The title might have clearly given the whiff of an apple-versus-orange comparison. Pitting even an average sports car against big, bulky, and spacious three-row SUVs is unfair. But beyond the fun factor and curiosity, there is a rationale for this comparison. Two-door sports cars are desired for performance, driving dynamics, and sheer looks. However, not everyone has the budget, luxury, or real estate to own and store an “extra” sports car. Yes, we are talking about those who have suppressed their ‘sports car’ love for responsibilities. Surely, we have wicked yet practical wagons like the Audi RS6 Avant and the BMW M5 Touring that strike a balance between practicality and performance, and cater to this cause. But what if one wants to explore the trails too? This is where this set of seven curated SUVs comes into play.
These SUVs are, in no sane sense, comparable to the driving dynamics of the popular 388-horsepower Porsche 911 Carrera. However, these family-hauling SUVs still pack enough muscle worthy of a grin on the driver’s face. This feat is impressive because the practical three-row SUVs mentioned here don’t skimp on comfort and other convenience features, which adds to their considerable heft. Some even offer a relatively nimble driving experience despite the tall stance and plusher suspension setup. Hence, these seven three-row SUVs are the best bet for having a bit of fun without compromising on responsibilities or the comfort of the whole family.
2026 Porsche 911 Carrera (Base) Coupe Specs For Reference
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Price |
$132,300 |
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Engine |
Twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter Flat 6 |
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Transmission |
8-Speed Automatic |
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Horsepower |
388 HP |
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Torque |
331 LB-FT |
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Top Speed |
183 MPH |
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Curb Weight |
3,342 pounds |
This list is organized in increasing order of horsepower rating, from the least powerful to the most powerful three-row SUVs, that pack some serious sportscar-grade (and even more!) performance.
12 Sedans That Can Outrun The Porsche 911 In A Straight Line
The quickest sedan on this list that can outrun a Porsche 911 does 0-60 in under 2 seconds.
2026 Acura MDX Type S
Power: 355 Horsepower
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Engine |
3.0-liter V6; Turbocharged |
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Transmission |
10-Speed Automatic |
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Torque |
354 LB-FT |
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Top Speed |
130 MPH (Electronically Limited) |
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Curb Weight |
4,776 pounds |
The Acura MDX Type S is priced at $75,850. This underappreciated luxury three-row SUV offers a comprehensive list of sporty features. At the heart is a 355-horsepower turbocharged V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, delivering power via a standard AWD system. Despite its nearly 4,800-pound weight, this sporty Acura SUV stands out for its engaging driving dynamics. This is thanks to its adaptive air suspension, which is assisted by independent front and rear suspension.
Acura also offers a range of electronic assist features to enhance the driving experience of the MDX Type S. Notable features include Agile Handling Assist, Variable-ratio Electric Power Steering, and an Integrated Dynamics System with six modes (including Snow, Sport, and a Type-S-exclusive Sport+). Braking duties are taken care of by Brembo, which claims to offer some serious bite. Despite its size, Acura has also made efforts to reduce unsprung and rotational mass by using lighter aluminum-alloy 21-inch wheels.
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2026 Lincoln Navigator Black Label
Power: 440 Horsepower
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Engine |
3.5-liter V6; Twin-Turbocharged |
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Transmission |
10-Speed Automatic |
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Torque |
510 LB-FT |
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Top Speed |
124 MPH (Speedo-indicated) |
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Curb Weight |
5,936 pounds |
The 2026 Lincoln Navigator Black Label starts at $119,525. This is an American SUV that excels in luxury and comfort, featuring premium interior materials, heated, ventilated, and massaging seats, and a wide pillar-to-pillar panoramic display on the dashboard. However, this luxury American three-row SUV also offers a sportier side. It is powered by an energetic 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine that produces 440 horsepower and a meaty 510 pound-feet of torque.
