Driving is essential when living in most parts of the United States, and few cars are more versatile than the best performance SUV. The average driver in the US drives 39 miles per day, and a new SUV will help you enjoy each mile during the journey. A high-horsepower SUV has the performance to make you smile and the versatility perfect for a family vehicle.
You’ll find several excellent models from top manufacturers, but the best way to narrow your options is through research and test drives. It’s the best path to buy an SUV you’ll love.
Luckily, you’ve discovered this beneficial guide to the top performance SUVs to consider for your next purchase. Continue reading to check out stylish and fast SUVs today!
2023 Porshe Cayenne Turbo
Depending on your budget, the Porsche Cayenne Turbo is an excellent option for your next high-horsepower SUV. The sticker price for this elegant vehicle is $135,000, but it is packed with top features and a joy to drive. The Cayenne Turbo offers the space and comfort of an SUV with the speed and handling of a sports car.
The engine is a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 that produces 540 horsepower. You’ll reach 60 miles per hour in 3.5 seconds when launching from a standstill. It’s the ultimate option if you prioritize performance over functionality for your SUVs.
2024 BMW X5 M Competition
BMW is one of the top luxury SUV manufacturers, and they’re following the trend of producing performance SUVs to provide drivers with the best of both worlds. The price is more manageable than the Porsche Cayenne Turbo at $122,300. It stands out from other X5 models due to the facelift it received from BMW.
The 2024 BMW X5 M Competition provides an aggressive appeal with bodywork that helps it stand out for the right reasons. You’ll also gain access to unique color choices when you opt for the X5 M Competition.
The 0-60mph time for this performance SUV is 3.7 seconds, making it nearly as quick off the line as the Cayenne Turbo. It’s powered by a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine that is complimented by a 48-volt electric motor for efficiency and performance. Best of all, it’s all-wheel drive to help you navigate all road conditions and weather.
2023 BMW XM
The 2023 BMW XM is a unique option when shopping for the best performance SUV because it’s a plug-in hybrid model. It’s an exciting and new addition to BMW’s lineup, and it provides performance and eco-friendly principles to help you enjoy your daily commute.
The XM combines an electronic motor with a twin-turbo engine to produce nearly 650 horsepower. Combined with the Adaptive M suspension system, the XM provides plenty of thrills when behind the wheel.
The rechargeable hybrid feature is another winning aspect of the XM. It has the battery capacity to drive over 30 miles using electric power to help you save fuel. The price for the XM is $159,000, though you’ll save money when applying the EV tax credit.
2023 Maserati Levante Trofeo
German vehicles have dominated the lineup, but the Maserati Levante Trofeo is a top contender worth considering if you crave the power and elegance the Italian automaker is famous for. It’s one of the most beautiful SUV designs, featuring Neptune’s Trident on the front.
The price is high ($170,000), but the features, performance, and interior add up to create an impressive SUV worth splurging on. Maserati uses a twin-turbo V8 engine that produces 580 horsepower to propel this performance SUV off the line and down the freeway.
The Levante Trofeo’s 0-60 time competes with the BMW XM and X5 M Competition, registering at 3.8 seconds. Put it in Sport mode and hit the throttle to feel adrenaline through your veins.
2023 Audi RS Q8
Audi has gained a fearsome reputation for performance cars and SUVs, and the RS Q8 is an excellent model to consider if you’re prepared to upgrade from your current ride to a top performance SUV. The design is subtle, but the engine is proud and powerful. It’s an excellent deal for $125,000.
It features a twin-turbocharged V8 engine that produces 591 horsepower and is paired with Audi’s famous Quattro all-wheel drive system. You can count on the RS Q8 to handle snow, rain, and dry pavement well.
The 0-60 time for the RS Q8 is an impressive 3.2 seconds, making it one of the quickest performance cars and SUVs available. It has the space and comfort to function as a family hauler and the performance to keep up with the fastest cars on the block.
2023 Tesla Model X Plaid
Tesla is the go-to brand for many shoppers looking for electric plug-in cars, trucks, and SUVs. The Model X Plaid looks more like a sedan or crossover, but it has the chops and performance to keep up with the best SUVs.
The price tag is lower than that of other competitors, starting at $108,000, and it will come down further with the EV tax credit applied. Model X Plaid’s power is mind-boggling compared to traditional combustion engines.
The Tesla powertrain produces over 1,000 horsepower, allowing the vehicle to reach 60 miles per hour in 2.1 seconds. The technology used in the Model X is impressive and will take you and your family on a first-class trip into the future.
It also handles like a dream on pavement and has fast-charging functions to help you get back on the road. The only drawback to note with the Model X Plaid is its lack of off-roading ability compared to other vehicles in the segment. Consider different options if you plan to leave the pavement.
Buy the Best Performance SUV Today
Buying the best performance SUV for your next ride is a compromise between having the comfort and cargo to haul your family while enjoying the power to dust most performance cars at the next red light you stop at. The Tesla Model X Plaid is the fastest SUV not designed for off-road use. BMW has several X5 models worth considering, and the Audi RS Q8 is another versatile option.
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