10 Most Fun-to-Drive SUVs

The term “fun-to-drive SUV” might sound like an oxymoron to those with a narrow view of what makes a vehicle fun to drive. Of course, quick acceleration, hard cornering, and face-stretching stops will qualify. But it’s just as fun to rocket up a sharp embankment, traverse a steep incline, or carefully place the tires to navigate the pile of boulders in front of you. In other words, there are many kinds of fun-to-drive SUVs. We’ve compiled a good cross-section for you.

These are 10 of the most fun-to-drive SUVs.

1. 2024 Alfa Romeo Stelvio

The 2024 Alfa Romeo Stelvio packs poise, pep, and panache at the base level and only adds to the spirited feel as you ascend the trim — and power –levels. Even the entry point, the Stelvio Sprint, gets a 280-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder. And the top-spec Quadriofoglio’s twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 makes a massively entertaining 505 hp. No matter the spec, you’ll get a luxurious, nimble SUV with Italian styling and a surprisingly reasonable price tag. See 2024 Alfa Romeo Stelvio models for sale

2. 2024 BMW X1

All-new last year, the BMW X1 was plenty of fun with a single xDrive28i model. The 2024 BMW X1 adds the M35i xDrive spec, which boosts output from the 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder of the xDrive28i from 241 hp to 312 hp. The result is an X1 that accelerates to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds. It’s electronically limited to a 155 mph top speed. The X1 M35i also gets a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with paddle shifters, BMW’s Adaptive M Suspension, speed-sensitive sport steering, 19-inch M-brand alloy wheels, and unique appearance elements. The X1 M35i is the first BMW M Performance model to offer the option of M Compound brakes. These have 4-piston fixed calipers grabbing 15.2-inch drilled front rotors at the front and single-piston floating calipers braking 13.0-inch rotors at the rear. The 2024 X1 M35i xDrive launches in October 2023. See 2024 BMW X1 models for sale

3. 2024 Ford Bronco

Like the Stelvio, the Bronco has nothing new going on this year. But it’s so fun to drive — albeit in a different way — that it belongs on this list anyway. Eschewing quick acceleration figures in favor of ground clearance and off-road traction, the 2024 Bronco is available in many trims. Two of the newest are a choice of retro throwback Heritage trims. There’s also the borderline-bonkers Bronco Raptor. It packs a 418-hp 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6, 4-wheel drive, massive 37-inch all-terrain tires, and many other off-road upgrades. Even the base 2-door model is ready to hit the trails, so you don’t have to break the bank to have fun in a Bronco. See 2024 Ford Bronco models for sale

4. 2023 Genesis GV60

Looking more like a high-performance hatchback than an SUV, the 2023 Genesis GV60 isn’t going to take you far off-road. But if you want a 429-hp AWD EV that’s striking to look at, comfortable, surprisingly affordable, and fun to drive, look no further. It even has Boost Mode, which gives the GV60 10 seconds at 483 hp. The Performance AWD trim gets the aforementioned power specs. It also has an adaptive suspension, facial recognition unlocking, a fingerprint reader for interior functions, and many luxury features. The GV60 might not be the pick for ultimate pace, but it’s an excellent choice for a daily-driven EV with all the comfort, luxuries, and acceleration you could reasonably want. See 2023 Genesis GV60 models for sale

5. 2024 Hyundai Kona

The 2024 Hyundai Kona is all-new this year. Last year’s high-performance Kona N variant is not on the menu. However, the 2024 Kona N-Line offers more pep than the base model. Its small size makes it nimble in traffic and around town. The base engine is a bit lacking for the spirited driving set, so upgrade to the N-Line or Limited to get the 190-hp turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder. You’ll also want to upgrade to AWD. With all-wheel drive, you get a rear multi-link setup instead of FWD models’ torsion beam rear axle. All-wheel-drive models also get a rear stabilizer bar. See 2024 Hyundai Kona models for sale

6. 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe

A plug-in hybrid Jeep on a most-fun-to-drive list? No, this isn’t Upside-Down Day. The 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe is a genuinely fun vehicle to drive, especially when the pavement ends and you’re in the Trailhawk trim. Opting for the PHEV variant of the Grand Cherokee is the only way to get the Trailhawk model these days. The Trailhawk gets the most off-road capable and rugged equipment list. So, for maximum fun, this is the model you’ll want.

The Trailhawk trim includes Quadra-Trac II AWD with a 2-speed transfer case, Quadra-Lift air suspension with up to 10.9 inches of ground clearance, and a range of appearance upgrades. The Grand Cherokee 4xe’s PHEV system is good for 26 miles of all-electric range, 375 hp, and 470 lb-ft of torque. It has a tow rating of up to 6,000 pounds. See 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk 4xe models for sale

7. 2023 Kia EV6

The 2023 Kia EV6 in grey, seen from a front quarter angle

Based on the same EV architecture as the Genesis GV60 above, the 2023 Kia EV6 is a striking EV with a solid range and performance even in base form. For ultimate performance, upgrade to the range-topping EV6 GT. You go from RWD to AWD, and you more than triple power over the base 167-hp California-only EV6 Light trim. That’s right, the EV6 GT is rated at 576 hp and 545 lb-ft of torque from its dual-motor, AWD, 77.4-kWh battery powertrain.

With all that power on tap, the EV6 GT accelerates quickly. It charges even quicker, going from 10 percent to 80 percent in as little as 18 minutes with DC fast charging. While the less potent variants of the EV6 score up to 310 miles on a charge, the EV6 GT’s prodigious power output shaves that figure down to 206 miles per charge. See 2023 Kia EV6 models for sale

8. 2024 Mazda CX-50

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 carries into the new year essentially unchanged from its debut last year. It’s still among the best-driving SUVs, especially considering the $38,000 starting price of the CX-50 2.5 Turbo. That nets you a 227-hp, 320-lb-ft 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and AWD. The CX-50 has the handling of a sports sedan, an upscale cabin with premium materials and design, smart daily-use features, lots of rear-seat legroom, and a dashing, sporty look. If you don’t need power to have plenty of fun behind the wheel, even the base model gets Mazda’s signature steering tune, excellent ride, and well-controlled body motion. See 2024 Mazda CX-50 models for sale

9. 2023 Porsche Macan

Ease up, Porschephiles; the Macan is only this far down the list because it’s alphabetical. The Macan would be right at the top if this list were ordered by merit. From the base Macan to the 434-hp GTS, every trim and spec is engaging, tactile, and fun, even at non-ridiculous speeds. There’s every reason to choose the potent 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6s in the Macan S (375 hp) and GTS. But the new-for-2023 Macan T makes a case for being the enthusiast’s choice, even though it’s powered by the 261-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder of the base Macan. Why? Because the Macan T also gets many upgrades from the S and GTS. These include an adaptive air suspension (PASM), Sport Chrono package, Porsche Traction Management (PTM), Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV+), and upgraded anti-roll bars. See 2023 Porsche Macan models for sale

10. 2024 Subaru Forester

Another off-road fun SUV, the 2024 Subaru Forester, is surprisingly capable and enjoyable straight off the lot in base trim. The pinnacle of Forester fun is the off-road-focused Wilderness. In addition to more rugged looks, the Forester Wilderness gets upgraded ground clearance (8.7 to 9.2 inches), off-road tires, and an upgraded dual-function X-Mode AWD system with deep snow and mud settings. See 2024 Subaru Forester models for sale