Right here in america, we get pleasure from energy virtually as a lot as we like our SUVs. Fortunately, we’ve acquired loads of each. Historically, essentially the most highly effective SUVs supply their huge horsepower and torque from some type of a V8. Whereas that’s nonetheless usually the case, electrification comes into play increasingly, whether or not it’s mild-hybrid tech, a plug-in hybrid powertrain or, as is the case with the 2 automobiles topping this record, absolutely electrical automobiles. As we enter the 2022 mannequin yr, let’s take a look at essentially the most highly effective SUVs obtainable.
Earlier than we dive in, let’s deal with the elephant that’s ready simply exterior the door. Attributable to provide shortages, Mercedes-Benz is shelving most V8 fashions for the 2022 mannequin yr. Some 2021 fashions can nonetheless be present in seller inventories, however we received’t embody them. With that in thoughts, let’s dive into the record.
2022 Audi RS Q8 — 591 hp
Learn our evaluation of the Audi RS Q8
The one Audi on this record is a sizzling little quantity, which we characterised as “an uncompromising choice in a subject of compromised choices.” Powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 (which appears to be a preferred 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
Learn our evaluation of the Rolls-Royce Cullinan
That is one SUV the place being a passenger could be extra thrilling than sitting within the driver’s seat, because of over-the-top luxurious — what do you anticipate from a automobile that prices over $350,000? The driving force doesn’t go unrewarded, although, with a turbocharged 6.75-liter V12 at their disposal. Due to the Black Badge’s software program improve, it makes 592 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque.
2022 BMW Alpina XB7 — 612 hp
Learn our evaluation of the BMW Alpina XB7
Alpina takes already spectacular BMW automobiles 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
Learn our evaluation 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 bundle. They’ll do 0-60 in 3.7 seconds, and go on to a high velocity of 177 miles per hour. The Competitors bundle additionally consists of particular wheels with efficiency tires, a sport exhaust, sport seats and distinctive M-striped seatbelts, together with another look upgrades.
2022 Bentley Bentayga Velocity — 626 hp
Learn extra concerning the Bentley Bentayga Velocity
When eight cylinders isn’t sufficient, Bentley has you lined. The Bentayga Velocity’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
Learn our evaluation of the Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT
This isn’t the one Porsche on this record, however it’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 bundle, 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
Learn our evaluation of the Lamborghini Urus
Lamborghini lastly caved and made an SUV, however it 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 best way 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
Learn our evaluation 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 because of 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 may well go as much as 83 mph utilizing simply the e-motor. Like several Porsche with “Turbo” within the title, it’s pricey, with a beginning worth of $166,650 together with vacation spot.
2022 Rivian R1S — ‘Extra then 800 hp’
Learn our evaluation of the Rivian R1T
The latest 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 proper 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 gives 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 it’s worthwhile to go?
2022 Tesla Mannequin X Plaid — 1,020 hp
Learn extra concerning the Tesla Mannequin X
This bonkers EV is the one automobile on this record to interrupt the 1,000-hp threshold … not less than 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 is going to 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? Properly, somebody with $119,990 burning a gap of their pocket, in fact.
