The SUV the market dominated the industry, offering spacious interiors, impressive capacity and a sporty design, making this type of car one of the most popular. However, some SUVs still have serious power under the hood waiting to roar at high revs.
How we chose the models: HotCars analyzed the high-performance SUVs on the market today. Luxury SUVs with a minimum reliability rating of JD Power 80 and a power of 500 horsepower were taken into account when choosing models. The models are arranged in order from the smallest to the largest power.
2021 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid: 670 horsepower
- JD Power Reliability Index: 81/100
- 0-60 mph: 3.4 seconds
- Top speed: 123 miles/hour
The Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid redefines high-performance SUVs
The Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid continues to redefine high-performance SUVs. Demonstrating a staggering 670 horsepower, it emphasizes that this type of car is no longer limited to practical family transport. Under its hood, a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine combines the power of a sports car with the efficiency of hybrid technology. This Porsche SUV is not only about power, but also about sustainability, while maintaining the spirit and performance of a sports car.
The updated Turbo S E-Hybrid includes an electric motor that provides a total power of 670 horsepower. The car’s interior offers a high level of luxury, with enough space to accommodate four adults and their belongings, a feature that sets it apart from fast coupes with limited space. To top it all off, JD Power’s impressive reliability ratings making it one of the best SUVs with a powerful engine.
2023 Cadillac Escalade V: 682 horsepower
- JD Power Reliability Index: 83/100
- 0-60 mph: 4.5 seconds
- Top speed: 125 mph
The Escalade V has a manual V8
Cadillac Escalade is an iconic American model that debuted in the late 90s. Now, 25 years later, this SUV has undergone a significant evolution. The 2023 “V” version boasts a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine that produces an impressive 682 horsepower. Estimated at 682 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 653 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm, the Escalade-V’s 6.2-liter hand-built supercharged engine continues the tradition of supercharged V-8s found in other Cadillac V models -Series.
Compared to the flashy standard Escalade, the 2023 Escalade-V looks more intimidating. The large mesh grille is black, as are the window moldings, lower trim pieces and quad exhaust tips that frame the faux rear diffuser. It comes standard with a set of massive 22-inch wheels, available in black or grey.
Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk 2021: 707 horsepower
- JD Power Reliability Index: 84/100
- 0-60 mph: 5.1 seconds
- Top speed: 180 mph
The Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is the Hellcat of SUVs
Over the last decade, Jeep engineers had the innovative idea of installing a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine originally taken from the Dodge Charger Hellcat, which gave rise to the famous Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk. This beast can generate a whopping 707 horsepower and 645 lb-ft of torque while maintaining a maximum towing capacity of 7,200 lbs. It is also capable of accelerating from zero to 60 in just 3.5 seconds.
Comfort and interior space are not much different from the standard Grand Cherokee. It offers ample storage space for carry-on luggage, ensuring it won’t get jostled around when the driver decides to unleash the engine’s power. And of course, you can’t miss the legendary whistle that comes from the SRT engine.
2021 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat: 710 horsepower
- JD Power Reliability Index: 81/100
- 0-60 mph: 3.4 seconds
- Top speed: 180 mph
The Durango SRT is (slightly) more powerful than the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk
After sharing the Challenger SRT Hellcat’s engine with the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, Dodge took the opportunity to put a monstrous engine into one of its SUVs, resulting in the 2021 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat. It’s powered by the same 6.2-liter V-8. but produces 710 horsepower, three horsepower more than the Trackhawk.
With its 645 lb-ft of torque, this Dodge can sprint to 60 mph in about 3.6 seconds, making it one of the fastest in its market segment. With its body and power, the Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat looks and feels like a muscle car while still being able to carry a family of six.
Sources: JD Power