SUVs are known for being utilitarian towing and hauling mobiles that can move a family from point A to B with plenty of style and comfort. However, to be able to move all that weight, an SUV needs to have a lot of power and torque. As such, most SUVs in today’s market come equipped with turbochargers to give them the extra gusto they need.
Japanese automakers have seemingly perfected the use of turbochargers in their SUVs. Brands like Nissan, Honda, Acura, Lexus, and Toyota all use some form of turbocharged four- or six-cylinder engine to give their vehicles the power they need to get off the line quickly. So much so, that some of these SUVs are pretty darn quick off the line. Here are 10 examples that can take off quickly from a stop.
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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 Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds. The following entries were chosen for their quick acceleration times.
10
2025 Nissan Armada
0-60 mph: 6.3 seconds
TopSpeed
The 2025 Nissan Armada underwent some significant changes for the 2025 model year, which included a new powertrain, new trim levels, and new styling inside and out. Gone is the old V8 engine in favor of a twin-turbocharged V6 engine that produces over 400 horsepower, which allows it to tow up to 8,500 pounds (the same rating as the outgoing model). The power is sent to all four wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission.
Performance Specifications
Engine
Twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6
Transmission
9-speed automatic
Horsepower
425 hp
Torque
516 lb-ft
Driveline
RWD or 4WD
0-60 MPH
6.3 seconds
Top Speed
120 mph
Towing Capacity
8,500 pounds
Payload Capacity
Unpublished
The rest of the
large SUV
now takes much of its styling from the globally marketed Nissan Patrol and adds two new trim levels, the Pro-4X and Platinum Reserve, into the mix. The top-trim Platinum Reserve offers some particularly nice materials, like quilted leather, which gives the Armada a near-luxury vibe. But no matter which trim level you choose, the 2025 Nissan Armada is sure to deliver the utility and comfort you need.
Pros
Strong twin-turbocharged engine
Four-wheel drive
Luxurious interior
Cons
Jumpy ride quality
Engine isn’t very smooth
Some rivals have more spacious interiors
9
2025 Infiniti QX50
0-60 mph: 6.3 seconds
Infiniti
Although the 2025 Infiniti QX50’s design is a little long in the tooth, it’s still a strikingly good-looking SUV. It also has some brawn to go with that beauty in the form of a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. It may not sound like much, but it produces enough power to get the crossover off the line quickly in addition to the ability to tow up to 3,000 pounds.
Performance Specifications
Engine
Turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four
Transmission
CVT
Horsepower
268 hp
Torque
280 lb-ft
Driveline
AWD
0-60 MPH
6.3 seconds
Top Speed
137 mph
Towing Capacity
3,000 pounds
Payload Capacity
1,018 to 1,107 lbs
It’s also pretty on the inside, although a little dated, with its premium materials and upscale trim, not to mention the 12-speaker Bose audio system to blast your tunes and that dual-stack infotainment system to keep you informed and entertained. Ultimately, the Infiniti QX50 may be in need of a redesign, but for now, it’s a quick SUV that’s worth some consideration.
Pros
Comfortable ride quality
Spacious interior
Potent engine
Cons
Lackluster fuel economy
Unrefined engine sound
Dated design
8
2025 Mazda CX-90 Turbo S
0-60 mph: 6.3 seconds
Mazda
The 2025 Mazda CX-90 is the brand’s flagship SUV offering that sports three rows of space, plenty of cargo room, and a potent engine under its hood. The CX-90 can fit up to eight passengers, and it swaddles them in comfort with its premium in-cabin materials and tech-savvy features.
Performance Specifications
Engine
Turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six
Transmission
8-speed automatic
Horsepower
340 hp
Torque
369 lb-ft
Driveline
FWD or AWD
0-60 MPH
5.9 seconds
Top Speed
130 mph
Towing Capacity
3,500 to 5,000 lbs
Payload Capacity
Unpublished
But that’s not all, as the CX-90 is very practical, with up to 40 cubic feet of cargo space when the third row is folded, which grows to a maximum of 74 cubic feet with all the seats down. Lastly, the CX-90 is very quick for its size, thanks to its turbocharged engine that allows it to get off the line quickly. Almost as quick as a sports car.
