torque.
5 We’d Rather Drive: Bentley Bentayga Speed
The Bentayga Speed takes the crown for the ultimate high-performance super luxury SUV. It offers stunning Bentley craftsmanship and a punchy 6.0-liter Biturbo W12 engine. This helps the Bentayga Speed deliver unrivaled power in supreme sporting style.
The Bentayga Speed is the most powerful SUV from Bentley. It produces 626 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque, enough for 3.8 seconds from 0 to 60 mph and a top speed of 190 mph. Besides its impressive performance figures, the Bentayga Speed offers exceptional handling thanks to the Bentley dynamic ride system.
4 Great Performance SUV: Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk
The Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is an expletive-inducing thrill SUV featuring a supercharged Hellcat V8 under the hood. It’s not only the most powerful Jeep but also one of the most powerful SUVs worldwide. Even though it can't keep up with most sports cars around a track, it can outrun some in a straight line.
Compared to the competition, the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk has a reasonable price and prodigious performance. The Grand Cherokee Trackhawk gets a roaring exhaust note despite the extroverted exterior. Unlike most of its competition, the Trackhawk gets 645 lb-ft of torque, enough for towing up to 7,200 lbs.
3 We’d Rather Drive: Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT
With the Cayenne Turbo GT, Porsche is trying to deliver the best-in-class performance while offering a highly usable SUV. Like the Urus and the SQ8, the Turbo GT gets a familiar 4.0-liter Biturbo V8 producing 631 hp and 626 lb-ft of torque.
Thanks to Porsche engineering, the Turbo GT is one of the sportiest SUVs. It looks like an SUV, but drives like a sports car. Besides being lower and stiffer, the Turbo GT gets a host of chassis and control systems as standard to help offer optimum performance and handling.
2 Great Performance SUV: Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat
The Durango SRT Hellcat aims to satiate the ever-growing thirst for speed and power. It's one of the most powerful SUVs ever with its supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 producing 710 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque. The power boost helps the Durango SRT Hellcat rush from 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds, a quarter mile in 11.5 seconds, and a top speed of 180 mph.
The Durango cabin is spacious, with room for six passengers. It features some niceties like Nappa/Laguna leather upholstery, a flat bottom steering wheel, and heated and ventilated seats. Unlike most of its competition, the Durango SRT Hellcat can also tow 8,700 pounds.
1 We’d Rather Drive: Lamborghini Urus
Like the Cayenne Turbo GT, the Urus has the soul of a sports car and the functionality of an SUV. In short, it’s a supercar in an SUV shell. Lamborghini offers the Urus with extreme proportions, excellent driving dynamics, breathtaking design, and heart-pounding performance.
Under the hood is a powerful 4.0-liter Biturbo V8, similar to the Cayenne Turbo GT but with a higher output of 641 hp. The power enables the Urus to quickly accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 3.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 190 mph.