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Best Mid-Size Performance SUVs

Car and Driver's rankings are arrived at from the results of our extensive instrumented testing of more than 400 vehicles each year and from our expert editors' subjective impressions gained in real-world driving. We've ranked the Best Mid-Size Performance SUVs based on roughly 200 data points encompassing acceleration, handling, comfort, cargo space, fuel efficiency, value, and how enjoyable they are to drive. We take rankings seriously because we want you to know everything about the vehicles that you're interested in.

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Best Mid-Size Performance SUVs at a glance

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1

2025 Audi SQ7

2

2024 Audi SQ8

3

2024 Audi RS Q8

4

2024 BMW X5 M

5

2024 BMW X6 M

6

2024 Porsche Cayenne Coupe Turbo GT / E-Hybrid

7

2024 Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid

8

2024 Land Rover Range Rover SV

9

2025 Mercedes-AMG G63

10

2024 Mercedes-AMG GLE-Class

See full list

1

2025 Audi SQ7

9.5
/10
C/D RATING
2025 Audi SQ7VIEW PHOTOS
Starting at
$92,590
EPA MPG
17 combined
C/D SAYS: With big V-8 power, agile handling, and a plush three-row interior, the Audi SQ7 is an SUV that can do it all. Learn More
#1 in Audi SUVs and CrossoversChevron Down Icon
2

2024 Audi SQ8

9
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$97,795
EPA MPG
17 combined
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C/D SAYS: With 500 horsepower and a suspension tuned for handling, the 2024 Audi SQ8's performance is a big step above the standard model. Learn More
#2 in Audi SUVs and CrossoversChevron Down Icon
3

2024 Audi RS Q8

8.5
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$126,995
EPA MPG
15 combined
C/D SAYS: Audi reserves the RS badge for its highest-performance vehicles, and the 2024 RS Q8 is the ultimate version of its top SUV model, the Q8. Learn More
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4

2024 BMW X5 M

8.5
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$123,295
EPA MPG
15 combined
C/D SAYS: The 2024 X5 M Competition is an ultra-high-performance SUV that uses the same twin-turbo V-8 as BMW’s most powerful sedan, the M5. Learn More
5

2024 BMW X6 M

8.5
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$128,195
EPA MPG
15 combined
C/D SAYS: BMW has enhanced the white-hot X6 M SUV for the 2024 model year with a new hybrid system, making the Competition pack standard, and giving it a visual refresh. Learn More
6
Starting at
$153,050
EPA MPG
N/A
C/D SAYS: The 650 horsepower contained within the 2024 Porsche Cayenne Coupe Turbo GT is spicy, but the 729-hp Turbo E-Hybrid is even wilder. Learn More
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7
Starting at
$148,550
EPA MPG
N/A
C/D SAYS: Already one of the quickest SUVs we've ever tested, the 2024 Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid now comes with 729 horsepower and more battery than before. Learn More
8
Starting at
$181,775
EPA MPG
N/A
C/D SAYS: The 2024 Land Rover Range Rover Sport SV unleashes 626 horsepower from its twin-turbo V-8, and it does so wearing giant carbon fiber wheels. Learn More
9

2025 Mercedes-AMG G63

8
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$190,000 est
EPA MPG
N/A
C/D SAYS: The 2025 Mercedes-AMG G63 is luxurious, quick, and capable off-road, three traits that when combined turn a once crude military vehicle into a modern treasure. Learn More
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10
Starting at
$87,900
EPA MPG
16–20 combined
C/D SAYS: Included along with the 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLE-class's cushy interior and raw performance is the mid-size luxury SUV's impressive trailering capability. Learn More

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