There was a time when SUVs were strictly cast in the role of family haulers; a big wagon that was just meant for mundane school runs or a trip to the mall. That has changed quite dramatically today as the needs of the car community have evolved alongside constant automotive tech advancements. People still love their SUVs but now, there's some hefty performance thrown in the mix for one breathtaking package.
Now SUVs are not only large and comfortable, but they also boast a hefty dose of horsepower and near-supercar levels of performance. Here, we highlight some of the most powerful SUVs on offer in today's market. HP
10 Land Rover Range Rover Sport SVR - 575 HP
The 'SVR' on this SUV indicates that it is a product of Land Rover's Special Vehicle Operations division with the 'R' denoting the highest possible level of automotive refinement and performance.
This SUV is certainly one of the most powerful Land Rover vehicles ever made with a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 that puts out 575 hp at full throttle. That power goes well with this performance SUV that also comes fully loaded with luxury features like premium leather trimmings, massaging front seats, and 4-zone climate control.
9 Maserati Levante Trofeo - 590 HP
The car community is understandably excited about the upcoming Ferrari SUV. However, in Italy today, there is one kingpin that currently rules the roost as the country's most powerful SUV - the Maserati Levante Trofeo.
It is also one of the quickest SUVs on the market today with a 3.6 second sprint time to 60 mph. It relies on a twin-turbocharged V8 powerplant that produces 590 hp at 6,250 rpm and 538 lb-ft of torque from 2,500 rpm.
8 Rolls Royce Cullinan Black Badge - 592 HP
The Cullinan SUV, named after the world's largest gem-quality rough diamond, is arguably the world's most luxurious SUV on the market today. It is also one of the most expensive with a price tag that hovers around the $500,000 mark.
The Black Badge series was first created by Rolls Royce in 2016 to symbolize a new level of luxury. In 2019, the Cullinan became a member of the exclusive club. It's more than just looks though; the Cullinan Black Badge gets a V12 engine that generates 592 hp, 29 hp more than the standard trim.
7 Mercedes Benz GLS63 AMG - 603 HP
This German powerhouse is a sublime combination of luxury and power for that owner who will be bold enough to push it to the limits. On the practical side, the SUV offers ample cabin and cargo space. There's also a very generous tech loadout; everything you would need for a relaxing family weekend cruise.
Then, you have a twin-turbocharged V8 for that adrenaline rush. It is a powerplant that churns out 603 hp at 6,500 rpm and 627 lb-ft of torque from just 2,700 rpm. The GLS63 AMG has a 5,927 lb curb weight but can still accelerate to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds.
6 BMW X5 M Competition - 617 HP
The 'Competition' badging is usually reserved for BMW's top-of-the-line performance machines and it is no different for this X5 M. The X5 M is up against the likes of the GLS63 AMG and offers a similar level of luxury and comfort.
It is also a serious player as far as its power output is concerned. It is powered by a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 that cranks out 617 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. That is enough oomph to get the 5,500-lb beast to 60 mph in less than 4 seconds.
5 Bentley Bentayga Speed - 626 HP
The Bentayga Speed first launched in 2019 and there's now a refreshed version, sporting some design tweaks, for the 2021 model year. What has not changed though is the power output; not that the luxury SUV needed any more power boost.
It is currently powered by a twin-turbo 6.0-liter W12 engine that whips up 626 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque. You will hardly ever need all of this power but be prepared for some pretty impressive performance if you do decide to put your foot down on a straight highway stretch.
4 Lamborghini Urus - 641 HP
Lamborghini took a bold move when they decided to go ahead with the Urus in 2018. However, that has since turned out to be a genius masterstroke especially with the news that well over 10,000 units have been produced already.
The Urus was marketed as the world's first Super Sports Utility Vehicle (SSUV) and it certainly fits the bill. It is powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged engine that generates 641 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. The Urus can power its way to 60 mph in 3 seconds on its way to a 190 mph top speed.
3 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid - 670 HP
There was no murking around by Porsche when it unleashed its premium SUV to take on its rivals in the market. It does not come cheap with a sticker price that could be as high as $200,000 depending on the options.
However, what you get for that price is a big SUV that can rocket to 60 mph in just over 3 seconds. That performance is courtesy of a combined gasoline-electric powertrain that makes a total of 670 hp and 663 lb-ft of torque. That's 150 hp more than the 2020 Porsche 911 GT3 RS!
2 Jeep Cherokee Trackhawk - 707 HP
The Trackhawk reigned briefly as the world's fastest production SUV upon its debut. It may no longer be the fastest but it certainly still ranks among the most powerful. Jeep fitted the Cherokee Trackhawk with a potent supercharged Hellcat unit; a 6.2-liter V8 that produces a thumping 707 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque.
The Trackhawk can put this power to good use with a 3.4 second sprint time to 60 mph - an insane figure for a proper family SUV.
1 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat - 710 HP
There has been a lot of hype surrounding the latest SUV from Dodge, and rightfully so too. After all, this is not only the most potent Durango ever made, it is also the most powerful production SUV today. As the name implies, the SUV is powered by a 6.2-liter supercharged Hellcat engine that unleashes 710 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque.
That otherworld power output will rocket the big SUV to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds, matching the pace of the 797 hp Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye. The only downside to this fun family wagon is that Dodge is only making it for one production year.