Best sports SUVs 2021

If you want a sports SUV that still puts the family first, the X3 M40i is a fine choice. A pair of gangly teenagers will have room to stretch out in the back and can pick their own temperature thanks to three-zone climate control, yet you still get crisp handling and a tuneful powerhouse of a turbocharged six-cylinder engine. There are several more entertaining options, however.

In its most powerful form, the Formentor has the firepower and handling prowess to keep pace with similarly priced rivals, plus it offers comparable practicality and a nicer interior. Unfortunately, like the M40i, it doesn't thrill in the way that the very best sports SUVs can.

Despite awesome acceleration and impressive agility, the SQ8 is almost as comfortable and relaxing as regular Q8s. It's easy to mistake for a regular Q8, though, and the infotainment system can be distracting.

With nearly 300bhp and four-wheel drive as standard, the T-Roc R promises hot-hatch thrills in a more practical package. But here's the crucial thing: it actually delivers on that promise. It blends the regular T-Roc’s practicality with sharp handling and bombastic performance. So, the only thing that disappoints is the cheap-feeling interior.

While we’re in no doubt that a Lamborghini Urus would be quicker point to point and a Bentley Bentayga more relaxing, the DBX provides a more immersive and interactive drive than either rival. The fact that it combines this with a luxurious and surprisingly spacious interior rounds off an altogether compelling package.

The RS Q8 is an outrageously fast sports SUV that corners with unbelievable composure, mostly rides well and betters its rivals for practicality. Just bear in mind that the closely related Porsche Cayenne Coupé is a bit more fun.

If you want to surge past the traffic, the Stelvio Quadrifoglio absolutely delivers, thanks to a 503bhp 2.9-litre V6 petrol engine that revs keenly and emits a truly soulful soundtrack. However, it’s not simply a boisterous toy like the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 or Range Rover Sport SVR. Instead, the Stelvio feels light and responsive, thanks to steering that’s super-quick without making the car seem overly nervous.

We recommend the mid-range S version of Porsche's smallest SUV rather than the range-topping Turbo, because it's still ferociously fast – dispatching the 0-62mph sprint in 5.1sec – yet also able to keep running costs reasonably sensible. And like all Macan's it pulls off the trick of mixing thrilling, confidence-inspiring handling with a ride that's compliant enough for everyday use, particularly when fitted with the optional Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM).

The Cayenne Coupé GTS is insanely agile, especially if you tick the box for adaptive air suspension. Body lean is incredibly well contained, while the steering is precise and perfectly weighted. Yet once you’ve finished hooning around, the GTS is also remarkably comfortable for something so talented in the twisties.

Until recently, buying a sports SUV required a sizeable outlay, but the Ford Puma ST changes that. And don’t think the fact that it costs far less than the competition means it’s far less fun. Even the mighty Porsche Cayenne has to bow to the Puma’s incredible agility, while its greater driver engagement and less extreme acceleration mean there’s far more chance to enjoy yourself on public roads.

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