The general consensus is that SUVs are more practical vehicles than they are something that fills the adrenaline cravings. They’re also considered big, bulky vehicles that can tow stuff or even be taken off-road. If you want the performance, you can get yourself sports cars or supercars, or even hot hatches, for that matter.
But, there are some SUVs that can even put some of the world’s best sports cars to shame with their performance. Automakers are creating straight-line monsters that can achieve speeds of well over 180 mph despite their big builds, poor aerodynamic efficiency, and heavy curb weights.
Updated March 2023: When it comes to being the fastest SUV in the world, nobody can keep the title for too long, as the world is changing every day. Until recently, the Aston Martin DBX707 was the fastest SUV in the world, with a top speed of 193 mph, but now its crown is at risk of being stolen by the recently launched Ferrari Purosangue. With the SUV market in constant flux, we’ve updated this list of the fastest SUVs with five new models, and at least one of them will really surprise you!
20 Tesla Model X Plaid
Top Speed: 155 MPH
Before Tesla decided to put a sport driving mode into the already lightening fast Tesla Model X Plaid, it didn’t have the top speed that some of the rival SUVs had. Even now, with the added help of the extra sporty boost, it barely makes it onto the list of the top 20 fastest SUVs, narrowly edging out the Volkswagen Golf R (actually tied at 155 MPH.)
Specs and Price
| Motor | Three electric motors |
| Horsepower | 1,020 combined horsepower |
| Torque | 1,151 pound-feet combined |
| Transmission | One-speed direct drive |
| Drive Layout | All-wheel-drive |
| 0-60 mph | 2.1 seconds |
| Top Speed | 155 MPH |
| Price | $101,380 |
The thing about the Tesla is that, unlike many vehicles with high top speeds, the Plaid X is driven by a completely electric drivetrain. You will see more of it in the future, but as of now, Tesla is still the independent carmaker leading the charge.
19 Kia EV6 GT AWD:
Top Speed: 161 MPH
If you travel back in time a decade or two, the SUV was a replacement for a minivan because it could haul family and friends while still looking fabulous. Today, the same basic principle still applies, but carmakers have decided that an SUV needs to be fast enough to draw buyers away from sports car models.
Specs and Data
| Engine | Permanent-Magnet Synchronous |
| Horsepower | 576 combined horsepower |
| Torque | 545 pound-feet combined |
| Transmission | Direct-drive single-speed automatic |
| Drive Layout | All-wheel-drive (standard rear-wheel-drive) |
| 0-60 mph | 3.4 seconds |
| Top Speed | 161 MPH |
| Price | $50,025 |
So, if you ever wanted to take your kids drifting, the Kia EV6 GT AWD is the perfect electric SUV because it seems meant for a curved track (or backroad.) Kia went all out with the GT model, slapping on some Goodyear tires for traction, adding in some adaptive dampeners, and including an electronic limited-slip differential.
18 BMW X M:
Top Speed: 168 MPH
The BMW X M is a new addition to the company’s lineup in 2023, offering you a crossover that can hold the family, the dog, and the groceries and then shoot from 0 to 60 in 3.8 seconds on the way to a top speed of 168 MPH. It’s actually crazy to think that the performance-minded crew at BMW would drop such a powerful engine into an SUV.
Specs and Price
| Engine | 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 |
| Horsepower | 644 combined horsepower |
| Torque | 590 pound-feet combined |
| Transmission | eight-speed automatic |
| Drive Layout | All-wheel-drive |
| 0-60 mph | 3.8 seconds |
| Top Speed | 168 MPH |
| Price | $159,995 |
However, since the rest of the industry is doing it, they were left with little choice. Since BMW takes pride in being one of the best in performance and luxury, you know the BMW X M is a fine combination of both.
17 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE63 S:
Top Speed: 174 MPH
Since all the other high-profile luxury car brands have been producing some form of SUV with serious horsepower, it is not a shock to see an AMG model on this list. The mild-hybrid system helps the car shoot off the line and reach its top speed of 174 MPH through an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG).
Specs and Price
| Engine | 4.0-liter biturbo V-8 mild hybrid system |
| Horsepower | 604 horsepower |
| Torque | 627 pound-feet |
| Transmission | nine-speed automatic |
| Drive Layout | All-wheel-drive |
| 0-60 mph | 3.7 seconds |
| Top Speed | 174 MPH |
| Price | $125,145 |
The ISG is responsible for supplying the vehicle with extra torque, as well as being responsible for the regeneration of the battery and the restarting of the engine during the start/stop mode while driving.
