Crossovers have long been seen as practical family haulers, but a new generation is proving they can be just as thrilling as they are versatile. Beneath their everyday-friendly designs lie powerful engines, sport-tuned suspensions, and responsive steering that make driving them genuinely fun.
These models break the stereotype that SUVs can’t be engaging to drive, offering a perfect blend of performance and practicality. From turbocharged powertrains to adaptive all-wheel-drive systems, they bring surprising excitement to daily commutes and weekend adventures alike.
Whether you’re looking for a compact crossover with agile handling or a midsize option with serious punch, these ten models show that sporty driving dynamics aren’t reserved for sports cars. They’re proof that practicality and performance can coexist, and that fun behind the wheel doesn’t have to come at the expense of family comfort.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including TopSpeed and the EPA. This list focuses on ICE models, excluding hybrids, PHEVs, and EVs.
10
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe
Zero to 60 MPH: 6.3 Seconds
Credit: Hyundai
The Hyundai Santa Fe was redesigned for the 2024 model year, and we have really grown to love its new design. It is one of the most affordable three-row family SUVs that you can buy right now and it comes absolutely stacked with features from the get-go. While comfort is definitely its main priority, it is also capable of getting of the line quite quickly.
Performance Specifications
Engine
2.5-Liter Turbocharged Inline-Four
Transmission
8-Speed Automatic
Horsepower
277 HP
Torque
311 LB-FT
Driveline
FWD or AWD
0-60 MPH
6.3 Seconds
Top Speed
135 MPH
Under the hood of every new Santa Fe is a pretty powerful turbo-four which pairs with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. It comes with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, which unfortunately can be a bit laggy at times. The Santa Fe delivers a smooth ride and keeps most noise out of the cabin, but it is also capable of getting up to speed quicker than you’d expect.
9
2026 Mazda CX-30
Zero to 60 MPH: 6.2 Seconds
Credit: Mazda
Mazda has slowly but surely been pushing to move slightly more upmarket. The CX-30 is a great example of these efforts, with a well crafted interior and stylish lines that make it incredibly nice to look at. What Mazda has always been good at, though, is delivering a driving experience that is more engaging than what is on offer from any of its direct rivals.
Performance Specifications
Engine
2.5-Liter Naturally Aspirated Inline-Four
2.5-Liter Turbocharged Inline-Four
Transmission
6-Speed Automatic
6-Speed Automatic
Horsepower
191 HP
250 HP
Torque
186 LB-FT
320 LB-FT
Driveline
AWD
AWD
0-60 MPH
8.1 Seconds
6.2 Seconds
Top Speed
121 MPH
126 MPH
The Mazda’s best party trick is its agility, with a finely tuned chassis and incredible steering that makes it an absolute joy to drive through twisty sections of road. The base powertrain may not be quick, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t fun to drive. However, if speed is what you’re after, the Turbo trims kick things up more than a notch. Every model gets a six-speed automatic and all-wheel drive as standard.
8
2025 Mazda CX-70
Zero to 60 MPH: 6.2 Seconds
Credit: Mazda
While the CX-30 was a taste of Mazdas push into the entry-level luxury realm, the CX-70 is an even better showcase for the brand. This mid-size SUV comes plastered with high-quality materials and top-notch technology. Its secret weapon, though, is the six-cylinder engine that sits under the hood.
Performance Specifications
Engine
3.3-Liter Turbocharged Inline-Six
3.3-Liter Turbocharged Inline-Six
Transmission
8-Speed Automatic
8-Speed Automatic
Horsepower
280 HP
340 HP
Torque
332 LB-FT
369 LB-FT
Driveline
AWD
AWD
0-60 MPH
N/A
6.2 Seconds
Top Speed
N/A
129 MPH
Usually you would find a turbocharged inline-six under the hood of a BMW or a Land Rover, not a Mazda. The CX-70, however, features a silky smooth engine that puts down either 280 or 340 horsepower depending on the trim you opt for. The latter makes the large SUV impressively quick off the line. On top of this, despite its size, it still delivers that signature Mazda handling.
