10 Performance SUVS With Sporty Handling In 2025

There was a time when opting for an SUV and all the benefits that came with it, like a raised seating position, extra ground clearance, and the practicality of a tailgate, also came at the cost of sporty dynamics typical of sports cars and low-slung sports sedans. SUVs were built for family-hauling or offroading, hence the popularity of cars like the original Jeep Cherokee and Chevrolet Suburban.

However, times have changed, and there are many SUVs on the market today that deliver a thrilling experience behind the wheel. Anything with a Porsche badge is a safe bet – SUVs are the German performance marque’s top sellers – but there are other options too, and not all of them are from high-end brands. Here are 10 of the best-handling SUVs available in 2025.

1

Aston Martin DBX707

Starting From $236,000

Aston Martin was late to the SUV game, having only launched the DBX in 2020. However, the two-row midsizer has quickly grown to become Aston Martin’s best-seller, accounting for slightly more than a third of sales in 2024. Plenty of aluminum in the construction, including for the suspension components, helps keep the curb weight below 5,000 pounds, and a rear-biased all-wheel-drive system helps ensure power is put to the ground in a fun way.

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For the 2025 model year, Aston Martin did away with entry-level trims and left only the flagship DBX707 – or the model with the “full beans,” as the Brits say. Standard on the model are three-chamber air suspension, adaptive dampers with separate tuning for rebound and compression, and active anti-roll bars at both ends. Aston Martin also added a new suspension control module with the 2025 update that makes the active components of the suspension react faster.

2

Audi RS Q8

Starting From $136,200

The Audi RS Q8 is getting long in the tooth, having been on the market since 2018. However, that doesn’t mean it can’t keep up with the latest crop of performance SUVs, as the RS Q8 Performance flagship model launched for the 2025 model year is the current record holder for Nürburgring lap times when it comes to production SUVs. Audi development driver Frank Stippler managed to set a time of 7:36.698 during an official attempt in mid-2024.

The RS Q8’s twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 delivers plenty of performance on the straights, and when it comes to the twisty stuff, the RS Q8 benefits from an adaptive suspension system consisting of air springs and dampers tuned specifically for the model. To further shore up the handling, features like active roll stabilization and carbon-ceramic brake rotors (standard on the RS Q8 Performance) are included. All-wheel drive with a differential that splits drive torque between the rear wheels, in addition to between the axles, is also part of the setup.

3

BMW X6 M Competition

Starting From $133,275

The BMW X6 M and its more practical X5 M sibling have traditionally been the benchmark when it comes to performance midsize SUVs, and the latest generation – which comes exclusively in Competition guise- is no exception. In addition to stout performance from a twin-turbocharged V-8 engine, the SUVs also deliver sharp handling thanks to standard all-wheel drive and sport-tuned suspension.

The X6 M Competition was last updated for the 2024 model year, with a particular focus on further improving handling. Among the changes were increased rigidity via a large shear panel and model-specific underfloor struts, modified toe-in values at the rear axle to deliver improved agility at high speeds, and a new traction control system referred to as near-actuator wheel slip limitation. BMW said it makes corrective inputs up to 10 times faster than the previous system, helping to improve handling at the limit.

4

Ferrari Purosangue

Starting From $428,686

It wasn’t long ago that the idea of a Ferrari SUV was sacrilege, yet the Purosangue, whose name in Italian translates to “thoroughbred,” has proven to be a hit, with Ferrari selling every example it can build. The Purosangue, launched in 2023, is unique in the SUV world in that it packs a V12 engine, positioned low and in a front-midship layout to help deliver a low center of gravity and near-perfect 49:51 weight distribution. Carbon fiber is also used for the roof to further lower the center of gravity, while weight is kept in check thanks to aluminum construction. Ferrari quotes a weight of 4,480 pounds, though that’s a dry figure.

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An all-wheel-drive system with torque vectoring comes standard and is paired with rear-wheel steering to provide stability and agility at both high and low speeds. The Purosangue also rides on an advanced suspension system that uses Multimatic active dampers. These rely on electric motors to precisely control the level of damping and eliminate the need for anti-roll bars or separate systems for ride height adjustment.

5

Hyundai Ioniq 5 N

Starting From $66,200

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is the first fully electric vehicle on our list, and it certainly deserves this spot. The N version of Hyundai’s compact electric crossover doesn’t just sport a flashy body kit and extra power. When it comes to handling, the Ioniq 5 N’s suspension has been completely reworked compared to the standard model. Upgrades include reinforced components and larger adaptive dampers. Structural rigidity has also been improved with the addition of 42 extra welds and nearly seven feet of supplementary structural adhesive, resulting in approximately 11% greater stiffness.

