Once upon a time, if you wanted a fast car, you bought a sports car. If you needed a practical family wagon, you bought an estate or an MPV. The idea of a single car that could do both – haul the kids and their kit while also delivering supercar-scaring acceleration – seemed like a fantasy. But then came the fast SUV, a genre-bending machine that promised to be the ultimate automotive Swiss Army knife. Now, they're more popular than ever, offering a blend of high-riding visibility, all-weather security, and frankly ludicrous performance.
The game has changed in recent years, too. While thunderous V8 engines once ruled the roost, the electric revolution has brought a new kind of speed. With instant torque and silent, neck-snapping acceleration, electric SUVs are rewriting the performance rulebook. Our list of the best fast SUVs for 2026 reflects this shift, featuring a mix of petrol-powered legends and cutting-edge EVs. Whether you crave the sound and fury of a traditional engine or the futuristic thrust of electric power, there’s a fast SUV here that proves you really can have your cake and eat it.
About this guide
The cars in this guide have been selected to represent the best options currently available. Our recommendations are the result of a unique three-part scoring system that takes into account real-world tests from our team of expert reviewers, ratings from real-life owners who live with these cars every day, and an analysis of market data from CarGurus UK to identify which models offer the highest percentage of good and great deals. This combined approach ensures our list highlights cars that are not only great to own but also good value to buy. For more information, scroll to the bottom of this page.
The Best Fast SUVs for 2026
- 2026 Kia EV6
- 2026 BMW X5
- 2026 Ford Mustang Mach-E
- 2026 Porsche Macan
- 2026 Porsche Cayenne
- 2026 Porsche Macan Electric
- 2026 Aston Martin DBX
- 2026 Cupra Ateca
- 2026 Volvo EX30
- 2026 Polestar 3
1. 2026 Kia EV6
CarGurus expert rating: 5 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 5.0 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 27.5% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.5 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Impressive range and charging speeds | A Skoda Enyaq is roomier and cheaper |
| Luxuriously equipped | Finance deals could be cheaper |
| Usefully wide range of models to suit different budgets and needs | Steering lacks feel |
Don't let the sensible badge fool you; the Kia EV6 has a seriously wild side. While even the standard models are brisk, the all-wheel-drive versions are where the real fun begins, serving up 321bhp for a sports-car-like 0-62mph time of 5.2 seconds. But if you want to truly embarrass supercars at the traffic lights, the flagship EV6 GT is the one to have. It unleashes a colossal 577bhp, hitting 62mph in a mind-boggling 3.5 seconds, all while providing the security of four-wheel drive.
This isn't just a one-trick pony, though. When you're not exploring its explosive performance, the EV6 settles down into a fantastic long-distance cruiser, with a quiet, well-appointed cabin and a comfortable ride. It’s practical, too. The all-wheel-drive models offer a useful 490-litre boot, and there’s even a 20-litre storage space under the bonnet – perfect for stashing charging cables. It’s this incredible breadth of talent that makes the EV6 such a compelling fast SUV.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The EV6 GT is a fitting flagship and a great performance EV, if not quite in the same league as Hyundai's Ioniq 5 N." - Chris Knapman, editorial director
2. 2026 BMW X5
CarGurus expert rating: 5 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 33.0% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.5 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Far more enjoyable to drive than most large SUVs | Not as capable off road as a Land Rover Discovery |
| Brilliant plug-in hybrid version | Petrols in particular are expensive to run |
| Staggering performance of X5 M | Not everyone will take to the styling |
For a large SUV, the X5 is a revelation to drive, feeling more like a high-riding 5 Series saloon than a cumbersome 4x4. It’s impressively agile, with tidy body control and the reassurance of four-wheel drive as standard. If outright pace is your priority, look no further than the V8-powered M models. The M60i offers a mighty 523bhp, but the one you really want is the thunderous X5 M Competition, which unleashes a staggering 626bhp for true supercar-baiting performance.
