Performance SUVs have been all the rage for a while now, thanks to scalable monocoque platforms that can accommodate a higher ride on an independent suspension. Thanks to this, the new generation models benefit from agile handling capabilities without compromising on interior space and overall comfort.
Modern performance SUVs also command the most visual presence thanks to their imposing exterior design. Within the cabin, the extended interior space means that you, as the driver, and your fellow passengers get the benefit of outstanding comfort levels, with layouts that are typically highly customizable via the in-depth configurators.
2026 BMW X6 M Competition
0-60 MPH: 3.7 Seconds
The 2026 BMW X6 M Competition is the Bavarian brand’s fastest non-EV SUV in its catalog, thanks to its tried and tested twin-turbocharged 4.4-Liter V-8 generating 617 horsepower and 553 pound-feet to the xDrive system via an eight-speed automatic transmission. Joining this system is a 48-volt starter motor located in the aforementioned transmission, resulting in a claimed 3.7-second 0 to 60 MPH acceleration time.
Pricing for this model starts at $134,600, which includes Extended Merino leather upholstery, an anthracite Alcantara headliner, and carbon fiber trimmings with a leather dashboard. Comfort features include a Sky Lounge panoramic roof, four-zone climate control, heated, electrically adjustable front seats, and a Harman Kardon Surround Sound audio system.
Top 3 Rivals
- Audi RS Q8
- Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe
- Porsche Cayenne Turbo Coupe
2026 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E Performance
0-60 MPH: 3.5 Seconds
The 2026 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E Performance pairs a handcrafted turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a compact electric motor, generating a combined 671 horsepower and 752 pound-feet. The system sends power to all four wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission, resulting in a claimed 3.5-second 0 to 60 MPH acceleration time.
Pricing for this model starts at $86,750 MSRP, making it one of the more accessible options on this list. This price includes the brand’s MB-Tex and microfiber seat upholstery, with metal weave trimmings, and electrically adjustable front heated seats. You also get a Nappa-leather upholstered performance heated steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, and an eight-speaker audio system.
Top 3 Rivals
- BMW X3 M Performance
- Audi RS Q8
- Porsche Cayenne Turbo
2026 Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid
0-60 MPH: 3.5 Seconds
The Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid SUV and Coupe features a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 with a starter motor located in the eight-speed automatic transmission. The system produces a combined 729 horsepower and 626 pound-feet, resulting in a 3.5-second 0 to 60 MPH claimed acceleration time if you specify the optional Sport Chrono package.
Porsche kicks pricing for this model off at $162,500. Standard fitments include leather seat upholstery with Turbonite accents, Race-Tex roof lining, front electrically adjustable adaptive sport seats with comfort memory functions, and a 14-speaker premium Bose surround sound audio system.
Top 3 Rivals
- Aston Martin DBX707
- Lamborghini Urus Performante
- Ferrari Purosangue
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2026 Audi RS Q8
0-60 MPH: 3.4 Seconds
The 2026 Audi RS Q8 Performance is one of the oldest options available to the new performance SUV market, but it’s still able to impressively hold its own in a 0 to 60 MPH sprint, with a 3.4-second claimed figure. This is thanks to a twin-turbocharged V-8, producing 631 horsepower and 627 pound-feet to the Quattro all-wheel drive system via an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Pricing starts at $138,300, with key interior refinements including Valcona perforated leather upholstery with honeycomb stitching, Carbon Twill matte inlays, front seat heating and ventilation, and a Bang and Olufsen Premium 3D surround sound audio system.
Top 3 Rivals
- Porsche Cayenne Turbo Coupe
- BMW X6 M
- Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S
2026 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat Jailbreak
0-60 MPH: 3.4 Seconds
The 2026 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat is the last of its kind as an American-made supercharged performance seven-seater SUV. Powering the three-row family mover is a supercharged 6.2-liter V-8. With the Jailbreak configuration applied, the Hemi produces 710 horsepower and 645 pound-feet to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic, affording it a claimed 3.4-second 0 to 60 MPH acceleration time.
It may just be a Durango, but the SRT Hellcat uplifts this American performance SUV into the luxury territory with an appealing $83,580. base MSRP. Within the cabin, you get to enjoy combination leather and suede upholstery with forged carbon accents and black velour floor mats, alongside a three-zone climate control system, front heated and ventilated electrically adjustable seats, and a nine-speaker Alpine audio system.
