New Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio

Porsche Macan

Cupra Ateca

New Audi SQ8

Porsche Cayenne

Porsche Cayenne Coupé

Mercedes-AMG GLC 63

Aston Martin DBX

the-best-sports-suvs-in-2023

best-sports-suvs-2023

<p dir="ltr">SUVs may be biased towards practicality and comfort rather than driving fun, but a growing number of&nbsp;sports SUVs&nbsp;are adding big performance into the mix too. Here, we reveal the top 10 sports SUVs you can currently buy – and highlight the models you should steer clear of.</p>

<p dir="ltr">This class features both large and small models, but one thing they all have in common is a powerful engine. And, while agile handling and thrills are on the agenda, the very best cars also offer good ride comfort and a spacious interior.&nbsp;If any of these sports SUVs takes your fancy, just click on the relevant links to find out more or see how much you could save by using our free&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals">New Car Buying service</a>.</p>

<p dir="ltr"><em><strong>Slideshow story: please click the right-hand arrow above to continue, or simply scroll down if you’re reading on your mobile</strong></em></p>


Best sports SUVs 2023

Estate

<p>The sportiest Seats have long used the&nbsp;Cupra name, but it's now been turned into a standalone sub-brand, in much the same way as Fiat's sportiest models are badged as Abarths.</p>

<p>Like Abarth, some of Cupra's models including the Ateca and Leon are extensively reworked Seats, but models such as the Born and Formentor are exclusive to Cupra.</p>

<p>Whilst Cupras are closely related to equivalent models from Seat and Volkswagen, they are generally tuned to provide a more engaging driving experience.</p>


CUPRA

FORMENTOR

<p>In its most powerful form, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/cupra/formentor/estate/review/n22100">Cupra Formentor</a>&nbsp;has the performance to keep pace with similar-priced rivals, such as the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/x2/hatchback/review/n19418">BMW X2 M35i</a>.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Under the bonnet&nbsp;sits a 310bhp&nbsp;2.0-litre petrol engine that helps the car achieve a 0-62mph time of just 4.9sec.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Through corners,&nbsp;the Formentor is agile, albeit not as nimble as a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/best-hot-hatches-2023/n17005">hot hatch</a>. There’s plenty of grip, too, due to the wider tyres that come with the most powerful version. Mind you, it doesn't thrill in the way that the very best sports SUVs can.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Inside, the Formentor is relatively well finished, featuring perforated leather and contrast stitching. Look further down the interior and you’ll find harder, cheaper plastics, though.</p>


10: Cupra Formentor

<h3><strong>Pros</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Very well equipped</li>
	<li>Surefooted and grippy handling</li>
	<li>Smart interior for the money</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Cons</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Not as practical as some family SUVs</li>
	<li>Fiddly dashboard controls</li>
	<li>Not the quietest car at 70mph</li>
</ul>


<p dir="ltr">Audi is a brand that sets the standard for interior quality, and this, combined with its vast and ever-growing model line-up, has helped it become one of the ‘big three’ German prestige car makers, along with BMW and Mercedes-Benz.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The A3 hatchback, A4 executive saloon and Q7 SUV are all common - yet upmarket - sights on UK roads.</p>

<p dir="ltr">At least some of Audi's success over the past 30 years can be attributed to the growth in sales of vehicles with four-wheel drive; the company arguably led the way in bringing 4x4 technology into the mainstream, with its Quattro coupé in the early 1980s.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Today, most Audis are available with at least the option of four-wheel drive, while the list of SUVs from the brand includes the Q2, Q3, Q5 and Q7.</p>


AUDI

<p>When the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/q8/4x4/review/n19691">Audi SQ8’s&nbsp;</a>500bhp&nbsp;4.0-litre turbocharged V8 petrol engine rumbles into life, you immediately know you’re in for a treat. Not only does it sound good, it also offers some impressive performance – a matter proven by its impressive 4.1sec 0-62mph time.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Despite the straight-line performance, the ride is comfortable and the air suspension deals with potholes well. That performance does come at a cost, though, with the SQ8 managing just 20mpg even if you drive it gently.&nbsp;</p>

