Some SUV buyers only look for space and utility when shopping for a new vehicle, while others like to focus on performance. But how much power is enough? Considering most SUVs on the new market have well over 200 horsepower from the get-go, that should be enough for most drivers, right?
Not really. Some driving enthusiasts like to feel the thrust of power as they step on the accelerator while their heads hit the headrest with immense force. To these drivers, 0-60 mph times are important, but what's even more important is the number of horses rearing to go under the hood. For these drivers, 500 horsepower or more will do, so we rounded up 10 examples with more than enough power to satiate these select enthusiasts.
These used Japanese SUVs perfectly balance performance and luxury, offering exceptional value without breaking the bank.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturers websites and other authoritative sources
The Jeep Grand Wagoneer is not only a family hauler, but it's also the brand's most powerful platform. Under its hood is a standard twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine that packs over 500 horsepower.
Engine | Twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six |
Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
Horsepower | 510 hp |
Torque | 500 lb-ft |
Driveline | AWD |
0-60 MPH | 4.7 seconds |
Top Speed | 115 mph |
Towing Capacity | 9,800 pounds |
Payload Capacity | 1,360 lbs |
And while that kind of power equates to quick acceleration times, keep in mind that this large wagon isn't meant for drag racing. Instead, it's great for toting up to seven passengers and towing nearly 10,000 pounds. However, having that kind of power on a Jeep is also a lot of fun.
The Jaguar F-Pace SVR is a performance-oriented SUV that's just at home on a racetrack as it is on public highways. Considering it has a supercharged V8 engine, there's no doubt that it's set up to win races, even if it's just a stoplight drag race.
Engine | Supercharged 5.0-liter V8 |
Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
Horsepower | 567 hp |
Torque | 516 lb-ft |
Driveline | AWD |
0-60 MPH | 3.7 seconds |
Top Speed | 155 mph |
Towing Capacity | 5,291 lbs |
Payload Capacity | 1,170 lbs |
With well over 500 horsepower on tap, drivers can expect blisteringly quick acceleration times, which is due in part to the SUV's all-wheel-drive system for maximum traction.
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What's better than a fancy Mercedes-Benz SUV? A fancy SUV fitted with a twin-turbocharged engine that's been tuned by Mercedes' AMG division. The GLE 63 S' engine itself produces over 600 horsepower, which is good for fast acceleration times and good top-end power.
Engine | Twin-turbocharged V8 |
Transmission | 9-speed automatic |
Horsepower | 603 hp |
Torque | 627 lb-ft |
Driveline | AWD |
0-60 MPH | 4.4 seconds |
Top Speed | 155 mph |
Towing Capacity | 7,700 pounds |
Payload Capacity | 1,499 lbs |
Let's not forget that this SUV is very comfortable as well. Its interior is adorned in leather and suede, in addition to many tech-savvy features to keep its occupants entertained. Just when you thought a Mercedes-Benz SUV couldn't be any better, the AMG department can prove you wrong.
The Land Rover Range Rover has always been seen as a rolling status symbol, which is unsurprising given its six-digit price tag. But that's not the only reason it's held in such high regard. The Range Rover also has a very plush and luxurious interior that's suitable for any celebrity or well-heeled customer.
Engine | Supercharged and turbocharged inline-six |
Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
Horsepower | 606 hp |
Torque | 553 lb-ft |
Driveline | AWD |
0-60 MPH | 4.3 seconds |
Top Speed | 180 mph |
Towing Capacity | 8,200 pounds |
Payload Capacity | Unpublished |
But its performance is what makes it shine, which comes online via a dual-charged engine that pumps out over 600 horsepower. Sure, that kind of power allows it to tow a lot of weight, but it also makes it very quick off the line.
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The 2024 BMW X6 M is an SUV with an identity crisis. Sure, its large body stature allows it to handle rocky roads with ease, but its sure-footed suspension allows it to handle like a sports car.