It’s not all about V8s, though. The plug-in hybrid xDrive50e is a seriously impressive bit of kit, combining a petrol engine and an electric motor to produce a combined 483bhp. That’s still seriously quick, but with the added benefit of up to 64 miles of electric-only range. You do sacrifice a little boot space for the battery, but the 500-litre capacity is still more than enough for most families. It’s a compelling blend of performance and efficiency that’s hard to ignore.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The BMW X5 gets the big stuff right: it’s spacious, properly luxurious and, unlike most large SUVs, genuinely enjoyable to drive. It feels better behind the wheel than rivals such as the Volvo XC90 while remaining easy and refined in everyday use." - Lewis Kingston, contributor
3. 2026 Ford Mustang Mach-E
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 5.0 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 34.2% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.3 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very strong performance | Not as much fun to drive as a Jaguar I-Pace |
| Practical cabin | Firm ride |
| Impressive infotainment system | The interior could be better finished |
Putting the Mustang badge on an electric SUV was a bold move by Ford, but the Mach-E has the performance to silence the sceptics. For those seeking serious speed, the range-topping GT model is a must. Its dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup delivers a mighty 480bhp, launching it from 0-62mph in a blistering 3.7 seconds. Flick it into ‘Untamed’ mode, and the Mach-E sharpens its responses, feeling every bit the performance car its pony badge suggests.
It’s not just about straight-line speed; the Mach-E is also genuinely fun to drive, with impressive grip and a playful character that honours its muscle-car heritage. The trade-off for this engaging handling is a firm ride, though it’s never uncomfortable. While the 402-litre boot isn't the biggest in its class, the Mach-E cleverly claws back practicality points with a 100-litre waterproof 'frunk' under the bonnet – a perfect spot for charging cables or muddy wellies.
The CarGurus Verdict: "There are others that get closer to a true sporting experience, but the Mustang Mach-E still handles with enough engagement and agility that’ll make the long way home more than a little bit fun." - Vicky Parrott, contributing editor
Read our full Ford Mustang Mach-E review
4.2026 Porsche Macan
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.5 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 32.0% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.3 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Superbly made cabin | Tight on rear-seat space |
| Performance and Porsche badge kudos | You can buy more practical SUVs for less |
| Lovely driving dynamics across the board | Option of a diesel engine was dropped in 2018 |
For years, the Porsche Macan has been the benchmark for anyone wanting an SUV that handles like a proper sports car. While the range kicks off with a punchy 2.0-litre four-cylinder, the real magic happens with the twin-turbo V6 models. For the ultimate fast SUV experience, the GTS version is the one to aim for. It packs a formidable 434bhp, launching the Macan from 0-62mph in a blistering 4.3 seconds – a time that would shame supercars from not too long ago.
Where the Macan truly excels is on a twisting B-road. It disguises its weight brilliantly, changing direction with an eagerness that seems to defy physics. The GTS model, with its lowered, stiffened air suspension, offers a level of driver engagement that rivals simply can’t match. This laser-focus on performance does mean a slight compromise on practicality – the 488-litre boot is useful rather than vast, and rear-seat space is a bit snug. But for those who prioritise the thrill of the drive, it’s a sacrifice well worth making.
The CarGurus Verdict: "If you’d like to own one of the fastest and most tenacious SUVs ever to tackle a winding road, the GTS is hard to resist." - Ivan Aistrop, senior editor
Read our full Porsche Macan review
5. 2026 Porsche Cayenne
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.5 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 31.3%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.3 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Brilliant to drive | Divisive styling |
| Tremendous performance | Costly to run |
| Spacious and practical | The smaller Porsche Macan is more agile |
When it comes to fast SUVs, the Porsche Cayenne has long been the benchmark, and this latest generation is no exception. It combines the space and presence of a large SUV with the kind of performance and handling you’d expect from a sports car. Even the entry-level model is quick, but for ultimate bragging rights, the Turbo E-Hybrid combines a twin-turbo V8 with an electric motor to unleash a staggering 729bhp, rocketing it from 0-62mph in just 3.7 seconds. It’s not just about straight-line speed; the Cayenne attacks corners with a zeal that defies its size, thanks to quick steering, immense grip, and sophisticated suspension that keeps the body flat and controlled.
