Last Updated on February 25, 2025 by Victor A
Electric cars may be taking over, but for those who crave the raw power and unmistakable roar of a combustion engine, there are still plenty of high-performance SUVs in 2025 that deliver serious horsepower.
These machines prove that gas-powered SUVs are far from obsolete, combining luxury, speed, and thrilling driving experiences.
Here’s a look at the most powerful non-electric SUVs of the year, ranked by horsepower.
7. Cadillac Escalade-V: 682 HP (692 PS) | 653 lb-ft (885 Nm)
Cadillac took its legendary Escalade and cranked up the insanity with the V model.
A supercharged 6.2-liter V8 unleashes 682 horsepower, turning this luxury cruiser into a muscle-bound powerhouse.
It’s big, bold, and ready to leave sports cars in its dust while keeping passengers wrapped in premium comfort.
With Magnetic Ride Control and Air Ride Adaptive Suspension, it balances performance and ride quality, making it surprisingly agile for its size.
Inside, the Escalade-V offers a high-tech cockpit with a curved OLED display, premium leather upholstery, and a 36-speaker AKG Studio Reference audio system, making every drive as luxurious as it is powerful.
Despite its size, the Escalade-V can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds, an impressive feat for a full-size SUV. It also offers multiple drive modes, including a V-Mode that sharpens throttle response and tightens suspension for an even more engaging driving experience.
6. Aston Martin DBX707: 697 HP (707 PS) | 663 lb-ft (900 Nm)
Aston Martin’s DBX707 isn’t just about looks—it’s a force to be reckoned with.
The 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 churns out 697 horsepower, making it one of the most powerful luxury SUVs in its class.
With an athletic chassis and signature Aston Martin styling, it’s an SUV that makes a statement wherever it goes.
It also features a revised nine-speed automatic transmission and a reworked all-wheel-drive system, delivering sharper handling and a more engaging drive.
A redesigned front grille, quad exhaust system, and upgraded brakes enhance both its presence and performance, ensuring that it’s not just fast but also highly refined.
Capable of reaching a top speed of 193 mph, the DBX707 proves that is as fast as it looks. It also features a retuned suspension with adaptive dampers, ensuring a balance between ride comfort and razor-sharp dynamics, making it a proper Aston Martin in SUV form.
5. Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat: 710 HP (720 PS) | 645 lb-ft (875 Nm)
If you love American muscle, the Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat is your kind of SUV.
Under the hood, the legendary supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 cranks out 710 horsepower, making it the fastest three-row SUV on the planet.
With a growling exhaust and blistering acceleration, it’s as close to a Charger Hellcat as an SUV can get.
It boasts a reinforced eight-speed automatic transmission and a launch control system, helping it rocket from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds.
Despite its brutal performance, the Durango SRT Hellcat remains family-friendly, offering three rows of seating, Uconnect infotainment, and advanced driver-assist features.
Dodge has given it a more aggressive exterior design, featuring functional hood scoops and wider fenders. On the inside, suede and leather-appointed seats, red accents, and carbon-fiber trim create a race-ready atmosphere.
4. Ferrari Purosangue: 715 HP (725 PS) | 528 lb-ft (716 Nm)
Ferrari has finally stepped into the SUV arena, and they did it with unmistakable flair.
The Purosangue packs a naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12 that produces 715 horsepower, delivering the soul-stirring sound and performance expected from the Italian marque.
It’s not just an SUV—it’s a Ferrari through and through.
With a unique front mid-engine layout, all-wheel drive, and active suspension technology, it offers an exhilarating driving experience unlike any other SUV.
Inside, a minimalist yet high-tech interior features luxurious materials, a digital cockpit, and rear-hinged suicide doors for a dramatic entrance and exit.
Ferrari’s advanced Side Slip Control system ensures dynamic handling, allowing the Purosangue to carve corners like a sports car. The V12 revs up to 8,250 rpm, delivering a soundtrack unmatched by any other SUV.
3. BMW XM Label Red: 738 HP (748 PS) | 738 lb-ft (1000 Nm)
BMW’s most aggressive SUV ever, the XM Label Red, is a hybrid monster with a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 and electric assistance that boost total output to 738 horsepower.
While it leans into hybrid tech, the combustion engine still dominates, delivering brutal acceleration and a commanding presence.
With its aggressive styling, sport-tuned suspension, and M-specific xDrive system, the XM Label Red is built for both luxury and track-ready performance.
Inside, the cabin is wrapped in high-end materials, featuring BMW’s curved display, ambient lighting, and a futuristic illuminated headliner.
The XM Label Red also boasts a unique M Hybrid system that enhances fuel efficiency while maintaining blistering performance. The 0-60 mph time sits at around 4.1 seconds, making it one of the quickest SUVs on the road.
2. Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid / Turbo GT: 739 HP (750 PS) | 700 lb-ft (950 Nm)
Porsche’s new range-topping Cayenne is now the Turbo E-Hybrid, featuring a twin-turbo V8 paired with an electric motor to produce a staggering 739 horsepower.
In Europe and some other markets, the Turbo GT is now offered as a package for the Turbo E-Hybrid, enhancing its performance and handling capabilities.
However, in the U.S. and select regions, the Turbo GT remains a standalone model with a pure combustion engine, delivering a more traditional high-performance SUV experience.
With upgraded chassis tuning, rear-axle steering, and carbon-ceramic brakes, the Turbo GT variant is among the most agile SUVs ever built.
The Cayenne Turbo GT also features an enhanced aerodynamics package, lightweight titanium exhaust, and a sportier suspension setup, ensuring maximum performance on both road and track.
1. Lamborghini Urus SE: 800 HP (811 PS) | 700 lb-ft (950 Nm)
The Lamborghini Urus SE is an evolution of the iconic Urus, now featuring a hybrid-assisted twin-turbo V8 that produces a jaw-dropping 800 horsepower.
With aggressive Italian styling and cutting-edge technology, the Urus SE solidifies its position as the most powerful and exciting gas-powered SUV in 2025.
It features an upgraded air suspension, active roll stabilization, and an advanced all-wheel-drive system, ensuring it performs like a supercar while offering SUV practicality.
Inside, the Urus SE boasts a high-tech cockpit with a dual-screen layout, customizable drive modes, and carbon-fiber trim that reinforces its high-performance identity.
The Urus SE benefits from Lamborghini’s predictive driving technology, adjusting suspension and power delivery based on driving conditions to offer an unparalleled balance of comfort and performance.
Final Thoughts
These seven gas-powered SUVs prove that internal combustion still has plenty of life left.
Whether it’s the raw power of a V8 or the thrilling howl of a V12, these machines deliver high-performance excitement in a practical, stylish package.
If you’re not ready to go fully electric just yet, these SUVs will keep the fire burning in 2025 and beyond.
