It’s clear that the appeal of the fast SUV is a real one: most brands now offer performance-focused takes on the humble people-mover and off-roader. It appears that we want our cake and indeed would like to eat it. SUVs offer dependable and safe transport with the comfort and benefits of a higher ride height. Many models are practical and useful. A wide range of SUVs and crossovers also throw in all-wheel drive, either standard or usually as an option. A Dodge Durango R/T, powered by a 5.7-liter Hemi V8, is an appealing option for the family man or woman in a hurry — it can hit 60 mph in 6.2 seconds. However, a Durango with this V8 sets you back $50,000. The models below are all comfortably cheaper than a ‘Rango R/T, and most of them could beat one in a 0–60 mph dash.
To provide you with the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data and specifications used to compile this article were sourced from various manufacturers. For acceleration times, times were collated from trusted outlets and road tests widely available. Please note that real-world results may vary based on vehicle condition, environmental factors, and driver skill. This list is intended for entertainment purposes only.
2025 Kia Seltos SX Turbo
0-60 MPH Time: 6.9 seconds
- Base Trim Engine
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2L I4 ICE
- Base Trim Transmission
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CVT
- Base Trim Drivetrain
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All-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
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146 HP @6200 RPM
- Base Trim Torque
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132 lb.-ft. @ 4500 RPM
- Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)
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27/31/29 MPG
- Make
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Kia
- Model
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Seltos
- Segment
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Subcompact SUV
The Kia Seltos is a competitive crossover that goes up against stiff competition like the Hyundai Kona, Mazda CX-30, and Chevrolet Trax, and comes out swinging. This model is cheap, too, starting at around $24,000. Still, the fastest way to 60 mph is the 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that swaps out the 2.0-liter naturally aspirated unit with 146 horsepower for one with 190 horses. Doing so requires the flagship SX trim that costs $31,000.
There’s a lot to like about this reasonably quick crossover – all-wheel drive is standard with the turbo engine and available on other trims. There is also an automatic transmission paired with the punchier engine, instead of the CVT. A host of options is available across the range that includes luxury items like a power liftgate, heated and powered seats, and wireless smartphone charging.
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2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250
0-60 MPH Time: 6.8 seconds
- Engine
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2.0-Liter Inline-Four Hybrid
- Transmission
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8-Speed Automatic
- Horsepower
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221 HP
- Torque
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258 LB-FT
- Driveline
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FWD | AWD
- Model
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GLA-Class
A pricier option, the Mercedes-Benz GLA is the brand’s smallest and cutest crossover SUV, sitting below the GLB in the lineup and starting at $41,500. Cute doesn’t mean pedestrian, though, and thanks to the entry-level GLA 250’s 221 horses and a substantial 258 pound-feet, it can knock on the door of 60 mph in 6.8 seconds — the 4MATIC version can hit 60 in two-tenths of a second less. Enthusiasts may also find the AMG-branded AMG GLA 35 appealing with its 300-horsepower engine and a 5-second 0-60 mph time, but it costs nearly $60,000.
The GLA competes in the luxury arena with strong rivals such as the Audi Q3, BMW X1, and the XC40 from Volvo. Mercedes-Benz’s GLA stands out for its premium interior and refinement, like the other rivals in its class, while its badge carries a strong appeal. Downsides include a higher purchase price and the options list, which further bumps up the MSRP.
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2025 Lincoln Corsair Reserve
0-60 MPH Time: 6.1 seconds
- Base Trim Engine
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2L I4 ICE
- Base Trim Transmission
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8-speed automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
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Front-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
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250 HP @5500 RPM
- Base Trim Torque
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280 lb.-ft. @ 3000 RPM
- Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)
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22/30/25 MPG
- Make
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Lincoln
- Model
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Corsair
- Segment
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Compact Luxury SUV
$40,000 is luxury brand territory, and indeed, this price nets us the Lincoln Corsair—a soon-to-be-departed compact SUV based on the Ford Escape. It is the smallest ship in the Lincoln fleet and comes with just one engine option: a four-cylinder, 2.0-liter turbocharged unit. It’s a feisty mill, providing a competitive output and an average combined fuel economy of up to 25 MPG, the latter figure achieved when equipped with all-wheel drive instead of the optional four-wheel drive.
Reserve trims ($47,000) add even more luxury and features, including premium perforated leather seats, an upgraded Revel audio system, larger wheels, an automatic tailgate, and much more. There is an available Jet Appearance package and an even more expensive Grand Touring trim for those who are still left feeling wanting. Rather than hedging its bets on luxury and dynamics like the Porsche Macan, the Corsair leans more towards cosseting on the daily commute — though it can still pick up its skirts and run when needed.
