Buyers Guide: The Best Performance SUVs for 2023

Performance SUVs deliver a level of driving engagement that, until recently, was confined to the world of supercars. Thanks to rapidly evolving technology, these big cars seamlessly blend power and performance without losing the versatility and drivability that are at the core of SUVs.

From lightning-fast acceleration to precision handling and cutting-edge technology, the best performance SUVs push boundaries and leave an indelible mark on the road.

There are many great performance SUV options on the market today. Here, we presented a curated selection that underscores just how far SUVs have come in blurring the line between practicality and performance.

1. Lamborghini Urus Performante
2. Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT
3. 2023 BMW XM
4. Aston Martin DBX 707
5. Audi E-Tron S
6. Audi RS Q8
7. Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid
8. Mercedes Benz G63 AMG
9. Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio
10. Ferrari Purosangue

2023 Lamborghini Urus Performante

Via Top Gear

Specifications

• MSRP: $260,676 USD /  $356,410 CAD
• Engine: 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8
• Power / Torque: 657 hp /  627 lb-ft
• Transmission: AWD
• 0-60 mph: 3.0 seconds
• Fuel Economy: 14 MPG (City) /  19 MPG (Highway)
• Basic Warranty: 3 years /  Unlimited mileage

Our Take

Lamborghini hit a home run with the Urus. The performance SUV was launched in December 2017, and less than 5 years later, the 20,000th Urus model rolled off the assembly line. The Urus Performante is the latest iteration (following the launch model and the Urus S) and impresses with its snappy looks, enhanced by several carbon fibre accents. The Urus Performante makes 657 hp as the Urus S, but performance has been optimized with retuned suspension, tire package and several weight-saving add-ons.

2023 Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT

Via GuideAutoWeb

Specifications

• MSRP: $196,300 USD /  $268,390 CAD
• Engine: 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8
• Power / Torque: 631 hp /  626 lb-ft
• Transmission: AWD
• 0-60 mph: 3.1 seconds
• Fuel Economy: 14 MPG (City) /  19 MPG (Highway)
• Basic Warranty: 4 years /  50,000 miles (80,000 km)

Our Take

The Cayenne Turbo GT upholds Porsche’s rock-solid reputation for building great performance vehicles with a perfectly balanced ride that makes it agile and fun to drive. The SUV’s capabilities are enhanced by features including a water-cooled all-wheel-drive system for more aggressive torque vectoring, stiffer air springs and massive carbon ceramic brakes.

2023 BMW XM

Via MotorTrend

Specifications

• MSRP: $159,995 USD /  $218,752 CAD
• Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 + Electric Motor
• Power / Torque: 644 hp (combined) /  590 lb-ft (combined)
• Transmission: AWD
• 0-60 mph: 3.6 seconds
• Fuel Economy: 73 MPGe (Combined City/Highway) – electric + gas

14 MPG (Combined City/Highway) – gas

• Basic Warranty: 4 years /  50,000 miles (80,000 km)

Our Take

There’s nothing subtle about the 2023 BMW XM, and that’s why we like it. It’s big brash and boasts a massive grille that looks big enough to hoover up any car ahead of it on the highway. The over-the-top SUV impresses with its spacious, high-quality interior and performance that makes light work of its 6,000 lbs bulk. As an added bonus, the BMW XM can also travel up to 30 miles on electric power alone.

2023 Aston Martin DBX 707

Via Eurekar

Specifications

• MSRP: $239,086 USD /  $326,889 CAD
• Engine: 4.0-litre Twin-turbocharged V8
• Power / Torque: 697 hp /  663 lb-ft
• Transmission: AWD
• 0-60 mph: 3.1 seconds
• Fuel Economy: 15 MPG (City) /  20 MPG (Highway)
• Basic Warranty: 3 years /  Unlimited mileage

Our Take

The DBX 707 was a clear statement of intent from the British carmaker. It debuted in 2022 as one of the world’s most powerful performance SUVs. The SUV’s 52-48 weight distribution, recalibrated air suspension and electronic active roll control system make you feel in control even when you push hard on straights or around corners.

