10 Affordable Used Performance SUVs You Can Buy For Half The Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat’s Price

Performance SUVs are a dime a dozen these days. They represent the fusion of practicality and the heart-pounding thrill of sports car performance. From premium interior amenities to ferocious engines capable of taking on the drag strip, these vehicles appeal to drivers who want it all: speed, power, comfort, and style.

Over the years, manufacturers have pushed the limits with these machines, delivering nameplates that rival traditional performance cars in terms of horsepower and acceleration. At the top of this high-octane list is the Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat. With a price tag north of nearly $100,000, it’s an impressive but costly choice. But what really is special about the Durango SRT Hellcat that makes it a compelling buy?

The Mighty Durango SRT Hellcat

Often regarded as a muscle car disguised as an SUV, the Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat is one hell of a machine. At the heart of this beast is a supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V8 engine pumping out a staggering 710 horsepower and 645 lb-ft of torque. This incredible power propels the Durango SRT Hellcat from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds, making it one of the quickest SUVs on the planet. With all-wheel drive as standard, it handles surprisingly well for its size and weight, even on a snowy rally stage.

This high-performance SUV isn’t just about speed – it’s also packed with luxury features. You get a cabin with leather-trimmed seats, a 10.1-inch Uconnect infotainment system, and a host of safety technologies. The $95,995 MSRP for the 2024 model year isn’t unwarranted, but it does put it out of reach for many enthusiasts. Dodge has confirmed a 2025 Durango lineup with the SRT Hellcat topping the range with pricing still undisclosed, but there’s little chance of the model being cheaper.

If a performance SUV is what you’re looking for, we’ve listed several used examples out there that might satiate your cravings. Even better, they’re just half the money you’ll spend on a Durango SRT Hellcat.

Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC 63 S (X253)

$42,000 – $48,000

The newer Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 is powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder and electricity, but its predecessor, the X253 AMG GLC 63 S, is one heck of a machine, benefiting from the raw grunt of a twin-turbo V8 powertrain. Producing up to 503 hp and 516 lb-ft, the power is sent to all four wheels via the brand’s 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. It can sprint to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds, housed in a luxurious package of sleek infotainment system, leather upholstery, and a spacious interior. It’s a performance SUV with a big personality, with used examples selling right now for as low as $42,000.

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Jaguar F-Pace SVR

$37,000 – $48,000

The Jaguar F-Pace SVR brings British sophistication and brute force to the performance SUV segment. Its 5.0-liter supercharged V8 produces 542 hp and a throaty exhaust note that’s pure music to gearheads. With a 0-60 mph time of 3.8 seconds, it’s quick enough to satisfy adrenaline junkies without scrimping out on interior amenities and luxuries. The British marque retired the nameplate this year with a celebratory model and a more powerful SVR 575 variant, but used examples are still an attractive buy, ranging from $37,000 to $48,000 depending on the model year and mileage.

We doubt we’ll ever see anything like it again if you look at Jag’s new marketing strategies.

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Audi SQ7

$37,000 – $47,500

The Audi SQ7 is a tech-laden performance SUV with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 500 hp. While not as powerful as the full-fledged RS Q8, the SQ7 combines blistering acceleration (0-60 mph in less than 4.3 seconds) with Audi’s signature Quattro all-wheel-drive system for superb handling in all conditions. Inside, the SQ7 boasts a modern and luxurious cabin featuring Audi’s Virtual Cockpit, a Bang & Olufsen sound system, and high-quality materials throughout. It’s the perfect choice for those who want performance without sacrificing refinement. It received a refresh this year, but older versions with low mileage sell for up to $47,500 right now.

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Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio

$35,000 – $48,000

The Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio blends Italian elegance and raw power. Powered by a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 engine that delivers 505 hp, it rockets from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds. The Stelvio’s lightweight chassis and precise steering make it a joy to drive on twisty roads or the open highway. While it doesn’t offer as much cargo space as some competitors, its focus on driving dynamics and premium cabin materials makes it a standout choice for enthusiasts. Unfortunately, the revered four-clover nameplate is on its way out. Depending on the model year, you’ll find examples priced at around $35,000, with newer ones priced at $48,000.