Power is sent via a 10-speed automatic transmission to a standard four-wheel-drive system with an electronic transfer case. Despite its weight of nearly 6,000 pounds, this three-row SUV achieves a top speed of 124 MPH. Aiding the package’s sportiness is its adaptive suspension system, which can stiffen or soften at the push of a button for various driving scenarios. The steering is also designed to help this hefty SUV feel stable and predictable.
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The Most Underrated Fast SUV That Flies Below The Radar
The idea of a fast SUV that can do it all while remaining relatively benign-looking is a skill – something at which this luxury sports utility excels.
2025 Jeep Grand Wagoneer Series III
Power: 510 Horsepower
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Engine |
3.0-liter Inline-6 Twin-turbocharged |
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Transmission |
8-Speed Automatic |
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Torque |
500 LB-FT |
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Top Speed |
115 MPH (Electronically Limited) |
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Curb Weight |
6,431 pounds |
The new 2026 Wagoneer is shaping up to be an unexpected value king, but the most powerful iteration of the Jeep Wagoneer has not yet been unveiled for the new year. This is why the $107,945 2025 Wagoneer Series III is still relevant. It is powered by a spirited, now-famous Hurricane twin-turbo 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine that delivers 510 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque. For reference, the most powerful 2026 Wagoneer (revealed to date) produces 420 horsepower. Power is delivered to a standard 4WD system via an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Despite the relatively modest performance quotient here, the Jeep Wagoneer Series III stands out from the bunch (even the more powerful options) with its superior off-roading capabilities. It is also offered with a range of dedicated technology features. The 4WD system gets Quadra-Drive II for superior off-road traction. It features short- and long-arm front suspension and multi-link rear suspension for versatile control. This is further strengthened with a Quadra-Lift air suspension that actively adjusts ride height for better off-road clearance or highway cruising. Jeep also offers an extensive list of drive modes, including Snow, Sand, and Mud.
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2026 BMW X7 M60i
Power: 523 Horsepower
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Engine |
4.4-liter Mild-hybrid V8; Twin-turbocharged |
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Transmission |
8-Speed Automatic |
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Torque |
553 LB-FT |
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Top Speed |
155 MPH (Electronically Limited) |
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Curb Weight |
5,895 pounds |
The $115,000 BMW X7 M60i is arguably the most intimidating-looking SUV of this bunch. The bold front fascia contributes notably to its pouncing stance, further enhanced by muscular side profiles and a stout rear end. Among the ICE-powered SUVs in this lot, this Beamer offers the best power-to-weight ratio, weighing under 5,900 pounds despite a mild-hybrid twin-turbo V8 engine. This 523-horsepower three-row SUV accelerates from 0–60 mph in a commendable 4.5 seconds, thanks to its 48V mild-hybrid technology, standard AWD, and an eager eight-speed automatic transmission.
Making the X7 M60i as flexible as possible is a series of clever technologies and hardware features that underscore the appeal of the “M” badge. It gets an M Sport differential that improves traction and stability, especially on corners. The suspension system is further strengthened by features including a double-wishbone front suspension, a multi-link rear suspension, a two-axle air suspension system, and integral active rear steering, enhancing agility. The M fever intensifies with features such as customizable driving modes and M-specific chassis and powertrain tuning that help set the M60i apart from its stablemates.
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2026 Mercedes-AMG GLS 63
Power: 603 Horsepower
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Engine |
4.0-liter Hybrid V8; Twin-turbocharged |
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Transmission |
9-Speed Automatic |
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Torque |
627 LB-FT |
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Top Speed |
155 MPH (Electronically Limited); Up To 174 MPH (When equipped with AMG Driver’s Package) |
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Curb Weight |
6,118 pounds |
This luxury three-row SUV combines Mercedes-Benz’s plushness with AMG’s power. The Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 starts at $151,050 and is loaded with cool technology features to squeeze every ounce of its sporty appeal. Powering this large AMG SUV is a 4.0-liter bi-turbo V8 with hybrid assist, producing 603 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to a standard AWD system via a sporty nine-speed automatic transmission. Despite weighing 6,000+ pounds, this Merc still manages to do 0–60 mph in 4.1 seconds. Its 48V mild-hybrid system, which adds up to 184 pound-feet of torque, is a major contributor to this swiftness.