16 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio:
Top Speed: 176 MPH
The Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio may not be the most comfortable SUV on the market. In fact, it may not have the most room out of the crossovers you have looked at. But it definitely has some of the best performance and handling that could be expected out of a sports car. Yes, you read that right. The SUV has the handling of a much nimbler and lighter car but with the room of a three-seat vehicle.
Specs and Price
| Engine | 2.9-liter twin-turbo V-6 |
| Horsepower | 505 horsepower |
| Torque | 443 pound-feet |
| Transmission | eight-speed automatic |
| Drive Layout | All-wheel-drive |
| 0-60 mph | 3.3 seconds |
| Top Speed | 176 MPH |
| Price | $87,770 |
The Quadrifoglio weighs a little less than some of the others, coming in at 4,313 pounds, which may account for some of the power it has when getting from 0 to 60 in 3.3 seconds, but for the most part, it has to do with the V-6 under the hood, and the paddle-shifted transmission that sends the torque to all four wheels.
15 BMW X3/X4 M Competition:
Top Speed: 177 MPH
The BMW X3 M Competition, and its “coupe” brother, the X4 M Competition, are magnificent pieces of engineering and are some of the best SUVs money can buy. The X3 and X4 M Competition models are powered by the same straight-six engine that delivers 503 horsepower at 6,250 rpm and 479 pound-feet of torque between 2,750 rpm and 5,500 rpm.
Specs and Price
| Engine | 3.0-liter twin-turbo straight-six |
| Horsepower | 503 horsepower |
| Torque | 479 pound-feet |
| Transmission | eight-speed automatic |
| Drive Layout | All-wheel-drive |
| 0-60 mph | 3.3 seconds |
| Top Speed | 177 MPH |
| Price | $84,385 |
Both models can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds and can hit a top speed of 177 MPH with the optional M Driver’s Package. For the 2023 model year, the X3 M Competition is priced at $80,895, while the X4 M Competition is slightly more expensive at $84,395.
14 BMW X5/X6 M Competition:
Top Speed: 177 MPH
Another very fast SUV coming from the Bavarians is the X5 M Competition and its coupe alternative, the X6 M Competition. Both models are powered by a 4.4-liter V-8 engine that can sprint from 0 to 60 MPH in just 3.8 seconds and hit a top speed of 177 MPH with the optional M Driver’s Package.
Specs and Price
| Engine | 4.4-liter V-8 |
| Horsepower | 617 horsepower |
| Torque | 553 pound-feet |
| Transmission | eight-speed automatic |
| Drive Layout | All-wheel-drive |
| 0-60 mph | 3.8 seconds |
| Top Speed | 177 MPH |
| Price | $123,295 |
If you are wondering why the extra power didn’t make the X5/X6 M models faster than the X3/X4 M, the answer is very easy: the X5/X6 M is a lot heavier at 5,426 pounds, while the X3/X4 M weighs only 4,610 pounds. For the 2023 model year, the BMW X5 M Competition has a starting price of $123,295, while the X6 M Competition is priced at $128,195.
13 Maserati Grecale Trofeo:
Top Speed: 177 MPH
Announced in 2022, the Grecale is the model that will change the way we look at Maserati. The compact SUV will be offered in multiple trims, including an all-electric Folgore. Just like with the Levante, the Grecale will also be offered in a high-performance Trofeo version.
Specs and Price
| Engine | 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 |
| Horsepower | 523 horsepower |
| Torque | 457 pound-feet |
| Transmission | eight-speed automatic |
| Drive Layout | All-wheel-drive |
| 0-60 mph | 3.6 seconds |
| Top Speed | 177 MPH |
| Price | $102,500 |
The price tag is high for this rocket, but you will understand why when you climb inside, settle into the genuine leather seats, and start playing around with all the innovative tech. The curb weight of the Maserati Grecale Trofeo falls around 4,469 pounds which may explain why you can only expect to get 20 miles per gallon on a good day.
12 Jaguar F-Pace SVR:
Top Speed: 178 MPH
Jaguar unveiled the updated F-Pace for the 2021 model year, and the high-performance SVR followed just a few months later. The F-Pace SVR is Jaguar’s response to models like the Stelvio Quadrifoglio or the GLC 63 AMG. The supercharged engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission that sends power to all four wheels, sprinting the car from 0 to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds on its way to a top speed of 178 MPH.