Top 3 Rivals
- BMW X5 M Competition
- Audi RS Q5
- Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S
2026 Bentley Bentayga Speed
0-60 MPH: 3.4 Seconds
The 2026 Bentley Bentayga Speed also features a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 producing 641 horsepower and 627 pound-feet. The system transfers this power to an all-wheel drive system via an eight-speed automatic transmission, resulting in a 0 to 60 MPH claimed acceleration time of 3.4 seconds, making it the fastest Bentayga ever.
Bentley doesn’t disclose pricing for this model, but experts indicate that you can expect to spend around $381,000 before you apply any options. As standard, the cabin lays host to genuine leather seat upholstery with carbon fiber inserts. Most who buy into the Bentayga Speed will consider the Mulliner’s personal commissioning team, which opens access to various materials. The Key standard features include electrically adjustable and heated front seats and your choice of the exclusive Bang & Olufsen for Bentley audio system or the Naim for Bentley speaker system.
Top 3 Rivals
- Rolls-Royce Cullinan
- Aston Martin DBX707
- Lamborghini Urus Performante
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2026 Ferrari Purosangue
0-60 MPH: 3.3 Seconds
The 2026 Ferrari Purosangue is not an SUV according to the Italian brand, but it’s hard to think of it as anything else. The activity tourer features the brand’s naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V-12, generating 725 horsepowerand 528 pound-feet to all four wheels via an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The result is a claimed 3.3-second 0 to 60 MPH time.
Pricing starts at $428,686, making it the most expensive option that you will get to see on this list. Key interior refinements that justify this price include a variety of genuine leather upholstery options, a unique four-seater electrically adjustable performance bucket seat configuration that prioritizes fast driving, and a 21-speaker Burmester 3D High-End Surround Sound System.
Top 3 Rivals
- Lamborghini Urus Performante
- Aston Martin DBX707
- Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT Coupe
2026 Aston Martin DBX707
0-60 MPH: 3.1 Seconds
The 2026 Aston Martin DBX707 features a reconfiguration of Mercedes-AMG’s twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8, producing 697 horsepower and 663 pound-feet of torque to an all-wheel drive system via a nine-speed automatic transmission. The end result is a 3.1-second claimed 0 to 60 MPH acceleration time.
Aston Martin starts pricing for this model off at $236,000, which includes perforated leather upholstery, twill carbon fiber inserts, and Obsidian Black carpets. Key features include a premium 14-speaker audio system, electrically adjustable, heated, and ventilated perforated front sports seats, and three-zone climate control.
Top 3 Rivals
- Lamborghini Urus Performante
- Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT
- Ferrari Purosangue
2026 Lamborghini Urus Performante
0-60 MPH: 3.3 Seconds
The 2026 Lamborghini Urus Performante is yet another Volkswagen Group MLB-Evo-based SUV featuring the twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8. In the Italian variant, the system generates 620 horsepower and 627 pound-feet to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. The end result is a 3.3-second 0 to 60 MPH acceleration time. Edmunds was only able to squeeze a 3.4-second time out during its testing.
Pricing for the Urus Performante in the U.S. starts at $270,000. Key interior refinements consist of a full leather and Alcantara-combination upholstery with carbon fiber accents. The cabin also lays host to electrically adjustable front bucket seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, a Bang & Olufsen sound system, and four-zone climate control.
Top 3 Rivals
- Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT
- Ferrari Purosangue
- Aston Martin DBX707
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A luxury family SUV needs to do more than shuttle children and groceries; it must comfort, protect, and yes, make a stylistic statement.
2026 Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT Coupe
0-60 MPH: 3.1 Seconds
The 2026 Porsche Cayenne GT Coupe is the ultimate performance SUV that you can consider as of right now. It also features a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8, which is good for 650 horsepower and 626 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission channels this power to an all-wheel drive system, resulting in a 3.1-second 0 to 60 MPH acceleration time with the Sport Chrono package applied. Independent performance testing by MotorTrend verifies a 2.9-second result with launch control activated.
Porsche kicks pricing for this model off at $210,600, which includes premium leather upholstery for the rear and front electrically adjustable heated sports seats, a heated GT-specific sports steering wheel, piano black and carbon fiber interior trimmings, and Race-Tex roof lining. You also get dual-zone climate control, a premium Bose surround sound audio system, and the Sport Chrono stopwatch dial and digital tachometer in Dark Silver.
Top 3 Rivals
- Lamborghini Urus Performante
- Ferrari Purosangue
- Aston Martin DBX707
Sources: Edmunds and MotorTrend