10 Fastest Compact SUVs, Ranked

Compact SUVs are the best of both worlds. They are the definition of perfection for people who want to get their hands on an SUV, but one that delivers the style and composure of a regular vehicle on city roads. Not only will these SUVs come with a decent amount of space but they will also feel less bulky and bear more sporty designs. Compared to a full- or mid-size SUV, getting a compact SUV comes with more pros than cons, though most sacrifice a lot on off-road capability. Though they are typically SUVs, some tend to drive differently, and in the face of competition, they’re more than impressive.

In recent years, automakers have been in a race to command a larger market share in the vibrant compact SUV segment, introducing an age of unlimited options. Besides offering cutting-edge safety and infotainment features, luxury appointments, etc., high performance has also been a key player in this game of dominance. For what good is a sporty SUV if it can’t be as athletic on a track? It kind of defeats the purpose, right? This competitive spirit is why today, some tuned versions of the fastest SUVs can hit speeds of over 180 mph.

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10 2023 Lexus NX 350 F Sport Handling

Top Speed: 127 mph

Front 3/4 shot of a 2023 Lexus NX 350 FSPORT cruising on asphalt

One thing Lexus has always gotten right as a luxury car brand is serving opulence across its lineup, especially in Lexus SUVs. But what about speed? Well, they don’t miss this either, and the 2023 Lexus NX F Sport Handling is a testament to this. This performance-oriented compact SUV has an all-wheel-drive system, adaptive suspension, and an eight-speed shiftable automatic transmission.

Specs and Price

Its 2.4-liter turbocharged Inline-four engine generates 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque to propel the SUV from 0-60 in about 6.6 seconds. On the track, the NX 350 F Sport can hit speeds of up to 127 mph, putting it on the list of competitive compact SUVs based on speed metrics. For the fair price of about $48,615, you get an SUV that is not only fast but also one that’s well-appointed with luxury features.

9 2018 Subaru Forester 2.0 XT

Top Speed: 137 mph

Front 3/4 shot of a red 2018 Subaru Forester 2.0 XT Touring cruising

The performance-focused XT model of the Subaru Forester has had a good run since 2003. Though discontinued in 2019, it remains the fastest Forester on the market, with the 2018 model year being the last of its kind. This powerhouse comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged flat-four engine that punches out an impressive 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque.

Specs and Price

This power is channeled to the wheels via a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and an all-wheel-drive system, pushing the Subaru Forester XT from a standstill to 60 mph in about 6.3 seconds. Its top speed is 137 mph, and for about $30,410, you can get your hands on one. There’s no telling if or when we might see an XT badge and raw power on a Forester, but since there’s a 2023 model for the Japanese market, maybe there’s hope for XT enthusiasts.

8 2019 Lincoln MKC

Top Speed: 141 mph

Front 3/4 shot of a white 2019 Lincoln MKC cruising on asphalt

Having debuted in 2015, top-of-the-line models of the Lincoln MKC appeal on both speed and luxury fronts. The available performance version of the 2019 Lincoln MKC Black Label, for instance, comes with all the bells and whistles of the 2019 model year, presenting itself as a worthy competitor in the compact SUV segment. It features a 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-four EcoBoost engine that generates 285 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 305 pound-feet of torque.

Specs and Price

Through a six-speed automatic transmission and a standard all-wheel-drive system, the engine power thrusts the SUV from 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds, hitting a top speed of 141 mph. This performance of the 2.3-liter engine comes as an option, and going for the MKC Black Label with this and more options will cost you about $50,950.

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7 2023 Ford Bronco Sport Badlands

Top Speed: 143 mph

Front 3/4 shot of a green Ford Bronco Sport Badlands on a rocky trail

This is the most adventure-ready compact SUV on this list, thanks to the G.O.A.T. mode (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) feature. And despite having a blocky and rugged design, the various optional upgrades can make the Bronco a competitive and fast SUV on the track. The 2023 Ford Bronco Sport Badlands, in particular, features a powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four EcoBoost engine that generates 250 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque.

Specs and Price

It comes with four-wheel drive as standard and features an eight-speed automatic transmission, through which the power from the EcoBoost engine is sent to the wheels, propelling the Badlands from 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds. It can hit speeds of up to 143 mph and comes at a base price of $39,685, and considering that it’s the better off-roader here, it has a competitive edge against most compact SUVs.

6 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLB 35

Top Speed: 155 mph

Front 3/4 shot of a blue Mercedes-Benz AMG GLB 35 cruising

The AMG division has been breathing life into Mercedes-Benz sedans and SUVs for ages. Most AMG models not only come with higher performance but also refined and bolder designs that have more than made a good name for the German automaker. The 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLB 35 is one such example.

