Is 2023 the year of peak SUV? Based on the two most popular metrics used in the automotive industry (top speed and acceleration), 2023 most certainly is the year of peak SUV.
It should also be noted that sport utilities are far more comfortable now than during the epoch of the original Ford Bronco. Tremendous advancements in suspension, tire, and chassis technologies have elevated the sport utility vehicle from simple mechanical workhorses like the CJ-2A to high-riding luxobarges like the sumptuous Rolls-Royce Cullinan.
The British leviathan, however, didn't make our list. It's one of only two production SUVs with V12 muscle at the moment of reporting, yet its top speed and dash to 60 miles per hour (97 kilometers per hour) pale in comparison to those of the Ferrari Purosangue. Part of the reason for this is Rolls-Royce's focus on ride comfort, and part of the reason is the colossal weight.
We also have to remember that electric vehicles are getting faster by the day, and – not surprising in the least – electric sport utility vehicles will ultimately replace their internal combustion-engined counterparts. That being said, let's kick things off with the "slowest" fast SUV of this top 20 listicle.
20. BMW XM Label Red – 175 mph (282 kph)
Photo: BMW
Arguably the most aesthetically challenged vehicle on the leaderboard as of June 2023, the XM Label Red is no slouch. But strangely enough, it's not the fastest BMW SUV either.
It's the fastest plug-in hybrid sport utility vehicle in the world, though. In true BMW fashion, you need the optional M Driver's Package to raise the electronically limited top speed from 155 mph to 175 mph (that's 250 kph to 282 kph). Pretty impressive given the sheer weight of this thing, isn't it so?
One of few hybridized SUVs on this list, the XM Label Red currently holds the title of most powerful road-going M vehicle in the Motorsport division's long and illustrious history. On full song, the force-fed V8 and electric motor crank out 738 horsepower and 738 pound-feet (1,000 Nm).
Alpine's Philippe Krief once worked as director of research & development at Ferrari. Prior to that, he was Alfa Romeo's chief technical officer. Krief oversaw the development of the Giulia sedan's Giorgio platform, as well as the 458 Speciale.
Ferrari definitely took inspiration from the Giorgio-based Stelvio Quadrifoglio in designing the Purosange, more so when you remember that it packs a Ferrari-derived powerplant. Alfa Romeo's first utility vehicle launched in 2016, the year Maserati rolled out the Levante, which also uses turbo'd engines developed and/or manufactured by Ferrari.
It was the hottest SUV of its day, and it still is a hugely impressive machine despite the lack of touchscreen infotainment. If you want a Purosangue but don't have the money for it or don't want to wait two-plus years to take delivery, the Stelvio Quadrifoglio may be up your alley.
18. Maserati Grecale Trofeo – 177 mph (285 kph)
Photo: Maserati
Extremely similar to – yet also different from – Alfa Romeo's nimble SUV, the Maserati Grecale uses the Giorgio platform as well. Platform sharing may be a bit unbecoming for a marque as esteemed as the House of the Trident, but the Grecale is the opposite of a badge-engineered cash grab.
Rather than borrowing Alfa Romeo's twin-turbocharged V6, the Modenese brand modified the MC20's powerplant for front-engine applications like the Grecale, GranTurismo, and GranCabrio. Connected to a torque-converter automatic rather than the MC20's dual-clutch transaxle, the 3.0-liter V6 belts out a tempting 523 ponies and 457 pound-feet (620 Nm).
The Maserati touch does come at a price. Excluding destination charge, the Grecale Trofeo carries an MSRP of $105,500 compared to $88,175 for the Stelvio Quadrifoglio.
17. BMW X3 M Competition – 177 mph (285 kph)
Photo: BMW
I'm no BMW fanboy. The Bavarian automaker deserves to be criticized over many things, especially the styling language, but Munich's favorite son knocked it out of the park with the S58 engine that powers entry-level M cars since 2019.
The most affordable fast SUV on this list is technically similar to the X4 M Competition, with both of them premiering in February 2019 as 2020 models. The lightest M sport utility vehicles are rightfully considered as being the best SUVs that BMW produces nowadays, partly because of their stellar handling characteristics, and partly because of BMW's mastery of calibrating the ZF 8HP for brutal launches.
