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Depending on how you plan to use your new high-horsepower SUV, one of the options from Jeep, Toyota, or Kia might check all the boxes. These are some of the fastest sport utility vehicles on the market that come in under $50,000 and still have all the features and systems drivers need. The best SUVs with the most horsepower are below and don’t forget to buckle up.

What’s the best SUV for those with a long commute?

Of all the SUVs rated by Edmunds, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime is one of the best options with plenty of power. It is a plug-in hybrid, which means excellent fuel economy and more horsepower than one might think. Thanks to the gasoline engine and two electric motors, the RAV4 Prime gets 302 hp and a zero to 60 mph time of 5.9 seconds. During testing, it was the second-fastest Toyota beyond the GR Supra. This sport utility vehicle has an MSRP range of $42,340 to $46,210.

The electric range works out to 42 miles and then 38 mpg once the gasoline kicks in, but it was able to get 48 miles with the battery during testing. Along with that, Toyota’s legendary reliability makes this version of the RAV4 an excellent option. For those who drive a lot, this Toyota is one of the best SUVs under $50,000.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime a five-star overall safety rating. In addition, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety made the RAV4 Prime a Top Safety Pick award winner.

This is one of the best SUVs for those who might go off-road

The 2023 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk is one of this year’s best-kept secrets. While the Cherokee is no longer in production, this nameplate is a good option for the best new SUVs. The Trailhawk version gets 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque from the upgraded turbo engine. It also gets raised suspension, Jeep’s updated four-wheel drive and all-terrain tires.

Drivers love the Jeep Cherokee for its capability and fun ride. It hasn’t been redesigned too much lately, but it makes for a good option that comes in under $50,000. Compact, capable, and one of the best SUVs out there.

While the 2023 Jeep Cherokee did not earn an award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, it did earn good scores in all areas except the headlights. The NHTSA has not yet rated the 2023 Cherokee, but it is still a great option for those seeking out an SUV with the most horsepower.

Kia’s EV6 has more power for the money

The best SUV for is this 2023 Kia EV6
2023 Kia EV6 | Kia

Even though the 2023 Kia EV6 is at the top of the budget, it has more power than most SUVs available this year. The Wind trim level comes with tons of horsepower and handles well. All-wheel drive is available, but the rear-wheel drive version has a longer range. Since the EV6 is electric, it gets around 230 miles of range in the rear-wheel drive configuration. That works out to about 117 MPGe.

Passengers will have plenty of room in the front and second rows, and Kia’s fast-charging architecture makes getting a quick charge easy. You’ll get lots of looks and questions from people, too, as the EV6 looks as sleek and powerful as it is. One of the best SUVs on the market this year is electric, but it has more positives than negatives.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has not yet rated the 2023 Kia EV6, but the IIHS made it a Top Safety Pick Plus winner. This small SUV earned high marks on all of the crashworthiness tests.

These are just a few of the best and fastest SUVs on the market this year, and all of the options come in under budget. Be on the lookout for updated safety scores for the options that are not yet rated.

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