Brand-New SUVs That Go Fast for Cheap in 2023
The need for speed is no joke (while obeying speed limits, of course), even in an SUV. There are some brand-new SUVs that go fast but don’t go over $50,000, from brands you trust like Kia, Mazda, and even Alfa Romeo. Each sport utility vehicle has a trim listed that could be a good option, but there are always engine upgrades if that isn’t enough.
The Kia EV6 is a brand-new SUV that goes fast
When U.S. News rounded up some of the fastest SUVs, the 2023 Kia EV6 was at the top. This electric crossover SUV has a single motor that puts down 225 hp to the back wheels and gets a range of 310 miles. There is a GT version with even more power (576 hp!), but that is over budget.
The EV6 doesn’t have the fastest zero to 60 mph time, coming in at 7.2 seconds. However, it handles better than most options and has a low center of gravity, thanks to its battery placement. Drivers say the 2023 EV6 is engaging to drive and still pretty comfortable.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the 2023 Kia EV6 its Top Safety Pick award. While the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration hasn’t crash-tested it yet, the safety systems met performance criteria.
2023 Kia EV6: $48,700 | Performance Score: 9.3/10
Alfa Romeo’s Stelvio is another brand-new SUV that goes fast
Even if the 2022 Alfa Romeo Stelvio hasn’t been on your radar for brand-new SUVs that go fast, here are a few reasons that could change. The Stelvio Sprint all-wheel drive trim is $47,550 with all-wheel drive and gets 280 hp with 306 lb-ft of torque. Alfa Romeo put a 2.0L four-cylinder in the Stelvio, though the Quadrifoglio upgrades to a 2.9L V6 that gets 505 hp. That one starts at $84,650.
But you don’t need the $80,000 version for a fun ride. The Sprint is thoughtfully designed and comfortable inside while still offering enough power for fun drives. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward collision warning come standard. It also gets 56.5 cubic feet of max cargo space for all your luggage and cargo.
Neither the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety nor the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has crash tested the 2022 Alfa Romeo Stelvio.
2022 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Sprint AWD: $47,550 | Performance Score 8.6/10
The sporty Mazda CX-5 is fun to drive
The consensus about the 2023 Mazda CX-5 is that driving is fun. It is also a brand-new SUV that goes fast, especially if you upgrade to the 2.5 Turbo all-wheel drive trim. This version gets 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque using regular fuel or 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque with premium fuel.
Inside, the CX-5 has an impressive cabin and comfortable seats. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, Lane-departure warning with lane-keep assist, and Forward collision warning with pedestrian detection are just a few of the standard safety features.
Mazda’s CX-5 earned the Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the SUV a five-star safety rating.
2023 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo AWD: $36,850 | Performance Score 8.4/10
These three brand-new SUVs that go fast all come in under $50,000, which also makes for some budget-friendly options. If these don’t offer enough power, check out the next engine choice up. That might offer the best of both worlds.
