Super-Fast SUVs That Can Outrun Even The Fastest Sports Cars

BMW X5 M

When the first X5 appeared in 1999, it was a big step for BMW. Not only was it their first SUV but it was also a fresh look for the SUV class. The X5 offered prime driving dynamics and road holding closer to a luxury sedan than a bulky SUV. More than 20 years later, we have 570 HP X5 M with a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8, world-class chassis and suspension (via BMW USA).

The X5 M is still one of the sportier cars in the segment, not just because of its immense power and 4.1-second 0 to 60 mph times, but because BMW engineered this model as an actual M Performance car. This means it has sharp handling and perfect braking and feels more like an M5 than an X5 SUV, which is an excellent complement to BMW’s engineers.

Lamborghini LM002

This crazy creation was born in the mid-’80s as Lamborghini attempted to enter the world of luxury SUVs and widen its appeal. The LM002 used a unique chassis, suspension, and Lamborghini’s famous V12 engine. The 5.2-liter unit with 400 HP was the same one as you would find in the legendary Countach. For those buyers who thought that 400 HP was not enough, the factory could supply the LM002 with a 7.3-liter monster V12 engine from a racing boat (via Lamborghini).

Nicknamed “The Rambo Lambo,” this truck was precisely that, a rugged and desert-going version of the supercar Lamborghini is well-known for making. Despite the enormous power and rugged looks, LM002 was a failure since it was tough to drive on the road, it had an enormous thirst for fuel, and it even had some problems with off-road stability. However, the LM002 could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds, which was unheard of in the late ’80s.

Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT

The Cayenne has been one of the fastest SUVs ever since the early 2000s. However, Porsche decided to push the envelope even further with the introduction of the Cayenne Turbo GT. Some people call this car a 911 GT3 with two more doors.

This super SUV uses a 4.0-liter, twin-turbo V8 with 640 HP to deliver astonishing performance. It is the fastest SUV in Nürburgring and one of the most impressive SUVs to drive. It can sprint to 60 mph in just 3.1 seconds and reach a 186 mph top speed (via Porsche).

Ferrari Purosangue

We all know it was bound to happen someday and Ferrari couldn’t avoid the super SUV segment. The 2023 Ferrari Purosangue is the first SUV from Modena and also the first four-door model this company ever made. It is quite a controversial car by all means, but it is also one of the most dynamic SUVs the car world has ever seen.

Under the hood is a 6.5-liter V12 naturally-aspirated V12 engine delivering 715 HP to all four wheels through an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic. Ferrari is clear that this is a road-going vehicle only and has no off-road aspirations. With four individual seats, decent trunk space, and insane performance, this supercar SUV should be very sought-after (via Ferrari).

Ford Bronco Raptor

Unfortunately, Ford won’t drop its famous 5.0-liter Coyote V8 into the new Bronco. Instead, the latest and most potent version got 3.5-liter EcoBoost good for 418 HP, which is more than enough. The Bronco is amongst the rare, off-road dedicated SUVs on this list. Most other models should be used on the road only (via Ford).

Interestingly, despite being a desert runner, Bronco Raptor is quite capable on the streets. Understandably, the Bronco Raptor has relatively low top speed due to its brick-like aerodynamics and massive 37-inch tires. However, it can reach 60 mph in six seconds, which is quite respectable.

Cadillac Escalade V

The Cadillac Escalade is one of the quintessential American luxury SUVs. The Cadillac V-Series is one of the best performance brands in the industry. It was only a matter of time before those two would meet and produce an astonishing fast SUV that defines logic and physics (via Cadillac).

The Escalade V is big, fast, powerful, and expensive. The motivation is courtesy of a hand-built, 6.2-liter, supercharged V8 with 682 HP. The 0 to 60 mph takes only 4.4 seconds, and mid-range acceleration is insane due to the potent V8, which is ready to deliver its power. Of course, such a powerful luxury machine is also expensive and the 2023 Cadillac Escalade V costs over $150,000.

Lamborghini Urus

Remember the Lamborghini LM002 we featured on our list? Well, it looks like 35 years later, we have another crazy fast and sublimely expensive performance SUV from Bologna in the form of the newly introduced Urus. You might be surprised to find that Bentley Bentayga and Urus have a lot in common in terms of mechanics and chassis architecture since Lamborghini and Bentley are both owned by Volkswagen. Still, these two models are different in many ways, including styling, performance, and market niche (via Lamborghini).

