The SUV has seen dramatic changes over the last decade. For the better part of its history, the sport utility vehicle really took on the same characteristics as trucks. Often built on the same assembly line, the only real different between the SUV and its truck brethren usually was the top over the bed, a full second row (and not just a smaller super cab) and a few design alterations. The Ford Bronco had the same basic build and engine as the Ford F-150, and even the Bronco II shared design elements of the Ranger. GMC’s Jimmy and the Dodge Ramcharger followed the same suit. However, times have changed. Many SUVs are now actually built on the same line as sedans, and while designed for comfort, the vehicles pack improved fuel economy and better performance numbers than anything before. For anyone looking to pick up a race ready SUVs in the 2015 model year, here is a list of the top performers in terms of sheer speed. By the way, here is some information about what does suv stand for.
Ford Explorer Sport
The Ford Explorer is a nice entry into the fastest SUV list. It uses a V-6 to produce 365 horsepower and 350 pound feet of torque while hitting 60 in 5.9 seconds.
Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG
One of the fastest SUV models early on the list, this V-8 engine SUV uses 536 horsepower and 560 pound feet of torque to hit 60 in 5.3 seconds.
Audi SQ5
Many of these top vehicles are more or less supercharged sedans with a slightly higher clearance. The vehicle is on the list of fastest SUV models with a V-6 engine that produces 354 horsepower and 346 pound feet of torque, allowing it to hit 60 mph in 5.1 seconds.
2015 BMW X5 xDrive50i
It might not receive as much credit as the other BMW on this list, but it does sport a V-8 that pushes out 445 horsepower and 480 pound feet of torque to hit 60 MPH in 4.9 seconds.
Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT
To start out the list of the fastest SUV on the market today comes the Jeep Grand Cherokee. It comes loaded with a V-8 engine that puts out 470 horsepower and 465 pound feet of torque. All of this allows you to reach 60 miles per hour in 4.8 seconds. As Jeep is one of the original creators of the SUV, it only makes sense it would have the top spot on the 2015 list.
Mercedes-Benz ML65 AMG
Mercedes knows how to pump out well performing vehicles and the ML63 is of no exception. This vehicle actually is more powerful than the top spot, but due to a few internal lacking, it isn’t able to hold up as long as the Jeep. This offering provides a V-8 engine that puts out 518 horsepower and 516 pound feet of torque, allowing you to reach 60 miles per hour in 4.7 seconds.
Land Rover Range Rover Sport Supercharged
As one of the fastest SUV models on the market, the British Range Rover (which is actually now owned by an Indian automotive company) does not produce all that many vehicles, but the few it does are all excellent performance vehicles. This vehicle uses a V-8 engine that puts out 510 horsepower, which can reach 60 miles per hour in 4.6 seconds.
Land Rover Range Rover Supercharged
Similar to the Sport Supercharged, it uses the same engine and, naturally, receives the same basic results, going from 0 to 60 in 4.6 seconds.
2015 BMW X6 M
This sporty SUV really looks like a BMW coupe on steroids. It uses a V-8 that produces an impressive 567 horsepower and 553 pound feet of torque to hit 60 MPH in 4.2 seconds. You probably never thought you’d see those kinds of speed numbers in an SUV, and it is only 7 on the list.
Porsche Cayenne Turbo S
Porsche knows how to make fast cars, so naturally it is going to have a fast SUV. The Cayenne Turbo S uses a twin-turbo V-8 engine that moves 570 horsepower and 590 pound feet of torque. This allows you to hit 60 miles per hour in 3.8 seconds.