The SUV models are American inventions, but high-performance SUVs are European. However, this doesn’t mean there aren’t any US high-powered SUVs. There are, and they are capable. Here are the 10 best crazy fast American SUVs.
1. Jerrari
Fast SUVs are nothing new in today’s car world, but back in the ’60s and ’70s, there was nothing like that on the market. Then, one innovative car engineer had a brilliant idea—install a Ferrari V12 in a Jeep Wagoneer!
The car was named Jerrari (Jeep/Ferrari) and was relatively fast, although it looked strange. The front end was from a Ferrari 330 GT, and the rest of the car was a Jeep. This car was one of two made for Bill Harrah, an entertainment magnate from Las Vegas who wanted a stealthy, comfortable cruiser with a little flair.
2. GMC Typhoon
The GMC Typhoon, produced from 1992 to 1993, is one of the original American performance SUVs. Powered by a turbocharged 4.3-liter V6 engine, it churned out 280 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque, enabling it to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.3 seconds—astonishingly fast for an SUV in the early ’90s.
Combining the utility of an SUV with a high-performance engine, the Typhoon was a trailblazer in its time. It still holds a special place in the hearts of enthusiasts. Its unique design and superb handling capabilities have made it a classic in the performance SUV segment.
3. Saleen Explorer XP8
If you’ve ever wondered what happens when you combine off-road capability with a supercharged engine, the Saleen Explorer XP8 is the answer. A special edition of the Ford Explorer, this SUV was tuned by the legendary performance company Saleen.
The XP8 came with a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 engine, producing 290 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque, making it one of the fastest SUVs of its time. With a 0-60 mph time of just 7 seconds, this performance-focused SUV was equally comfortable off-road as on the highway, proving that the Explorer could surpass its family SUV roots.
4. Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited
The Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited, introduced in 1998, was a true muscle SUV, offering blistering performance in a vehicle designed for rugged terrain. With a 5.9-liter V8 engine, it produced 245 horsepower and 345 lb-ft of torque and could hit 0-60 mph in just 7.0 seconds.
At the time, it was the most powerful Jeep ever made, offering a hard-to-beat mix of luxury and performance. The 5.9 Limited was perfect for those who wanted a Jeep’s off-road capabilities paired with the power and speed of a muscle car.
5. Chevrolet Trailblazer SS
The Chevrolet Trailblazer SS, produced from 2006 to 2009, marked a bold step forward in performance SUVs. Powered by a 6.0-liter LS2 V8 engine (the same one found in the Corvette), it delivered a blistering 395 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque.
This was enough to propel the Trailblazer SS from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds, a remarkable feat for any SUV. With its aggressive styling and incredible power, the Trailblazer SS proved that a utility vehicle could be both practical and a beast on the road.
6. Dodge Durango Shelby
The Dodge Durango Shelby, introduced in 1998, was an unexpected twist in the muscle SUV game. With a 5.9-liter V8 engine, it produced 250 horsepower and 335 lb-ft of torque, which gave it some serious acceleration for an SUV. The Durango Shelby was a limited-edition vehicle made in partnership with Shelby American and built to be a performance version of the standard Durango.
Although it wasn’t as fast as some of the other vehicles on this list, the Durango Shelby still offered a fun, sporty driving experience, blending Shelby’s performance heritage with the practicality of a family SUV.
7. Cadillac Escalade V
The Cadillac Escalade V epitomizes American luxury, meeting incredible performance. Powered by a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine, it churns out an impressive 682 horsepower and 653 lb-ft of torque. This powerhouse allows the Escalade V to accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 4.4 seconds, which is remarkable for a full-size luxury SUV.
With a sleek, aggressive appearance and top-tier luxury features, the Escalade V is a performance SUV that’s also comfortable for families and loaded with tech. Cadillac has successfully combined the brand’s refined elegance with blistering speed in this high-performance machine.
8. Dodge Durango Hellcat
The Dodge Durango Hellcat puts everything you love about muscle cars into a large, family-friendly SUV. With a 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V8 engine pumping out a monstrous 710 horsepower and 645 lb-ft of torque, the Durango Hellcat is one of the most potent SUVs ever.
It rockets from 0-60 mph in just 3.5 seconds, making it the fastest three-row SUV on the market. Whether you need to haul the family, tow heavy loads, or have a blast on the road, the Durango Hellcat offers it all with its thrilling speed and capability.
9. Tesla Model X
The Tesla Model X is an electric SUV that combines cutting-edge technology with exhilarating performance. Equipped with dual electric motors, the Model X Long Range version offers 1020 horsepower and an impressive 0-60 mph of just 2.5 seconds, making it one of the world’s quickest SUVs.
It offers stunning acceleration, and the Model X also comes with advanced autopilot features, a luxurious cabin, and signature Falcon Wing doors. As the electric vehicle market grows, the Model X shows that performance and eco-friendliness coexist in a single, mind-blowing package.
10. Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk
The Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is a muscle SUV built for thrill-seekers. With a 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V8 engine producing 707 horsepower and 645 lb-ft of torque, the Trackhawk can reach 0-60 mph in just 3.5 seconds. This makes it one of the fastest and most powerful production SUVs ever built.
Along with its impressive acceleration, the Trackhawk also features Jeep’s legendary off-road capabilities, allowing it to perform in rugged terrains while delivering a performance driving experience that rivals high-performance sports cars. Whether taking it off-road or tearing up the tarmac, the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is a beast.