2023 Audi E-Tron S

Via CarBuzz

Specifications

• MSRP: $89,395 USD /  $122,224 CAD
• Powertrain: Tri-Motor setup
• Power / Torque: 429 hp /  596 lb-ft (496 hp/  717 lb-ft with Overboost function)
• Transmission: AWD
• 0-60 mph: 4.3 seconds
• Fuel Economy: N/A
• Range: 208 miles (on 20-inch wheels)
• Basic Warranty: 4 years /  50,000 miles (80,000 km)

Our Take

The Audi E-Tron S is the only electric entry on this list. It delivers effortless acceleration, thanks to all that instant torque, all 596 lb-ft (717 lb-ft on Overboost) available from 0 rpm. Other positives include Audi’s premium build quality, spacious interior, and loads of available safety and tech features.

2023 Audi RS Q8

Via GuideAutoWeb

Specifications

• MSRP: $123,995 USD /  $169,623 CAD
• Engine: 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8
• Power / Torque: 591 hp /  590 lb-ft
• Transmission: AWD
• 0-60 mph: 3.2 seconds
• Fuel Economy: 13 MPG (City) /  19 MPG (Highway)
• Basic Warranty: 4 years /  50,000 miles (80,000 km)

Our Take

Many view the RS Q8 as a viable alternative to its much more expensive sibling, the Lamborghini Urus, and the Audi SUV does have some strong points in its favour. The RS Q8’s nimble handling and stop-notch straight-line performance make it a top contender in the super SUV category. The comfortable interior and impressive array of standard equipment also earn the RS Q8 additional points.

2023 Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid

Via Top Gear

Specifications

• MSRP: $146,900 USD /  $200,957 CAD
• Engine: 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 + electric motor
• Power / Torque: 729 hp (combined) /  700 lb-ft  (combined)
• Transmission: AWD
• 0-60 mph: 3.5 seconds
• Fuel Economy: EPA estimates not yet available
• Basic Warranty: 4 years /  50,000 miles (80,000 km)

Our Take

It is one of the most expensive Porsche variants. It is also a serious heavyweight at 5,600 lbs (2,540 kg). However, much of that weight is due to its hybrid powertrain, the source of the Porsche’s formidable power. The Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid does a great job of bringing two worlds together – offering daily usability and the ability to deliver an engaging drive when called upon.

2023 Mercedes Benz G63 AMG

Via Cnet

Specifications

• MSRP: $179,600 USD /  $245,691 CAD
• Engine: 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8
• Power / Torque: 577 hp/  627 lb-ft
• Transmission: AWD
• 0-60 mph: 3.9 seconds
• Fuel Economy: 13 MPG (City) /  16 MPG (Highway)
• Basic Warranty: 4 years /  50,000 miles (80,000 km)

Our Take

Little has changed about the design profile of the G63. However, the boxy performance SUV in its current guise is chocked full of tech wizardry and loads of power that make it a formidable challenger in the Performance SUV segment. Toss in the G63 AMG’s build quality, tech load out and off-road capabilities, and you’ve got yourself a well-rounded performance SUV.

2023 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio

Via MotorTrend

Specifications

• MSRP: $82,040 USD /  $112,230 CAD
• Engine: 2.9-litre turbocharged V6
• Power / Torque: 505 hp /  443 lb-ft
• Transmission: AWD
• 0-60 mph: 3.6 seconds
• Fuel Economy: 17 MPG (City) /  23 MPG (Highway)
• Basic Warranty: 4 years /  50,000 miles (80,000 km)

Our Take

The Quadrifoglio is the performance-focused trim of the Stelvio SUV. Backing up that designation is an adaptive suspension and a sweetly tuned chassis that transforms the Stelvio into a performance beast that handles itself better than some modern sports cars. Its stylish looks and lively exhaust notes are also bonus points that elevate the Alfa Romeo SUV’s status as a serious performance vehicle.

2023 Ferrari Purosangue

Via Autoexpress

Specifications

• MSRP: $402,050 USD /  $550,000 CAD
• Engine: 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12
• Power / Torque: 715 hp /  528 lb-ft
• Transmission: AWD
• 0-60 mph: 3.3 seconds
• Fuel Economy: 12 MPG (City) /  16 MPG (Highway)
• Basic Warranty: 3 years /  Unlimited mileage

Our Take

Ferrari was late to the SUV party but the Italian carmaker did announce its arrival in a big way with the Purosangue – a vehicle Ferrari adamantly describes as an FUV (Ferrari Utility Vehicle). First off, the Purosangue packs a naturally aspirated V12 powertrain, something that’s lacking in most of the other performance SUVs. It’s enough to set the Purosangue apart from the competition, but then there’s also the nicely balanced ride, cutting-edge tech and superb handling. It’s one of the most exclusive performance SUVs for sale today.