Best New SUVs Under $200,000

How It Made The List

The Porsche Cayenne GTS Coupe elevates the already stylish and capable Cayenne Coupe to a new level of performance and athleticism. Its heart beats with a potent twin-turbocharged V8 engine, delivering 453 horsepower and rocketing the SUV from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 4.2 seconds with the Sport Chrono Package.

This exhilarating performance is complemented by a sport-tuned suspension, sharper steering, and a lowered ride height, ensuring an engaging and dynamic driving experience that lives up to the GTS badge.

Beyond its impressive performance credentials, the Cayenne GTS Coupe exudes a distinct sporty aura. Its sleek silhouette is accentuated by blacked-out exterior accents, a unique rear spoiler, and distinctive wheel options.

Inside, the cabin is a haven of luxury and sportiness, featuring premium materials, supportive sport seats, and a driver-focused cockpit with a host of advanced technology features.

How It Made The List

The 2025 BMW X5 M returns as a dominant force in the high-performance SUV arena, wielding impressive power and technology to deliver a thrilling driving experience. Under the hood, a familiar 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine gets an upgrade with 48V mild-hybrid technology, boosting output to a formidable 617 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. This allows the X5 M to rocket from 0 to 60 mph in a claimed 3.7 seconds, accompanied by a soundtrack that's sure to excite any enthusiast.

But the X5 M's capabilities extend far beyond straight-line speed. Its sophisticated chassis features adaptive M suspension, active roll stabilization, and rear-wheel steering, working in harmony to provide exceptional handling and agility. The xDrive all-wheel-drive system with an active M differential further enhances grip and control, allowing the X5 M to confidently tackle corners with remarkable composure.

Inside the cabin, the X5 M offers a luxurious and technologically advanced environment. The BMW Curved Display dominates the dashboard, integrating a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen.

How It Made The List

The current Range Rover, in its fifth generation, is a masterful blend of luxury, capability, and technology. It's a vehicle that effortlessly navigates the urban jungle while remaining supremely confident when venturing off the beaten path. This latest iteration, launched for the 2022 model year, retains the classic Range Rover silhouette with its iconic upright stance and floating roofline, but introduces a modern, minimalist design language that exudes sophistication.  

Inside, the Range Rover is a sanctuary of refinement. Premium materials like supple leather, genuine wood veneers, and meticulously crafted metal accents adorn the cabin. The spacious interior offers unparalleled comfort for all passengers, with available executive class rear seats that provide airline-style reclining and massage functions.

A range of powerful and efficient powertrain options, including mild hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and a potent V8, ensure effortless performance in any situation. The Range Rover truly embodies the pinnacle of luxury SUVs, offering a unique combination of refined elegance and rugged capability.

How It Made The List

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid is a performance SUV that redefines what it means to be both powerful and efficient. This plug-in hybrid masterfully combines a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine with an electric motor, resulting in a staggering combined output of 729 horsepower and 700 lb-ft of torque. This translates to breathtaking acceleration, with a 0-60 mph time of just 3.5 seconds, making it one of the quickest SUVs on the market.

The hybrid system seamlessly integrates the gasoline engine and electric motor, providing a smooth and refined driving experience whether you're cruising on electric power or unleashing the full fury of the V8. The Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid also features a sport-tuned suspension, adaptive air suspension, and Porsche's Active Suspension Management (PASM) system, ensuring exceptional handling and a comfortable ride.

Inside the cabin, the Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid offers a luxurious and technologically advanced environment. Premium materials like leather and carbon fiber adorn the interior, while a curved 12.6-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch central touchscreen provide access to a wealth of information.

How It Made The List

The Audi RS Q8 is the fastest version of the Q8 SUV and also the only RS-badged Audi SUV on the North American market. It's also among the quickest SUVs around the Nordschleife too, meaning that it's quite agile for an SUV you can ferry the kids to-and-from school in.

The RS Q8 comes with a six-figure price tag, but its performance, styling, and feature content are worth the investment—if you value white-hot SUVs, of course. All RS Q8 models come with a standard adaptive air suspension system, 22-inch wheels, heated-and-cooled front seats, and a 17-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo system. We'd go with the top-spec Performance trim to uncork the higher 631 horsepower rating. When you're spending this kind of money, why not go all the way?

The RS Q8 receives a styling refresh for 2025 to bring it in line with the Q8 and SQ8 models, which were facelifted last year. But the real treat is the new 631-hp Performance trim. The Performance model not only offers more horsepower, but it also comes with a self-locking center differential, a specially-tuned exhaust system, and a unique suspension.

