While us petrolheads tend to idolize brands like Porsche and Ferrari for producing some of the most impressive
SUVs performance-wise, their insane price tags hit us with a dose of reality. Unfortunately, speed and agility are often expensive traits, especially when you’re looking for an SUV. However, there are a few options out there that manages to exceed our expectations without totally breaking the bank. These SUVs offer us a great taste of what we desire most: speed. You wouldn’t ever be able to tell just how impressive they are if the only thing you judged them on was their price tags, though. We’ve found what we believe to be ten SUVs across multiple segments that over-deliver when it comes to performance. If you’re a budget-conscious buyer looking to get the most
horsepower for your dollar , these fantastic machines will more than satisfy your craving. In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturers and other authoritative sources. The models below have been ranked based on their starting MSRP. This is an ICE-only list, hybrids and electric SUVs were excluded. These 10 affordable crossovers combine practicality, performance, and premium features, offering exceptional value beyond their price tags.
10 2025 Dodge Hornet
MSRP: $31,400
The Hornet has mostly flown under the radar since it first debuted with the 2023 model year. While it isn't the most spacious or the most practical compact SUV, it is basically a budget version of the Alfa Romeo Tonale. This means it's a cut-price sports SUV tuned for loads of fun.
Performance Specifications
Dodge's Hornet starts this list off strong, with acceleration that is pretty close to an entry-level sports car, with a starting price close to the $30,000 mark. It may not have the handling verve that some of its close rivals can offer, but it is still plenty engaging, and it has
loads of power .
Pros
Cons
9 2025 Mazda CX-30 Turbo
MSRP: $32,940
If you're looking for a subcompact SUV with style, there are few better choices than the
CX-30 . Mazda is clearly aiming to be an entry-level luxury brand, and with vehicles like the CX-30, that goal is well within reach. If you want some added excitement, the Turbo models are definitely the way to go.
Performance Specifications
The turbocharged engine in the CX-30 is outstanding. It produces a ton of horsepower and plenty of torque, helping it
speed from zero to 60 with tons of conviction. Pairing with all this power is a chassis that is better tuned than some far more expensive sports cars.
Pros
Cons
8 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe
MSRP: $34,200
The
Hyundai Santa Fe was recently transformed into a three-row SUV with some obvious styling queues borrowed from Range Rover. It is one of the most affordable SUVs in the mid-size segment, yet still comes
loaded to the brim with features . One thing you wouldn't expect it to be, though, is quick.
Performance Specifications
Despite being thousands of dollars more affordable than other mid-size three-row SUVs, it outpaces almost all of them when you put your foot down. For a mainstream SUV, the Santa Fe moves from a standstill impressively quickly. If only it had the handling prowess to match.
Pros
Cons
The fastest three-row SUVs provide various levels of capability and comfot, and these ten models are some of the best large performance SUVs.
7 Ford Escape ST-Line Elite
MSRP: $36,540
While Ford's Bronco Sport handles the tough stuff, the
Escape aims to rule the streets. It hits all the right notes for budget buyers, with a great list of standard tech features, a spacious cabin, and efficient engines. Opt for the ST-Line model and you'll also be surprised by how fun it can be. Add TopSpeed to your Google News feed.
Performance Specifications
The base powertrain in the Escape is a turbocharged three-cylinder which puts efficiency above fun. However, opt for the ST-Line Elite and you get upgraded to a turbo-four that turns the Escape into something genuinely quick. It also nets you standard all-wheel drive over the base model's front-wheel drive.
Pros
Cons
6 2025 Mazda CX-5 Turbo
MSRP: $37,000
Mazda's CX-5 has been around for some time, with the current iteration being around since 2017. Despite this, its popularity continues to rise, highlighting just how timeless this fantastic crossover really is. Just like the rest of the brand's stable, the CX-5 offers an excellent balance of style, comfort, and fun.
Performance Specifications
While not as potent as it is in the smaller and lighter CX-30, the turbocharged four-cylinder still does plenty of work to keep the CX-5 feeling sharp. Precise steering and excellent levels of agility make it
feel sporty when pushed , yet it still manages to have one of the most composed rides in its segment.
Pros
Cons
5 2025 Nissan Pathfinder
MSRP: $37,070
While the starting prices of most
mid-sized SUVs push closer to the $40,000 mark, the
Nissan Pathfinder still sits a couple of thousand dollars cheaper. The most recent iteration has also managed to reclaim some of the edge that it had lost over the years, with rugged styling and genuine capability.
Performance Specifications
The Pathfinder may not be as sporty as some of the other options on this list, but that doesn't mean it isn't quick. Where others have started making the move towards turbocharged four-cylinders, Nissan holds on to its V-6 for dear life, and thank goodness.
Pros
Cons
The financial situation is dire at Nissan as the company reportedly has 12-14 months "to survive."
4 2025 Ford Bronco Sport Badlands
MSRP: $38,390
While the base
Bronco Sport starts below $30,000, the fully-fledged Badlands model is the way to go if you're looking for performance. While it is over $8,000 more expensive than the base model,
Ford has made sure that you get your money's worth, with tons of additional equipment.
Performance Specifications
The Badlands model comes fitted with all-terrain tires, a suspension lift, and dampers better tuned for off-roading, and it still manages to hit 60 miles per hour in under six seconds. This is thanks to its
upgraded turbo-four . For those who don't want to spend Bronco money, its little sibling is capable of offering more than enough performance for the average person.
Pros
Cons
3 2025 Ford Explorer
MSRP: $39,755
The
Explorer is Ford's larger mid-size offering, coming fitted with a standard third row of seats. While its main appeal is its family-focused interior, laid out with plenty of practical features, it is also surprisingly quick.
Performance Specifications
The base powertrain in the Ford Explorer is plenty feisty for those looking to spice up their daily commute. It rockets the heavy SUV from a standstill to 60 miles per hour. If you want to extend your budget, there is also an optional
400-horsepower twin-turbocharged V-6 on offer.
Pros
Cons
2 2025 BMW X1
MSRP: $40,950
The
X1 sometimes gets dismissed as the poor man's BMW. However, the only thing it is really lacking is size. In every other way, the X1 is as much a BMW as the rest of the lineup. With a starting price of $40,000, it actually offers an enormous amount of equipment and loads of excitement to match.
Performance Specifications
Luxury interior appointments aside, the X1's performance is enough to justify its price tag. The base 28i features an overachieving four-cylinder and the X1's chassis is perfect for twisty roads. While
the M35i features more horsepower, it isn't that much quicker, and we think the 28i is the way to go.
Pros
Cons
Discover the most reliable BMW SUV of 2024, blending exceptional engineering, durability, and luxury for an unmatched driving experience.
1 2025 Genesis GV70
MSRP: $45,700
Genesis has taken the luxury segment by storm. The GV70 shows how the brand is capable of undercutting its competition by thousands of dollars
without compromising on comfort or performance in any way. It is one of the most affordable compact luxury SUVs as well as one of the most enjoyable.
Performance Specifications
The Genesis comes with one of the most impressive turbo-fours in the industry, delivering excellent power and pushing the luxury SUV to 60 miles an hour at an impressive rate. If you want more, you can instead opt for the 3.5-liter turbocharged V-6 which delivers 375 horsepower and motivates the GV70 to 60 miles per hour in 4.6 seconds.
Pros
Cons