Yet, for all its performance credentials, the Cayenne hasn't forgotten it's an SUV. It’s a hugely practical and family-friendly machine, with a vast 770-litre boot in standard models that can swallow everything you could throw at it. Even the high-performance E-Hybrid model offers a very usable 645 litres of space. When you’re not exploring the car’s performance, it settles down into a refined and relaxed cruiser, with a supple ride and a quiet cabin that makes long journeys effortless. It’s this incredible breadth of talent that makes the Cayenne such a compelling choice.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The Porsche Cayenne is a very talented upmarket SUV; it’s rewarding to drive, it’s quick, it’s spacious and it’s easy to live with." - Lewis Kingston, contributor
Read our full Porsche Cayenne review
6. 2025 Porsche Macan Electric
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 3.9 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 32.4% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.2 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Brilliant to drive | Predictably expensive |
| Lovely interior | Lots of equipment is optional |
| Good range and fast charging | More powerful versions are even pricier |
The Porsche Macan Electric is here to prove that SUVs can be seriously fast. Built on the advanced ‘Premium Platform Electric’ (PPE) architecture, it delivers staggering performance. The top-of-the-range Turbo model unleashes a mighty 631bhp, rocketing it from 0-62mph in a blistering 3.3 seconds. Even the more sensible Macan 4 version offers a potent 403bhp for a 5.2-second sprint, which is more than enough to thrill on any B-road. This performance is backed by ultra-rapid 270kW charging, meaning you can top up the battery almost as quickly as the car accelerates.
Porsche hasn't just focused on straight-line speed; the Macan Electric is a joy to drive. It strikes a fantastic balance between precision handling and everyday comfort, making it a true all-rounder. The steering is responsive, the body control is superb, and it feels far nimbler than you'd expect for an SUV. Despite its sporting credentials, it’s also practical, with a beautifully finished interior and a useful 540-litre boot. It’s a car that delivers the pace and fun of a sports car with the usability that modern families demand.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Of all the other electric sports SUVs out there, the Porsche Macan is the best for balance of usability, pace and fun." - Ivan Aistrop, senior editor
Read our full Porsche Macan Electric review
7. 2026 Aston Martin DBX
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: Insufficient user reviews Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 37.3% Overall CarGurus rating: 3.8 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Exceptional ride and handling | No hybrid or electric versions |
| Colossal performance | Dated infotainment and borrowed switchgear |
| Surprisingly capable in off-road driving | Not as fast as a Lamborghini Urus |
The DBX is far more than just a tall car with an Aston Martin badge on the front; it’s a true Aston through and through. It drives the way an SUV from the legendary British brand should, with a 707bhp 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 in the 707 model providing a wonderful blend of brutal power and surprising refinement. By developing an entirely new platform for the DBX, Aston Martin has created a car that is both thrillingly fast and beautifully balanced to drive.
Beyond the blistering pace, the DBX also delivers on the 'utility' part of the SUV brief. It trumps most rivals on boot space, with a hefty 632 litres available, and there’s ample room for five occupants. The interior is a feast of soft leather and premium materials, though some of the switchgear is borrowed from Mercedes-Benz, which slightly dilutes the exclusive feel. Thanks to clever chassis tech, it can switch from a responsive sports car to a comfortable long-distance cruiser at the flick of a switch.
