Right here in america, we get pleasure from energy nearly as a lot as we like our SUVs. Fortunately, we’ve received loads of each. Historically, probably the most highly effective SUVs supply their large horsepower and torque from some type of a V8. Whereas that’s nonetheless typically the case, electrification comes into play an increasing number of, whether or not it’s mild-hybrid tech, a plug-in hybrid powertrain or, as is the case with the 2 autos topping this record, totally electric vehicles. As we enter the 2022 mannequin yr, let’s have a look at probably the most highly effective SUVs out there.
Earlier than we dive in, let’s handle the elephant that’s ready simply exterior the door. As a result of provide shortages, Mercedes-Benz is shelving most V8 models for the 2022 model year. Some 2021 fashions can nonetheless be present in dealer inventories, however we received’t embody them. With that in thoughts, let’s dive into the record.
2022 Audi RS Q8 — 591 hp
Read our review of the Audi RS Q8
The one Audi on this record is a scorching little quantity, which we characterised as “an uncompromising possibility in a discipline of compromised choices.” Powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 (which appears to be a well-liked format on this record), its 591 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque get it scootin’ to 60 mph in simply 3.7 seconds, and on to a high velocity of 190 mph. It even has the bragging rights of holding the Nürburgring lap report for an SUV.
2022 Rolls-Royce Cullinan Black Badge — 592 hp
Read our review of the Rolls-Royce Cullinan
That is one SUV the place being a passenger is likely to be extra thrilling than sitting within the driver’s seat, due to over-the-top luxurious — what do you count on from a automobile that prices over $350,000? The motive force doesn’t go unrewarded, although, with a turbocharged 6.75-liter V12 at their disposal. Because of the Black Badge’s software program improve, it makes 592 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque.
2022 BMW Alpina XB7 — 612 hp
Read our review of the BMW Alpina XB7
Alpina takes already spectacular BMW autos and turns them into much more highly effective, extra luxurious machines. The Alpina XB7 improves upon the BMW X7 with a biturbocharged 4.4-liter V8 providing up 612 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. That’s good for a 4.0-second 0-60 dash and a 180-mph high velocity. Alpina additionally provides its personal transmission and drivetrain tuning, upgraded suspension, exhaust and an entire slew of distinctive look touches.
2022 BMW X5 M Competitors and X6 M Competitors — 617 hp
Read our review of the BMW X5 M and X6 M
We’ll lump these two SUVs collectively, as they’re principally the identical automobile with totally different trunk designs. In addition they share a typical beating coronary heart: a turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 making 617 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. That’s 17 extra ponies than the identical M utes with out the Competitors package deal. They’ll do 0-60 in 3.7 seconds, and go on to a high velocity of 177 miles per hour. The Competitors package deal additionally contains particular wheels with efficiency tires, a sport exhaust, sport seats and distinctive M-striped seatbelts, together with another look upgrades.
2022 Bentley Bentayga Pace — 626 hp
Read more about the Bentley Bentayga Speed
When eight cylinders isn’t sufficient, Bentley has you coated. The Bentayga Pace’s turbocharged W12 displaces 6.0 liters, offering 626 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque. A 0-60 spring occurs in 3.8 seconds, and it has a high velocity of 190 mph. It additionally has an opulent inside, and an air suspension with steady damping management to be sure you and your passengers attain extralegal speeds in supreme consolation and luxurious.
2022 Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT — 631 hp
Read our review of the Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT
This isn’t the one Porsche on this record, but it surely’s the one one and not using a plug. The Cayenne Turbo GT’s 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 makes 631 hp and 626 lb-ft of torque. When geared up with the Sport Chrono package deal, it’ll dash to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds and do the quarter mile in 11.6 seconds. Its high velocity is listed at 186 mph. Not too shabby for a automobile that weighs 5,000 kilos.
2022 Lamborghini Urus — 641 hp
Read our review of the Lamborghini Urus
Lamborghini lastly caved and made an SUV, but it surely nonetheless boasts Lamborghini efficiency, with its 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 641 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. After hustling to 62 miles per hour in simply 3.6 seconds, it’ll stretch its legs all the way in which to a high velocity of 190 miles per hour. Price of entry is excessive, too, at about $222,000.
2022 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid — 670 hp
Read our review of Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid
Whereas not a full battery-electric automobile, the Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid’s energy reaches lofty heights due to electrification. Its twin-turbo 4.0-iter V8 and electrical motor mix forces for a complete of 670 hp and 663 lb-ft of torque. The 0-60 dash is achieved in simply 3.6 seconds. Its high velocity is 183 mph, however it could actually go as much as 83 mph utilizing simply the e-motor. Like all Porsche with “Turbo” within the identify, it’s expensive, with a beginning value of $166,650 together with vacation spot.
2022 Rivian R1S — ‘Extra then 800 hp’
Read our review of the Rivian R1T
The most recent mannequin on this record additionally comes from the latest model. Rivian’s electrical SUV shares its underpinnings with the R1T pickup. Rivian says with the right tires, its quad-motor setup offers the R1S a 0-60 time of three seconds. Whereas it’s nonetheless unclear what the online system peak output is, the twin motor unit up entrance offers 415 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque, whereas the rear unit makes 420 hp and 495 lb-ft. Do they peak on the similar time? We don’t know. Does it matter? Most likely not. How briskly do you want to go?
2022 Tesla Mannequin X Plaid — 1,020 hp
Read more about the Tesla Model X
This bonkers EV is the one automobile on this record to interrupt the 1,000-hp threshold … at the least till GMC begins producing the SUV model of its new electrical Hummer. With its three electrical motors pushing it to a 0-60 time of simply 2.5 seconds, it’s additionally the quickest. Tesla says it can do the quarter mile in simply 9.9 seconds, and has a high velocity of 163 miles per hour. Vary is spectacular, too, at 340 miles. Who wants that a lot energy of their SUV? Effectively, somebody with $119,990 burning a gap of their pocket, after all.