7
2026 Kia Sorento
Zero to 60 MPH: 6 Seconds
Credit: Kia
Kia has been killing it lately in terms of value. Just about every one of their crossovers competes to be the best in its segment. The Sorento is the brand’s smaller mid-size, three-row SUV, sitting under the Telluride in the lineup. While maybe a little unassuming, when equipped properly it can pack a pretty impressive punch.
Performance Specifications
Engine
2.5-Liter Naturally Aspirated Inline-Four
2.5-Liter Turbocharged Inline-Four
Transmission
8-Speed Automatic
8-Speed Automatic
Horsepower
191 HP
281 HP
Torque
181 LB-FT
311 LB-FT
Driveline
FWD or AWD
FWD or AWD
0-60 MPH
9.6 Seconds
6 Seconds
Top Speed
124 MPH
131 MPH
The Sorento is a bit of a sleeper. The base models are exceptionally sluggish by modern standards, but upgrade to the turbocharged powertrain, and you’ll be leaving quite a lot of things in your rearview mirror. While handling isn’t as sharp as what you’d get from the likes of Mazda or Volkswagen, it is pretty good, and the steering is pretty engaging too.
6
2025 Ford Bronco Sport
Zero to 60 MPH: 5.9 Seconds
Credit: Ford
The Bronco Sport is essentially a baby Bronco. It is smaller and less powerful, and it rides on the same platform that underpins the Escape crossover. While its strengths definitely lay in its off-road prowess, Ford’s compact SUV is impressively competent on pavement as well.
Performance Specifications
Engine
1.5-Liter Turbocharged Inline-Three
2.0-Liter Turbocharged Inline-Four
Transmission
8-Speed Automatic
8-Speed Automatic
Horsepower
181 HP
250 HP
Torque
190 LB-FT
277 LB-FT
Driveline
AWD
AWD
0-60 MPH
8.2 Seconds
5.9 Seconds
Top Speed
118 MPH
125 MPH
The base powertrain in the Bronco Sport is a small 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine, but you have the option of upgrading to the larger two-liter four-cylinder unit in some models. What is so impressive about the Bronco Sport is that it is such a successful jack-of-all-trades, delivering impressive off-road capability and nimble on-road performance.
5
2025 Ford Escape
Zero to 60 MPH: 5.8 Seconds
Credit: Ford
The Ford Escape sometimes struggles to stand out in the crowded and competitive compact SUV segment, going up against slightly more refined and value-oriented models. However, if you’re willing to climb the trim ladder a little bit, you’ll find that it can also be a punchy little crossover that is capable of some sporty endeavors.
Performance Specifications
Engine
1.5-Liter Turbocharged Inline-Three
2.0-Liter Turbocharged Inline-Four
Transmission
8-Speed Automatic
8-Speed Automatic
Horsepower
180 HP
250 HP
Torque
199 LB-FT
277 LB-FT
Driveline
FWD or AWD
AWD
0-60 MPH
7.7 Seconds
5.8 Seconds
Top Speed
122 MPH
127 MPH
The powertrain options in the Escape are, unsurprisingly, very similar to what you get in the Bronco Sport. Base trims get a three-cylinder, while higher trims get the option of the turbocharged four-cylinder. Front-wheel drive is the standard setup here, though the turbo-four models get all-wheel drive standard.
4
2025 Dodge Hornet
Zero to 60 MPH: 5.7 Seconds
Depending on how you look at it, the fact that the Hornet is a near-clone of the Alfa Romeo Tonale is either a good thing or a bad thing. Alfa Romeo and Stellantis in general don’t have the best reputation when it comes to quality and reliability. However, the Hornet also delivers the same agile and perky driving experience as the Alfa for a major discount.