The S58 is often hailed as the modern-day 2JZ, which is an apples-to-oranges comparison in my humble opinion. Something that cannot be contested about the twin-turbocharged sixer under the hood of the X3 M Competition is that it develops more power and torque than advertised.
16. Jaguar F-Pace SVR – 178 mph (286 kph)
Photo: Jaguar
Jaguar is a shadow of its former self today, a brand that's been poorly managed for too darn long to even be considered a proper alternative to the German establishment. Be that as it may, the Leaping Cat of Coventry still produces two exceptional products: the F-Type R and F-Pace SVR.
Neither is long for this world as Jaguar pivots to all-electric vehicles. Both of them are getting on a bit as well, the F-Type having entered production in 2013 and F-Pace in 2016. The latter, however, is the British automaker's most complete package at the present moment. A supercharged V8 and go-faster chassis and suspension upgrades make the SVR irresistible in this segment, especially after Land Rover discontinued the AJ133 engine from the Velar range.
Visually similar to the lowliest spec of the F-Pace available to configure, the SVR looks effortlessly cool as well because it doesn't scream "look at me" in the same way an X3 M Competition does compared to an X3 xDrive20i xLine.
15. BMW X5 M Competition – 180 mph (290 kph)
Photo: BMW
The more practical sibling of the X6 M Competition was updated for the 2024 model year in many respects, with BMW ditching the S63 engine for a mild-hybrid successor that goes by the name of S68. The refreshed X5 M also comes in Competition tune only, and it's bloody fast despite the pronounced weight of 5,455 pounds (2,474 kilograms).
Love or hate the oversized kidney grilles up front and the new lighting signature out back, the sportiest X5 version of them all is the bee's knees in terms of composure in the twisties thanks to reworked dampers for the M-specific adaptive suspension system with active roll stabilization. It's also neat in regard to in-car entertainment due to 5G Internet connectivity and the ability to run YouTube natively.
Like all M vehicles, the facelifted X5 M Competition is quite pricey. Capable of hitting 60 mph in 3.7 seconds, the mid-size luxury sports utility vehicle can be yours from $122,300 in the United States, where it's assembled (in South Carolina).
14. Range Rover Sport SV – 180 mph (290 kph)
Photo: Land Rover
The SV isn't merely the most powerful Land Rover (and Range Rover) ever. It's also the most dynamically accomplished series-production vehicle from the British manufacturer due to something called… wait for it… 6D Dynamics.
That's another way of saying height-adjustable air springs, hydraulic interlinked dampers, and pitch control, all combined into a semi-active system that reduces both roll and pitch effectively without the need for anti-roll bars. This world-first setup also promises increased grip and comfort.
The sporty nature of the SV is complemented by one of the better interiors out there, which includes translucent edge-lit paddle shifters and satin carbon fiber for the seats. Land Rover waxes lyrical about seats that vibrate depending on the music you play, although I much rather focus my auditory perception on the engine turning gas into my kind of music.
13. Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat – 180 mph (290 kph)
Photo: Dodge
Still the most powerful American three-row SUV fueled with dinosaur juice, the Durango SRT Hellcat carries the torch for the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk. It's even more powerful than its predecessor, packing 710 horsepower compared to 707 for the Jeep, whereas the torque rating is exactly the same.
The Durango SRT Hellcat also happens to be the only sport utility vehicle here to feature a two-valve-per-cylinder engine with a cam-in-block design. Archaic in comparison to the BMW-sourced V8 of the Range Rover Sport SV, the Hellcat does make the better induction and exhaust sounds.
Stellantis, the Franco-Italo-American merger between Groupe PSA and Fiat Chrysler, will soon discontinue all things Hellcat and the naturally-aspirated HEMI in favor of a twin-turbo sixer and electric oomph. As far as American SUVs go, the Durango SRT Hellcat truly marks the end of an era.
12. Alpina XB7 – 180 mph (290 kph)
Photo: Alpina
Remember when Alpina was independent? BMW purchased it back in March 2022 with the intent of bridging the gap between the highest-end Bimmers and Rollers. The cool factor of the Buchloe-based company also matters a lot.
