When the first SUV appeared in 1935, it was intended to be a tough utilitarian workhorse. The earliest example was the rear-wheel-drive Chrevrolet Carryall Suburban. Subsequent SUVs were all descendants of commercial and military vehicles like the World War II Jeep and Land Rover.
Fast-forward to 2016 and the modern SUV has evolved into a utilitarian luxury vehicle and everything that comes with it such as power, speed and performance. This then begs the question, what are the fastest SUVs in the World, as measured by top speed?
Lucky for you, we have the answer for you below.
Ford Explorer Sport
Starting price: $45,250
Horsepower: 365 horsepower
Top Speed: 122 miles per hour
Zero to 60: 5.9 seconds
Designed to seat seven passengers and provide additional power beyond what was offered in the standard Ford Explorer, the Explorer Sport is powered by a 3.5-liter six-cylinder engine producing 365 horsepower. To better accommodate the additional performance, the vehicle has stiffer springs and enhanced dampers, improved chassis bracing, and quicker steering. The vehicle comes with a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive and includes paddle shifters for manual shifting.
Audi SQ5
Starting price: $54,300
Horsepower: 354hp/369 lb-ft
Top Speed: 152 miles per hour
Zero to 60: 5.1 seconds
The Audi SQ5 has a number of interior and exterior upgrades over the Audi Q5. It is powered by a supercharged six-cylinder engine producing 354 horsepower. Power is converted to forward motion through an eight-speed, an automatic transmission mounted to the Audi Quattro all-wheel-drive system.
Mercedes-AMG GLS63
Starting price: $125,300
Horsepower: 577hp/561 lb-ft
Top Speed: 155 miles per hour
Zero to 60: 4.5 seconds
The Mercedes-AMG GLS63 is the largest vehicle produced by Mercedes Benz weighing in at over 5,700 pounds. It is powered by a handcrafted 5.5L AMG V8 Biturbo engine putting out 577 horsepower. It can rocket from 0 to 60 miles per hour in under 4.5 seconds, which is impressive considering how much the vehicle weighs. Heck, it is not only impressive, but this thing can smoke almost any sports car of the line.
Power is converted to forward motion through a specially tuned 7-speed AMG Speedshift Plus that rematches on the downshift.
The high-performance AMG version has an improved suspension, steering, brakes and all-wheel-drive. It looks meaner as well.
BMW X6 M
Starting price: $105,000
Horsepower: 567hp
Top Speed: 155 miles per hour
Zero to 60: 4 seconds
Massaged by BMW’s famed M-division, the BMW X6 M hides a 4.4-liter M TwinPower Turbo V8 engine developing 567 horsepower under the bonnet. All that power propels the coupe-like SUV through an 8-speed M Sport Automatic Transmission with Drivelogic and the xDrive all-wheel-drive system.
Like all M-cars, the BMW X6 M is designed for high-performance driving and can handle high-speed maneuvers in a fashion of a sports car and not an SUV. Come to think of it, it may be that the Cayenne and the new Urus SUV are the only ones capable of competing with it in that regard.
BMW X5 XDRIVE50i
Starting price: $74,050
Horsepower: 445 horsepower
Top Speed: 155 miles per hour
Zero to 60: 4.7 seconds
The BMW xDrive50i is one of the fastest BMW models that did not go through the M-Division. The SAV is powered by a twin-turbo eight-cylinder engine rated at 445 horsepower, mounted to an eight-speed automatic transmission with power going to all four wheels through the company’s xDrive system. The uber-fast SUV is also capable of towing 5,952 pounds and has a third row of seating. However, it is a tight squeeze for anybody other than small children. Quite an extraordinary machine, especially considering that BMW offers even speedier one.
Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT
Starting price: $67,395
Horsepower: 475 horsepower
Top Speed: 160 miles per hour
Zero to 60: 4.3 seconds
The Jeep Cherokee is made for the person who wants a fast SUV but doesn’t want to pay six figures for the privilege. It has a 6.4-liter eight-cylinder HEMI engine. It features an eight-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system. Stopping power is courtesy of a set of big Brembo brakes capable of stopping the fast SUV from 70 miles per hour to 0 in 162 feet. Popular options for the SRT include a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, the towing package, and a dual-pane sunroof.