Elevating its dynamic appeal is an adaptive air suspension system with active roll stabilization. This works in conjunction with the engine to curate a series of engaging driving modes, such as Comfort and Sport, that also adjust transmission output and exhaust settings. Other notable performance- and driving-enhancing features include an electronic limited-slip differential and dynamic engine mounts that adapt to stiffness levels for greater comfort or performance. All of this without compromising on top-spec luxury and technology features, as the AMG GLS 63 cabin is adorned with Nappa leather upholstery, heated, ventilated, and massaging seats, and dual 12.3-inch screens on the dashboard.
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10 American SUVs That Went All-In On Horsepower
The segment once known for heavy, sluggish torque mills is now full of supercharged V8s and cutting-edge electric drivetrains making over 1,000 hp.
2026 Cadillac Escalade-V
Power: 682 Horsepower
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Engine |
6.2-liter V8; Supercharged |
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Transmission |
10-Speed Automatic |
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Torque |
653 LB-FT |
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Top Speed |
125 MPH (Electronically Limited) |
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Curb Weight |
6,352 pounds |
The new Cadillac Escalade-V starts at $170,895 and is one gigantic SUV. It is the second-heaviest car of this lot, with a curb weight of over 6,300 pounds after the 6,400+-pound Jeep Grand Wagoneer mentioned above. But what sets the Caddy apart is a mighty 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine that matches its size. This mill (also the largest engine in this lineup) delivers 682 horsepower and 653 pound-feet of torque, making it the most powerful ICE SUV on this list. Despite its size and weight, this large three-row SUV still accelerates from 0–60 mph in a respectable 4.5 seconds. Power is sent to a full-time AWD system via a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Further enhancing its adaptive and sporty appeal is Cadillac’s famed Magnetic Ride Control system, which adjusts the suspension up to 1,000 times per second for responsive handling and smooth comfort. Furthermore, it features an adaptive air suspension system to further refine ride quality despite its tall stance. This beast also features large 16.1-inch rotors coupled to 6-piston calipers, courtesy of Brembo. Other sporty bits include an electronic limited-slip differential and an exclusive V-Mode that adjusts the steering, suspension, engine, brakes, and even exhaust for a personalized performance experience.
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Weaknesses |
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2026 Tesla Model X Plaid
Power: 1,020 Horsepower
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Powertrain |
Triple Motors |
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Transmission |
Direct Drive |
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Torque |
~1,050 LB-FT |
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Top Speed |
About 163 MPH |
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Curb Weight |
5,434 pounds |
Instant torque is what puts the $114,990 Tesla Model X Plaid on the pedestal. Also, this is the only car on this lot that, despite being an “SUV,” isn’t stout or boxy. Being an all-electric vehicle sure has its perks. This Tesla goes well beyond sports-car performance, delivering hypercar-grade power with over 1,000 horsepower and 1,000+ pound-feet of torque on all four wheels. This is courtesy of its heavy-duty tri-motor setup. Power is delivered to all four wheels, and thanks to EVs’ instant torque production, the Model X Plaid accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.5 seconds.
Handling duties are in good hands, thanks to features such as torque vectoring for superior cornering and enhanced aerodynamics, including an aerodynamically efficient front and rear fascia, splitters, and a carbon fiber rear spoiler. All of this is coupled with a spacious, comfortable cabin that seats up to 7 passengers. The interior is layered with premium materials, including vegan leather, open-grain wood trim, and other distinctive fabrics. A panoramic glass roof adds an airy feel to the cabin, and the technology suite is impressive.
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Sources: Acura, Lincoln, Jeep, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Cadillac, and Tesla