A 4.0-liter V8 powers the Urus with 641 HP, which is somewhat lower and lighter than the Bentayga. This means that the Urus is capable of reaching 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds and topping 190 mph.

Jaguar F Pace SVR

Maybe not as flashy as some of its competitors, Jaguar F Pace SVR is a proper SUV beast with 550 HP from its supercharged 5.0-liter V8 engine. It shares a lot of its drive train components with Range Rover SVR and Range Rover Sport, but it has a smaller body and better driving characteristics (via Jaguar USA).

Due to the massive firepower, the F Pace SVR is very capable and car gets to 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds, topping 170 mph. However, it is smaller than Range Rover, which means it has less room for passengers and luggage.

BMW XM

The 2023 BMW XM is a fascinating machine. The first model doesn’t have a standard version, only the M model. It has a unique body, special interior treatment, and extraordinary power under the chiseled sheet metal. The XM is built based on X7 architecture and components.

It has a 4.4-liter, twin-turbo engine with an electric motor for help, and it comes in two power levels – 644 HP and 738 HP. The more powerful version is XM Red Label which features a unique design and trim details. BMW claims that XM is capable of reaching 60 mph in 4.1 seconds, which is fast but not as quick as some competitors (via BMW USA).

Ford Explorer ST

The car that started the modern SUV craze in America was Ford Explorer. After years of the classic body-on-frame chassis architecture, the new Explorer is a modern unibody car that helps on-road manners. Still, it forbids the owners from going on serious off-road courses (via Ford).

The regular Explorer is a fine example of a modern SUV with lots of space and up-to-date design. For performance lovers, there is the Explorer ST model, which features the famous Ford’s 3.5-liter EcoBoost turbocharged V6 engine with 400 HP. Along with suspension and transmission improvements, the Explorer Sport is a capable machine with a 0 to 60 mph time of 5.8 seconds. It’s no wonder that law enforcement agencies all over the USA use this model.

Audi SQ5

Audi’s mid-size Q5 SUV enjoyed modest success on the American market primarily due to tough competition and high prices, but the SQ5 is in a class of its own. Simply put, the SQ5 delivers the perfect blend of performance and practicality (via Audi USA).

Under the hood is a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 with 354 HP delivered to all four wheels over Audi’s famous Quattro AWD system. Intelligent all-wheel drive paired with an 8-speed automatic gearbox and a host of electronic traction control systems equal to a pretty swift 0 to 60 mph time of 5.1 seconds.

ICON BR

You might think this is just an old Ford Bronco with 289 V8 and around 200 HP. No real performance here, right? Well, you’re mistaken. ICON BR is a thoroughly modern vehicle based on an old Ford Bronco (via ICON 4×4).

Company owner Jonathan Ward teamed up with designer Camilo Prado. He presented the ultimate Bronco with a brand new Ford Coyote 5.0-liter V8, fully adjustable suspension kit, 5-speed manual transmission, ABS brakes all around, and numerous other mechanical and visual modifications. The basic design stayed the same, and ICON BR still looks like a classic Ford Bronco but drives like a supercar.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk

Want to go 180 mph in an SUV but need more than $200,000 plus to spend on an exotic car with space for five people and their luggage? Don’t worry, we have just the vehicle for you. Remember the Grand Cherokee SRT with 475 HP? Jeep recently introduced an even crazier version powered by a 707 HP supercharged Hemi from Dodge Challenger Hellcat (via Evo Magazine).

The new Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is the SUV version of the Challenger Hellcat with all important features like the engine and transmission ideally transplanted into the SUV body. Of course, suspension and braking are improved and modified, but the rest is the same. The car is one of the most capable SUVs on the market, reaching 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds with a sub-$100.000 price tag.

Kingsley Range Rover

If you know anything about classic Ranger Rovers, you know that those SUVs are cool but not really fast or durable. The old 3.5-liter V8 had a great soundtrack but only a little more (via Kingsley Cars).

