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The sports utility vehicle has been a staple of the American automotive industry for years, and instead of fading into obscurity, the SUV remains one of the top-rated body styles on the US market today – and, the popularity of V8 SUVs hasn’t dwindled, either. SUVs come in various configurations, but we’re focusing on those powered by mighty 8-cylinder. SUVs with V8 engines typically pull more, carry more, and do it all at a faster pace than their smaller capacity counterparts. So, which 8-cylinder SUV is the strongest, quickest, or best balanced? Read on to find out.

Cadillac Escalade-V

V8 SUVs don’t get much wilder than the Cadillac Escalade-V. Its 6.2-liter supercharged lump produces 682 horsepower, getting this hulk of an SUV to 60 in 4.4 seconds. It’s roughly as economical as a modern cruise ship, though, returning abysmal EPA-rated figures of 11/16/13 mpg on the city/highway/combined cycles. Despite the high costs to keep it running, the Escalade-V’s V8 is the star of the show, with incredible power and a raucous soundtrack to match it. Elsewhere, the Cadillac’s spacious and well-trimmed cabin make it perfect for transporting a large family and their paraphernalia.

Cadillac Escalade

At a saving of roughly $70k compared to the Escalade-V, you can drive off in the normal Escalade with a 6.2-liter V8 that produces 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. Yes, it won’t keep up with an Escalade-V, but it has plenty of performance for a full-size three-row SUV. Gas mileage is slightly less tragic at 14/19/16 mpg in rear-wheel-drive guise. Refined on the move and with enough standard and optional gadgets to keep the whole family happy, the latest Escalade is one of the best V8-powered SUVs.

Cadillac Escalade ESV

The ESV is the lengthened version of the Escalade. This primarily translates into a larger cargo area, with up to 142.8 cubic feet of space when the second and third rows are folded. Third-row passengers also benefit from an extra 1.7 inches of legroom. The ESV’s 6.2-liter V8 has the same outputs as the normal Escalade, with 420 hp and 460 lb-ft. The maximum towing capacity of the ESV drops to 8,000 pounds, 200 lbs less than for the smaller Escalade. Being Cadillac’s star SUV, it’s available with an endless selection of features such as massaging seats, rear entertainment screens, night vision, and the Super Cruise hands-free driving system.

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

A three-row luxury SUV like the Escalade, it costs quite a bit more to get your Mercedes-Benz GLS with a V8. The base six-cylinder GLS 450 costs $87,000, whereas the GLS 580 V8 starts at $112,000. The twin-turbo 4.0-liter engine with mild-hybrid assistance has some meaty outputs, though, making 510 hp and 538 lb-ft. With the standard 4Matic all-wheel-drive system and a nine-speed automatic, the heavy GLS 580 accomplishes the 0-60 run in 4.7 seconds. Standard features include massaging front seats, five-zone climate control, soft-close doors, and dual 12.3-inch screens ahead of the driver. It’s the perfect vehicle if you want the luxury of an S-Class with the versatility of an SUV.

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BMW Alpina XB7

2024 BMW Alpina XB7

Base MSRP

$149,400

Fuel Economy

16/20 MPG

Horsepower

631 hp

Engine

4.4L Twin-Turbo V8 Gas

BMW doesn’t make an X7 M, but the Alpina XB7 does a great job of filling the gap. It’s the most powerful version of the three-row X7, combining superlative performance with a top-class interior. The twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 produces 630 hp and 590 lb-ft. Power goes to all four corners via an eight-speed automatic, and that’ll see the XB7 through to 60 mph in under four seconds. For something so heavy, the XB7’s balance and the adaptive air suspension’s smooth ride are remarkable, but Alpina has always been known for its ability to increase the sportiness of BMWs without resorting to harshness. At just under $150,000, the Alpina XB7 is very expensive, but it’s also significantly more special than any other X7.

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Jeep Grand Cherokee L

2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Overland 4×4

MSRP

$62,995

Engine

3.6L V6 Gas

Jeep has gradually been culling V8 engines from its range in favor of the new Hurricane inline-six mill; the Grand Cherokee, for instance, can no longer be ordered with a V8. However, the three-row Grand Cherokee L is still available for those who believe there’s no replacement for displacement. The 5.7-liter HEMI V8 is a $3,995 option on the Grand Cherokee L Overland (replacing the standard V6), Summit, and Summit Reserve trims. It’s not available on cheaper trims at all, and one wonders how long this engine will be available for the Grand Cherokee L. It produces 357 hp and 390 lb-ft, so is a lot stronger than the 3.6-liter V6 (293 hp/260 lb-ft) found in other models. It can also tow 1,000 lbs more than the V6. Whether with the V6 or V8, the Grand Cherokee L is a very luxurious three-row SUV with a comfortable ride.

