The 15 Most Powerful SUVs of 2015 (Ranked & Reviewed)

Car manufacturers should be credited for developing SUVs that belie their size with impressive performance. This can be measured by an SUV’s horsepower and torque.

In simplest terms, horsepower is a measure of the strength of a car’s engine. Meanwhile, torque is the amount of force applied to propel the vehicle forward from an idle position.

Performance is an important factor when purchasing an SUV, because it can indicate how the car will meet your demands.

For example: If you plan to travel on steep terrains, your vehicle has to be able to handle it. Moreover, if you want to use the SUV for towing purposes, it’s important that you have a vehicle with enough torque to do the job.

Knowing which SUVs deliver the most power can help you make a more educated purchase.

Whether you plan to drive across mountainous terrain or simply want speed to make your everyday drive exciting, here are the 15 most powerful SUVs of 2015.

2015 Cadillac Escalade

This 2015 SUV/Crossover is equipped with a naturally aspirated 6.2L V-8 engine, sending power to all 4 wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Its 420 horsepower is adequate, but nothing to boast about (the average 2015 full-size luxury SUV has 420 HP). As for low-end grunt: in a class where 460 ft-lbs is the norm, torque meets expectations, at 460 ft-lbs.

The 2015 Cadillac Escalade has one of the most reasonable price points for luxury SUVs, with an MSRP of $72,970 for its base model. The Escalade has one of the lighter curb weights in its class and delivers more power than the Audi Q7 3.0T Premium Quattro.

2015 GMC Yukon Denali

This 2015 SUV/Crossover is equipped with a naturally aspirated 6.2L V-8 engine, sending power to all 4 wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission.

The result is a formidable 420 horsepower (the average 2015 full-size SUV/crossover has 355 HP).

As for low-end grunt: in a class where 383 ft-lbs is the norm, torque crushes the competition, at a hearty 460 ft-lbs.

GMC’s newest edition of the Yukon Denali is more expensive than many of its full size SUV counterparts, coming in with an original price of $64,520. It does deliver up to expectations in fuel efficiency, earning a combined 18 miles per gallon.

2015 Mercedes-Benz GL550 4MATIC

This 2015 SUV/Crossover is equipped with a twin turbocharged 4.7L V-8 engine, sending power to all four wheels through a 7-speed automatic transmission. The resulting 429 horsepower is impressive (the average 2015 full-size luxury SUV has 420 HP). As for low-end grunt: in a class where 460 ft-lbs is the norm, torque crushes the competition, at a hearty 516 ft-lbs.

With these numbers, the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL550 4MATIC blows much of its competition away.

2015 Porsche Cayenne GTS

This 2015 SUV/Crossover is equipped with a twin turbocharged 3.6L V-6 engine, sending power to all four wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission. The resulting 440 horsepower is impressive (the average 2015 midsize luxury SUV/crossover has 308 HP). As for low-end grunt: in a class where 300 ft-lbs is the norm, torque is quite substantial, at 443 ft-lbs.

Not surprisingly, the 2015 Porsche Cayenne GTS is on the high end of the spectrum for costs with its $95,500 price tag. However, for its price the Cayenne GTS offers better horsepower and torque than many of its competitors including the Land Rover Range Rover Sport SE.

2015 BMW X5 xDrive50i

This 2015 SUV/Crossover is equipped with a twin turbocharged 4.4L V-8 engine, sending power to all four wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission. The resulting 445 horsepower is impressive (the average 2015 midsize luxury SUV/crossover has 308 HP). As for low-end grunt: in a class where 300 ft-lbs is the norm, torque is quite substantial, at 480 ft-lbs.

This SUV’s 4.4L V-8 engine packs a punch with more horsepower than competitors like the Mercedes-Benz M-Class ML350. It’s also more than capable to handle your demands with a payload capacity of 1,100 pounds.

2015 BMW X6 xDrive60i

This 2015 SUV/Crossover is equipped with a twin turbocharged 4.4L V-8 engine, sending power to all four wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission.

The resulting 445 horsepower is impressive (the average 2015 midsize luxury SUV/crossover has 308 HP). As for low-end grunt: in a class where 300 ft-lbs is the norm, torque is quite substantial, at 480 ft-lbs.

Known for its performance capabilities, this SUV could transform routine drives into exhilarating trips.

2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT

This 2015 SUV/Crossover is equipped with a naturally aspirated 6.4L V-8 engine, sending power to all 4 wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission.

The result is a formidable 470 horsepower (the average 2015 midsize SUV/crossover has 261 HP). As for low-end grunt: in a class where 253 ft-lbs is the norm, torque crushes the competition, at a hearty 465 ft-lbs.