<p dir="ltr">At least there’s lots of space inside. Although it's not as spacious as its seven-seat sibling&nbsp;the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/q7/4x4/review/n17281">Audi SQ7</a>,&nbsp;it’ll fit three passengers in the rear pretty easily and they won't feel too hemmed in, even if they are tall.</p>


9: Audi SQ8

<h3><strong>Pros</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Effortless performance and a great V8 noise</li>
	<li>Composed ride and tidy handling</li>
	<li>High-quality interior</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Cons</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Cayenne Coupé is more fun</li>
	<li>Distracting touchscreens</li>
	<li>Cheaper SQ7 is even more spacious</li>
</ul>


Hatchback

<p dir="ltr">The VW Group famously spends more money on research and development than any rival – and as a result, perhaps it should be no surprise that our testers rate its cars so consistently highly.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The fact that many of those cars use the same underpinnings also helps, because it means that if they get it right once, they have the foundations to keep on getting it right.</p>

<p dir="ltr">However, the Volkswagen brand faces plenty of tough competition, often from within, because the rapidly rising Seat and Skoda brands that are also part of the group have access to the same technology.</p>


VOLKSWAGEN

T-ROC

<p>Blending the regular&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/t-roc/hatchback/review/n20444">T-Roc’s</a>&nbsp;practicality with the performance of a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-hot-hatches-2019-and-the-ones-to-avoid/n18699">hot hatch</a>, the T-Roc R handles brilliantly, with quick steering, vice-like grip and a four-wheel drive system than can direct more power to the rear wheels to help the car turn in to corners more eagerly.&nbsp;</p>

<p dir="ltr">Ride comfort isn’t as good as some rivals, but overall it’s better than the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/x2/hatchback/review/n19418">BMW X2 M35i</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p dir="ltr">The interior is relatively spacious, with plenty of room for six-footers up front. Knee room is relatively tight&nbsp;in the rear seats, though, while the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/cupra/ateca/estate/review/n17969">Cupra Ateca</a>&nbsp;offers more head room for six-footers. Heavy use of cheap-feeling plastics lets the general feel of&nbsp;the T-Roc R down, too, although this has been improved in later cars.</p>


8: Volkswagen T-Roc R

<h3><strong>Pros</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Thrilling handling</li>
	<li>Strong and flexible engine</li>
	<li>Well equipped</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Cons</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Firm ride</li>
	<li>Some road noise</li>
	<li>Not the roomiest</li>
</ul>


<p>Comfortable and offering plenty of performance from its 336bhp 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine, the Audi SQ5 is a great all-rounder.&nbsp;</p>

<p dir="ltr">The immense torque from the SQ5’s motor means you don’t need to thrash it to gain speed. The automatic gearbox can take a moment to select the right gear when you put your foot down, but the car doesn't take long to get up to motorway speeds.&nbsp;</p>

<p dir="ltr">Ride and handling are beautifully judged, but anyone seeking more thrills should consider the rival&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/porsche/macan/4x4/review/n52">Porsche Macan</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p dir="ltr">In terms of practicality, the SQ5 doesn’t disappoint, and while its boot may be smaller on paper than the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/x3-m/4x4/review/n20299">BMW X3 M Competition</a>’s, it swallowed&nbsp;nine carry-on suitcases in our test.</p>


7: Audi SQ5

<h3><strong>Pros</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Classy and practical interior</li>
	<li>Comfortable ride</li>
	<li>Strong performance</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Cons</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Strong diesel engine is effective, rather than exciting</li>
	<li>Some rivals are more fun</li>
</ul>


RS Q8

<p dir="ltr">The Audi RS Q8 is an outrageously fast SUV that can corner with incredible composure.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Like the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/q8/4x4/review/n19691">SQ8</a>, it has a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine with a bassy exhaust note. But this RS model pumps out 592bhp, making it even quicker than its sibling, with a 0-62mph time of just 3.8sec.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The eight-speed automatic gearbox can be a little slow to react if you step on the accelerator, but it works well if you’re a little gentler, and the engine has so much grunt that it thrusts you forwards anyway.&nbsp;</p>

