Geeking out over cool cars has long been a male adult occupation and one I’m active in for sure. Back in 2007 I even started a separate cool cars blog that’s still running today…unlike the Madza MX5 I had back them, god rest her soul.
From sleek, elegant sports cars, to power-heavy pick-ups, four-wheeled vehicles have long had the capacity to occupy our attentions and frequent our day and night-time fantasies. The ultimate boy toy, however, is the practical yet devastatingly great-looking SUV, the car for both our off-road escapades and our day-to-day urban wanderings.
By the way, it wasn’t that long ago when I had no idea what SUV meant so I;m sure there’s some if you out there scratching your head – SUV is shirt for sports utility vehicle. Also they are sometimes called a sports utility wagon which is a vehicle similar to a station wagon or estate car that is usually equipped with four-wheel drive for on-road or off-road ability.
Here we take a look at 7 SUV’s capable of sending us silly, especially given the fact that they could one day be ours (and they must be in black paint!).
1. Land Rover Range Rover Sport
Known all over the world as one of the leading brands in high-end cars that denote status and prestige, the Land Rover Range Rover Sport is a supercharged, 510 horsepower 5.0 litre V8 that upgrades on the more traditional model in a speedier and sexier way. Capable of shifting from 0 to 60 mph in five seconds, the Rover Sport is also decked-out with the kind of modern technological features you’d expect from a great SUV. Adaptive cruise control, blind spot detection and lane warnings are just some of the features this model packs.
2. Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Jeep Cherokee SRT is another SUV capable of sending even the sanest car aficionado crazy. Housing a 6.4 litre V8 engine that produces 470 horsepower, the Cherokee is faster in acceleration than the Range Rover, going from zero-60 in 4.8 seconds. What’s more? This Jeep also reaches a max speed of 160, features brembo brakes for upmost safety and looks and feels like one of the most powerful juggernauts on earth.
3. Porsche Cayenne Turbo
Porsche isn’t as well known for its SUV’s as it is for its low-ground sports range but that’s not to say it’s not capable of producing high-performing vehicles capable of matching other manufacturers. The Cayenne Turbo, featuring a 550 horsepower twin-turbo V8 engine, reaches 175mph at top speed but also has the capacity and size to be a really adaptable urban everyday vehicle too.
4. Mercedes-Benz ML63
Although Mercedes-Benz has more expensive SUV’s on the market, the ML63 is a much more affordable and just as attractive option for car buyers turned on by the German company’s robust design and reliable performance. Tall and roomy, the ML63 doesn’t suffer in speed compared to its rivals, reaching 0-60 in 4.7 seconds. The ML63 also has a V8 engine to match the Porsche and Jeep too.
5. BMW X5
The BMW X5 is a 445 horsepower, 4.4 litre twin-turbo beast that also packs a V8. An SUV from BMW that remarkably hasn’t been touched or modified by the company’s M division, the X5 can move some serious weight and has all the interior luxuries you’d expect from a BMW. A mid-range price also makes this a more attractive option when matched up against other rival SUV models.
6. Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
A crossover from the Santa Fe lineup, Hyundai’s Sport is a rugged looking behemoth that boasts a 190-hp 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine with six-speed auto. A sweet feature that the Hyundai has that other SUV’s in this post doesn’t is it’s useful power lifegate feature, which opens the car while you stand behind it with a fob. Good handling, sharp and speedy, the Hyundai is another SUV capable of sending you silly if you let it.
7. Kia Sportage
Twinning both functionality and great driving dynamics, Kia’s Sportage comes in two different engine sizes, the 2.4 litre four-cylinder or the 260-hp 2.0 litre turbocharged four cylinder. While the turbo model packs a hell of a punch in terms of speed (enough to rival that of other vehicles on this list), its sport-tuned suspension makes it a good performer in urban environments too. Strikes a fine balance between utility, style and sport.