The CarGurus Verdict: "By creating a bespoke platform for the DBX – a costly and resource-hungry exercise – the company has produced the most rewarding and engaging car of its type. The DBX wouldn’t be a true Aston Martin if those adjectives did not apply, no matter that it’s an SUV." - Dan Prosser, car reviewer
Read our full Aston Martin DBX review
8. 2026 Cupra Ateca
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: Insufficient user reviews Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 33.3% Overall CarGurus rating: 3.8 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Terrifically quick in a straight line | Not as rewarding as a lower-slung hot hatch |
| Four-wheel drive copes well with the Cupra's power | More expensive to run than a mainstream Ateca |
| Just as practical as a regular Ateca | Costs almost as much to buy new as a Porsche Macan |
The Cupra Ateca is the ultimate sleeper. It takes the sensible, practical SEAT Ateca family SUV and injects it with the heart of a VW Golf R. The result is a 296bhp, four-wheel-drive missile that can launch from 0-62mph faster than a Porsche 718 Boxster. It’s the very definition of a wolf in sheep’s clothing, and it was the perfect car to launch Cupra as a standalone performance brand.
Select 'Cupra' driving mode and the car transforms, with sharper responses and a more aggressive soundtrack, feeling impressively agile for a high-riding SUV. Yet, what impresses most is its sheer breadth of talent. One minute it’s a comfortable and refined daily driver, the next it’s delivering startling acceleration and grip on a favourite back road. Better yet, it doesn’t skimp on practicality, serving up a 485-litre boot that’ll happily swallow the family holiday luggage.
The CarGurus Verdict: "It's great fun to drive in a loutish, unruly kind of way. Just don't be duped into getting yourself one of the later versions with less powerful engines and watered-down performance: we see very little point to these." - Ivan Aistrop, senior editor
Read our full Cupra Ateca review
9. 2026 Volvo EX30
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: Insufficient user reviews Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 24.0% Overall CarGurus rating: 3.8 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Great to drive | Poor infotainment setup |
| Attractively priced | Boot is smaller than rivals offer |
| Generous standard equipment | Rear legroom could be better |
Don't be fooled by the cool, minimalist Scandinavian styling; the Volvo EX30 is a pocket rocket. If you opt for the Twin Motor Performance model, you’ll have a staggering 422bhp at your disposal, enough to rocket this compact family SUV from 0-62mph in just 3.6 seconds. That’s proper supercar-baiting pace. Most of the time it runs in rear-wheel drive for efficiency, but its all-wheel-drive system kicks in instantly when you need extra grip, providing confident handling through the corners.
The EX30 isn't just fast; it’s also a lovely place to be. The interior is a masterclass in minimalism, using high-quality, sustainable materials that feel genuinely premium. Although the 400-litre boot is on the smaller side, there's clever storage throughout the cabin. It’s also exceptionally refined, with a cushy ride that soaks up bumpy British roads, making it a fast SUV that’s also incredibly comfortable and easy to live with every day.
The CarGurus Verdict: "There’s still a huge amount to like about the little electric Volvo – so much that it’s very easy to see how it deserves to sway many buyers from the raft of competitors." - Ivan Aistrop, senior editor
Read our full Volvo EX30 review
10. 2026 Polestar 3
CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: Insufficient user reviews Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 35.7% Overall CarGurus rating: 3.6 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Huge performance potential | Huge over-reliance on touchscreen tech |
| Excellent refinement and interior space | Ride could be cushier |
| Cool image |
As an electric performance brand, Polestar was always going to deliver the goods with its flagship SUV. The twin-motor, four-wheel-drive Polestar 3 offers huge performance, with the standard version producing 536bhp for a 0-60mph time of just 4.5 seconds. If that's not enough, the optional Performance Pack boosts power to 670bhp and cuts the sprint to a supercar-scaring 3.8 seconds. The acceleration is explosive, while standard air suspension keeps the car’s 2.6-tonne weight in check, delivering impressive grip and composure.