<p dir="ltr">The RS Q8 is well finished inside, and you get a decent-sized boot, making it more practical than some rivals. And, although it may seem pricey, it's cheaper than both the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/x6/4x4/review/n17306">BMW X6</a>&nbsp;M Competition and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/porsche/cayenne/coupe/review/n19924">Porsche Cayenne Turbo Coupé</a>.</p>


6: Audi RS Q8

<h3><strong>Pros</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Ballistic performance</li>
	<li>Handles like a much smaller car</li>
	<li>Great interior quality</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Cons</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Heavy fuel consumption</li>
	<li>Distracting infotainment system</li>
	<li>Gearbox can be sluggish</li>
</ul>


<p dir="ltr">Alfa Romeo now has one of its strongest-ever model line-ups, after years of living off past glories.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The BMW 3 Series-rivalling Giulia executive saloon is one of the best cars in its class to drive, while the closely related Stelvio and smaller Tonale both competes in the booming SUV class.</p>

<p dir="ltr">It’s all a long way from the days when Alfa Romeo just had a couple of dated hatchbacks (the Mito and Giulietta) and the niche 4C sports car in its range.</p>


ALFA ROMEO

STELVIO

<p dir="ltr">If you want your SUV to come with an enlivening soundtrack, then the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/alfa-romeo/stelvio/estate/review/n18177">Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio</a>&nbsp;should be on your shortlist. Its 503bhp 2.9-litre V6 petrol engine delivers scorching acceleration and an engine note that will make you want to press on at every opportunity.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Ride comfort isn’t as good as in the<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/porsche/macan/4x4/review/n52">&nbsp;Porsche Macan</a>, but the firm suspension set-up is by no means harsh.&nbsp;</p>

<p dir="ltr">The steering is precise, albeit a bit light, and the rear-biased four-wheel drive system ensures you can have fun through corners.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Interior quality lags behind both the Macan and the rival&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/q5/4x4/review/n17278">Audi SQ5</a>, but there is enough room for four average-sized adults. Six-footers might have a bit of trouble with rear head room, though.</p>


5: Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio

<h3><strong>Pros</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Entertaining handling</li>
	<li>Razor-sharp accelerator responses</li>
	<li>Generous standard kit</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Cons</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Engine only sounds good in Race mode</li>
	<li>Interior feels cheap in places</li>
	<li>Rear space is a bit tight</li>
</ul>


<p dir="ltr">Porsche is best known as the quintessential sports car maker, but its line-up is increasingly diverse, interesting and successful, from its SUV family to the Panamera hatchback and shooting brake and, in time, a planned family of electric vehicles.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Whatever your choice, What Car?’s testers rate the cars highly; Porsche has an unusually high percentage of five and four-star cars.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Without exception, its sports cars are class leaders or among the class leaders, standing out for combining driving thrills with surprising luxury and comfort. Likewise, its SUVs are among the sharpest handling, as well as offering high levels of practicality and quality. Meanwhile, the Panamera is a true rival to the very best large executive saloons.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Porsche also sees itself as an electric car pioneer and has already enjoyed sales success with its plug-in hybrid range. Its first all-electric sports car is imminent, signalling the firm’s intent to stay relevant for many years to come.</p>


PORSCHE

MACAN

<p dir="ltr">Above everything else, sports SUVs have to be fun – and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/porsche/macan/4x4/review/n52">Porsche Macan</a>&nbsp;delivers that in spades.&nbsp;</p>

<p dir="ltr">You can have a V6-engined version in S or GTS trim, but our pick, the Macan T, has more than enough power from its 261bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine.&nbsp;</p>