Specs and Price
| Engine | 5.0-liter V-8 supercharged |
| Horsepower | 542 horsepower |
| Torque | 516 pound-feet |
| Transmission | eight-speed automatic |
| Drive Layout | All-wheel-drive |
| 0-60 mph | 3.8 seconds |
| Top Speed | 178 MPH |
| Price | $89,500 |
The curb weight of the Jaguar F-Pace SVR is 4,535 pounds, which is around the average size of most of its rivals, as is the combined fuel economy number of 17 miles per gallon (remember it is a V-8 under the hood.)
11 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat:
Top Speed: 180 MPH
At the onset, plonking a 700+ horsepower, supercharged V-8 under the hood of a three-row family SUV seems absolutely absurd. But that is exactly why we love the Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat! Dodge decided to throw the Charger and Challenger’s 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi engine under the Durango’s hood, which resulted in a beast being unleashed.
Specs and Price
| Engine | 6.2-liter supercharged V-8 Hellcat Hemi engine |
| Horsepower | 710 horsepower |
| Torque | 645 pound-feet |
| Transmission | Eight-speed automatic |
| Drive Layout | All-wheel-drive |
| 0-60 mph | 3.5 seconds |
| Top Speed | 180 MPH |
| Price | $80,995 |
The Durango Hellcat can tow up to 8,700 pounds, 1,500 pounds more than the Jeep Trackhawk. All this without compromising on performance. If you plan to own one, you’ll have to check out the pre-owned route because the Durango SRT Hellcat was scheduled for just one year. Don’t expect the folks at Dodge to change their minds and relaunch it because the Hellcat engine is all set to bid adieu by the end of 2023.
10 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk:
Top Speed: 180 MPH
The Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is one of the first names that comes to mind when talking about fast SUVs. The 2021 Trackhawk is blessed with the Chrysler group’s DNA (now a part of Stellantis), which means it comes with the mighty Hellcat Hemi engine under the hood.
Specs and Price
| Engine | 6.2-liter supercharged V-8 Hellcat Hemi engine |
| Horsepower | 707 horsepower |
| Torque | 645 pound-feet |
| Transmission | Eight-speed automatic |
| Drive Layout | All-wheel-drive |
| 0-60 mph | 3.5 seconds |
| Top Speed | 180 MPH |
| Price | $85,900 |
The supercharged V-8 engine displaces 6.2 liters and churns out 707 ponies and 645 pound-feet of twist. It is mated to an eight-speed automatic that drives all four wheels. Courtesy of these impressive specs, the Trackhawk – despite a curb weight of over 5,200 pounds – can go all the way up to 180 mph. Pretty impressive, huh?
9 Alpina XB7:
Top Speed: 180 MPH
BMW updated the X7 for the 2023 model year and drew polarizing opinions. While it’s high on tech and even more feature-rich than before, it looks a lot different from the model it replaces, mainly due to the split headlight setup. But that doesn’t make any difference to Alpina, the tuner that has been turning the X7 into a monster for some time now.
Specs and Price
| Engine | 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 |
| Horsepower | 621 horsepower |
| Torque | 590 pound-feet |
| Transmission | Eight-speed automatic |
| Drive Layout | All-wheel-drive |
| 0-60 mph | 4.2 seconds |
| Top Speed | 180 MPH |
| Price | $145,995 |
Alpina’s X7 build is called the XB7 and is much more powerful than the standard X7. While it makes use of the same 4.4-liter, twin-turbo V-8 with the same mild-hybrid assist system as the 2023 X7, it has an improvement of 98 horses over the X7. This, along with an updated engine management system, helps the 2023 XB7 sprint to 60 mph from a standstill in just 4.2 seconds and hit a top speed of 180 mph.
8 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid:
Top Speed: 183 MPH
The Cayenne was never a hit with purists, and it probably still hurts them deep down. But, there’s no denying that the SUV has been an immensely successful product for the brand. Perhaps, that’s the reason why Porsche has spread the verticals and offers the Cayenne in 19 different iterations ranging from $72,200 to $188,700 for the 2022 model year!
Specs and Price
| Engine | 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 with an electric motor |
| Horsepower | 670 horsepower combined |
| Torque | 663 pound-feet of torque combined |
| Transmission | Eight-speed Tiptronic |
| Drive Layout | All-wheel-drive |
| 0-60 mph | 3.6 seconds (with Sport Chrono Package) |
| Top Speed | 183 MPH |
| Price | $171,300 |
The Turbo S E-Hybrid model has made the cut here, thanks to a top speed of 183 mph. The 2022 Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid features a twin-turbo V-8 engine and an electric motor to assist it. The engine puts out 541 horses and 567 pound-feet of torque, whereas the e-motor supplements it with 134 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. These credentials backed with a Sport Chrono Package, help the family SUV zoom to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds.