The 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT has a base price almost double its competitors, but for the money, you receive exceptional performance.

2015 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

This 2015 SUV/Crossover is equipped with a supercharged 5.0L V-8 engine, sending power to all 4 wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission.

The result is a formidable 550 horsepower (the average 2015 midsize luxury SUV/crossover has 308 HP).

As for low-end grunt: in a class where 300 ft-lbs is the norm, torque crushes the competition, at a hearty 502 ft-lbs.

With its four-wheel drive capabilities, this SUV is ideal for those who traverse over difficult terrain.

2015 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG

This 2015 SUV/Crossover is equipped with a twin turbocharged 5.5L V-8 engine, sending power to all four wheels through a 7-speed automatic transmission.

The result is a formidable 518 horsepower (the average 2015 midsize luxury SUV/crossover has 308 HP).

As for low-end grunt: in a class where 300 ft-lbs is the norm, torque crushes the competition, at a hearty 516 ft-lbs.

Plus, the 5.5L V-8 engine propels the SUV from 0 to 60 mph in an impressive 4.7 seconds.

2015 Porsche Cayenne Turbo

This 2015 SUV/Crossover is equipped with a twin turbocharged 4.8L V-8 engine, sending power to all four wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission.

The result is a formidable 520 horsepower (the average 2015 midsize luxury SUV/crossover has 308 HP).

As for low-end grunt: in a class where 300 ft-lbs is the norm, torque crushes the competition, at a hearty 553 ft-lbs.

This luxury SUV is on the high end in terms of costs, but more than makes up for it with its performance offerings.

2015 Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG

This model is equipped with a twin turbocharged 5.5L V-8 engine, sending power to all 4 wheels through a 7-speed automatic transmission.

The result is a formidable 536 horsepower (the average 2014 midsize luxury SUV/crossover has 303 HP).

As for low-end grunt: in a class where 314 ft-lbs is the norm, torque crushes the competition, at a hearty 560 ft-lbs.

While at the top of the price range for luxury SUVs, the 2015 Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG does offer a handsome array of performance features to make it an enticing buy.

2015 Land Rover Ranger Rover Sport SVR

This 2015 SUV/Crossover is equipped with a supercharged 5.0L V-8 engine, sending power to all 4 wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission. The result is a formidable 550 horsepower (the average 2015 midsize luxury SUV/crossover has 308 HP). As for low-end grunt: in a class where 300 ft-lbs is the norm, torque crushes the competition, at a hearty 502 ft-lbs.

This four-wheel drive SUV is perfect for handling difficult terrain while also generating more than enough power to tackle the steepest hills with ease. This makes it the perfect adventure vehicle.

2015 Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG

This 2015 SUV/Crossover is equipped with a twin turbocharged 5.5L V-8 engine, sending power to all four wheels through a 7-speed automatic transmission. The result is a formidable 550 horsepower (the average 2015 full-size luxury SUV has 420 HP).

As for low-end grunt: in a class where 460 ft-lbs is the norm, torque crushes the competition, at a hearty 560 ft-lbs.

The brisk acceleration delivered by the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG makes it a prized possession for anyone wanting an exhilarating ride. Its 0 to 60 time of 4.8 seconds is far better than many of its competitors.

2015 BMW X6 M

This 2015 SUV/Crossover is equipped with a twin turbocharged 4.4L V-8 engine, sending power to all four wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission.

The result is a formidable 567 horsepower (the average 2015 midsize luxury SUV/crossover has 308 HP).

As for low-end grunt: in a class where 300 ft-lbs is the norm, torque crushes the competition, at a hearty 553 ft-lbs.

It also boasts a 567-horsepower output, which is well above its class average of 308 horsepower.

2015 BMW X5 M

This 2015 SUV/Crossover is equipped with a twin turbocharged 4.4L V-8 engine, sending power to all four wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission.

The result is a formidable 567 horsepower (the average 2015 midsize luxury SUV/crossover has 308 HP).

As for low-end grunt: in a class where 300 ft-lbs is the norm, torque crushes the competition, at a hearty 553 ft-lbs.

What makes the 2015 BWM X5 M so impressive is that it’s the least expensive model in the top five yet delivers the best power features.

Adding to its allure is its acceleration, as its twin turbocharged 4.4L V-8 engine rockets the SUV from 0 to 60 mph in just four seconds.

Wrapping Up

From the luxurious Cadillac Escalade to the beastly Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG, these vehicles combine brute force with sophistication.

Whether you’re conquering rugged terrains or cruising city streets, these SUVs promise a memorable ride.

If you’re a speed demon with a penchant for luxury, any of these luxury SUVs will surely quench your thirst for power and performance.