Land Rover Range Rover Sport
Starting price: $82,050
Horsepower: 518 hp/461 lb-ft
Top Speed: 130 miles per hour
Zero to 60: 5.0 seconds
This one is definitely the most famous Land Rover SUV. The Range Rover Sport in its proper V8 configuration is powered by a 5.0-liter eight-cylinder engine putting out 518 horsepower, it has a full leather interior and adaptive cruise control and an adjustable four-wheel drive system. It is also said to be one of the best handling SUVs designed for off-road use on the market. Despite all the goodness you just read, it is not the fastest. A bit later about that.
Porsche Macan Turbo
Starting price: $77,200
Horsepower: 400hp
Top Speed: 164 mph
Zero to 60: 4.4 seconds
The Porsche Macan is the little brother to the Porsche Cayenne. It has a twin-turbo six-cylinder engine joined to a seven-speed transmission. An all-wheel-drive vehicle with a lot of interior room, it can comfortably seat five passengers.
However, Porsche thought that the Macan Turbo could be even better, even faster. In that regard, they introduced the $87,700 Porsche Macan Turbo Performance Package adding additional 40hp for the grand total of 440hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. This one can catch 60 mph in 4.2 seconds (realistically, even quicker).
Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG
Starting price: $142,800
Horsepower: 563hp/561 lb-ft
Top Speed: 175 mph
Zero to 60: 5.3 seconds
The Mercedes Benz G63 AMG is one of the most expensive SUVs that company sells. It is also one of the fastest with a handcrafted AMG 5.5L V8 biturbo. Even though the design dates back to the 1970s, it is still one of the company’s most popular designs. It comes with a seven-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive. Initially designed for military use, it is one of the most capable off-road vehicles in the world. Yet, if you are not exactly into V8, but into V12, AMG’s got you covered there as well. With a $222,700 AMG G 65 hopping around with 621hp. It is not much faster compared with the AMG G63 though.
Mercedes-AMG GLE 63S 4Matic+
Starting price: $109,700
Horsepower: 577hp/561 lb-ft
Top Speed: 155 mph
Zero to 60: 4.1 seconds
Let me introduce you to the big boys: Mercedes-AMG super SUVs. The first one is a car that replaced the famed ML AMG. $110,000 Mercedes-AMG GLE 63S 4Matic+ takes the case of fast Mercedes SUVs to a whole another level with a handcrafted 5.5L biturbo V8. Granted, it is not as quick as the smaller model, but it most certainly feels madder with larger V8 and a stance of a proper badass SUV. It features some serious hardware too:
- Adaptive Damping,
- Airmatic AMG Sport Suspension,
- AMG Dynamic Select,
- AMG Speedshift Plus 7G-Tronic Transmission,
- AMG High-performance braking system and much more.
Porsche Cayenne Turbo
Starting price: $125,650
Horsepower: 550 hp/567 lb-ft
Top Speed: 179 mph
Zero to 60: 3.7 seconds
With a starting price of more than $120,000, the Porsche Cayenne Turbo still seems like a relative bargain compared to the Bentayga. But don’t let the price fool you. This is a proper performer. Powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8, the Cayenne Turbo tops out at 179 miles per hour. It has all-wheel-drive, an eight-speed automatic transmission and an adjustable suspension system able to handle a variety of settings. Can’t wait for the Turbo S or even E-Hybrid Turbo versions. They will be even faster.
Bentley Bentayga
Starting price: $229,100
Horsepower: 600hp
Top speed: 184 mph
Zero to 60: 4 seconds
Bentayga became the fastest SUV in the world as of June 2016. The World’s fastest SUV is also one of the most exclusive. It is powered by a 12-cylinder engine, has all-wheel-drive and can rocket from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 4.0 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited,… to 187 mph. Think about it a bit. 187mph in a massive 5,379 lbs SUV.
Rolls Royce will be coming out with an ultra-luxury SUV called the Rolls Royce Cullinan while Lamborghini already revealed ultra-performance SUV called the Lamborghini Urus. Although the Bentayga and the Urus are based on the same architecture, they do target a bit different buyers (and drivers).
Apart from the W12 version, Bentley offers the Bentayga V8 S. Although having a less powerful engine it is the sportier of the two. Four liter V8 develops 542hp and 568 lb-ft of torque. Enough for 180 mph top speed.
BMW X5 M
Starting price: $101,700
Horsepower: 567hp/553 lb-ft
Top Speed: 155 mph
Zero to 60: 4.1 seconds
Sure the X5 xDrive50i is plenty fast and a lot cheaper compared to its M-powered brother, but if you are into performance SUVs and need one with a Beemer badge than the BMW X5M is a proper choice. It takes all the tech from the X6M meaning it will be seriously fast, really capable on the road and strangely appealing.
