SUVs were originally designed to maximize passenger space and comfort, but with high horsepower, nimble handling, and lightning-fast zero-to-60 times a new breed of SUVs puts the "sport" in sport utility vehicle. Today's performance SUVs push well into the 700-hp range, and as such, a new version of one of these machines will set you back a pretty penny. If you're in the market for a more affordable option, here are the best used performance SUVs you can find on the used market.
Audi RS Q8
Audi's RS branding has been applied to some of the most iconic sports cars in recent history, but now the automaker is adding this badge to high-powered SUVs. Introduced in late 2020 for the 2021 model year, lucky buyers might even be able to find examples of the Audi RS Q8 as a certified pre-owned vehicle, and the hunt for one will definitely pay off. This performance SUV is packing a 4.0-liter bi-turbo V-8 rated at 591 horsepower, which allows this five-passenger SUV to rocket from zero-to-60 mph in just 3.7 seconds. In base form, the RS Q8 can hit a top speed of 155 mph, but opting for the RS ceramic brakes means the governor is pushed to 190 mph!
BMW X3 M
BMW might make more powerful performance SUVs such as the 612-hp Alpina XB7 and the 617-hp X5 M Competition and X6 M Competition, but its compact performance SUVs are far more entertaining to drive. The BMW X3 M and the closely related X4 M made their debut for the 2020 model year, and each is powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six rated at 473 hp allowing impressive acceleration with a 0-60 time of 4.1 seconds and a top speed of 173 mph. The X3 M Competition and X4 M Competition bump power output up to 503 hp, which slightly increases acceleration with a 0-60 time of 4.0 seconds and a top speed of 177 mph.
Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk
Stellantis (formerly known as Fiat Chrysler Automobiles) is fully stacked with performance SUVs including the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, Maserati Levante and the all-new, limited-production Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat. But the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk might be the automaker's most impressive performance SUV. Based on the rugged and luxurious Grand Cherokee, the Trackhawk was introduced in 2018 with a 6.2-liter supercharged V-8 that lays down 707 horsepower! With this power, the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk can accelerate from zero-to-60 in 3.5 seconds, run the quarter mile in 11.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 180 mph.
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Mercedes-AMG G65
Mercedes-AMG has a full line of performance SUVs, but the ultimate expression of this segment was the Mercedes-AMG G65, which ended production in 2018. Sure, you can still buy a new G63 with its 577-horsepower V-8, but the Mercedes-AMG G65 features a 6.0-liter bi-turbo V-12 engine that was rated at 621 horsepower and the can shoot from zero-to-60 in 5.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 143 mph.
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Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid
If you're looking for the performance of a Porsche 911 with the ability to seat five passengers, look no further than the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid. Introduced for the 2020 model year, the Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid combines an advanced plug-in hybrid system with the Cayenne's powerful 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8. This combination delivers a total of 670 horsepower, allowing the Cayenne to rocket from zero-to-60 mph in 3.6 seconds, and hit a top speed of 183 mph.
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Range Rover Sport SVR
The Range Rover Sport has always been able to deliver an impressive balance of luxury and performance, but that all changed with the introduction of the Range Rover Sport SVR. As if the Range Rover Sport's available 518-hp supercharged V-8 isn't enough, the Range Rover Sport SVR cranks the horsepower rating up to 575 ponies, and it adds unique aero tuning and style that helps this performance SUV accelerate from zero-to-60 mph in 4.3 seconds. Keep your foot planted, and it'll hit a top speed of 176 mph.
Contributed by - Jeffrey N. Ross
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