7 Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT:
Top Speed: 186 MPH
The Porsche Turbo GT is the top-of-the-line Cayenne that starts at close to $200,000. While loaded with all the bells and whistles you can expect, the Turbo GT also excels in terms of performance. When equipped with the Sport Chrono package, it sprints to 60 MPH from rest in just 3.1 seconds. But, it has made it to this list of fastest SUVs worldwide because of its top speed.
Specs and Price
| Engine | 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 |
| Horsepower | 631 horsepower |
| Torque | 626 pound-feet |
| Transmission | Eight-speed Tiptronic |
| Drive Layout | All-wheel-drive |
| 0-60 mph | 3.1 seconds (with Sport Chrono Package) |
| Top Speed | 186 MPH |
| Price | $188,700 |
The 2022 Cayenne Turbo GT has a top speed of 186 mph, which makes it one of the top five fastest production SUVs in the world at this point. If you want an SUV that can blow the doors off of a sports car, the Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT may be the perfect fit for you, but if you want something would good fuel economy, the average combined distance of 16 miles per gallon may not be up your alley.
6 Maserati Levante Trofeo:
Top Speed: 187 MPH
Maserati also finds a spot in this list in the form of the Levante Trofeo. The flagship Levante model has a twin-turbo V-8 that makes close to 600 horses and a shade under 550 pound-feet of torque. While these figures aren’t as good as some of the other entries in this list –it is the least powerful – it is still the third-fastest SUV, courtesy of a top speed of 187 mph.
Specs and Price
| Engine | 3.8-liter twin-turbo V-8 |
| Horsepower | 580 horsepower |
| Torque | 538 pound-feet |
| Transmission | Eight-speed automatic |
| Drive Layout | All-wheel-drive |
| 0-60 mph | 3.8 seconds |
| Top Speed | 187 MPH |
| Price | $160,900 |
It may not be the most popular choice, but the Levante sure makes a strong case for itself if you’re looking for something with an Italian flair and strong performance on the track. While the 2022 Levante starts at $84,700, this flagship Trofeo model is priced at $160,900, nearly double the base price! Is it worth it? You tell us.
5 Lamborghini Urus:
Top Speed: 190 MPH
Just like other uber-luxury and supercar marques, Lamborghini also decided to try its hand in the SUV segment. And, again, just like other uber-luxury and supercar marques, its attempt was a roaring success. The 2022 Urus is a practical Lamborghini that can serve as your daily driver for the weekdays, as well as a track car for the weekends.
Specs and Price
| Engine | 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 |
| Horsepower | 641 horsepower |
| Torque | 627 pound-feet |
| Transmission | Eight-speed automatic |
| Drive Layout | All-wheel-drive |
| 0-60 mph | 3.6 seconds |
| Top Speed | 190 MPH |
| Price | $221,000 |
The Lambo weighs in at an average for the class of 4,850 pounds, and since it has a V-8 under the hood, the 16 miles per gallon average should not come as a surprise. The Urus goes all the way up to 190 mph to hit its top speed, thus making it one of the fastest SUVs in the world currently. Fun fact: The Urus is the first Lamborghini ever to come with a turbocharged engine!
4 Audi RSQ8:
Top Speed: 190 MPH
Among the horde of mighty expensive SUVs on this side of the list is one comparatively cheap SUV called the Audi RSQ8. For a smidge under $120,000 starting price, the RSQ8 offers quite a lot of performance. The performance-oriented version of the Audi Q8 comes with a V-8 with forced induction that churns out close to 600 horses. In the standard form, the top speed is limited to 155 mph, which is to keep things from getting too rash out on the road and is something followed by a lot of automakers; a gentlemen’s agreement, if you may.
Specs and Price
| Engine | 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 |
| Horsepower | 591 horsepower |
| Torque | 590 pound-feet of torque |
| Transmission | Eight-speed automatic |
| Drive Layout | Quattro all-wheel-drive |
| 0-60 mph | 3.7 seconds |
| Top Speed | 190 MPH (with carbon ceramic brakes) |
| Price | $119,900 |
However, opting for certain packages can unleash higher top speeds. In the RSQ8’s case, it’s the carbon-ceramic brakes. Opt for them, and your top speed will be unlocked to 190 mph, which puts it on par with the likes of the Urus and the Bentayga. So, if you’re looking for ultimate straight-line thrills and nothing else, the RSQ8, which shares its heart with the Urus, will plaster a smile on your face without tanking your bank balance.
