Last Updated on April 24, 2023 by Victor A
When it comes to buying an SUV, there are a lot of factors to consider: price, fuel efficiency, safety features, and more. But for some buyers, speed is the top priority. If you’re looking for the fastest SUV under 50k, you’re in luck.
There are plenty of options on the market that offer impressive speed and performance without breaking the bank, we already showed you those under 30k, but this is the time for the fastest SUVs under $50k.
1) 2023 Hyundai IONIQ 5 (320 hp, 0-60 mph in 4.5 sec)
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 is the fastest SUV under 50k, this new entrant in the SUV market, but it’s already making waves thanks to its impressive speed and performance.
By paying an extra $3,500, you’ll get the AWD DUAL-MOTOR option on the IONIQ 5 SE, which unlocks 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque.
That translates into a 0 to 60 mph time of just 4.5 seconds, while the top speed is limited to 117 mph (188 km/h), and it comes with an electric range of 266 miles (EPA est.).
The IONIQ 5 SE starts at $45,500, however, if you want this level of performance, you need to get the AWD DUAL-MOTOR option for $3,500 more, which adds more power and all-wheel drive, the combined price ends up being $49,000.
2) 2023 Tesla Model Y (384 hp, 0-60 mph in 4.8 sec)
For those who want impressive range and great performance, the Model Y Long Range version is a must.
This electric SUV combines two electric motors to produce 384 hp and 376 lb-ft of torque, while it can speed up from 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds, and it has a top speed of 135 mph (217 km/h).
The best part of the Tesla Model Y is that it manages to deliver these figures without sacrificing too much range, as the Model Y comes with 330 miles (EPA est.) of range.
Due to the latest price cuts that Tesla has been aggressively performing, we can buy this Model Y Long Range version for slightly under $50,000, as it now starts at $49,990.
3) 2023 Nissan ARIYA (335 hp, 0-60 mph in 5.1 sec)
Another EV on this list is the new Nissan Ariya, this attractive SUV from Nissan combines power and efficiency in one stylish package.
With its two electric motors, the ARIYA ENGAGE e-4ORCE AWD produces 335 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque, and it can reach 60 mph in only 5.1 seconds.
This version comes with a top speed of 124 mph (200 km/h), AWD, and a range of 205 miles (EPA est.).
The 2023 Nissan Ariya ENGAGE e-4ORCE AWD starts at an MSRP of $48,525.
4) 2023 Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 (306 hp, 0-60 mph in 5.2 sec)
If you want a fast SUV under 50k you should check out the GLA 35 AMG, the entry-level model to the AMG line-up is a fun car that comes with interesting specifications.
The GLA 35 packs an AMG-enhanced 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 turbo that produces 306 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, while it can go from 0-60 in 5.2 seconds, and gets a top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h).
It comes with a range of performance features, including an adaptive suspension system, sport-tuned steering, high-performance brakes, and AWD as standard.
Prices for the 2023 Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 start at $49,500.
5) 2023 Hyundai Kona N (276 hp, 0-60 mph in 5.3 sec)
If you checked our article about the fastest SUVs under 40k you might remember the Hyundai Kona N for topping the list.
This compact SUV is made for tackling tight corners and delivering a fun experience thanks to its 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, which produces 276 hp and 289 lb-ft of torque.
The Hyundai Kona N can reach 60 mph in 5.3 seconds, is limited to a top speed of 149 mph (240 km/h), and comes exclusively with FWD.
This is the least-costly SUV on the list as it comes with a starting MSRP price of $34,950.
6) 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime (302 hp, 0-60 mph in 5.4 sec)
The fastest hybrid SUV under 50k is the RAV4 Prime, which surprisingly accelerates so fast regardless of its high weight. It’s even quicker than the entry-level Toyota Supra 2.0.
Under its hood, we find a 2.5-liter inline-four and an electric motor which give a combined power output of 302 hp and 288 lb-ft of torque.
Its 0-60 acceleration is rated at 5.4 seconds, while its top speed is limited to 117 mph (188 km/h), and it comes with AWD.
The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime SE will set you back at a starting price of MSRP $42,340.
7) 2023 Alfa Romeo Stelvio (276 hp, 0-60 mph in 5.5 sec)
To get the best performance out of the Stelvio, make sure to choose the AWD option of the entry-level Stelvio Sprint trim.
The Stelvio features a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 280 hp and 306 lb-ft of torque.
It can go from 0-60 mph in 5.5 seconds, and it comes with a top speed of 144 mph (232 km/h).
When it comes to prices, the 2023 Alfa Romeo Stelvio in Sprint trim and with AWD starts at MSRP $48,575.
8) 2023 Genesis GV70 (300 hp, 0-60 mph in 5.6 sec)
One of the best-looking SUVs on this list is the Genesis GV70, which looks equally great on the inside as on the outside.
The GV70 in 2.5T trim packs a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-four that produces 300 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque.
Its 0-60 time is 5.6 seconds, it has a top speed of 150 mph (241 km/h), and features AWD as standard.
The 2023 Genesis GV70 starts at an MSRP of $43,150, which is quite reasonable for all the interior quality, engine, and performance you are getting.
9) 2024 Dodge Hornet R/T (300 hp, 0-60 mph in 5.6 sec)
The second hybrid in this list is the all-new Hornet R/T, the latest Dodge SUV that comes in a compact size.
The Hornet R/T combines a 1.3-liter inline-four with an electric motor to produce 288 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque.
It can speed up from 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds, it has a top speed of 180 mph (290 km/h) and AWD.
The 2024 Dodge Hornet R/T starting price is $41,590, and this new addition to the SUV market proves to be interesting due that it manages to enter the fastest SUV cars under 50k list.
10) 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 (295, 0-60 mph in 5.7 sec)
The Volkswagen ID.4 is another all-electric SUV that offers impressive speed and performance.
The ID.4 in the AWD Pro trim has 295 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque thanks to its two electric motors and can get you from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds.
It has a range of up to 255 miles (EPA est.) on a single charge, a top speed of 112 mph (180 km/h), and all-wheel drive.
Pricing for the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 AWD Pro will set you back at a starting price of $49,090.
