Top 50 Fastest SUVs Ever
The Definitive List of Fastest SUVs by 0-60 mph Acceleration
Prepare to buckle up as we dive into the thrilling world of automotive excellence! The family haulers that accelerate like supercars, that scare children and families everywhere. Join us on a journey through the ultimate list of the fastest accelerating SUVs ever made.
The Fastest Accelerating SUVs
0-60 mph and quarter mile acceleration times. Narrow down your search via the filters.
You are trying to load a table of an unknown type. Probably you did not activate the addon which is required to use this table type.
The Fastest SUVs Ever Made: From Thundering Engines to Lightning-Fast Electrics
In the realm of automotive performance, SUVs have traditionally been viewed as the lumbering giants of the road, prioritizing utility and off-road capability over outright speed. However, in recent years, the landscape has dramatically changed. Once dominated by high-powered internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, the fastest SUVs are now almost exclusively electric, boasting acceleration figures that rival or even surpass those of many performance sedans. This article explores the evolution of the fastest SUVs, the transition from ICE to electric powertrains, and the astonishing speeds these vehicles now achieve.
A decade ago, the notion of a fast SUV was synonymous with massive, turbocharged or supercharged ICE engines. These vehicles combined brute force with advanced engineering to deliver impressive acceleration, considering their size and weight. Models like the Porsche Cayenne Turbo, Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, and Lamborghini Urus set the benchmark for performance SUVs. For the longest time, the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S was king. Equipped with a 4.8-liter twin-turbo V8 engine producing 570 horsepower, this SUV could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds. There was also the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk with a massive 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine with 707 horsepower, the Trackhawk could hit 60 mph in 3.5 seconds. The folks from Italy gave us the Lamborghini Urus with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine delivering 641 horsepower, the Urus managed 0 to 60 mph in a blistering 3.2 seconds. These ICE-powered behemoths were a testament to the advancements in automotive technology, blending power and performance with the versatility of an SUV.
The shift towards electric vehicles has not only impacted sedans but also revolutionized the performance SUV segment. Electric SUVs now dominate the landscape, offering unparalleled acceleration thanks to their electric motors' instant torque delivery. The transition from ICE to electric has brought about a radical increase in speed, with today's electric SUVs achieving performance levels once deemed impossible for such large vehicles. First up was the batshit crazy Tesla Model X Plaid, with its tri-motor setup producing over 1,020 horsepower, the Model X Plaid accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in an astounding 2.6 seconds, making it one of the fastest-accelerating SUVs ever. For family duties we also have the Rivian R1S, an electric SUV boasting quad-motor all-wheel drive, delivering 835 horsepower and achieving 0 to 60 mph in just 3.0 seconds and the soon to arrive Lucid Gravity which is expected to feature a similar powertrain to the Air, with over 1,000 horsepower and a 0 to 60 mph time around 2.7 seconds. Our favorite fast SUV? That's easy, because our friends at Lotus have given us the Eletre R, with a dual-motor powertrain that generates a mind-boggling 905 horsepower and 726 lb-ft of torque. Electric SUVs have redefined the expectations of what these vehicles can achieve. The instant torque of electric motors allows for seamless and rapid acceleration, providing a driving experience that is both exhilarating and efficient. The rise of electric powertrains has also led to advancements in battery technology and vehicle aerodynamics, further enhancing performance.
One of the most surprising developments in the automotive world is that today's fastest SUVs are just as quick as high-performance sedans. This was once considered improbable due to the inherent weight and size differences. However, electric technology has leveled the playing field, allowing SUVs to achieve sedan-like acceleration while maintaining their utility and versatility. As battery technology continues to evolve and electric drivetrains become more advanced, the performance capabilities of SUVs are expected to improve even further. Automakers are pushing the boundaries of what electric SUVs can do, and the next generation of these vehicles promises to be even faster and more capable. The evolution from high-powered ICE SUVs to electric speedsters marks a significant shift in the automotive industry. While the roar of a V8 engine might evoke nostalgia, the silent yet breathtakingly quick acceleration of modern electric SUVs represents the future. These vehicles not only match but often surpass the performance of sedans, redefining what is possible for SUVs. As we look to the future, the limits of speed and performance for SUVs are being pushed to new heights, promising an exciting era of automotive innovation.
1. 2020 Tesla Model X Performance 'Ludicrous+'
0 - 60 mph: 2.6 seconds
Summary
The 2020 Tesla Model X Performance 'Ludicrous+' is a high-performance electric SUV that defies expectations with its blistering acceleration and agile handling. While known for its spacious interior and futuristic Falcon Wing doors, this SUV proves that electric vehicles can be both practical and exhilarating.
The heart of the Model X Performance 'Ludicrous+' is its dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain, delivering an impressive 670 horsepower and 713 lb-ft of torque. This allows the SUV to rocket from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 2.6 seconds, a figure that rivals some of the world's fastest sports cars. The instant torque of the electric motors provides a neck-snapping acceleration experience that is sure to thrill even the most discerning drivers.
The Model X Performance 'Ludicrous+' isn't just about straight-line speed. Its adaptive air suspension and low center of gravity, thanks to the battery pack being located under the floor, provide exceptional handling and agility for an SUV. The car feels surprisingly nimble and responsive, especially in its Ludicrous+ mode, which unlocks the full potential of the electric powertrain.
