Sporty SUVs

The SUV category is so broad one can actually consider specific types of SUVs. Would you prefer a luxury suv, a sporty SUV, an economical SUV—what’s your pleasure? It goes on, and on, and on. We, of course, are thoroughly infatuated with all things performance oriented; so the sporty SUVs naturally capture our imagination. Interestingly, the best of them are fully the equal of sport sedans in terms of their cornering, braking, and acceleration potential. Still, there’s more to sporty than simply being fast—sometimes a sporty attitude goes a long way too. What exactly do we mean by that?

Updated for the 2016 model year, the sporty Acura RDX luxury crossover suv is a highly competent handler with strong acceleration and a thoroughly contemporary look. Key features include smart cruise control, lane keeping assist, and remote engine start. The 3.5-liter V6 engine has been upgraded to produce 279 horsepower and 252 ft-lbs of torque (up from 273/251). A six-speed automatic is standard, as is front-drive. All-wheel drive is an option. Pricing starts at $35,270.

The Audi SQ5 is an outstanding high performance crossover and the very epitome of the term “sporty” SUV. Its supercharged 3.0-liter V6 makes 354 horsepower and 346 ft-lbs of torque. All-wheel drive and an eight-speed transmission complete the powertrain. Audi’s engineering team reworked the suspension system to improve handling over the standard Q5 as well. Further, interior accommodations are every inch what you expect from Audi. Pricing starts at $52,700.

When the BMW M Division was let loose on the current X5 and X6, they took full advantage of the opportunity to create the most powerful sporty SUVs ever offered by the storied manufacturer. With 567 horsepower and 553 ft-lbs of torque emanating from a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8, plus an eight-speed automatic transmission with launch control feeding all four wheels, the BMW XM twins will scorch pretty much everything on the road. X5M starts at $98,700 while X6M starts at $102,100.

Offering a nice blend of luxury and performance, the sporty Cadillac crossover suv is as plush as any Cadillac you’ve ever seen, as well as a full beneficiary of the performance oriented philosophy defining the company these days. The SRX’s 3.6-liter V6 makes 308 horsepower and 265 ft-lbs of torque. A six-speed automatic feeds the front wheels—or all four if the all-wheel drive option is taken. Pricing starts at $37,605.

The Ford Escape is lithe, agile, and athletic even. Further, it’s good looking and packed to the gills with an abundance of modern tech features—including voice activated controls and the ability to park itself. For the best performance potential, go with the 240-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four with 270 ft-lbs of torque. A six-speed automatic and front-drive are standard; all-wheel drive is optional. Pricing for the sporty Ford suv starts at $22,960.

Credited with launching the SUV boom, the Ford Explorer can well be considered America’s favorite SUV. Even better, the current Ford Explorer Sport is the largest and most luxurious version of the SUV the venerable brand has ever offered. Power comes from a 365-horsepower turbocharged V6 with 350 ft-lbs of torque. A six-speed automatic routes power to all four wheels. Pricing starts at $43,300.

Nicknamed the “Bionic Cheetah”, the Infiniti QX70 shares its platform with the Nissan 370Z and the Infiniti Q60 sports models. One of the sportiest crossover SUVs out there, the QX70 is exceptionally agile, and one of the most fun to drive models in the segment. The Infiniti’s 3.7-liter V6 makes 325 horsepower and 276 ft-lbs of torque. A six-speed automatic routes power to either the rear wheels or (optionally) all four. Pricing starts at $45,850.

Lest you think the Europeans have a lock on the ultra high performance luxury SUV, good-ole’ Jeep comes through with a pavement crinkling 475-horsepower 6.4-liter V8 pumping out 470 ft-lbs of torque. With an engine note makes everybody think NASCAR’s come to town, this is one badass Jeep. It’s also highly civilized—well, on the inside. The near opulent interior is just as luxurious as the GCSRT is fast. Pricing starts at $64,695.

For the 2015 model year, Land Rover introduced a completely reworked version of the high performance iteration of its highly regarded Range Rover; the all-new Range Rover Sport. Given the nomenclature, yes the Range Rover Sport is indeed a sporty SUV. However, residing at the top of the Range Rover Sport heap is the SVR, which is reputed to be the fastest, most agile Range Rover ever offered. Power comes from a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 good for 550 horsepower and 502 ft-lbs of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission feeds power to all four wheels. Pricing starts at $110,475.

