Buying an SUV Doesn’t Mean You Have to Pass Up Performance
— by AutoNation StaffSport utility vehicles have come a long way. No longer are they warmed-rigs work rigs that bounce over bumps and steer like a battleship. In fact, there are loads of good offerings if you’re looking for an SUV that’ll haul more than cargo. Check out this list to read about some of our favorites.
Acura RDX A-Spec
The exterior lines are sharp, the cockpit has a performance feel, and in the bends, it was easy to make the RDX hustle, thanks the trick all-wheel drive system. And folks who opt for one also get the benefit the rock-solid build quality which Acura has built its reputation on. Overall, this is a great machine that perfectly balances practicality and performance. —John Coyle
Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio
With blistering acceleration, superb handling and braking manners, and substantial cargo space, the 2019 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio is one of the best performance SUVs currently on sale. Not only is it wicked fast and comfortable, but if you beat it like it owes you money, it’ll reward you with the handling manners of a hardcore sports-sedan. — Mike Musto
Jeep Grand Cherokee TrackHawk
With 707 horsepower, 645 lb-ft of torque, a zero-to-60 time of 3.3 seconds, and a top speed of 180 mph, if you were looking at the specs, you might think the Trackhawk is a supercar — not a 5,300-pound SUV. But numbers aside, it’s how the new 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee TrackHawk drives that truly makes it something special. Until you want it to be a grizzly, this thing is a total teddy bear. — Mike Musto
Land Rover Discovery HSE
There are few vehicles that combine off-road prowess, luxury, power and technology, as well as the Discovery HSE. Off-road, it’s credentials are impeccable, and even covered in mud, it'd look fantastic parked in front of your favorite high-end restaurant. It’s also not only wonderful as a daily driver, but fantastically useful to boot. —Mike Musto
Mercedes-AMG GLS63
Want a luxurious SUV to haul around your family and friends? Then the standard GLS-Class is more than suitable for the job. But if you want to haul more than people (and you know what I’m talking about here), the Mercedes-AMG GLS63 is the 577-horsepower tool that you need. While there are other performance SUVs out there, the GLS63 is unique in its seven passenger seating capacity and limo-like accommodations. —Jeffrey N. Ross
Volvo XC90 T6
With the XC90, Volvo has really checked all the boxes. The exterior design is a perfect balance of sport and elegance. In terms of comfort, quality, and tech, the interior is one of the best in the segment. Plus, the ride quality is extremely comfortable, and if you want to push, the chassis and powertrain are more than capable of making things exciting. —Omar Rana