As far as bad boy SUVs go, it is hard to have a more engaging and badass than this one. Four-wheel drive standard of course. As is the 8-speed M Sport Automatic Transmission with Drivelogic and performance worthy of serious sports cars.
Lamborghini Urus
Starting price: $200,000+
Horsepower: 641hp/627 lb/ft
Top Speed: 190 mph
Zero to 60: 3.5 seconds (even quicker)
We have been waiting for this one since Lamborghini unveiled the Urus Concept back in 2012. Interestingly enough, the car we did get looks much the same as the concept. However, it brought a number of novelties in Lamborghini game. It is the one with the four-liter twin-turbocharged V8, it is based on top of Audi sourced MLB architecture and it gained all the most advanced equipment VW Group has to offer. So, 641hp, all wheel drive, rather sleek looking body and a lot of Lamborghini go-faster bits underneath made the Lamborghini Urus the fastest SUV in the world. Lamborghini Urus USA price? It is nothing official as of yet, but I am sure you are looking at a $200,000+ SUV.
Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk
Starting price: $85,900
Horsepower: 707hp/645 lb-ft
Top Speed: 180 mph
Zero to 60: 3.5 seconds
I did enter the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk just after the Urus intentionally. See, the Urus is at the top end of what can be considered an SUV. However, the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is all that only for a bit less money endowed people.
Powerful? Plenty!
Fast? Lamborghini Urus fast!
Advanced? Well, maybe.
Jeep stuffed a Hellcat engine in it with 707hp. Enough to propel the Grand Cherokee to 60mph in 3.5 seconds and all the way to 180 mph.
While the Urus may be the fastest, the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is the most powerful SUV in the world.
Audi SQ7
Starting price: £70,835 ($99,984) in the UK
Horsepower: 429hp/664 lb-ft of torque
Top Speed: 155mph
Zero to 60: 5.1 seconds (possibly quicker)
We do have an SQ5, but do not have an SQ7. Audi is not exactly in a rush to bring the diesel-powered behemoth to our soil, but after reading this, you will wish they were. See, the Audi SQ7 is not only a fast SUV but a machine bringing the 48-volt electric system to the masses (if you could call people who can afford SQ7 “masses” of course). With a small electric turbocharger and regular turbocharger, its four-liter diesel V8 develops 435hp and a massive torque of 664 lb-ft. This is huge for a seven-seater. As many do report the Audi SQ7 being one of the best SUVs ever, I am quite sure it would do well in the US as well.
Audi RSQ3
Starting price: $80,000+ in Germany
Horsepower: 362hp/343lb-ft
Top Speed: 155 mph
Zero to 60: 4.4 seconds
No, USA can’t have this one either. And it is a shame because this car is something like a Nissan Juke R- or a Toyota C-HR R-Tuned-moment coming to life. Small compact city SUV comes with a 2.5-liter inline-five turbo known from the RS 3 all with 362hp and 343 lb-ft of torque. It is a direct competitor to the other mad SUV of similar stature – the AMG GLA45.
Now, all the power is routed down via the four-wheel drive and quite massive wheels. It is a performer, especially with that awesome adjustable suspension.
Mercedes-AMG GLA 45
Starting price: $50,600
Horsepower: 375hp/350 lb-ft
Top Speed: 155 mph
Zero to 60: 4.3 seconds
Taking all the tech from the Mercedes-AMG A45, the AMG GLA 45 features an exceptionally powerful two-liter four-cylinder engine capable of producing 375hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. With the most powerful two-liter motor in the world, the AMG smallest SUV can do sports car stuff. All-wheel drive system puts down power via 19-inch wheels, but what happens before is even more outstanding. AMG equipped the ride with AMG Ride Control suspension with 2-stage damping. Furthermore, an AMG limited-slip front differential sharpens it up through the bends. In short, select Race mode and let the thing zoom through the bends.
Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S 4MATIC+ Coupe
Starting price: £71,810 British pounds ($101,400) in the UK
Horsepower: 510 horsepower
Top Speed: 155 miles per hour
Zero to 60: 3.7 seconds
For the USA? Of course not! Or not yet, at best! What are we missing out here? This is a compact SUV with a heart taken from the AMG GT S. Yes, that is right. Four-liter biturbo V8 makes a case with 510hp and 515lb-ft. A lot for a sports car! A lot for an SUV. Sure, some markets get the AMG GLC 63 S 4Matic+ in a non-Coupe guise as well, but I think the Coupe is more befitting the engine so I choose it to enter the list here. With a mandatory rear biased 4Matic+ all-wheel drive and advanced AMG Speedshift MCT 9-speed sport transmission, the GLC comes really close to supercar quickness.
