20 Stealthy and Fast SUVs That Make the Perfect Getaway Cars

2. Audi SQ5

Audi’s mid-size Q5 SUV has enjoyed modest success on the American market mostly due to its tough competition and high price. However, the SQ5 is in a class of its own because there aren’t many high-performance SUVs at the moment. Also, the SQ5 delivers a perfect blend of performance and practicality.

Under the hood is a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 with 354 HP going to all four wheels over Audi’s famous Quattro AWD system. The intelligent all-wheel drive with an eight-speed automatic gearbox and a host of electronic traction control systems equal to a swift 0 to 60 mph time of 5.1 seconds.

3. ICON BR

You might think this is just an old Ford Bronco with a 289 V8 delivering around 200 HP. If you think there’s no real performance here, think again This is the ICON BR, a fully modern vehicle they based on old Ford Bronco. The company owner, Jonathan Ward, teamed up with designer Camilo Prado to present the ultimate Bronco.

They equipped it with the new Ford Coyote 5.0-liter V8. And it has a fully adjustable suspension kit, five-speed manual transmission and ABS brakes all around. Also, it includes numerous other mechanical and visual modifications. And although the basic design stayed the same and the ICON BR still looks like a classic Ford Bronco, it drives like a supercar.

4. Jeep Cherokee SRT

Although the European machines may dominate this fast SUV segment, America has its own contenders. And one of those models is the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT. It combines the classic SUV lines of a Grand Cherokee with the undeniable power of a 6.4-liter Hemi V8. If you want to describe this car in just a few words, it would be “a muscle SUV that’s ready to kick some European ass.”

With 475 HP, it isn’t that powerful, but with a 4.4 second to 60 mph acceleration time, it is fast enough to hold its own against the competition. And best of all, the Grand Cherokee SRT costs just above $60,000, which means it is quite affordable compared to those equally fast foreign machines.

5. Kingsley Range Rover

If you know anything about classic Ranger Rovers, you know those SUVs are cool but not fast or even durable. In fact, the old 3.5-liter V8 had a great soundtrack, but not much more. That is why Kingsley Cars Ltd from England produces their vision of the classic Ranger Rover with improved modern standards. Interestingly, Kingsley chose to stick with the original Rover V8.

But they rebuilt it with much more power, although buyers have the option of a modern Chevrolet LS3 V8 producing 430 HP. The rest of the drivetrain is new, so the Kingsley Range features powerful brakes with ABS. The exterior modifications are minimal and even the interior looks the same as it did in 1975. However, all the materials and upholstery are updated and the performance is sublime.

6. Porsche Macan Turbo

The introduction of the Macan meant that Porsche is looking to the SUV segment one as of its main markets. The Macan is a mid-sized SUV with a performance-oriented design, drivetrain and technology. And all that makes it one of the best cars in its segment.

The Macan Turbo is interesting because it has a 3.0-liter turbo V6 engine with 400 HP they mated to a performance-calibrated seven-speed automatic and intelligent all-wheel drive. All of that is responsible for its 4.4 seconds 0 to 60 mph acceleration time, as well as it 163 mph top speed.

7. Range Rover Sport

The Range Rover Sport is a common SUV and one of the first models to introduce SUV performance to a large market, especially in America. For years, this was the most popular car in the segment, so the current generation has good sales results. And that is even though it isn’t the fastest or even the most powerful car in its class.

The Range Rover Sport uses a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 that pumps out 518 HP. This enormous power is enough to launch this big, heavy vehicle from 0 to 60 mph in five seconds, which is quite fast.

8. Mercedes G63 AMG

Mercedes conceived the G-Class to be military vehicles. So, they have come a long way from bare bones off-road vehicles to luxury SUVs delivering 563 HP with its 5.5-liter twin turbo V8. The proof of its evolution is still its boxy design, rugged mechanics and stance, but everything else is modern and luxurious.

With a price of almost $150,000, this is one of the most exclusive Mercedes products. And despite its 5,000 lb weight, it is one of the fastest. At least, among the SUV models. The G63 AMG is capable to jump to 60 mph in just 5.3 seconds. That’s not bad for a vehicle that has been in production since 1979.

9. Porsche Cayenne Turbo

Ever since the first Cayenne Turbo appeared in the early 2000s, the market for quick, luxury SUVs was born. This Porsche with four doors, a raised body and all-wheel drive may have offended a lot of brand purists, but it also brought much to the segment in terms of driving dynamics, performance and prestige.

Fast forward 15 years and there is a new Cayenne Turbo with even more power, faster acceleration and better road holding than ever before. The heart of this lightning-quick SUV is the 4.0-liter twin turbo V8 engine that pumps out 550 HP, sending it to the eight-speed automatic and intelligent all-wheel drive. The result is an impressive 3.7 second 0 to 60 mph acceleration time.

10. Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk

Do you want to get to 180 mph with a 0 to 60 mph time of 3.5 seconds in an SUV, but you don’t have at least $200,000 to spend on an exotic car with space for five people and their luggage? Don’t worry, this car is just for you. Remember the Grand Cherokee SRT with 475 HP? Well, Jeep recently introduced an even crazier version they powered with the infamous 707 HP supercharged Hemi from the Dodge Challenger Hellcat.

The new Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is the SUV version of the Challenger Hellcat. It comes with all the important features like an engine and transmission perfectly transplanted into an SUV body. Of course, they’ve improved and modified the suspension and braking, but the rest is the same. This car is one of the most capable SUVs on the market with a 0 to 60 mph acceleration time of just 3.5 seconds. But, best of all is the affordable $85,000 price tag.