<p dir="ltr">Like the<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/porsche/cayenne/estate/review/n17375">&nbsp;Cayenne</a>, the Macan T’s handling really helps it shine. It’s the most agile model in its line-up, because it's lighter than the larger-engined S and GTS. There’s also minimal body lean and you get lots of feedback through the steering.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The Macan has less rear space than both the<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/q5/4x4/review/n41">&nbsp;Audi Q5</a>&nbsp;and<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/x3/4x4/review/n42">&nbsp;BMW X3</a>, though, and safety provisions are disappointing because most systems are optional extras.</p>


4: Porsche Macan T

<h3><strong>Pros</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Performance ranges from punchy to rapid</li>
	<li>More rewarding to drive than most other SUVs</li>
	<li>High-quality interior</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Cons</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Some rivals are more spacious</li>
	<li>Important safety kit optional</li>
	<li>Thirsty petrol-only engines</li>
</ul>


<p dir="ltr">Yes, Aston Martin is the preferred manufacturer of a certain (not so) secret agent, but its latest cars offer a lot more than the chance to indulge your Bond fantasies.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The DB12 is a very fast and very luxurious long distance cruiser, and the DBS is arguably one of the most glamorous cars around.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Proving it's not afraid to move with the times, Aston has also embraced&nbsp;the march of the SUV; its DBX707 is a stunning example of what's possible when building a fast, expensive and sporty SUV.</p>


ASTON MARTIN

<p>Offering an immersive and interactive driving experience, wrapped in a luxurious package, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/aston-martin/dbx/estate/review/n21787">Aston Martin DBX</a>&nbsp;is a more appealing all-round choice than the blisteringly quick&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/lamborghini/urus/estate/review/n17868">Lamborghini Urus</a>&nbsp;and the stately&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bentley/bentayga/4x4/review/n17228">Bentley Bentayga</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p dir="ltr">Powered by a mighty 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine, the DBX 707 – our favourite version – can sprint from 0-62mph in a startling, supercar-rivalling 3.3sec. That's seriously impressive for a car that weighs 2.2 tonnes.</p>

<p dir="ltr">It may not be as comfortable as the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/q8/4x4/review/n19691">Audi SQ8</a>&nbsp;and Bentley Bentayga, but the DBX is far more focused in terms of handling, with swift, accurate&nbsp;steering that provides&nbsp;lots of connection to the front wheels.</p>


3: Aston Martin DBX

<h3><strong>Pros</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>The engine has character</li>
	<li>The handling is entertaining</li>
	<li>It's quick – especially the DBX707</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Cons</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>The ride is lumpy on rough roads</li>
	<li>Interior quality is disappointing</li>
	<li>The infotainment system is old</li>
</ul>


Coupe

CAYENNE

<p>As with the regular&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/porsche/cayenne/estate/review/n17375">Porsche Cayenne</a>, one of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/porsche/cayenne/coupe/review/n19924">Cayenne Coupé's</a>&nbsp;biggest strengths is its&nbsp;agile handling.</p>

<p>In fact, our preferred GTS model is far more fun to drive than anything this tall and heavy has any right to be, with great body control and steering that weights&nbsp;up beautifully through bends. Meanwhile, a thunderous 454bhp 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine can thrust it from 0-62mph in just 4.5sec.&nbsp;</p>

<p dir="ltr">The Cayenne Coupé is firmer&nbsp;than the rival&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/land-rover/range-rover-velar/estate/review/n17374">Range Rover Velar</a>; we’d recommend adding air suspension, which improves ride comfort.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The interior has a premium feel, and room up front is&nbsp;good, although the coupé styling reduces head room in the rear.</p>


2: Porsche Cayenne Coupé GTS

<h3><strong>Pros</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Powerful engines</li>
	<li>Fantastic handling for a big SUV</li>
	<li>Classy interior</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Cons</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Expensive to run</li>
	<li>Stingy kit list</li>
	<li>Pricey air suspension option is a must</li>
</ul>


<p dir="ltr">Ford builds some of the most popular cars in the UK, including the Fiesta and Focus hatchbacks.</p>

