Is there anything as American as a high-octane V8 SUV? You can almost smell the freedom in the leather and hear our national anthem in the engine's low burble at idle. While other segments are downsizing, the SUV segment is still holding onto its V8 past; the available models have just moved decidedly upmarket. Now you'll have to pay handsomely for that V8 roar, but it also means the V8 SUVs available are some of the most powerful of all time.

We've compiled a list of the 10 most powerful V8 SUVs you can purchase in America, and much to our disappointment, America is being severely outdone by the Europeans. There are some incredible machines on this list, and they're as luxurious as they are powerful, but given that even luxury automakers need to save money somewhere, there are quite a few SUVs on the market that share powertrains.

To prevent this list from encompassing duplicates, we've only included a single model from an automaker that shares the same powertrain with multiple nameplates. There are still a few on this list that share similar powertrains, but they have enough differences to warrant their inclusion.

10 Mercedes-AMG G 63

577 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque

• Base Price: $180,000
• Powertrain: Twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8
• 0-60 mph: approximately 4.5 seconds.

The days of the G Wagon being anything but a luxury hauler for the super-rich are long gone, but thanks to this almost wholly unique blend of off-road capability, performance, and luxury, it's more popular today than it's ever been. While no longer the top dog on campus thanks to the arrival of the Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ Technology, it's still extremely capable thanks to the 577 horsepower, twin-turbo V8 lurking under the hood. Paired with the SUV's excellent AWD system, and nine-speed automatic transmission, you have the grip and lightning-quick shifts to get yourself out of any situation quickly and capably.

9 AMG GLE 63 S 4MATIC+ SUV

603 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque

• Base Price: $127,700
• Powertrain: Twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 with hybrid assist
• 0-60 mph: approximately 3.7 seconds.

This is the first of the models that share a powertrain with others, but we decided to go with the GLE because it's smaller and, therefore, quicker than the GLS 63 and more iconic than the GLE 63 S Coupe. Its shape can be traced all the way back to the Mercedes ML-Class, but whereas the ML55 AMG only boasted 342 hp, the GLE 63 S almost doubles it and has the refinement and poise one expects from a modern-day AMG. While it may not be the driver's car, the way the Audi RS Q8 or BMW X5 M is, it continues to be a great option for those who want a rocket that can comfortably carry their family of four or five with little fuss.

8 BMW X5 M Competition

617 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque

• Base Price: $125,975
• Powertrain: Twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 with hybrid assist
• 0-60 mph: approximately 3.7 seconds.

Just beating out the GLE is its biggest rival, the BMW X5 M Competition. This super SUV is in a similar situation to its rival too, as it shares its powertrain with a few other family members, but given the X5 is the oldest of all the BMW SUVs, it makes it on the list. The design of the X5 has continued to be very consistent for years and, luckily, hasn't adopted the massive kidney grilles of the X7. It's a large car, just like the GLE, but where the X5 M excels is in its handling and fun-to-drive factor, which seem to defy all convention. If you're looking for a high-performance SUV, it's really hard to do better unless you're paying at least $100,000 more.

7 Range Rover Sport SV

626 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque

• Base Price: $181,925
• Powertrain: Twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 with hybrid assist
• 0-60 mph: approximately 3.6 seconds.

The new Range Rover Sport is a masterclass in subtle, attractive improvement to automotive design, and the new SV version only elevates this further with the thrilling performance you expect from a hopped-up Range. The new, hottest Range Rover now utilizes a BMW-sourced V8 coupled with a new ECU, exhaust, and more to make the few more horses or grunts necessary to surge ahead. Coupled with its exceptional 6D Dynamics suspension system, this brick handles, like no 6,000 lb SUV should, able to stay flat through corners and able to soak up bumps at the same time. It's a beast that leaves the previous SVR in the rearview mirror. Just don't be surprised to spend well over $200,000 once you factor in all the options.

6 Audi RS Q8 Performance

631 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque

• Base Price: approximately $167,000
• Powertrain: Twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8
• 0-60 mph: approximately 3.6 seconds.