3 Bentley Bentayga Speed:
Top Speed: 190 MPH
Bentley dipped its toes in the SUV market in 2015, which was the company’s best decision in its century-long history. The SUV was so warmly received that Bentley decided to bifurcate the Bentayga into various models and serve all kinds of customers, with the portfolio now comprising of the base, S, Hybrid, Speed, and most recently, the extended wheelbase models.
Specs and Price
| Engine | 6.0-liter twin-turbo W-12 |
| Horsepower | 626 horsepower |
| Torque | 664 pound-feet |
| Transmission | Eight-speed automatic |
| Drive Layout | All-wheel-drive |
| 0-60 mph | 3.8 seconds |
| Top Speed | 190 MPH |
| Price | $262,125 |
The Speed, as the name suggests, is the powerhouse performance model. Powered by a W-12 engine and two turbochargers, the uber-luxurious SUV gallops to 60 mph in under four seconds and keeps at it till it hits its top speed of 190 mph. Thanks to these figures, the Bentayga Speed finds itself sitting near the top of the performance SUV hierarchy.
2 Aston Martin DBX707:
Top Speed: 193 MPH
Aston Martin decided to reinvigorate its SUV, the DBX, in 2022. And, what better way than to pump it with some extra horses and oomph? The British carmaker decided to make a splash by building the world’s fastest SUV, the DBX707. It has a top speed of 193 MPH, beating the likes of the Bentayga, the Urus, and even other Italian, German, and American marques, and sitting pretty at the top with the crown. The 0-60 mph is rated at 3.1 seconds, which isn’t the best (thanks to pure electric vehicles) but is still fairly impressive.
Specs and Price
| Engine | 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 |
| Horsepower | 697 horsepower |
| Torque | 663 pound-feet |
| Transmission | Nine-speed automatic |
| Drive Layout | All-wheel-drive |
| 0-60 mph | 3.1 seconds |
| Top Speed | 193 MPH |
| Price | $232,000 |
The performance is courtesy of 697 horsepower (707 PS, hence the name) from a twin-turbo V-8 displacing four liters. This kind of performance obviously doesn’t come cheap. The 2023 DBX707 starts at $232,000 before any optional goodies.
1 Ferrari Purosangue
Top Speed: 193+ MPH
Ferrari unveiled the Purosangue as a response to models like the Lamborghini Urus, and since it was so late to the party, it had to do something to make it worth the wait. The solution was to make it very fast. The SUV is powered by a naturally aspirated V-12 engine that delivers enough power to sprint the SUV from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds and up to a promised 193 MPH.
Specs and Price
| Engine | 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V-12 |
| Horsepower | 715 HP |
| Torque | 528 LB-FT |
| Transmission | Eight-speed dual-clutch automatic |
| Drive Layout | All-wheel-drive |
| 0-60 mph | 3.3 seconds |
| Top Speed | 193 mph |
| Price | $398,350 |
This will put the Purosangue right next to the Aston Martin DBX707, which can also hit 193 MPH. Ferrari’s first SUV doesn’t come cheap, though, as it is priced at $398,350, making it almost twice as expensive as the Lamborghini Urus. Despite its huge price, Ferrari has confirmed that the order books are full until late 2024.
Fastest SUVs – Top Speed
| SUV | Top Speed |
| Ferrari Purosangue | +193 MPH |
| Aston Martin DBX707 | 193 MPH |
| Bentley Bentayga Speed | 190 MPH |
| Audi RSQ8 | 190 MPH |
| Lamborghini Urus | 190 MPH |
| Maserati Levante Trofeo | 187 MPH |
| Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT | 186 MPH |
| Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid | 183 MPH |
| Alpina XB7 | 180 MPH |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk | 180 MPH |
| Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat | 180 MPH |
| Jaguar F-Pace SVR | 178 MPH |
| BMW X3/X4 M Competition | 177 MPH |
| BMW X5/X6 M Competition | 177 MPH |
| Maserati Grecale Trofeo | 177 MPH |
| Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio | 176 MPH |
| Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE63 S | 174 MPH |
| BMW X M | 168 MPH |
| Kia EV6 GT AWD | 161 MPH |
| Tesla Model X Plaid | 155 MPH |