<p dir="ltr">This success is partly down to longevity and the fact that there’s a Ford dealer around every corner. However, it’s also because Fords tend to offer good value and be among the best cars in their respective classes to drive.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The company’s huge range also helps; it offers everything from the small – but surprisingly practical – Ka+ to the large and lavishly equipped Edge SUV.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Meanwhile, other highlights of the range include the S-Max and Galaxy people carriers, the Mondeo executive car and the Ranger pick-up.</p>


FORD

PUMA

<p>The brilliant&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/puma/hatchback/review/n22293">Ford Puma ST</a>&nbsp;is proof that you don’t need to break the bank to get your hands on an engaging and agile sports SUV.&nbsp;</p>

<p dir="ltr">Sure, it's not as fast in a straight line as the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/hyundai/kona/hatchback/review/n23382">Hyundai Kona N</a>, but the Puma ST's playful handling, swift accelerator response and short-shifting manual gearbox make it&nbsp;more fun to drive down a twisty B-road.&nbsp;</p>

<p dir="ltr">We’d recommend the optional Performance Pack, which adds Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres, launch control and a limited-slip differential (LSD). The LSD is a handy addition because&nbsp;it gives you more traction on the way out of corners.&nbsp;</p>

<p dir="ltr">The ST is practical too, with the boot capable of swallowing six carry-on suitcases.</p>


1: Ford Puma ST

<h3><strong>Pros</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Immensely enjoyable to drive</li>
	<li>Surprisingly big boot</li>
	<li>Great driving position</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Cons</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Occasionally bouncy low-speed ride</li>
	<li>Infotainment could be slicker</li>
	<li>A VW T-Roc R is bigger in the back</li>
</ul>


<p dir="ltr">Do you look at the models of Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz and find them all a bit too… common? Well then, Maserati might be up your street.</p>

<p dir="ltr">This Italian car maker has one SUV in its line-up – the Porsche Cayenne-rivalling Levante – but also the Ghibli and Quattroporte saloons, GranTurismo coupé and GranCabrio drop-top.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Despite its long history, Maserati has been through several periods of inactivity but is now in better health thanks to being part of the large Fiat Chrysler Automobiles group.</p>

<p dir="ltr">In the future, we’re expecting to see Maserati grow its SUV range with new models to sit above and below the Levante, as well as a new range-topping sports car.</p>


MASERATI

LEVANTE

<p>This most powerful version of Maserati's SUV pumps out 424bhp and its engine makes an entertaining snarl when you push on. However, the engine is slow to pick up speed, making the Levante sluggish off the line.</p>


And the sports SUV to avoid: Maserati Levante V6 S

<p dir="ltr">Talk about taking an idea and running with it. The big-selling Mini hatchback is still at the core of the firm’s range, but its cute styling and relatively compact dimensions have been spun off into an estate (the Clubman) and an SUV (the Countryman), as well as a convertible.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Despite its small size, the Mini is a firmly premium product, and the three-door hatchback counts the Audi A1 and Volkswagen Polo among its key rivals.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The fact that Mini is owned by BMW brings some big advantages –&nbsp;not least the fact that its infotainment system is based on BMW’s industry-leading iDrive.</p>


MINI

COUNTRYMAN

<p>Endowing Mini's SUV with the same engine as its hot hatch sibling sounds promising, but its additional weight and size mean it doesn’t feels as fast as the hatchback. And, although the interior looks smart, it’s not roomy or practical as that of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/cupra/ateca/estate/review/n17969">Cupra Ateca</a>.</p>

<p><strong>For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://pages.haymarket.com/whatcar/wcar-form.html"><strong>here</strong></a></p>


Mini Countryman John Cooper Works

The best sports SUVs in 2023

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Strong performance</li> <li>Precise, feelsome steering</li> <li>Agile, entertaining handling</li> <li>Reasonable ride comfort</li> <li>Smart and practical interior</li></ul>

<p>Needing a&nbsp;practical load-lugger doesn't mean you need to scrimp on power and sporting prowess. In fact, most sporty manufacturers now have dedicated sports SUVs in their line-up with 0-62mph times to rival cars half their size.</p>

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