While SUVs are definitely practical, they can be boring in many cases. What if you want a sporty performance from your family hauler? Surprisingly, your best bet may be just an electric SUV. Thanks to the inherent benefits of the EV powertrain design, hair-raising acceleration is no longer exclusive to low-haired exotics. Additionally, many automakers are currently creating balanced, performance SUVs that also offer improved handling, stronger brakes and a sporty aesthetic. Edmunds’ automotive experts rounded up the four favorites. Vehicles are listed in ascending prices, including destination fees.
The Ford Mustang Mach-E GT model packs enough performance to do justice for iconic name. The standard GT packs 480 horsepower and 600 lb-ft of torque into the dish, while the optional performance upgrade increases the latter figure to a heartfelt 700 lb-ft. In Edmunds’ tests, he helped the Mach-E GT sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds.
To ensure the rest of the vehicle can keep up with the powertrain, Ford is equipped with a sport-tuned adaptive suspension, high-performance brakes and sports seats in front of the MACH-E GT, all standard. Its obstructed stance also makes the Mach-E GT look both as well as the handle, like a long hatchback, rather than a towering SUV. The MACH-E GT’s EPA estimated 280 miles range should be sufficient for most people’s needs.
2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT Starting Price: $56,490
Chevrolet introduced a blazer EV last year. A wise choice for an electric SUV. But you will be more excited to promote the new high performance 2025 Blazer EV SS. The Blazer SS tips the script with a massive increase in horsepower, refilled front brakes, and a thoroughly improved suspension that adds stability and accuracy to the spirit drive.
Available in wide open watt (or WOW) start-up control mode with up to 615 horsepower, the Blazer EV SS claims the title of the most powerful SS badge car produced by Chevrolet. While it’s not as focused on the truck as other performance-tuned electric SUVs, the SS scores points with a comfortable ride and a serious Zippy 3.4 seconds 0-60 mph time. It also offers an impressive EPA estimated 303 miles range on a fully charged charge.
2025 Chevy Blazer EV SS Starting Price: $62,095
The high-performance version of Kia’s all-electric EV6 is called the GT. The 2025 model is particularly convincing for some updates. This starts with an increase in power. This is currently at its maximum power output of 641 horsepower. This will equal its power level with the company’s cousin of the EV6 GT, the Hyundai Ion Ik 5 N, producing an estimated 3.3-second sprint at 60 mph. The 2025 EV6 GT also offers modes that emulate the sound and shift experience of a gas-powered engine. The provocative adaptive suspension and larger brakes add to the performance-oriented vibe of the EV6 GT.
Although it shares much of its mechanical hardware with the Ioniq 5 N, the futuristic styling of the EV6 GT offers more visual drama without significantly compromising residents’ comfort. The 231 miles estimated by KIA gives Hyundai a slight edge, while the EV6 GT offers similarly quick speed charging times.
2025 KIA EV6 GT Starting Price: $65,295
Hyundai’s Hot Rod Crossover SUV adds tons of excitement to the minutes while retaining all the comfort and retro-inspired designs of all the creatures in the standard IONIQ 5. With a tap of up to 641 horsepower, the Ioniq 5 N needed just 3.3 seconds to get to 0-60 mph in the Edmunds test. Sticky performance tires, track-tuned adaptive suspension and massive braking make the Ioniq 5n feel like a muscle-bound hot hatch when you put the pace on a twisted backroad, and the risqué bodywork ensures you do so.
What sets this performance apart from the pack is its ability to recreate its persuasiveness, from the pop and crackles emanating from the virtual exhaust system to the sound and sensation of a traditional internal combustion performance vehicle and the shouves associated with simulated gear changes at full throttle. At this price range, the 221 mile range estimated by the 221 mile EPA on a modern EV is a bit lower, but Hyundai says it takes just 18 minutes to refill the battery from 10% to 80%.
2025 Hyundai Ion Iku 5 N Starting Price: $67,800
Edmunds says
High-performance trims tend to include all the bells and whistles available by default, leading to the final line. If you’re looking for a more affordable alternative to a particular model, it’s worth researching to determine whether it’s a performance-related feature that can be added as an option with less costly trim.
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This story was provided to the Associated Press by the car website Edmunds. Bradley Iger is a contributor to Edmunds.