Inside the cabin, the Model X Performance 'Ludicrous+' offers a futuristic and spacious environment, with a large touchscreen display controlling most of the car's functions. Its seven-seat configuration and ample cargo space make it a practical choice for families or those who frequently carry passengers. The 2020 Tesla Model X Performance 'Ludicrous+' is a testament to Tesla's commitment to innovation and performance, proving that electric vehicles can be both exciting and practical.
2. 2024 Lotus Eletre R
0 - 60 mph: 2.8 seconds
Summary
The Lotus Eletre R is an all-electric hyper-SUV that breaks the mold and redefines what an SUV can achieve in terms of performance. While SUVs are typically associated with practicality and comfort, Lotus has injected its racing DNA into the Eletre R, creating a vehicle that is both incredibly fast and surprisingly agile.
At the heart of this electrifying SUV lies a dual-motor powertrain that generates a mind-boggling 905 horsepower and 726 lb-ft of torque. This immense power allows the Eletre R to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds, making it one of the quickest SUVs in the world. Its top speed is electronically limited to 165 mph, but it's clear that this SUV has the potential to go much faster.
The Eletre R's performance isn't just about straight-line speed. Lotus has engineered a sophisticated suspension system with active anti-roll bars, air springs, and continuous damping control that keeps the SUV planted and composed even when pushed to its limits. Its all-wheel drive system and torque vectoring technology further enhance its handling capabilities, allowing it to carve corners with the agility of a much smaller sports car. The Eletre R is a testament to Lotus's engineering prowess, proving that an SUV can be both practical and incredibly fun to drive.
3. 2022 Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT Coupe
0 - 60 mph: 2.9 seconds
Summary
The Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT Coupe is a high-performance SUV that redefines what is possible in the segment. It's a true sports car disguised as an SUV, boasting incredible power, agile handling, and a track-focused design that sets it apart from its competitors.
Under the hood, the Cayenne Turbo GT Coupe houses a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine that produces a staggering 650 horsepower and 626 lb-ft of torque. This powerful engine, combined with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Porsche's advanced all-wheel-drive system, propels the SUV from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 2.9 seconds, according to Car and Driver testing. Its top track speed is an impressive 189 mph, making it one of the fastest SUVs in the world.
The Cayenne Turbo GT Coupe's performance isn't just about straight-line speed. It also features a sport-tuned suspension, active anti-roll bars, rear-axle steering, and Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus, all of which contribute to its exceptional handling and agility. The car feels remarkably planted and responsive, allowing drivers to confidently push the limits on winding roads or even on the racetrack. Its powerful brakes ensure confident stopping power, while its aerodynamic design helps to maximize performance and stability at high speeds.
4. 2024 Porsche Macan Electric Turbo AWD
0 - 60 mph: 2.9 seconds
Summary
The Porsche Macan Electric Turbo AWD is the high-performance variant of Porsche's first all-electric SUV, set to redefine expectations for what an electric vehicle can achieve. With a focus on exhilarating performance and precise handling, the Macan Electric Turbo AWD aims to deliver a driving experience that is both thrilling and refined.
At the heart of its performance is a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system that produces up to 470 kW (630 horsepower) and a remarkable 833 lb-ft of torque. This translates to impressive acceleration, allowing the Macan Electric Turbo AWD to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 2.9 seconds with Launch Control. Even without Launch Control, its acceleration remains impressive, reaching 60 mph in 3.9 seconds.
Beyond its straight-line speed, the Macan Electric Turbo AWD also boasts exceptional handling thanks to its advanced suspension system, including adaptive air suspension and Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus. The latter, essentially an electronically controlled differential on the rear axle, enhances the SUV's agility and responsiveness in corners. Additionally, rear-wheel steering is available as an option for even sharper handling and improved maneuverability in tight spaces. The Macan Electric Turbo AWD not only showcases Porsche's dedication to performance but also demonstrates the brand's commitment to the future of electric mobility. It's a testament to the fact that electric vehicles can deliver the exhilarating driving experience that Porsche is known for, while also contributing to a more sustainable future.
5. 2024 Lamborghini Urus Performante
0 - 60 mph: 3.0 seconds
Summary
The 2024 Lamborghini Urus Performante is a high-performance SUV that elevates the already impressive Urus to new heights of power and agility. This track-focused variant boasts a series of enhancements that make it a formidable machine on both the road and the circuit.
Under the hood, the Urus Performante houses a tuned version of the standard Urus's 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, now producing 657 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque. This increased power output, combined with a retuned transmission and a recalibrated all-wheel-drive system, allows the Performante to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 3.0 seconds, making it one of the quickest SUVs in the world. Its top speed is an impressive 190 mph, ensuring a thrilling driving experience on the Autobahn or open highways.
But the Urus Performante isn't just about straight-line speed. It also features a revised suspension system, with stiffer springs, retuned dampers, and a lower ride height, which significantly improves its handling and agility. The car feels more planted and responsive, allowing drivers to confidently push it to its limits. Its carbon-ceramic brakes provide exceptional stopping power, while its active torque-vectoring system and rear-wheel steering enhance its cornering capabilities.
The Urus Performante's exterior is more aggressive than the standard Urus, with a redesigned front bumper, a larger rear wing, and a more prominent diffuser. These aerodynamic enhancements not only improve the car's aesthetics but also generate more downforce for improved stability at high speeds. Inside the cabin, the Performante features Alcantara upholstery, carbon fiber trim, and sport seats that provide excellent support during spirited driving.