Pros
Premium interior design
Smooth turbocharged inline-six
Handles well considering its size
Cons
Cramped third row seat
Semi-harsh ride
Premium pricing
7
2025 Subaru Outback XT
0-60 mph: 6.3 seconds
Subaru
The 2025 Subaru Outback is like a perfect hiking boot. It’s rugged enough to handle nearly any type of terrain you put it on, while remaining comfortable enough for daily use. The base 182-horsepower engine is a little weak, so for the best performance, we recommend going with the turbocharged 260-horsepower engine found in the XT trim level.
Performance Specifications
Engine
Turbocharged 2.4-liter inline-four
Transmission
CVT
Horsepower
260 hp
Torque
277 lb-ft
Driveline
AWD
0-60 MPH
6.3 seconds
Top Speed
120 mph
Towing Capacity
2,700 to 3,500 lbs
Payload Capacity
1,080 lbs
In addition to its potent powertrain, the Outback XT has 9.5 inches of ground clearance that allows it to get over some of the rockiest roads while keeping its occupants comfortable. Inside, there is Nappa leather upholstery, a Harman Kardon premium sound system, and an 11.6-inch infotainment system to keep everyone entertained. The Subaru Outback may look rugged, but it’s very functional and great for daily commutes or off-road driving.
Pros
Comfortable cabin
Strong turbocharged engine
Standard all-wheel drive
Cons
Weak base engine
CVT is a little laggy
Not very sporty feeling
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6
2025 Acura RDX
0-60 mph: 6.2 seconds
Acura
The 2025 Acura RDX offers a tech-rich cabin that’s comfortable to spend time in, even when you’re sitting in traffic. Inside, you’ll find a premium ELS sound system, onboard navigation, and a large infotainment screen that is controlled with a touchpad. Aside from those high-tech features, the RDX is also quite the performer.
Performance Specifications
Engine
Turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four
Transmission
10-speed automatic
Horsepower
272 hp
Torque
280 lb-ft
Driveline
AWD
0-60 MPH
6.2 seconds
Top Speed
112 mph
Towing Capacity
1,500 lbs
Payload Capacity
969 to 1,013 lbs
Under its hood is a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that is derived from the Honda Civic Type R. Don’t get too excited though, because it produces 272 horsepower as opposed to 315, but that’s enough power to get this strikingly bold SUV moving quickly. The 60-mph mark arrives in only 6.2 seconds, which is very quick for an SUV.
Pros
Potent engine
Super-Handling AWD
Sporty looks
Cons
Spongy brake pedal feel
Transmission is rough on the downshifts
Touch pad interface is cumbersome
5
2025 Mazda CX-5 Turbo
0-60 mph: 6.2 seconds
Mazda
If you want power, elegance, and speed in your next SUV, the 2025 Mazda CX-5 is a good choice. The CX-5 comes in a variety of trim levels, but for the most power, check out the turbo trim levels. They cost a pretty penny compared to the lower trim levels, but it’s worth it.
Performance Specifications
Engine
Turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four
Transmission
6-speed automatic
Horsepower
256 hp
Torque
320 lb-ft
Driveline
AWD
0-60 MPH
6.2 seconds
Top Speed
129 mph
Towing Capacity
2,000 pounds
Payload Capacity
Unpublished
Under the hood is a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four that produces 256 horsepower and a little over 300 pound-feet of torque, which motivates the SUV quickly off the line. In addition to its impressive acceleration, the CX-5 can also seat five comfortably, haul a good amount of cargo, and tow up to 2,000 pounds, making it as useful as it is quick.
Pros
Turbocharged engine
All-wheel drive
Nimble handling characteristics
Cons
Less passenger space than rivals
Small cargo area
Infotainment system is annoying
4
2025 Mazda CX-30 Turbo
0-60 mph: 6.1 seconds
Mazda
If the Mazda CX-5 is too large for you, the CX-30 could be a better fit. The Mazda CX-30 is an upscale compact SUV that blends performance with practicality. Under its hood is a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 250 horsepower, which enables it to get up to 60 mph from a standstill in only 6.1 seconds.
