It is no secret the SUV market has expanded rapidly over the last decade. The body style is now arguably the most popular of any automotive segment, and manufacturers have tried to cater to every conceivable niche. From the basic eco-value-focused models like the Dacia Duster to all-out luxury SUVs such as the Bentley Bentayga, buyers can spend as much or a little as they like and get the best vehicle for their needs.

Traditionally, SUVs were boxy, heavy, liable to tip over, and often slow. Only the truly sport-focused models such as the Porsche Cayenne offered sedan-like performance. These days, technological innovation and development mean even regular and everyday offerings offer a decent driving experience, and some are even surprisingly fast. Here are 10 examples with performance credentials that might just surprise you.

Related: Why The Ferrari Purosangue Is The Next Powerhouse Of An SUV

10 Jaguar I-Pace

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Via: Netcarshow

Starting off the list is the fully electric Jaguar I-Pace. Sporting a futuristic design, the I-Pace is the first electric car built by Jaguar and entered production in 2018.

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Via: Netcarshow

The car has a generous range of up to 292 miles. As well as providing enough practicality for a family, the car is rapid, with a 0-60 mph time of only 4.5 seconds. The car tops out at 124 mph, which in the real world is more than fast enough.

Related: 5 Reasons The Jaguar I-Pace EV Is Struggling (And 5 Reasons Why We'd Buy It)

9 Cupra Ateca

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Via: Netcarshow

The Ateca was the first model launched by the sporty Seat offshoot Cupra. It offers arguably some of the best handling characteristics of any compact SUV and has decent levels of equipment included as standard.

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Via: Netcarshow

While the car can carry five passengers in comfort, and haul 485 liters of cargo, it is no slow mover. Powered by a 296-hp turbocharged, 2.0-liter engine, 0-60 mph is reached in just 4.5 seconds, before racing on to a 153-mph top speed.

8 Audi Q8 50 TDI

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Via: Netcarshow

The large and imposing Audi Q8 is available with many engine options, including a range-topping 591-hp 4.0-liter V8 as found in the RSQ8. This model blasts from 0-60 mph in only 3.2 seconds.

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Via: Netcarshow

Despite the excellent performance offered by the RSQ8, the Q8 can also be had with a more fuel-efficient 50 TDI unit. This diesel engine can still propel the car from 0-60 mph in just 6.3 seconds, and this is plenty enough for a lot of potential buyers.

7 BMW X3 M40i

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Via: BMW

While the X3 M40i is not a fully-fledged "M" car, it offers some serious performance credentials. Reaching 60 mph takes just 4.2 seconds from a standstill.

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Via: Netcarshow

The 3.0 liter straight six, 360 hp unit takes the car briskly up to an electronically imposed 155 mph top speed. The car drives and handles exceptionally well, and outperforms a large proportion of the segment. Coupled with a refined ride and comfortably luxurious cabin, the X3 M40i is certainly worth considering as a proposition.

6 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250

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Via: Netcarshow

The compact and sharply styled GLA is a surprisingly fast compact SUV. Chosen in "250" form, the car has a pleasingly quick engine.

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Via: Netcarshow

Under the hood, is a 2.0-liter gas engine that produces 224 hp, providing ample performance. The 0-60 mph sprint takes just 6.8 seconds while the car tops out at an impressive 149 mph.

Related: Here's How The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA Class Compares With Its Rivals

5 Tesla Model X Dual Motor

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Via: Tesla

Another fully electric entry on this list is the futuristically-sculpted Tesla Model X. With its gullwing doors and massive infotainment screen, it certainly stands out in the segment.

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Via: Netcarshow

Striking a good balance between utility and performance, the Model X can carry up to seven people, while also providing a highly generous 670 hp from its dual motors. As a result of this power, the fairly hefty model X is hauled from 0-60 mph in just 3.8 seconds.

4 Volvo XC40 T5 AWD

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Via: Netcarshow

The most compact SUV offering from Volvo is its well-formed XC40. The car has some nifty design features such as the "Thor's hammer" headlamps and generally looks great.

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Via: Netcarshow

Specified with the T5 engine, the pace is good, with 0-60 mph taking 6.2 seconds. Under the hood sits a 248 hp, a 2.0-liter gas unit capable of transporting the XC40 all the way up to 140 mph.

3 Mazda CX-30 Turbo

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Via: Netcarshow

The Mazda CX-30 can be thought of as a hot hatch on stilts. The car's turbocharged 2.5-liter engine produces 250 hp, which when fitted into the compact CX-30's body facilitates a 5.8 second 0-60 mph time.

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The car starts at $31,725, and for this relatively modest price tag, buyers are treated to an interior that feels like it is from a class above. The car's handling is another of its strengths and really helps extract maximum performance out of the available horsepower.

2 Mercedes GLC 300

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Mercedes-Benz

With a 2.0-liter, inline 4-cylinder turbocharged engine under its hood, the elegantly sculpted GLC 300 offers some seriously unexpected performance.

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Via: Netcarshow

Generating 255 hp, the GLC 300 completes the 0-60 mph run in a quick 5.8 seconds. Combined with the excellent 9G-Tronic 9-speed automatic transmission, the car even returns decent fuel economy, with 28 mpg on the highway and 21 mpg in the city.

1 Porsche Macan Turbo 4Cyl

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Via: Netcarshow

The ever-popular sporty and luxurious Macan offers decent performance even with its entry-level engine fitted under the hood.

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Via: Netcarshow

The car's turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine produces a decent 261 hp, with 0-60 mph taking around 5.0 seconds. While not the most powerful version available, the base option will still enable buyers to get a decent level of enjoyment on a spirited drive.