That is why Kingsley Cars Ltd from England produces their vision of the classic Ranger Rover but enhanced and improved to modern standards. Interestingly, Kingsley chooses to stick with the original Rover V8 but rebuilt with much more power, although clients have the option of a modern Chevrolet LS3 V8 with 430 HP. The rest of the drivetrain is brand new, and Kingsley Range features powerful ABS brakes. The exterior modifications are minimal and even the interior looks the same as it did in 1975. However, all the materials and upholstery are brand new and its performance is sublime.

Porsche Macan Turbo

The introduction of the Macan meant that Porsche was considering the SUV segment as one of its main markets. The Macan is a mid-sized SUV with a performance-oriented design, drivetrain, and technology. As such, it’s one of the best driver’s cars in the segment (via Porsche).

The Macan Turbo is attractive due to the fact it has a 3.0-liter turbo V6 engine with 400 HP, connected to performance-calibrated seven-speed automatic and intelligent all-wheel drive. All of that is responsible for a 4.4-second 0 to 60 mph time and a 163 mph top speed.

Range Rover Sport

The Range Rover Sport is a very common SUV and one of the first models which introduced SUV performance to a large market, especially here in America. For years, this was the most popular car in the segment, and the current generation has good sales results even though it isn’t the fastest or the most powerful car in its class (via Car and Driver).

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

Mercedes G63 AMG

Conceived as a military vehicle, the G-Class went a long way from a bare-bones off-road vehicle to a luxury SUV with 577 HP and 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8. The proof of evolution is still its boxy design, rugged mechanics, and stance, but everything else is modern and luxurious (via Mercedes Benz USA).

With a price of almost $200,000, this is one of the most exclusive Mercedes products, and despite its 5000 lb. weight, it is one of the fastest. At least amongst the SUV models. The G63 AMG is capable of jumping to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. Not bad for a vehicle that has been in production since 1979.

Porsche Cayenne Turbo

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

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

Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392

Audi SQ7

The Q7 luxury SUV is one of the best products Audi sells in America. The company perfectly understood the need for extensive, fast, comfortable cruisers, and Q7s are popular here as in Europe. However, Audi offers SQ7, a 435 HP luxury locomotive on wheels for performance-oriented buyers (via Audi USA).

The SQ7 packs all 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. Audi needed to keep the power level down for other Volkswagen brands to use the full potential of this powerful unit.

Range Rover Sport SVR

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

The 575 HP engine with eight-speed automatic transmission is capable of propelling this heavy wagon from 0 to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds with a 176 mph top speed.

Dodge Durango SRT

Do you need a 4.4-second 0 to 60 mph SUV with 475 HP and the ability to carry seven passengers? You essentially need a small school bus in case your kids are late for school and you need to get them there in a hurry. Ok, then you need a Dodge Durango SRT (via Car and Driver).

With a 6.4-liter Hemi engine and 475 HP, this is a pure Dodge muscle car in an SUV package. In contrast to other vehicles on this list which are mostly useless as real SUVs, this Dodge is very capable.

Tesla Model X

We had to feature Model X on our list since it is an extremely capable SUV with impressive acceleration numbers. On the other hand, it’s an expensive car that is not exactly too common or forgettable, so there may be better choices if you want to make a clean and unnoticed getaway (via Tesla).

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

GMC Typhoon

Today, turbo-powered SUVs are pretty ordinary, but in the early ’90s, the idea was unheard of. Especially stealth-looking, performance SUV, which could beat almost any sports car at stoplight drags. This was the legendary GMC Typhoon.

The Typhoon had a 4.3-liter V6 engine with a turbocharger and intercooler. The power output was 280 HP. That’s not that impressive today, but back in 1991, it was a nice number. But the automatic transmission, performance-oriented all-wheel-drive system, and suspension helped the performance, and the Typhoon could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds. Even today, this is quite fast for an ordinary SUV (via Car and Driver).

Subaru Forester 2.5 XT Turbo

Nobody would 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, which all add up to a surprising 0 to 60 mph time.

The car can accelerate to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds, making it a competent and inexpensive SUV with a stealth design and outstanding driving dynamics (via Ultimate Car Specs).

Chevrolet Trailblazer SS

The Trailblazer is quite a common SUV that will not raise any attention from other motorists or police. However, the SS trim comes with a 6.0-liter V8 which produces 400 HP resulting in serious performance (via TB SS Owners).