How It Made The List

The Rivian R1S Tri-Motor is the performance-focused variant of Rivian's impressive electric SUV, and it's making waves with its potent blend of capability, technology, and sustainable driving. Equipped with three electric motors generating a combined output of over 835 horsepower and 908 lb-ft of torque, the R1S Tri-Motor delivers breathtaking acceleration, launching from 0 to 60 mph in around 3 seconds.

But the R1S Tri-Motor is more than just a speed demon. It offers a spacious and luxurious interior with seating for up to seven passengers, making it a practical choice for families and adventurers alike. The cabin is packed with technology, including a large touchscreen infotainment system, a digital instrument cluster, and a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features. Rivian's commitment to sustainability is evident throughout the vehicle, from its recycled materials to its vegan leather upholstery.

Journalists have been largely impressed with the R1S Tri-Motor, praising its exceptional performance, off-road capability, and luxurious amenities. Car and Driver calls it "a surprisingly versatile SUV with speed to spare," while

How It Made The List

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade V-Series elevates the iconic luxury SUV to new heights of performance and exclusivity. Under the hood rumbles a hand-built, supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine, unleashing a monstrous 682 horsepower and 653 lb-ft of torque. This translates to 0-60 mph in just 4.4 seconds. It doesn't just rely on brute force, with its performance-tuned suspension with Magnetic Ride Control 4.0, a limited-slip differential, and massive Brembo brakes.

The Escalade V-Series distinguishes itself with unique design elements that hint at its performance potential. A distinctive front fascia with larger air intakes, a mesh grille, and V-Series badging sets it apart from the standard Escalade. Exclusive 24-inch wheels, optional Edge Red brake calipers, and quad exhaust tips further emphasize its athletic character.

With its combination of explosive performance, head-turning design, and lavish amenities, the 2025 Cadillac Escalade V-Series redefines the luxury SUV segment.

How It Made The List

The 2025 Mercedes-AMG GLE63 S Coupe is a high-performance luxury SUV that seamlessly blends exhilarating power, athletic handling, and opulent comfort. Under the hood lies a handcrafted AMG 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine, augmented by a mild hybrid system, producing a staggering 603 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque.

But the GLE63 S Coupe is more than just a straight-line speedster. AMG's performance enhancements, including a sport-tuned air suspension, active roll stabilization, and an electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential, ensure agile handling and precise cornering. The exterior design is a study in aggressive elegance, with a sleek coupe-like roofline, flared wheel arches, and quad exhaust tips hinting at the performance within.  

Early reviews from journalists are overwhelmingly positive. Many praise the GLE63 S Coupe's effortless acceleration, sharp handling, and luxurious appointments. Car and Driver notes its "impressive blend of performance and comfort," while MotorTrend highlights its "remarkable agility for its size."

How It Made The List

The Lotus Eletre is a groundbreaking vehicle that marks a significant departure for the British automaker, renowned for its lightweight sports cars. This all-electric SUV is Lotus's first foray into the SUV market, and it's making a bold statement with its striking design, cutting-edge technology, and impressive performance capabilities. The Eletre's aerodynamic silhouette and sculpted lines not only enhance its visual appeal but also contribute to its impressive efficiency and range.

Under the skin, the Eletre boasts a powerful electric powertrain with dual motors. For those seeking even more exhilarating performance, the range-topping Eletre R unleashes a staggering 905 horsepower and 726 lb-ft of torque, propelling it from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 2.95 seconds. The Eletre R also features a unique two-speed gearbox on the rear axle, enhancing both acceleration and efficiency.

Inside the cabin, the Eletre offers a luxurious and technologically advanced environment. The Eletre is all-new for 2025. There are three variants at launch.

How It Made The List

The 2025 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat returns for an encore, defying expectations and logic by shoehorning a supercharged 6.2-liter Hellcat V8 into a family SUV. This monstrous engine produces a staggering 710 horsepower and 645 lb-ft of torque, transforming the Durango into a true performance beast. With a 0-60 mph time of just 3.5 seconds and a quarter-mile elapsed time of 11.5 seconds, the Durango SRT Hellcat can embarrass many sports cars while still comfortably accommodating seven passengers and their luggage.  

It's equipped with a performance-tuned all-wheel-drive system, an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, and a sport-tuned suspension. Massive Brembo brakes provide the stopping power necessary to tame this beast, while a launch control system helps you achieve those neck-snapping acceleration runs. The Durango SRT Hellcat's aggressive styling, with its widebody stance, hood scoop, and 20-inch wheels.

A special-edition arrives in 2025 called the Silver Bullet. It comes fully loaded, gets painted Triple Nickel (silver) and adds one-off details such as a satin-black hood and two-color stitching all around the interior.