The XB7 is best described as the X7 M Competition that never was. Based on the X7 M60i, which curiously packs an M engine (the S68 mentioned earlier), this family-sized bruiser makes 630 ponies and 590 pound-feet (800 Nm).
To reach the advertised top speed of 180 miles per hour, Alpina requires prospective customers to specify the 21-inch wheels and performance tire package. In stark contrast to the overlords at BMW, the good folks at Alpina don't charge anything for the larger wheels and stickier rubber.
11. Bentley Bentayga V8 – 180 mph (290 kph)
Photo: Bentley
Many deem the Continental GT made Bentley what Bentley is today. It's a good viewpoint, yet the Bentayga improved the Crewe-based manufacturer's popularity way more than the Continental GT did with its higher ground clearance and superior practicality.
Volkswagen also watered down the Bentayga in two distinct ways. First and foremost, what were they thinking with the bi-turbo diesel V8 of yesteryear? Second, the 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 plug-in hybrid is nothing more than an excuse for lowering Bentley's fleet-wide CO2 emissions.
The only versions worthy of your consideration are the W12 and V8. Only the V8 will solider on after 2024, though, with Bentley confirming the death of the Audi-developed W12 over the European Union's draconic emission regulations.
10. Aston Martin DBX – 181 mph (291 kph)
Photo: Aston Martin
Aston Martin went to great lengths in order to make the DBX happen by designing a new platform and converting three military aircraft hangars into a new manufacturing facility. The luxury sports utility vehicle isn’t without its faults, with many peeps lambasting it for the dated infotainment.
That's going to be addressed soon with the touchscreen system of the DB12, which the Vantage will receive as well. Others grumble about the Mercedes twin-turbo V8, but the joke's on them because the M177 is a hand-built AMG engine.
Equipped with Merc's nine-speed automatic, the DBX has the edge over the M177-powered GLE 63 S due to a taller final drive of 3.07 compared to 3.46 for the AMG-ified SUV. Oh, and by the way, did you know the DBX sold 3,219 units in 2022, accounting for half of the company's total sales?
9. Maserati Levante Modena S – 181 mph (292 kph)
Photo: Maserati
Not as ubiquitous as the Porsche Cayenne, the Maserati Levante has proven commercially successful by the Italian automaker's standards. It could have been more popular still had the House of the Trident not been forced to use switches and other whatnots from the Fiat Chrysler parts bin.
I love Ram trucks to bits, especially the Cummins-engined HDs, but I wouldn't be happy to pony up top dollar for a Ferrari-engined SUV with an indicator stalk, window controls, and the starter button of an American pickup. Even after a small refresh, the cost cutting is still very apparent.
However, would you say no to dailying a Maserati with a Ferrari-designed V8 due to plebeian switchgear here and there? I know I wouldn't, at least not the Modena S.
8. Maserati Levante Trofeo – 187 mph (302 kph)
Photo: Maserati
Trofeo is Maserati vernacular for the cream of the crop, at least until the Modenese automaker switches to electric powertrains only. The first-gen Levante isn't compatible with full electrification, but the second generation will be.
The Folgore (or whatever will be called) is certain to outperform the outgoing Trofeo in a straight line, yet its aural qualities will leave much to be desire. So will its heft, with electric vehicles being notoriously heavy. Even so, the Trofeo is no slouch at all thanks to 572 ponies and 538 pound-feet (730 Nm) at merely 2,500 revolutions per minute.
Boasting a cross-plane crankshaft rather than a flat-plane crankshaft in Ferrari's case, the Levante Trofeo will be discontinued sometime in 2024. To whom it may concern, the Prancing Horse will stop making the Maserati version of the F154 twin-turbocharged V8 powerplant in late 2023.
This generation of the Cayenne was received to mostly positive critical reception back in 2017 for the 2019 model year. Codenamed E3, this generation also spawned the first-ever Cayenne Coupe and first-ever Cayenne Turbo GT.