Engine | Twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 |
Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
Horsepower | 617 hp |
Torque | 553 lb-ft |
Driveline | AWD |
0-60 MPH | 3.6 seconds |
Top Speed | 155 mph |
Towing Capacity | 7,200 pounds |
Payload Capacity | 1,080 pounds |
So is it a sports car or an SUV? Technically both. Under the BMW X6's hood is a twin-turbocharged V8 that produces enough power to accelerate it up to freeway speeds in a sports-car-like fashion, but its high ride height allows it to explore unknown roads.
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The BMW X5 is one of the most popular luxury SUVs in the market, thanks to the German automaker's luxurious appeal. But the X5 M ups the ante with a twin-turbocharged V8 engine.
Engine | Twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 |
Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
Horsepower | 617 hp |
Torque | 553 lb-ft |
Driveline | AWD |
0-60 MPH | 3.6 seconds |
Top Speed | 155 mph |
Towing Capacity | 7,200 pounds |
Payload Capacity | 1,116 lbs |
That engine generates a large amount of power that can rocket the SUV up to 60 mph quicker than most sports cars, but it also allows for a ton of towing power. Considering all the performance it has to offer, we're not surprised that this version of the X5 is so popular.
The Audi Q8 is a two-row luxury SUV that blends performance with comfort. However, the RS Q8 kicks things up a few notches with its twin-turbocharged engine. That engine motivates the SUV up to 60 mph in a staggering three seconds, which is about as quick as most exotic cars.
Engine | Twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 |
Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
Horsepower | 638 hp |
Torque | 627 lb-ft |
Driveline | AWD |
0-60 MPH | 3 seconds |
Top Speed | 155 mph |
Towing Capacity | 7,700 pounds |
Payload Capacity | 1,180 pounds |
That means the Audi RS Q8 has the practicality of an SUV and the performance of an exotic car. What more do you really need?
The Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT is the fastback version of the boxier Cayenne, which is the brand's largest SUV. This sleeker version was created primarily for performance and driving engagement, and it shows in the numbers.
Engine | Twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 |
Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
Horsepower | 650 hp |
Torque | 626 lb-ft |
Driveline | AWD |
0-60 MPH | 3.1 seconds |
Top Speed | 190 mph |
Towing Capacity | Unpublished |
Payload Capacity | Unpublished |
The twin-turbocharged engine produces 650 horsepower, which would be staggering for a sports coupe, but it's even more impressive for an SUV of this size. Despite its added heft, the Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT sprints off the line quickly and through serpentine roads with ease, thanks to its added adaptive suspension.
The Cadillac Escalade may be synonymous with wealth and status, but it should also be synonymous with power. This large three-row SUV has many luxurious amenities to keep its seven passengers comfortable and happy on long drives, but we think the driver will be even happier.
Engine | Supercharged 6.2-liter V8 |
Transmission | 10-speed automatic |
Horsepower | 682 hp |
Torque | 653 lb-ft |
Driveline | AWD |
0-60 MPH | 4.3 seconds |
Top Speed | 125 mph |
Towing Capacity | 8,200 pounds |
Payload Capacity | 1,483 to 1,777 lbs |
The Cadillac Escalade is powered by a supercharged V8 engine that produces nearly 700 horsepower, which should provide plenty of smile-inducing fun. Even if the car is only being driven on a long stretch of highway.
Can't afford a Porsche Cayenne yet? Here are some affordable Cayenne alternatives that won't break the bank.
Dodge is great at making everything it produces a “Hellcat,” so it's no surprise that the Durango received this treatment. The Durango Hellcat has the same engine found in the popular Charger and Challenger applications, but we think it puts it to better use.
Engine | Supercharged 6.2-liter V8 |
Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
Horsepower | 710 hp |
Torque | 640 lb-ft |
Driveline | AWD |
0-60 MPH | 3.6 seconds |
Top Speed | Unpublished |
Towing Capacity | 8,700 lbs |
Payload Capacity | Unpublished |
Sure, the 710-horsepower V8 makes the Durango Hellcat fast, but it's even more impressive with how much it can tow. Let's not forget that it's a large SUV that wraps its occupants in a fair amount of luxury, making this Hellcat one of the best applications in Dodge's stable.
2024-12-04T03:14:38Z