Beauty in this case is definitely more than skin deep. While a 305-horsepower version of Ford’s 3.7-liter V6 provides power, the styling of the Lincoln’s handsome interior is easily among the nicest you’ll find anywhere. Front-wheel drive is the standard configuration, all-wheel drive is offered as an option. A six-speed automatic transmission conducts power. If you’re looking for features, the sporty MKX SUV also has keyless entry and start, parking sensors, a power tailgate, and it will park itself. Pricing starts at $38,900.

Mazda’s CX-5 is one of the most fun to drive sporty crossovers available. The CX-5 also delivers comfortable seating, outstanding crash test scores, and it’s pretty easy on the eyes. The bargain conscious might also appreciate the fact an all-new 2016 is just offshore, so great deals on the 2015s will soon abound. For the best performance, go with the 184-horsepower 2.5-liter four with 185 ft-lbs of torque. This can be had with either front- or all-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic. Pricing starts at $21,545.

The Mercedes-AMG ML63 is a cutting edge crossover sport utility with road manners like a Mercedes-Benz passenger car—in addition to the outstanding array of comfort and convenience features you’ve come to expect from the company credited with inventing the car in the first place. For power, the ML63 enjoys a 5.5-liter twin turbocharged V8 good for 518 horsepower and 516 ft-lbs of torque. An AMG-tuned seven-speed automatic transmission ships power to all four wheels. Add the AMG performance package and output increases to 550 horsepower and 560 ft-lbs of torque. Pricing starts at $98,400.

The Macan Turbo is the quickest accelerating compact crossover sport utility vehicle money can buy. Porsche quotes a zero to 60 of 4.4 seconds for the Macan Turbo when equipped with Porsche’s Sport Chrono package (which adds launch control for quicker acceleration). Power comes from a twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter V6 capable of producing 400 horsepower and 406 ft-lbs of torque. Porsche’s seven-speed Doppelkupplung (PDK) dual-clutch automated manual transmission routes power to all four wheels. Pricing starts at $73,900.

Updated for the 2015 model year, the Porsche Cayenne Turbo has refreshed styling, a redesigned suspension system to improve ride quality (while preserving its outstanding handling characteristics), and a more powerful engine (as if it really needed one). Power for the sporty Porsche Cayenne Turbo SUV now comes from a twin-turbocharged 4.8-liter V8 with 530 horsepower and 553 ft-lbs of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission routes power to all four wheels. Pricing starts at $114,700.

Yes, the Subaru XV Crosstrek is the least powerful offering on this list of sporty SUVs, but power isn't everything (yeah, we said it!). The little Subaru’s attitude makes up for it. One of the few offroad capable vehicles here, Crosstrek is good looking and reliable too. A 2.0-liter 148-horsepower horizontally opposed four-cylinder with 145 ft-lbs of torque provides power. A five-speed manual and all-wheel drive are standard. A CVT is optional. Pricing starts at $21,595.

And, right about now you’re asking how a diesel Volkswagen makes a list of sporty SUVs. In a nutshell; 406 ft-lbs of torque—that’s how. Add this to the fact the Porsche Cayenne and the VW Touareg ride basically on the same platform—oh, and then there’s also the fact Touareg’s 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 can also be found in the Diesel version of the Cayenne. But don’t get it all twisted up now. We’re not saying the Touareg TDI and the Porsche Cayenne diesel are identical—after all, the Porsche costs $10,000 more. Touareg TDI pricing starts at $52,245.

Sleek, secure, and enjoyable to drive, the sporty 2015 Volvo XC60 T6 AWD R-Design crossover SUV offers all the luxury you’d expect in this category. Plus, you can’t overlook Volvo’s reputation for safety. With all of that said, the Volvo XC60 is also one of the sportiest crossover SUVs you’ll find. Beautiful driving manners are wonderfully complemented by its performance potential. Power comes from a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six with 325 horsepower and 354 ft-lbs of torque. Pricing starts at $46,950.