The Zuffenhausen machine fully deserves to be called a super sport utility vehicle, with Porsche designing the coupe-only Cayenne Turbo GT to be as fast as possible on the track. Still the fastest series-production utility vehicle at the world's most challenging racetrack, the Cayenne to rule them all received a substantial makeover – inside and out – for MY2024.
With said refresh, the Cayenne Turbo GT was discontinued from the European lineup because of tightening emission rules in the Old Continent. Now packing 19 extra metric ponies, the CTGT is Porsche's most dynamically able SUV yet.
6. Lamborghini Urus S – 190 mph (305 kph)
Photo: Lamborghini
Named after the extinct wild ancestor of the cattle we've domesticated for meat, leather, milk, and as draft animals, the Urus is – undeservingly – called out for being a Touareg in a tailored suit. On the other hand, the naysayers don't understand how many small changes make the Urus a far sportier machine than the Touareg. The same applies to the Bentayga, albeit Bentley's prime focus is the luxury side of the package.
Powered by an Audi-Porsche V8 the Volkswagen Group never dared fit under the hood of the 2018-present Touareg, the Urus isn't produced in Slovakia alongside the Touareg and Q7. The Raging Bull of Sant'Agata Bolognese expanded its factory for it, fully expecting high demand for the indirect successor of the LM002.
5,367 units were delivered in 2022 as opposed to 3,113 units of the Huracan and 753 units of the Aventador. The new-for-2023 Lamborghini Urus S is a natural evolution from the non-S version, yet it's not the most stimulating Urus available today...
5. Audi RS Q8 – 190 mph (305 kph)
Photo: Audi
Audi has a long history of sporty… uhm… sport utility vehicles. Remember the original Q7? From the 4.2 FSI to the 4.2 TDI and 6.0 TDI, the first generation was truly wild in a restrained way, which is typical of the German automaker.
The first RennSport-badged sport utility vehicle that Audi brought to America is the RS Q8, which also happens to be the Ingolstadt-based company's most badass combustion-engined sport utility vehicle. Audi's take on the Urus doesn't hit 190 miles per hour by default. You need to spend $8,500 on the gray-painted ceramic brakes to raise the limiter to that speed. A bit rich considering the $125,800 starting price, isn't it?
Audi further limited the Q7's potential because of the RS Q8, and there's no chance for the Q7 to receive an RS version by the end of its production life cycle. The four-ringed automaker's final completely new internal combustion vehicle will debut in 2026. Come 2032, EVs will reign supreme.
Lamborghini used Performante on three occasions: first in 2010 for the Gallardo LP 570-4 Spyder Performante, then in 2017 for the Huracan LP 640-4 Performante, and in 2022 for the Urus Performante. There's no denying the latter doesn't match a V10-powered midship's exuberance, but as far as performance SUVs go, it's a properly exciting machine.
A devilish 666 metric ponies hide under the hood, therefore matching the peak rating of the Urus S, along with 850 Nm (627 pound-feet) of torque. Improved aero and less weight make the Performante faster at full chatter, with Lamborghini quoting one more kilometer per hour than the S version.
The Essenza SCV12 Edition is a 40-unit limited edition of the Urus Performante, with said vehicles reserved for owners of the Aventador-based Essenza SCV12 track-only supercar. The Essenza SCV12 Edition is the rarest high-performance SUV featured on this list, by far. Sadly, its price isn't known.
3. Bentley Bentayga W12 – 190 mph (306 kph)
Photo: Bentley
Marketed as the Speed, the W12-powered Bentayga is about effortless performance without any compromises to luxury. Finished by hand in Crewe rather than by robots in Slovakia alongside the Touareg, the Speed has the makings of a collector's piece due to its somewhat rare engine design.
Arranging pistons in the shape of the letter W isn't a new concept. But the Volkswagen Group successfully embraced this design for series-production applications. Even the Passat could be had with a W8, and who can forget that Bugatti made quite a few jaws drop with their W16-powered Veyron?
The W12 is a Bentley trademark, although its first application was the D2-generation Audi A8 back in 2001. The Bentayga Speed is the most powerful and torquiest Bentayga of the lot, packing 626 horsepower at 5,000 revolutions per minute and 664 pound-feet (900 Nm) of torque from 1,750 rpm.