BMW XM

2024 BMW XM

Base MSRP

$159,000

Fuel Economy

14 mpg/46 MPGe combined

Horsepower

644 hp

Engine

4.4L Twin-Turbo V8 Plug-in Hybrid

Unveiled in 2022, the boldly styled BMW XM is still a visual shock to the system. It has moved so far beyond the lithe, compact M cars of old that it’s hard to make sense of. There is no denying its place on this list if you want a powerful, V8-powered SUV, though. A plug-in hybrid, the XM’s primary source of power is a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8. It makes 644 hp as standard or a silly 738 hp in Label Red guise, allowing the latter to rocket to 60 in 3.7 seconds. Despite that, it can travel for over 30 miles on electric power alone. Inside, the XM features a truly high-end interior and some brave trim choices, distancing itself from the likes of the X5 M. On the downside, the ride quality is rather harsh and it’s too big and heavy to handle with the fluidity of more conventional M cars. There’s also that face… If you want the quickest and most extreme BMW V8 SUV, this is it, but we’d be tempted to test drive an Alpina XB7 first.

Chevrolet Suburban

Everything about the Chevy Suburban is plus-sized. This three-row full-size SUV can accommodate up to nine people, thanks to a 134.1-inch wheelbase and body that stretches to 225.7 inches. When not loaded up with passengers, there is a giant cargo area measuring 41.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 93.8 cu-ft behind the second row, and 144.7 cu-ft behind the third row. Some models weigh over 6,000 pounds, so it’s no surprise that there are two powerful V8 engines, the first being a 355-hp 5.3L and the next a 420-hp 6.2L. In a mix of city and highway driving, don’t expect anything above 17 mpg. Although costly to run, the Suburban is a massively practical SUV.

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GMC Yukon XL

2024 GMC Yukon XL

Base MSRP

$61,200

Fuel Economy

15/20 MPG

Horsepower

355 hp

Engine

5.3L V8 Gas

Closely related to the Suburban, the GMC Yukon XL shares nearly identical dimensions and the same engines. However, the Yukon XL is more luxurious than its Chevy cousin, hence its slightly higher price. The range is topped by the 420-hp 6.2L V8, which rewards the driver with a pleasing growl and good responsiveness. It’s possible to spend over $100,000 on a Yukon XL, which gets you the Denali Ultimate trim with 16-way power front seats, an 18-speaker Bose Performance Series sound system, a power panoramic sunroof, and Super Cruise hands-free technology.

Dodge Durango SRT

This is a good choice of SUV for the enthusiast who needs a family-sized vehicle but isn’t willing to settle for tardy performance. The Durango SRT V8 lineup starts with the SRT 392; this has a 6.4-liter HEMI V8 that makes 475 hp and 470 lb-ft. That’s already enough for a 0-60 time of as little as 4.3 seconds. The SRT Hellcat is another beast altogether, making 710 hp and 645 lb-ft from its supercharged 6.2L V8, dropping the 0-60 time to 3.5 seconds – it will leave the much more expensive Escalade-V eating its dust. Despite being a fairly large SUV, the Durango handles surprisingly well, further adding to its driver appeal. However, it fulfills the SUV brief too with a spacious cabin and towing capacity of up to 8,700 lbs. The interior design is no longer modern, but SRT specification adds many features and some nicer materials.

BMW X7

You don’t need to spend around $150,000 on the XB7 if you want a three-row BMW SUV with V8 power. For under $110k, the M60i version produces 523 hp from its 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8, allowing it to dispatch the 0-60 sprint in around 4.5 seconds. AWD and an eight-speed automatic ensure smooth, rapid progress. Elsewhere, the V8 X7 has a deluxe interior with great materials, a responsive touchscreen, and comfortable seats. The third row is cramped for adults, but smaller kids will be fine.

Land Rover Range Rover

2024 Land Rover Range Rover P530 SE SWB

Horsepower

523 hp

MSRP

$130,400

Engine

4.4L Twin-Turbo V8 Gas

There aren’t many more prestigious SUVs than the Range Rover, and it’s as aspirational as ever in its latest incarnation. Filling a space between the X7/GLS and the ultra-expensive Bentley Bentayga/Rolls-Royce Cullinan, the Range Rover is available with a 4.4L twin-turbo V8 making 523 hp, while an SV version increases the output to 606 hp. The most powerful version only needs 4.3 seconds to get to 60 mph, and it’ll top out at over 160 mph. Not only is the Range Rover capable off-road, but it has a sublime ride on normal roads, made possible by its electronic air suspension. That’s matched by a beautifully trimmed interior, which you can have with massaging seats, semi-aniline leather, and ceramic controls.

Audi RS Q8

2024 Audi RS Q8

Base MSRP

$125,800

Fuel Economy

13/19 MPG

Horsepower

591 hp

Engine

4.0L Twin-Turbo V8 Gas

This is the only Audi SUV in America to get the full RS treatment. Its 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 delivers 591 hp and 590 lb-ft to the quattro AWD system, resulting in a quick 3.7-second 0-60 mph sprint time. It doesn’t hurt that the underpinnings are shared with the Lamborghini Urus, which means the Audi exhibits impressive agility for its size, but not at the expense of an absorbent ride on its adaptive air suspension. The V8 sounds rather muted in this application, though, and you can get the quicker, more powerful, and cooler-looking RS6 Avant for the same price. Still, the RS Q8 is a brilliant high-performance luxury SUV that doesn’t do much wrong.