Maserati Levante (Modena)

$32,000 – $48,000

And on to another Italian SUV, the Maserati Levante is also a head-turner, available in various powertrain configurations. While used examples of the V8-powered Modena S and Trofeo models are hard to come by under $50,000, the mid-level Modena offers above average performance at a lower price tag. Powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 making 424 hp, it offers a smooth and sporty drive while inside a cabin adorned with fine leather and an upscale atmosphere. It’s the most powerful on this list, but it’s an interesting option, considering some examples are selling right now for as low as $32,000.

Porsche Cayenne Turbo

$30,000 – $47,000

The Porsche Cayenne Turbo proves that SUVs can deliver sports car-like performance. Its 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 generates 541 hp, propelling it from 0 to 60 mph in under 3.9 seconds when equipped with the Sport Chrono Pacakage. Its interior is pure Porsche, with high-quality materials, intuitive controls, and a driver-focused layout. It also offers impressive handling for an SUV, with the top-spec models setting lap records at the Nürburgring. It’s hard to fathom that you can get a Cayenne Turbo for half the price of a Durango SRT Hellcat, but the cheapest we’ve seen is $30,000 for a 2017 model with over 113,000 miles on the clock. Not bad.

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Land Rover Range Rover (L405 SV Autobiography)

$25,000 – $48,000

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a fifth-generation Land Rover Range Rover in its top-spec powertrain configuration in the used car market that fits our criteria. However, its predecessor, the L405 in SV Autobiography, is just as exciting as the newer ones. Few SUVs balance off-road prowess with luxury as well as the Range Rover, but its supercharged 5.0-liter V8 delivers 557 hp, offering brisk acceleration and plenty of power for tackling tough terrain. Inside, the Range Rover features premium materials and advanced tech, with some 2017 examples only being sold for $25,000 right now. You need some serious money to take care of this car, however.

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Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT

$16,000 – $48,000

The Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT has left the lineup in its latest fifth-generation iteration, but it is still the spiritual predecessor to the Durango SRT Hellcat, combining Jeep’s legendary off-road capability with high-performance driving dynamics. It’s powered by a naturally aspirated 6.4-liter Hemi V8 with 470 hp, allowing a sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, providing plenty of thrills even for an old car. There are plenty of examples for sale in the used car market right now, with some high-mileage going as low as $16,000. Newer and more pristine ones sell for as high as $48,000.

BMW X5 M (F85)

$15,000 – $46,000

The latest BMW X5 M is the most powerful version of the midsize Sports Activity Vehicle, but used examples of this nameplate don’t meet our criteria yet. However, its predecessor, the F85 X5 M, is still an attractive option if you’re looking for a performance model with a German lineage. Under the hood, the F85 X5 M is powered by a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 that cranks out 567 hp, launching this SUV from 0 to 60 mph in under 4.2 seconds. BMW’s signature handling dynamics make the X5 M a blast to drive, while its spacious and luxurious interior ensures comfort for all passengers. It’s a true jack-of-all-trades model that can set you back as low as $15,000 or as high as $46,000, depending on the model year and mileage.

BONUS: 2004 Subaru Forester STI

$45,880

The Durango SRT Hellcat may have a supercharged V8 under its hood, but a JDM-only STI version of the Subaru Forester will always tug our heartstrings. And as it happens, a relatively low-mileage example is currently posted on eBay, priced at $45,880 – well within this list’s budget. Talk about a wildcard.

The Subaru Forester STI is completely different from the models here, in a sense that it shares its DNA with the rally-bred WRX STI. Powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter boxer engine, it produces 261 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, sent to all fours via Subaru’s legendary symmetrical all-wheel drivetrain. This vehicle is a rare sight these days, with this particular example further improved with Koyo water tank, Tomei header, full custom titanium exhaust, carbon fiber driveshaft, and HKS timing belt. This is the epitome of a fun and unique SUV, and we’ll gladly take this over any of the cars here, even if it hardly counts as an SUV anymore.

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