Performance Specifications
Engine
Turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four
Transmission
6-speed automatic
Horsepower
250 hp
Torque
320 lb-ft
Driveline
AWD
0-60 MPH
6.1 seconds
Top Speed
128 mph
Towing Capacity
Unpublished
Payload Capacity
Unpublished
Performance aside, the CX-30 is an agile SUV with an upscale interior that’s filled with premium materials and plenty of technology. With its combination of power, precision, and practicality, the Mazda CX-30 is a perfect crossover for everyday use.
Pros
Agile handling
Premium interior
Potent turbocharged engine
Cons
Weak base engine
Firm ride
Small cargo capacity
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3
2025 Toyota Sequoia
0-60 mph: 5.6 seconds
Toyota
The Toyota Sequoia is based on the full-size Tundra pickup, so you can rest assured that it can handle anything you can throw at it, whether it’s off-road driving, towing, or hauling. Aside from its sturdy body-on-frame architecture that allows it to handle a lot of chassis flex, the Sequoia is strapped with a twin-turbocharged hybrid powertrain that produces well over 400 horsepower for some serious pull.
Performance Specifications
Engine
Twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 Hybrid
Transmission
10-speed automatic
Horsepower
437 hp
Torque
583 lb-ft
Driveline
AWD
0-60 MPH
5.6 seconds
Top Speed
107 mph
Towing Capacity
9,520 pounds
Payload Capacity
1,375 to 1,730 lbs
Aside from its massive power, the Sequoia is also very comfortable. Its spacious and well-equipped interior can seat up to eight passengers in plenty of comfort while keeping them safe and entertained with its host of safety features and in-cabin tech. The Toyota Sequoia is essentially a living room on wheels, but it’s a quick one at that.
Pros
Hybrid V6 has plenty of power
High tow rating
Plenty of trim levels to choose from
Cons
Small third row
Limited cargo space with third row up
Drives big
2
2025 Infiniti QX55
0-60 mph: 5.5 seconds
Infiniti
The 2025 Infiniti QX55 is based on the QX50, but it’s slicker-looking and a little shorter. That decrease in sheetmetal real estate also means that it’s a little lighter, making it quicker off the line than its stablemate with which it shares its powertrain.
Performance Specifications
Engine
Turbocharged 2.0-liter
Transmission
8-speed automatic
Horsepower
268 hp
Torque
280 lb-ft
Driveline
AWD
0-60 MPH
5.5 seconds
Top Speed
137 mph
Towing Capacity
5,000 pounds
Payload Capacity
Unpublished
Under its hood is a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that produces 268 horsepower, which allows it to zip up to 60 mph in only 5.5 seconds. But in addition to that speed, the QX55 is practical as its small size allows it to get around dense city sprawls with ease while carrying five passengers and all their stuff.
Pros
Striking design
Robust list of standard equipment
Nimble handling
Cons
Outdated infotainment
Small interior space
Needs a refresh
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1
2025 Acura MDX Type S
0-60 mph: 5.5 seconds
Photo: Nicolas Sena
The 2025 Acura MDX is a jack of all trades as it provides plenty of power, practicality, and utility. The lower trim levels are great, but if you want turbocharged power, you will have to opt for the highest Type S trim level.
Performance Specifications
Engine
Turbocharged 3.0-liter V6
Transmission
10-speed automatic
Horsepower
355 hp
Torque
354 lb-ft
Driveline
AWD
0-60 MPH
5.5 seconds
Top Speed
111 mph
Towing Capacity
5,000 pounds
Payload Capacity
Unpublished
The Acura MDX Type S comes equipped with a potent turbocharged V6 engine that produces well over 300 horsepower. That power is supplemented by the SUVs adjustable suspension, which allows you to make the ride firmer or softer with the flick of a switch. Additionally, the MDX has room for seven and can fit plenty of cargo behind the third row, making it quite the Swiss Army knife of performance SUVs.
Pros
Turbocharged V6
Adaptive suspension
Striking good looks
Cons
Not very fuel efficient
Small third row
Interior quality isn’t as soft as competitors
AloJapan.com