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There are software features designed to make handling more exciting, too, like the N Torque Distribution system, which works with an electronic limited-slip differential to optimize power delivery between the rear wheels. N Drift Optimizer and Torque Kick Drift functions also help you look like a drifting pro by encouraging the vehicle to initiate controlled slides.

6

Kia EV6 GT

Starting From $65,275

The Kia EV6 GT is the corporate cousin of the Ioniq 5 N, and updates for the 2025 model year bring its performance closer in line with that of the Hyundai. Chief among the upgrades is a power boost to 601 hp as standard, with a temporary peak of 641 hp when using the vehicle’s GT mode, which is up from the original’s 576 hp.

Like the Ioniq 5 N, the EV6 GT also benefits from an electronic limited-slip differential that optimizes torque distribution between the rear wheels, enhancing control through the corners. The GT Drive Mode fine-tunes the vehicle’s systems for sharper responsiveness, while a dedicated Drift Mode is also present to deliver controlled oversteer by sending more power to the rear wheels.

7

Lamborghini Urus SE

Starting From $258,636

Lamborghini overhauled the Urus for the 2025 model year and added the plug-in hybrid Urus SE flagship in the process. The electrified Raging Bull pairs the Urus’ familiar twin-turbocharged V-8 with a single electric motor, with the combined output sent to all four wheels via a standard all-wheel-drive system. The Urus was already a sharp handler, but updates include a centrally located torque-vectoring system with an electro-hydraulic multi-plate clutch, which Lamborghini says is better equipped to precisely split the drive torque between the front and rear axles. The system also works with a new electronic limited-slip differential on the rear axle to further aid handling.

Handling has been further refined through updated tuning of the air suspension, while Pirelli has crafted a custom set of P Zero Elect tires specifically for the SUV. Elect denotes Pirelli’s line of tires engineered for electrified vehicles, utilizing specialized rubber compounds that can withstand the added torque and mass typical of hybrid and electric models. These tires are also designed with lower rolling resistance in mind, contributing to improved efficiency and extended driving range.

8

Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E Performance

Starting From $86,050

Mercedes-AMG drew a lot of flak for ditching the V8 engine in its latest C 63 and GLC 63 models, opting instead for a plug-in hybrid powertrain built around a four-cylinder engine. While the V8’s emotional appeal is certainly missed in the latest AMG compacts, there’s no denying the performance is up. Peak output stands at 671 hp, and that power can be delivered where it’s needed thanks to an all-wheel-drive system combined with a powerful electric motor at the rear axle.

To further aid handling, the GLC 63 plug-in hybrid – officially the GLC 63 S E Performance – features adaptive dampers, active rear-wheel steering, and active roll stabilization. This last feature uses an actuator to help minimize body roll. The actuator sits in the middle of the anti-roll bar and, depending on the conditions, will split the bar for a supple ride or join it to deliver the firmer response required for spirited driving. This setup also improves comfort when driving in a straight line, as vibrations from bumps on one side of the road can be balanced out.

9

Mini John Cooper Works Countryman

Starting From $46,900

A sharp-handling SUV doesn’t have to cost a fortune, as Mini’s John Cooper Works Countryman demonstrates. The compact crossover was redesigned for the 2025 model year, along with the rest of the Countryman lineup, and can be had for under $50,000. While it has grown in size compared to previous generations, it still manages to deliver the sporty driving feel Minis are renowned for, though don’t expect the legendary go-kart feel of the smaller Coopers.

Aiding the vehicle’s handling is a sport-tuned suspension with adaptive dampers, as well as a standard all-wheel-drive system and upgraded Brembo brake calipers clamping down on large rotors. A dedicated Go-Kart Mode adds more heft to the steering feel, while also sharpening throttle response and making the turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 sound meatier.

10

Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT

Starting From $205,900

The Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT is a twin under the skin to the RS Q8 mentioned above, and was the previous record holder for production SUVs at the Nürburgring, until the RS Q8 Performance knocked it off the top last year. The Turbo GT comes exclusively with the sleeker Cayenne Coupe body style and tips the scales at just over 5,000 pounds.

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To ensure the Turbo GT handles better than any other Cayenne variant, Porsche ticked all the boxes when it came to the Cayenne’s chassis upgrades – and then tuned all of those upgrades specifically for the Turbo GT. The result are unique settings for the active dampers, power steering, and rear-wheel steering, as well as extra stiffness for the standard air springs. The front wheels also get increased negative camber, which helps improve agility through corners.

This list is far from exhaustive, but the above are the cream of the crop. Other worthy mentions include:

• Porsche Macan GTS
• Macan Turbo Electric
• Cadillac Lyriq-V
• Land Rover Range Rover Sport SV

Sources: Porsche, Aston Martin, Audi, BMW, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Mini