Sports Utility Vehicles or SUV’s as they are commonly known, were never renowned for speed. They were good large vehicles and were generally considered to be more of a utility car rather than one associated with fast driving. However their growing popularity has made car manufacturers realise that if fast driving can also become one of their attributes then the SUV’s will become vehicles of choice for money.
Here are the top ten fastest SUV’s for 2011. We judged them with regards to their top speed and 0 to 60 times.
1. BMW X6m:
BMW claim that this is the fastest SUV available in the market and with a speed of zero to sixty in 4.3 seconds, the claim seems to be absolutely correct. The cost is a massive $ 88,900, and at 5000 lbs it is one of the heaviest vehicles in this list. But with BMW’s superb engine power behind it, it is a great machine.
2. BMW X5m:
Another product from the BMW stable, this ute is also a great machine. Slightly slower and heavier than the X6, it is however backed by the reputation of BMW’s excellent craftsmanship. BMW’s zero maintenance facility makes it virtually cost-free with regards to any maintenance problems which may arise.
3. Porsche Cayenne Turbo X:
Sleek and sporty, this beauty has been in the forefront of the SUV field for many years. Even the cost factor of $ 104,700 does not seem to deter those who feel it is one of the best SUV’s available. It’s twin turbo-charged V8 engine generates 500-hp with twin-turbo 4.8-liter V8, for a zero to 60 speed in 4.4 seconds.
4. Mercedes Benz ML 63 AMG:
Mercedes Benz has been renowned for luxury and speed and quality. They have maintained their excellent quality in this V8, 6.3 litre 503 horsepower engine, It has a maximum speed of 155 mph, which may not be as high as the other SUV’s but it is still good enough to make this list.
5. Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8:
The fastest model made by Jeep, it breaks all the myths that Jeep only has slow lumbering vehicles in it’s roster. It has a 420 horsepower, 6.4 litre V8 engine and can streak from zero to 60 in 4.8 seconds. It’s price of $ 45,000 makes it a very good buy in this category.
The Chevrolet Traverse has four doors and the ability to accommodate 8 passengers at the same time. The horsepower is great and the engine runs very smoothly. The speed requirements have been kept at par with that of a family which is why it doesn’t exactly go very fast. It costs about 28 thousand dollars.
The Ford Escape has four doors as well but can seat on 5 passengers in one go. It is available in 6 different designs and therefore, models. The car can reach a speed of about 28 mpg and 22 mpg when the driver is on the highway and the city respectively. The Ford Escape is for 19 thousand dollars.
Similar to the Ford Escape, this SUV allows 5 passengers to sit comfortably and exit through 4 different doors. It is available in 9 models and the most popular one is the Limited Auto series. For a price of about 18 thousand dollars, it is quite reasonable and the engine is very reliable.
A new model of the Honda CRV was introduced this year- it has 4 doors and can seat 5 people together. It comes along with a navigation system which is why it is slightly more expensive and will cost you about 25 thousand dollars.
The Chevrolet Equinox entered the market with 8 models in tow out of which the LTZ AWD is most sought after this year. One can fill in 2.4 liters of fuel and reach a speed of 32 mpg even when the terrain is steep. It will cost you about 28 thousand dollars.