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2025 Mazda CX-5 Carbon Turbo
0-60 MPH Time: 6.0 seconds
- Base Trim Engine
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SKYACTIV-G 2.5L ICE
- Base Trim Transmission
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SKYACTIV-Drive 6-speed automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
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All-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
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187 HP @6000 RPM
- Base Trim Torque
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186 lb.-ft. @ 4000 RPM
- Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)
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23/29/25 MPG
- Base Trim Battery Type
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Lead acid battery
- Make
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Mazda
- Model
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CX-5
Mazda impresses with its refined styling and interior quality, which threatens to push into the class above, although the cheapest trim starts from just $29,000. That modest figure nets a smart compact crossover with all-wheel drive as standard and handling that many reviews have picked out for its sporty feel. The CX-5 gets even better with the turbocharged version of the four-cylinder engine, though, which endows the crossover with the power it craves.
Like other models, such as the Mazda 3, this version of the engine rises to 250 horsepower (256 horses for the CX-5) and a very generous 320 pound-feet, which gives the SUV its impressive turn of speed. Its many trims do ring the final price up quite a bit, but desirable features such as Caturra Brown Nappa leather trims and heated rear seats await those who are willing to pay.
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2026 Ford Escape ST-Line
0-60 MPH Time: 5.8 seconds
- Base Trim Engine
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1.5L EcoBoost I3 ICE
- Base Trim Transmission
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8-speed automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
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Front-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
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180 HP @6000 RPM
- Base Trim Torque
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199 lb.-ft. @ 3000 RPM
- Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)
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27/34/30 MPG
- Base Trim Battery Type
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Lead acid battery
- Make
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Ford
- Model
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Escape
Ford’s Escape is another compact crossover that packs 250 horsepower from its 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine, but we need to upgrade to the ST-Line ‘Select’ model, as base versions use a three-cylinder mill. Adding this also adds standard all-wheel drive, which makes the Escape a reasonably capable SUV to tackle winter, but this is no bucking Bronco built for heavy-duty off-roading. Its acceleration is brisk with this engine and about two seconds faster than the 1.5-liter three-pot-equipped model.
Some reviews cite the lackluster interior quality or driving experience. However, it’s probably perfect for doing the daily fun run. Just not so much for the thrill of driving or basking in luxury. For those who prioritize affordability, predictability, and safety above all, the Escape is a solid all-rounder. The impressive acceleration of the ST-Line model should make overtaking and on-ramp accelerating easier, too.
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2025 Mazda CX-30 Turbo Premium Plus
0-60 MPH Time: 5.8 seconds
- Base Trim Engine
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SKYACTIV-G 2.5L ICE
- Base Trim Transmission
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SKYACTIV-Drive 6-speed automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
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All-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
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191 HP @6000 RPM
- Base Trim Torque
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186 lb.-ft. @ 4000 RPM
- Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)
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26/33/29 MPG
- Base Trim Battery Type
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Lead acid battery
- Make
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Mazda
- Model
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CX-30
The compact Mazda CX-30 (smaller than the CX-5) is a solid and entertaining choice that performs admirably, even when compared to strong rivals. Part of that allure is its high-quality interior, its crisp exterior styling, and agile, sporty handling. Mazda’s powerful engine is also optional here, like other models, endowing the compact crossover with bite to match its capable chassis.
Aside from all its qualities, the CX-30 does have downsides, although there aren’t many. Interior space and practicality are not as much of a focus as some rivals or larger models, and pricing could be an issue: even though the CX-30 is stickered from $26,000, the turbo trims start from $34,000. In any case, a solid choice, even with the naturally aspirated engine.
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2025 BMW X1 xDrive28i
0-60 MPH Time: 5.4 seconds
- Base Trim Engine
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2L I-4 ICE
- Base Trim Transmission
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7-speed auto-shift manual
- Base Trim Drivetrain
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All-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
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241 HP @4500 RPM
- Base Trim Torque
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295 lb.-ft. @ 1500 RPM
- Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)
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24/33/28 MPG
- Base Trim Battery Type
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Lead acid battery
- Make
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BMW
- Model
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X1
There’s a lot to like about the BMW X1, a world where the enthusiast and the practicality-conscious family collide into one seamless luxury compact SUV. A more powerful M-branded version with more than 300 horsepower is available, but to be honest, reviews have picked up on the harsh ride that spoils the base model’s composition and comfort. Besides, the BMW X1 xDrive28i is plenty quick already and costs $43,000 — the M35i adds another $9,000 to the bill at checkout.
Other high points include a raft of features, upscale interior appointments, and generous space inside. It may be BMW’s smallest SUV, but the X1 is all the utility vehicle that most may need.
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