The definition of a sports SUV starts with a powerful V8 mated with a bold design and hardcore athletic performance. Performance SUVs have become one of the most popular segments in the auto market across the globe. People are now in the need for buying cars that speak more than just luxury. They want the absolute best performance and athleticism their car has to offer. Carmakers like BMW, Porsche, and JLR have been making some of the most powerful mid-size compact SUVs on the market. These cars offer a thrilling driving experience with loads of power and still cost less than most six-figure-priced cars. Hinter from Autocar, these are the top 10 sports SUVs you should consider buying in 2023.
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10. Mesarati Levante Trofeo
The Maserati Levante Trofeo with its unique curvy looks and handsomely designed interior kicks off the list of best sports SUVs. The Trofeo is the top-spec model that comes with a 580-hp 3.8-liter V8 engine. The Levante offers a delightful and spirited driving experience with its responsiveness and engaging steering which results in a thrilling performance.
9. Land Rover Defender 90
The Land Rover Defender is more than just an ultimate off-road machine. The Defender has been the dearest car in the British carmaker’s lineup and has been a legendary name in the auto world. With the new Defender, JLR has completely changed the car and brought back the powerful V8. The Land Rover Defender 90 packs a sturdy modern-looking design that looks aggressive with its grudging supercharged V8 that makes over 500 hp.
8. Mercedes-AMG GLC63 S
The Mercedes-AMG GLC63 S is the angriest and most powerful GLC-badged car. From its gorgeous-looking bold looks to its powerful engine, the GLC screams out some crazy exhaust notes as the engine fires up. The Mercs have always been the golden standard in redefining luxury and offering a thrilling performance. The AMG GLC63 S comes with a powerful 4.0-liter Biturbo V8 that shells out a hefty 503 horsepower. The superior performance and sporty handling make the Mercedes-AMG GLC63 S a capable car with high desirability.
7. Audi SQ7
The 2023 Audi SQ7 fits the spot of being one of the most sportiest family SUVs you can buy. Audi’s largest SUV offers more aggressive looks with tuned chassis and standard air suspension providing a fast and sporty ride while not compromising on comfort. Its 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 is the star of the show which produces a thrilling 500 hp and 568 lb-ft of torque. The SQ7 is fun for both daily driving and adrenaline cruising, delivering a smooth, rapid acceleration and wonderful ride.
6. BMW X3 M Performance
The 2023 BMW X3 M Competition is the most powerful X3 car BMW makes right now. It is the first BMW made a powerful M-badged small SUV to compete with other same-segment cars. It packs an insane powerful 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine that makes a thrilling 503 hp of power. Fitted with a competition sports package, it provides an ultimate driving thrill you’ll miss on the rest.
5. Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifogilo
How would someone refuse to drive one of the best and most powerful Italian SUVs the company makes? The 2023 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadriofogilo is the top-spec model of the regular Stelvio. It features a sensual-looking design with a fancy interior with comfort packed in a sporty styling. The Alfa-Romeo Stelvio with its awesome looks offers the benefits of a family-size SUV and the features of a proper sports highrider. The Stelvio QUadriofogilo features a powerful 505-hp twin-turbo V6 sourced from Ferrari and can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.3 seconds. The Alfa Romeo Stelvio is among the best sports SUVs you can buy in 2022.
4. Range Rover Sport SVR
The Range Rover Sport SVR, being the hottest land rover defines how a top-spec luxury SUV has to look and feel to rival the German cars. The SVR touches the pinnacle of a luxury sports car with its mystique and muscular design with the aggressive front fascia. Being the flagship land rover car, the RR Sport SVR with its 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine makes a hefty 575 horsepower. Despite the size and weight, the sports SUV can touch 60 mph in under 4.3 seconds.
3. Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT
The 2023 Porsche Cayenne Turbo comes with bold new looks and a powerful and refined engine captivated with athleticism. Being Porsche’s flagship SUV, the Cayenne offers one of the best driving experiences you can expect from a Porche-badged car. The Cayenne with its sloping roofline offers incredible power dynamics and ferocious handling. The top-spec variant comes with a powerful 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine that produces an insane 631 horsepower. It can accelerate from 0-60 mph in under 2.8 seconds and delivers a performance you have never imagined.
2. Jaguar F-Pace SVR
The 2023 Jaguar F-Pace SVR is more than just a flagship SUV from the JLR group. It offers beautiful looks with an extravagant aerodynamic body that provides loads of practicality and ferocious performance. The Jaguar F-Pace SVR is one of the best of them, proving its dominance with its gorgeous design and hardcore sporty performance. The F-Pace SVR features an upscale interior with a good and roomier cabin that provides good comfort. Under the hood, the F-Pace SVR comes with a 550-hp supercharged V8 which delivers outstanding performance with an acceleration time of just 3.7 seconds.
1. Porsche Macan GTS
The 2023 Porsche Macan GTS is hands down our best pick for the best sports SUVs you’ll find in the market. From its fancy and elegant-looking design to its ferocious performance, the Macan GTS is the best for the price. It comes with Porsche’s decade-long excellence in making some of the best driving experiences one can get. The Macan GTS inherits the athletic driving and supremely built high-quality interior packed into a body of a compact SUV. The Macan GTS is the top-tier Macan that comes with a 434-hp twin-turbo V6 engine and a rapid acceleration of just 3.5 seconds.