2. Aston Martin DBX707 – 193 mph (310 kph)
Photo: Aston Martin
Look beyond the bigger front grille and more powerful V8 to understand what Aston Martin created with the DBX707. The British automaker has even changed the transmission from a torque-converter automatic to a wet-clutch unit for quicker gear changes and better acceleration off the line.
The muscular looks of the DBX707 aren't merely for show. From the revised brake cooling ducts to the more pronounced front splitter, larger aerodynamic diffuser, and lift-reducing roof spoiler, form definitely follows function.
Standard ceramic brakes, enhanced active roll control and air suspension, a different calibration for the power steering, and an electronic limited-slip differential bring the point home. Add a more purposeful cabin to the mix, and that's how different the DBX707 is from the standard DBX.
1. Ferrari Purosangue – Over 193 mph (310 kph)
Photo: Ferrari
The best name in the supercar biz uses over 310 kilometers per hour in every single advertising and press material. We're still waiting for a top speed run on a derestricted part of the Autobahn to see whether Ferrari is bluffing or not.
Equipped with the largest engine of all 20 utilities that made our list, the Purosangue is the only SUV here with a naturally-aspirated powerplant. It's also the most capable on a racetrack, and similar to the Rolls-Royce Cullinan, the rear doors are hinged at the rear for effortless ingress and egress.
More expensive than the Cullinan as well, the first-ever SUV from the Prancing Horse of Maranello is limited to 20 percent of the automaker's yearly production output. Given the 13,221 vehicles delivered by Ferrari in 2022, that's around 2,644 units of the world's fastest production SUV per year.
If you still have any curiosities in regard to fast SUVs, please refer to the FAQ section below.
What is the fastest SUV produced in the United States of America as of 2023? It's a tie between the Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat, BMW X5 Competition, and Alpina XB7. The latter is assembled in South Carolina with bits and bobs manufactured at Alpina's Buchloe facility in Germany. All three top 180 miles per hour.
What is the fastest body-on-frame SUV as of 2023? The Mercedes-AMG G 63 is much obliged to hit 240 kilometers per hour, which is one MPH shy of 150 miles per hour.
What is the fastest three-row SUV in the world as of 2023? The W12-powered Bentayga that Bentley advertises as the Speed can be specified with four, five, or seven seats.
What fast SUV has the most power as of 2023? The Ferrari Purosange makes 715 naturally-aspirated ponies, yet the most powerful combustion-engined SUV currently available to order is the plug-in hybrid BMW XM Label Red with its 738 force-fed horsepower. When it comes to electric sport utility vehicles, the Faraday Future FF 91 shames the Model X Plaid with 1,050 horsepower compared to 1,020 for the Tesla.
What is the fastest SUV around the Nurburgring Nordschleife as of 2023? With test driver Lars Kern behind the wheel, a Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT Coupe lapped the Green Hell's entire 20.8 kilometers in 7:38.925 in 2021.
Why didn't the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk make the list? The Hellcat-ified Trackhawk is no longer produced, leaving the Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat as the only Hellcat-powered SUV available to purchase new at press time.
What are the fastest SUVs by top speed as of 2023?
1. Ferrari Purosangue – Over 193 mph
2. Aston Martin DBX707 – 193 mph
3. Bentley Bentayga W12 – 190 mph
4. Lamborghini Urus Performante – 190 mph
5. Audi RS Q8 – 190 mph
6. Lamborghini Urus S – 190 mph
7. Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT Coupe – 189 mph
8. Maserati Levante Trofeo – 187 mph
9. Maserati Levante Modena S – 181 mph
10. Aston Martin DBX – 181 mph
11. Bentley Bentayga V8 – 180 mph
12. Alpina XB7 – 180 mph
13. Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat – 180 mph
14. Range Rover Sport SV – 180 mph
15. BMW X5 M Competition – 180 mph
16. Jaguar F-Pace SVR – 178 mph
17. BMW X3 M Competition – 177 mph
18. Maserati Grecale Trofeo – 177 mph
19. Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio – 176 mph
20. BMW XM Label Red – 175 mph
What are the fastest SUVs by 0-60 acceleration as of 2023?
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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