2024 Mercedes-Maybach GLS

Base MSRP

$174,350

Base Trim Fuel Economy Equivalent (city/highway/combined)

14/19/16 mpg

Engine

4.0-liter twin-turbo V8

Horsepower

550 hp

2024 GMC Yukon

Base MSRP

$58,200

Fuel Economy

15/20 MPG

Horsepower

355 hp

Engine

5.3L V8 Gas

2024 Porsche Cayenne S AWD

Horsepower

468 hp

MSRP

$95,700

Engine

4.0L Twin-Turbo V8 Gas

Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)

15/21/17 mpg

2024 Jaguar F-Pace SVR

Base MSRP

$91,900

Fuel Economy

15/21 MPG

Horsepower

542 hp

Engine

5.0L Supercharged V8 Gas

2024 BMW X5 M

Base MSRP

$122,300

Fuel Economy

13/18/15 mpg

Horsepower

617 hp

Engine

4.4L Twin-Turbo V8 Gas

2024 Audi SQ7

Base MSRP

$90,400

Fuel Economy

15/21/17 mpg

Horsepower

500 hp

Engine

4.0L Twin-Turbo V8 Gas

2024 Audi SQ8

Base MSRP

$96,600

Fuel Economy

15/21 MPG

Horsepower

500 hp

Engine

4.0L Twin-Turbo V8 Gas

2024 Aston Martin DBX

Base MSRP

$197,000

Fuel Economy

14/20/16 mpg

Horsepower

542 hp

Engine

4.0L Twin-Turbo V8 Gas

2024 Bentley Bentayga

Base MSRP

$203,200

Fuel Economy

14/21 MPG

Horsepower

542 hp

Engine

4.0L Twin-Turbo V8 Gas

2024 Land Rover Defender 110 P500 SE

Horsepower

493 hp

MSRP

$93,000

Engine

5.0L Supercharged V8 Gas

Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)

14/19/16 mpg

2024 BMW X6 M

Base MSRP

$127,200

Fuel Economy

13/18 MPG

Horsepower

617 hp

Engine

4.4L Twin-Turbo V8 Gas

2024 Nissan Armada

Base MSRP

$55,450

Fuel Economy

14/19 MPG

Horsepower

400 hp

Engine

5.6L V8 Gas

2024 Mercedes-AMG G63

Base MSRP

$183,000

Engine

4.0L Twin-Turbo V8 Gas

Horsepower

577 hp @ 6000 rpm

Choosing An SUV With A V8

If you’re after an SUV with a V8 under the hood, here are a few key things to consider:

• SUV size. Do you need a large ute or would a smaller one suffice? Some new crossovers offer the best of both worlds without breaking the bank. This ties in with what you have in your budget and what starting price you should be perusing. Top-end variants can be pricey, especially new top-rated models.
• 2WD vs 4WD. Do you need four-wheel drive? If you’re a lover of the great outdoors, then you should consider getting a 4×4 car, especially if you want to hit some serious off-road trails. Cars such as the Land Rover Range Rover would be a good choice, then.
• Lifestyle factors. Most SUV owners in the USA use these vehicles for the daily commute, ferrying the kids around and doing the monthly shopping run – so if that’s all you’ll be doing, then there’s no need to look at hardcore off-roaders or those with high towing capacities.
• Gas mileage. Fuel economy will play a big part in the purchasing decision, but in terms of SUVs with V8 motors, you know they won’t be as efficient, and the cost of gas will be more than a lighter, less bulky auto.
• Safety and reliability. SUVs with such monstrous engines tend to be sturdy, which already gives them an advantage in a crash situation against other cars. Safety features and a strong reliability history will vary from one model to the next.

The Best V8-Powered SUVs

V8 SUVs are still a popular choice for many Americans, thanks to their combination of power, performance, and good towing capabilities. They are also capable of light to heavy off-road use, but suffer in terms of fuel economy. Some of the derivatives that made our best SUV list for 2024 include the following:

• Cadillac Escalade
• BMW X7
• Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class
• Jeep Grand Cherokee L
• Chevrolet Suburban

Advantages And Disadvantages

There are a few advantages and disadvantages to consider when looking to purchase an SUV with a V8 engine:

How much does a V8 SUV tow?

A major benefit of owning an eight-cylinder SUV is that the towing capacity tends to be above average, which is perfect for people who tow boats and heavy trailers regularly. One such beast is the Dodge Durango that can haul up to 8,700 lbs.

What is the quickest eight-cylinder SUV?

Quick SUVs are nothing new, but they sure are more brisk than ever before. Some high-performance iterations reach 60 miles per hour in less than four seconds. The Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat’s supercharged V8 allows it to sprint to 60 in only 3.5 seconds.

What is the best off-road V8 SUV?

Doing tons of off-road mileage is hard-wearing on any type of car, and while many of these SUVs are decent off-roaders, some of the better ones for this job include the Land Rover Range Rover and Nissan Armada.