A fast SUV also needs to be a usable SUV, and the Polestar 3 delivers here, too. As the largest car in Polestar’s range, it offers gargantuan interior space, with massive legroom for rear passengers. The boot offers a useful 484 litres of space, and there’s also a handy 24-litre ‘frunk’ under the bonnet for storing charging cables. It's a stylish, tech-focused and seriously rapid machine that also happens to be a very practical family car.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The Polestar 3 is an interesting, stylish and fairly compelling alternative to the increasing number of large, luxurious all-electric SUVs on the market. It’s roomy, practical, drives nicely and is stuffed with tech." - Ivan Aistrop, senior editor
Read our full Polestar 3 review
FAQ
What is the fastest accelerating SUV on this list?
The fastest accelerating SUV on our list is the Kia EV6 GT, which can rocket from 0-62mph in a blistering 3.5 seconds. Close behind are the Volvo EX30 Twin Motor Performance (3.6 seconds) and the Ford Mustang Mach-E GT (3.7 seconds), proving how dominant electric power has become in the world of performance SUVs.
Are electric fast SUVs better than petrol ones?
It depends on what you're looking for. Electric SUVs like the Kia EV6 and Polestar 3 offer instantaneous, silent acceleration that petrol rivals can't match, and they have zero tailpipe emissions. However, petrol-powered models like the Porsche Macan GTS and Aston Martin DBX offer a more traditional, visceral driving experience with engaging engine sounds and character. Both have their pros and cons, so the "better" option comes down to personal preference.
Which fast SUV is the most practical?
For sheer boot space, the Aston Martin DBX (632 litres) and BMW X5 (650 litres) are the champions on this list. They offer vast load areas that make them incredibly versatile family cars. The original Porsche Cayenne is also a practicality hero, with a huge boot and an impressive 3,500kg towing capacity.
Are fast SUVs expensive to run?
Generally, yes. High-performance engines, whether petrol or electric, tend to be less efficient. Petrol models, especially older V8s like those in the Porsche Cayenne and BMW X6, will have high fuel, tax, and insurance costs. Electric models are cheaper to 'fuel' if you can charge at home, but they often command higher insurance premiums. Tyres and brakes on these heavy, powerful cars also wear out faster and are more expensive to replace than on a standard family car.
What's the difference between an SUV and an SUV-coupe?
An SUV-coupe, like the BMW X6, is essentially a regular SUV with a more stylish, sloping roofline at the back. This gives it a sportier, more aggressive look. The trade-off is usually reduced rear headroom and a slightly smaller boot compared to its more traditionally-shaped counterpart (in this case, the BMW X5).
Do I need four-wheel drive on a fast SUV?
Most of the cars on this list come with four-wheel drive as standard, and for good reason. With so much power and torque on tap, having four wheels to deploy it to the road dramatically improves traction, especially in wet or slippery conditions. It provides extra security and allows you to use more of the car's performance, more of the time.
What Makes CarGurus Best Cars Guides Different?
Most car buying websites publish lists of the best cars across a variety of categories, with recommendations generally driven by editorial expertise. Here's what makes our best cars guides different: we combine the insights and verdicts of our team of car-testing experts with other factors that we know matter to buyers - real owner experiences and current market value.
To that end, our expert reviewers come from some of the UK's most trusted automotive publications including What Car?, The Telegraph, Auto Trader, Electrifying.com, and Carbuyer. They put each car through real-world testing, and create detailed reviews noting performance in a range of categories, from practicality and driving manners, to running costs and reliability.
But we don't stop there when it comes to creating our best cars guides; we also analyse hundreds of thousands of used car listings on CarGurus UK to track which models consistently offer the highest percentage of best deals relative to how many are listed for sale. Then we factor in user reviews and ratings gathered on CarGurus to get feedback from people who actually live with these cars every day. Our best cars algorithm then creates a final Overall CarGurus rating that combines expert ratings, user reviews, and the percentage of listings on CarGurus UK rated as good or great deals. This three-way approach reveals not just which cars excel on paper, but which ones deliver satisfaction and value when you're ready to buy.
The CarGurus UK market data in this guide was last updated in February 2026. Values were accurate at time of publication and should be used as a guide only.