We know the RS Q8 Performance just debuted, but given its ample performance upgrades, we couldn't just sit idly by and not include it. Much like the RS7 and RS6 Avant, the twin-turbo powerplant has experienced a massive upgrade that sees power jump from 592 horses up to 631 horses. This is a little more power than those other models, making this the most powerful combustion engine in the brand's history, even eclipsing the Audi R8 GT. Instead of featuring fixed suspension, an air setup is standard, helping to make for a more comfortable ride in most situations, but it's been tuned to firm up substantially when the right setting is chosen.

5 Aston Martin DBX707

697 horsepower and 663 pound-feet of torque

• Base Price: $253,000
• Powertrain: Twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8
• 0-60 mph: approximately 3.3 seconds.

There are very few SUVs that look as good as the DBX does, and to think it drives even better is almost preposterous. This British super SUV uses a Mercedes-AMG-sourced engine and transmission and manages to beat the Silver Star at its own game by a mile. Unfortunately, it hasn't always been rosy with the SUV, as the interior has always been a source of criticism for something as expensive as this. Fortunately, that's been rectified for 2025, with the model finally befitting the Aston Martin name inside and out. Even better is the base V8 has been dropped, leaving this 697 horsepower powerplant as your only option, because how could you ever be happy with that when you know there's something even better right around the corner?

4 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat

710 horsepower and 645 pound-feet of torque

• Base Price: $97,590
• Powertrain: Supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V8
• 0-60 mph: approximately 3.5 seconds.

You have to love Dodge. Only an American automotive brand would create something as absurd as the Durango SRT Hellcat, a 7-seater SUV that can tow 8,700 lbs and blast from 0-60 mph in just 3.5 seconds. It's a hot-rodder's dream, all the way down to the myriad of racing stripe options you can choose from, and it's a shame it isn't long for this world as it will be discontinued at the end of 2024. It's the last of a dying breed of Hellcat models, and even if there will be more in the future, none will ever sound as good as these supercharged V8 ones.

3 Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid

729 horsepower and 700 pound-feet of torque

• Base Price: $157,000
• Powertrain: Twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 with an electric motor
• 0-60 mph: approximately 3.5 seconds.

Now we're getting into the real power, as all three of the next models feature plug-in hybrid assistance that surely helps their straight-line performance. 729 horsepower is nothing to scoff at, but what is, is Porsche's estimated 0-60 mph time of just 3.5 seconds. We know the brand loves to undersell its vehicles' performance, but this is just insulting, as we know the Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid can do better. We know a transition to electric power is always a tough pill to swallow, but when it comes to a model that's all about speed like the Turbo models are, it's hard to argue against when it pins you deep in your seat.

2 BMW XM Label Red

738 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque

• Base Price: $185,000
• Powertrain: Twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 with an electric motor
• 0-60 mph: approximately 3.7 seconds.

The XM Label Red, or Label, or whatever BMW is calling it these days, is a highly controversial beast, yet it's still a beast. This massive, gaudy SUV may not be fun to look at, but it has the performance to shut up its haters courtesy of the twin-turbo V8 PHEV powertrain hiding underneath. While 738 horsepower is a ton, it does have to move an SUV that weighs over 6,000 lbs, so no matter what, it will never feel light on its feet, yet it moves alarmingly fast for its size, and it just envelopes the driver in luxury. While the name still makes us scratch our heads, there's no denying it has all the features ultra-rich buyers are looking for.

1 Lamborghini Urus SE

800 horsepower and 701 pound-feet of torque

• Base Price: approximately $275,000
• Powertrain: TTwin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 with an electric motor
• 0-60 mph: approximately 3.4 seconds.

Lamborghini knew when it electrified its first model it needed to be a home run, and we think the Lamborghini Urus SE is pretty darn close. Yes, it shares its hybrid powertrain with the Porsche Cayenne, but its performance has been increased substantially to warrant the car's nearly $300,000 base price. Still sitting on the same MLB Evo architecture it has since it debuted in 2017, we know it's still going to drive incredibly and have all the Lamborghini cues inside and out, but we worry how the added weight will affect the car's excellent driving dynamics. Knowing Lamborghini, our worries are probably wasted.