3 Best Small SUVs With Powerful Engines
There are some pretty popular compact SUVs and crossovers on the market. Most come from major automakers, but there is real diversity in this category of vehicles. However, people don’t typically know compact SUVs for being powerful. Despite this reputation, some of the best small SUVs, like the Ford Escape, have reasonably potent engines, though less so than some of the larger options.
The 2023 Mazda CX-5 is one of the best small SUVs
The 2023 Mazda CX-5 is one of the most popular small SUVs with a powerful engine. A 2.5-liter inline-four engine powers the vehicle. The base model produces 187 horsepower, but the two most powerful options are turbocharged. They each have a maximum output of 227 hp, which is pretty awesome for an SUV of this size.
The 2023 Mazda CX-5 is all-wheel drive and uses a six-speed shiftable automatic transmission. According to many drivers, the 2023 CX-5 has expert-level handling. Regarding speed, the turbocharged CX-5 trims can accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in a respectable 6.6 seconds.
The 2023 Ford Escape is a powerful option
The 2023 Ford Escape is one of the best small SUVs with a powerful engine. Unfortunately, the Escape isn’t a perfect vehicle but is still a top choice. Regarding power, the base model also isn’t a slug. According to Edmunds, it has a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder that makes 181 hp.
However, the vehicle also offers the ST-Line Select trim, which has a maximum output of 250 hp. Luckily, more trims are above it, but they also offer the same horsepower. The 2023 Ford Escape also comes in several hybrid and plug-in trims. The Ford SUV accelerates from 0 to 60 miles per hour between 6.9 to 8.7 seconds.
The 2023 Ford Bronco Sport has powerful trims
The 2023 Ford Bronco Sport is another of the best small SUVs with a powerful engine. This is true for the Badlands and the Heritage Limited trims. They each come with a 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-four engine with a maximum output of 300 hp. They are both all-wheel drive and use an eight-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
In terms of speed, the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport is a swift off-road SUV. It accelerates from 0 to 60 miles per hour in about 6.9 seconds. For the sake of comparison, it takes other trims up to 8.2 seconds to reach 60 mph. The Ford Bronco is a generally beloved SUV, but these advanced trims offer a more robust experience for those seeking a faster option.
Of course, high speeds and power are not always the most important aspects of a new SUV. However, there are many people who look at performance first. All of these SUVs have less powerful trims, meaning they are fairly well-rounded and both fit into their genre as well as extend to others that have reputations for higher speeds.