The good thing is that Trailblazer SS looks like any other GM SUV from the period and that it is relatively cheap to acquire.

Ford Edge ST

The Edge ST is an exciting product from the company, which recently announced that it would build only SUVs, trucks, and the Mustang. The Edge is a modern crossover/SUV with a standard design and street appearance, but it hides something interesting under the hood (via Ford).

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

Mercedes GLE 63 AMG

In some parts of the States, the Mercedes ML is common. It is a favorite soccer mom’s transportation device that is roomy enough for all the kids and their stuff and luxurious enough to be proudly parked in front of high street shops (via Mercedes AMG).

However, when we talk about GLE 63 AMG, we are talking about a seriously performing SUV with a 4.0-liter Biturbo engine of up to 437 HP. With unassuming looks and almost 450 HP delivered to all four wheels, the GLE 63 AMG is one hell of a getaway SUV.

Hennessey Cadillac Escalade HPE 800

The Cadillac Escalade is one of the most common luxury SUVs around. Although it has a significant and powerful V8 under the hood, nobody expects this enormous car to be fast (via Auto Evolution).

So the guys from Hennessey decided to make Escalade faster than a Camaro and almost fast as a Corvette ZR1. The HPE 800 kit includes a supercharger and over 30 various upgrades to Escalade’s stock drivetrain. The result is an 805 HP beast that can react 60 mph in 3.7 seconds.

BMW X6 M

Some BMW purists don’t consider X6 M a proper M car since this is an SUV with an engine straight from BMW M5 Sedan, but with a 0 to 60 mph time of just 4 seconds, the X6 M is 0.1 seconds faster than the renewed M4 coupe (via Car and Driver).

The secret of the exhilarating performance of this sporty SUV is a 4.4-liter twin-turbo with 570 HP and an intelligent X-drive all-wheel drive system. Also, the X6 M is fairly aerodynamic due to its sloping roofline and rear spoiler, and it gets to an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph pretty quickly. Also, the X6 M handles somewhat better than the competition thanks to lower height and center of gravity which means it can tackle the corners too.

Bentley Bentayga

The world of luxurious SUVs has a new kind in the form of Bentley’s super powerful, super comfortable, and expensive Bentayga. The $229,000 premium-class SUV has two engine choices. A 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 with 542 HP and a 6.0-liter W12 engine with 600 HP make this 5400 lb. house on wheels get to 60 mph in 4 seconds (via Bentley Motors).

The size and performance of this car are mind-boggling. The top speed is electronically limited to 187 mph, and theoretically, given a long enough stretch of road, the Bentayga could reach 200 mph. The performance figures are better suited to a supercar than a five-passenger luxury SUV, but this shows how the industry has advanced over the years.

Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio

With a 2.9-liter turbocharged V6 engine derived from Ferrari’s turbo V8, this is a prime example of Italian charm with brutal power in the SUV class (via Alfa Romeo USA).

The new Stelvio is an essential model for the factory, especially in the American market. This is a mid-size SUV, but in Quadrifoglio trim, it’s a sports car. The turbo V6 makes 505 HP and with 50/50 weight distribution and perfectly tuned suspension. With a quick gearbox and sure brakes, the Stelvio is and SUV missile. The 0 to 60 time is just 3.9 seconds, and its top speed is a lofty 177 mph.

BMW X3 M Competition

Imagine the BMW M3 but in an SUV body. That is precisely what X3 M is. With a 3.0-liter, twin-turbo, straight-six engine under the hood, eight-speed automatic, and intelligent all-wheel-drive, this compact SUV is essentially an M3 with an unassuming body.

However, what is most impressive is the performance. Due to less weight, excellent traction, and fast-shifting transmission, this model can reach 60 mph in just 2.9 seconds. That’s supercar territory. And the best thing is that the X3 M Competition is much cheaper than the X5 or X6 in the M version (via BMW USA).

Dodge Durango Hellcat

Dodge already has a fast SUV in its lineup with Durango SRT. However, Dodge wants to put its incredible Hellcat engine in everything. So, check out the Durango Hellcat in all its glory (via Car and Driver).

With a supercharged Hemi under the hood, the Durango Hellcat delivers 710 hp to all four wheels and launches this three-row SUV from 0 to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds. It also produces astonishing noise and will leave you breathless every time you kick the accelerator pedal.