Range Rover Sport SVR
Starting price: $113,600
Horsepower: 575hp/518 lb-ft
Top Speed: 176 mph
Zero to 60: 4.3 seconds
Welcome the most powerful Land Rover ever – the Range Rover Sport SVR. As an ultimate expression of the SUV craze within the Range Rover brand, luxury SUV gained a Carbon Fiber hood, massive intakes in the bumper, special SVR seats and much more specialized equipment. First, note the performance above and then absorb the fact that this thing is a 5,000+ lbs SUV. With an aerodynamic of a brick, mind you. As far as baddesty goes, this is it.
Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio
Starting price: €95,000 ($118,400) in Italy
Horsepower: 505hp/443 lb-ft
Top Speed: 177 mph
Zero to 60: 3.9 seconds
It is Italian, looks great, drives even better and has some proper Ferrari ties. After all, its 2.9-liter all-aluminum twin-turbocharged V6 engine had been thoroughly touched up by Ferrari engineers making it one of the most powerful in the business. This was the car that had become the fastest thing around the Nurburgring. In terms of SUVs that is. It lapped the ‘ring in 7:51.7 minutes. Much faster than the previous winner the 2015 Porsche Cayenne which did it almost 8 seconds slower. With an Alfa DNA Pro Drive Mode Selector with Dynamic, Natural, Advanced Efficiency and Race Mode and 50/50 weight distribution, the car makes a case for a proper racer.
Jaguar F-Pace S
Starting price: $59,775
Horsepower: 380hp/332 lb-ft
Top Speed: 161 miles per hour
Zero to 60: 5.1 seconds
The Jaguar F-Type V6 S popularized this engine. There, it sounds godly with the optional exhaust. I am sure one could get a similar aural experience with the F-Pace and I think if you are buying the thing, you really should go for optional exhaust. Three-liter turbocharged motor works sublimely in an F-Pace S package. Important features used to make the car drive well include:
- Torque Vectoring technology,
- All-Surface Progress Control (ASPC),
- all-wheel-drive system uses Intelligent Driveline Dynamics,
- 20-inch wheels,
- Full LED lights.
Maserati Levante S
Starting price: $86,500
Horsepower: 424hp/428lb-ft
Top Speed: 164mph
Zero to 60: 5 seconds
This is a case of the most luxurious Italian SUV. Levante S aims to revitalize the whole brand with performance-focused characteristics. Entry level version isn’t exactly something comparable with the Cayenne, but the Levante S AWD definitely is. Not only does it come with unique exterior design, but the Levante S features mechanical Limited-Slip Differential (LSD), Maserati Q4 intelligent all-wheel-drive technology and a number of additional driving enhancements focused on providing exceptional sporty performance. The high-performance version is yet to come through.
Dodge Durango SRT
Starting price: $64,000+
Horsepower: 475hp/470lb-ft
Top Speed: 155 mph
Zero to 60: 4.4 seconds
Dodge markets the Durango SRT as the most powerful and the fastest American three-row SUV. Featuring trusted 6.4-liter V8, it is a sister car of the Grand Cherokee SRT really. Yet, it does look a bit madder and meaner.
And yes, let the Dodge tell you something else about the Durango SRT:
“Leave lesser SUVs in the dust. With a quarter mile time of 12.9 seconds, the Durango SRT® is the fastest and quickest mainstream SUV with three rows”.
Good job, all with best in class tow rating of 8,700 lbs.
Tesla Model X P100D
Starting price: $130,000+
Horsepower: 503hp/479lb-ft engine and 259hp/184 lb-ft engine
Top Speed: 155 mph
Zero to 60: 2.9 seconds
In its most potent version – the Model X P100D, the Tesla SUV became the quickest SUV in the world. Really, you can, for example, compete with the likes of the Ferrari 488 GTB with it. At least for the first 60 mph. Apart from the speed, electric drive with 289-mile range and seven-seat layout, this performance animal is all about convenience. It will open the door for you, provide enough room inside, look awesome, automatically adjust headlights and be totally quiet. Heck, it will even drive you. Honestly, writing about the Tesla Model X after all these other Super SUVs is like traveling 10 years through time. Well done Elon.