Performance Specifications
Engine
2.0-Liter Turbocharged Inline-Four
Transmission
9-Speed Automatic
Horsepower
268 HP
Torque
295 LB-FT
Driveline
AWD
0-60 MPH
5.7 Seconds
Top Speed
140 MPH
As standard, the Hornet comes with a turbocharged four-cylinder, all-wheel drive, and a slick nine-speed automatic transmission. There is also a plug-in hybrid model that gets up to 60 miles per hour a little quicker, but we’d stay far away. Handling is competent, but doesn’t quite match what you’d get from the likes of Mazda or Volkswagen.
3
2026 Acura MDX
Zero to 60 MPH: 5.5 Seconds
Credit: Acura
The MDX is Acura’s flagship model. This mid-size luxury SUV goes up against a pretty stacked segment, having to compete with the likes of Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. Its biggest weapon in this fight is the fact that it is much more affordable. The Japanese luxury brand also doesn’t skimp on the driving experience.
Performance Specifications
Engine
3.5-Liter Naturally Aspirated V-6
3.0-Liter Turbocharged V-6
Transmission
10-Speed Automatic
10-Speed Automatic
Horsepower
290 HP
355 HP
Torque
267 LB-FT
354 LB-FT
Driveline
FWD or AWD
AWD
0-60 MPH
6.4 Seconds
5.5 Seconds
Top Speed
111 MPH
111 MPH
Despite being a three-row SUV that weighs close to 5,000 pounds, the MDX can hustle. Even the base powertrain is capable of moving the SUV off the line with some urgency. The Type S is the way to go if you’re an enthusiast, though, with a more powerful powertrain and a number of other performance upgrades.
2
2026 BMW X1
Zero to 60 MPH: 4.7 Seconds
Credit: BMW
While BMW is definitely known for their sporty cars, their most affordable crossover often flies under the radar. While not as flashy or as heavily loaded as some of the brand’s more expensive options, the X1 delivers the same blend of luxury and performance that the German automaker is so well regarded for.
Performance Specifications
Engine
2.0-Liter Turbocharged Inline-Four
2.0-Liter Turbocharged Inline-Four
Transmission
7-Speed Automatic
7-Speed Automatic
Horsepower
241 HP
312 HP
Torque
295 LB-FT
295 LB-FT
Driveline
AWD
AWD
0-60 MPH
5.4 Seconds
4.7 Seconds
Top Speed
149 MPH
155 MPH
Just like the rest of BMW’s lineup, the X1 is capable of switching between plush comfort and tight performance in a split second. The base xDrive28i delivers plenty of pep for most and is guaranteed to put a smile on your face through twisty sections of road. The M35i gets more power, but it comes at the sacrifice of comfort, with a firmer suspension, meaning it is best suited for enthusiasts only.
1
2026 Mini Cooper Countryman
Zero to 60 MPH: 4.6 Seconds
Credit: Mini
The Countryman is a bit of a paradox. Despite being a Mini, it isn’t all that mini. The truth is, though, that it manages to encapsulate the quirkiness and the character that makes a Mini what it is, all while providing a spacious and luxurious interior that helps it compete with much more expensive luxury SUVs. Despite being large, it is also impressively agile and quick to get going.
Performance Specifications
Engine
2.0-Liter Turbocharged Inline-Four
2.0-Liter Turbocharged Inline-Four
Transmission
7-Speed Automatic
7-Speed Automatic
Horsepower
241 HP
312 HP
Torque
295 LB-FT
295 LB-FT
Driveline
AWD
AWD
0-60 MPH
6 Seconds
4.6 Seconds
Top Speed
145 MPH
155 MPH
Under the hood of the Countryman is a BMW powerplant, a perky turbocharged four-cylinder that helps it get moving at an urgent pace. It comes exclusively with all-wheel drive and gets a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Upgrade to the JCW and you get a more powerful version of the turbo-four, which may cost a quite a bit more but is a lot quicker.