11. Audi SQ7

The Q7 luxury SUV is one of the best products that Audi sells in America. It looks like the company perfectly understood the need for a big, fast, comfortable cruiser. In fact, those Q7s are just as popular here as they are in Europe. However, for performance-oriented buyers, Audi offers the SQ7, a 435 HP-powered luxury locomotive on wheels.

The SQ7 packs all the possible luxury items along with the mighty 4.0-liter twin turbo V8. This is the same engine as in the Bentley Bentayga or Lamborghini Urus but detuned to 435 HP. However, it is possible that Audi felt the pressure to keep the power level down so other Volkswagen brands could use the full potential of this powerful unit.

12. Range Rover Sport SVR

As the defining car of the segment, the Range Rover couldn’t sit still and watch as other cars stole its thunder. So, they introduced the mighty Sport SVR. With heavily supercharged 5.0-liter V8, a host of chassis, suspension and braking modifications and unique trim details, the SVR is a true performance SUV beast.

They mated the 575 HP engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It is capable of propelling this heavy wagon from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds with up to 176 mph top speeds.

13. Dodge Durango SRT

Do you need to go from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds and get 475 HP? Would you like the ability to carry seven passengers in comfort? Perhaps you need a small school bus, just in case your kids are late for school and you need to get them there in a hurry.

If so, then you need a Dodge Durango SRT. With its 6.4-liter Hemi and 475 HP, it is a pure Dodge muscle car in an SUV package. In contrast to the other vehicles on this list that are mostly useless as real SUVs, this Dodge is quite capable.

14. Tesla Model X

This list had to feature the Model X since it is an extremely capable SUV. And with its amazing acceleration numbers, its perfect for a getaway in a hurry. However, it is an expensive car that is uncommon and unforgettable, so it may not be the choice if you want to make a clean, unnoticed getaway.

In its most powerful Model X P100D version, this Tesla produces 259 HP on the front and 503 HP on the rear axle. Translated to sheer performance, the Model X P100D is capable of getting to 60 mph in just 2.9 seconds. And that means you can smoke a Ferrari 488 with your Tesla, at least at the stoplight.

15. GMC Typhoon

Today, turbo-powered SUVs are quite common. However, in the early ‘90s, the idea was unheard of in the car world. And especially those stealthy, performance SUVs that could beat almost any sports car at those stoplight drags. But one most car fans could count on was the legendary GMC Typhoon. They equipped the Typhoon with a 4.3-liter V6 engine, a turbocharger and an intercooler.

The power output was 280 HP, which is unimpressive today, but back in 1991, that was an exciting number. In fact, the automatic transmission, performance-oriented all-wheel-drive system and suspension helped its performance. Best of all, the Typhoon could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds. Even today, this is quite fast for an ordinary SUV.

16. Subaru Forester 2.5 XT Turbo

Nobody could consider the 2005 Forester XT a performance machine. After all, it is a mid-size family SUV concentrated on comfort, but with a twist. The Forester 2.5 XT has a 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-four engine with 207 HP and extremely capable all-wheel drive.

And that all adds up to some surprising acceleration times. In fact, this car can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds. Those numbers make it a competent yet inexpensive SUV with a stealthy design and great driving dynamics.

17. Chevrolet Trailblazer SS

The Trailblazer is a common SUV that will not grab the attention of other motorists or the police. However, in the SS trim, it comes with a 6.0-liter V8 producing 400 HP, resulting in a serious performance. The best thing is that the Trailblazer SS looks like any other GM SUV from the period yet it is relatively inexpensive to acquire.

18. Ford Edge ST

The Edge ST is a new and interesting product from a company who recently announced they would only build SUVs, trucks and Mustangs. The Edge is a modern crossover/SUV with a standard design and street appearance. And yet, it hides something interesting under its hood.

The 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 with 335 HP is more the enough to launch this model to prohibited speeds in a short time. However, that’s not all. The ST package means it has an upgraded suspension and brakes, as well.

19. Mercedes ML 63 AMG

The Cadillac Escalade is one of the most common luxury SUVs around. Although it has a big and powerful V8 under the hood, nobody expects this enormous car to be as fast as it is. Interestingly, the guys from Hennessey decided to make the Escalade faster than the Camaro and almost as fast as the Corvette ZR1.

The HPE 800 kit includes a supercharger and over 30 various upgrades to the Escalade stock drivetrain. The result is a massive 805 HP beast that can reach 60 mph in a mind-blowing 3.7 seconds.

These are the top 20 stealthy and fast SUVs that make the perfect getaway cars. While some have a hefty price tag, others are a bit more affordable. But no matter which one you choose, be sure to follow your local road regulations so you don’t need to escape the authorities in a cloud of engine exhaust.

20. Hennessey Cadillac Escalade HPE 800

The Cadillac Escalade is one of the most common luxury SUVs around. Although it has a big and powerful V8 under the hood, nobody expects this enormous car to be as fast as it is. Interestingly, the guys from Hennessey decided to make the Escalade faster than the Camaro and almost as fast as the Corvette ZR1.

The HPE 800 kit includes a supercharger and over 30 various upgrades to the Escalade stock drivetrain. The result is a massive 805 HP beast that can reach 60 mph in a mind-blowing 3.7 seconds.

These are the top 20 stealthy and fast SUVs that make the perfect getaway cars. While some have a hefty price tag, others are a bit more affordable. But no matter which one you choose, be sure to follow your local road regulations so you don’t need to escape the authorities in a cloud of engine exhaust.