Specs and Price

This compact SUV features a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine that churns out 302 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque at 6,100 and 3,000 rpm, respectively. This power is channeled through an eight-speed automatic transmission to the drivetrain, which features an all-wheel-drive system, making the GLB charge from 0-60 mph in just 4.9 seconds. It can hit speeds of up to 155 mph, and you will have to part with $52,650 to own one.

5 2023 Audi SQ5 Sportback

Top Speed: 155 mph

Front 3/4 shot of a 2023 Audi SQ5 Sportback cruising on asphalt

Audi is definitely a force to reckon with in speed, class, and premium luxury, and the Audi SQ5 Sportback is impressive on these and more fronts. From the sporty designs akin to that of an Audi RS Q8 to luxe standard features such as ambient lighting and a sunroof, the SQ5 ticks all the right boxes of an ideal premium SUV.

Specs and Price

It comes with a turbocharged 3.0-liter DOHC V-6 engine that generates 349 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 369 pound-feet of torque at 1,370 rpm. Utilizing a Quattro all-wheel-drive system, this power is sent to the wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission to propel the SQ5 Sportback from 0 to 60 mph in only 4.7 seconds. The sheer power of the V-6 is why the SQ5 Sportback has a top speed of 155 mph and to own this, you’ll have to part away with about $59,900.

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4 2023 Porsche Macan GTS

Top Speed: 169 mph

Rear 3/4 shot of a red 2023 Porsche Macan GTS parked

Drawing from its success in creating timeless sports cars, Porsche replicates this with its compact SUV that does more than turn heads. As part of the 2023 Macan line up, the GTS model comes packed with a twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V-6 engine under the hood that cranks out 434 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 405 pound-feet of torque at 1,900 rpm.

Specs and Price

This immense power bolts the 4400-pound SUV from 0 to 60 mph in an impressive 3.5 seconds, enabling it to reach speeds of up to 169 mph. The peppy powertrain features a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard all-wheel-drive system. These performance features combined with the standard and available luxury offerings make the Porsche Macan GTS one of the best in this segment. And for the price of $84,350, the GTS is a worthy all-round SUV.

3 2020 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio

Top Speed: 176 mph

A front 3/4 shot of a 2023 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio cruising on asphalt

Another fast SUV that makes it on most performance lists, is the Stelvio Quadrifoglio. As a matter of fact, Car and Driver lists the Stelvio as one of the quickest SUVs they have ever tested and it’s not hard to see why. Like one of its competitors, the Porsche Macan GTS, the Stelvio QF has a twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V-6 engine that churns out 505 screaming horses and 443 pound-feet of torque.

Specs and Price

Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive system, the V-6 engine launches this SUV from 0 to 60 mph in just about 3.3 seconds. This makes it one of the most agile in sprints and with a respectable 176 mph top speed, the $82,095 Alfa Romeo Stelvio QF is a worthy rival in any drag race. The 2024 model year Stelvio is however slower on the 0 to 60 mph sprint, 3.6 seconds, but Alfa Romeo includes a celebratory version, the 2024 Stelvio QF 100th Anniversario.

2 2023 Maserati Grecale Trofeo

Top Speed: 177 mph

Front 3/4  shot of 2023 Maserati Grecale Trofeo parked

Launched in March 2022, the Grecale is the second SUV built by Maserati, after the Levante. Deriving its name from the strong northeast Mediterranean winds, the Maserati Grecale Trofeo cuts across elegance and luxury, offering breathtaking performance thanks to its design. It shares the same platform with the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, the FCA Giorgio platform, and borrows Maserati MC20’s Nettuno V-6 engine.

Specs and Price

The 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged engine is down-tuned to generate about 523 horsepower and 457 pound-feet of torque and the SUV utilizes an eight-speed automatic transmission paired with an all-wheel drive system. On the track, the Grecale Trofeo bolts from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds and is capable of attaining speeds as high as 177 mph. $103, 995 is the price to pay for this performance-tuned luxury SUV.

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1 2023 BMW X3 & X4 M Competition

Top Speed: 177 mph

A side profile shot of the BMW X3 M and X4 M Competition models parked

BMW is the gift that keeps on giving, and its performance-oriented M-Series lineup delivers more than flashy looks. The M Competition badges come with agile power that sets the X3 M and X4 M high up on every list of high-performance SUVs. Both SUVs share similar performance stats, with the 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine churning 503 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque.

Specs and Price

They feature an all-wheel-drive system and an eight-speed automatic transmission capable of sending 100% of torque to the rear wheels on demand. This power makes these SUVs capable of achieving breakneck speeds at launch, hitting 60 mph from a standstill in about 3.3 seconds and hitting 177 mph at top speed. Choosing between the two is inclined to one’s preference though the coupe-like design of the X4 has a sportier look.