Where is the perfect balance? Are there any SUVs that offer both speed and affordability? When you require one, what are your options? SUV If you desire more interior space than a sedan or coupe offers without sacrificing the thrill of handling an agile and exhilarating car, numerous options await. However, many come with hefty price tags. Setting a budget for your purchase narrows down your selection considerably. Nonetheless, you can discover several swift, enjoyable, and thrilling SUVs keeping you outside the realm of super-luxury SUVs by costing less than $65,000.
The pricing, powertrain details, and overall vehicle data were obtained from different car manufacturers. The compilation is ordered by 0-60 mph acceleration times ranging from the slowest to the quickest for SUV models of the 2025 year type.
Dodge Durango R/T Premium
MSRP: $60,995 | Accelerates from 0-60 mph in 6.2 seconds
If you're craving some unabashed classic muscle car performance, the Dodge Durango R/T Premium is primed to satiate your appetite. This SUV offers both agility and enjoyment, all while also being One of the most functional options available, featuring three rows of seating along with an outstanding towing capacity. .
Powertrain Specifications
This Dodge The SUV may appear dated, yet it evokes the refinement of premium aged wine rather than something outdated. For 2025, only minimal updates have been made, which makes it a straightforward pick if you desire robust performance and functionality. In 2025, the Dodge Durango will offer its last model with a V8 engine before discontinuation.
Pros
- Class-leading towing capacity
- Available V8 power
- Familiar, user-friendly infotainment system
Cons
- Light on standard features
- It can't conceal its age or hunger.
- Tight third row
Acura RDX A-Spec
MSRP: $44,700 | Acceleration from 0-60 mph: 6.2 seconds
The Acura RDX A-Spec is an attractively designed luxury compact SUV, offering you an extensive range of features. sophisticated driving assistance systems along with a plethora of technological amenities There's ample power available to make this compact SUV enjoyable and lively on every type of road.
Powertrain Specifications
This Acura The SUV may not carry the same prestige as certain well-known rivals, yet it offers great value and excels as a top pick within the premium compact crossover segment. Particularly with the A-Spec trim, the RDX proves to be an entertaining and involving drive on all types of roads.
Pros
- Generous standard equipment
- Dances on the road
- Attractive starting price
Cons
- The cabin doesn't measure up to the luxury of certain competitors.
- Spongy brake-pedal feel
- The transmission occasionally delays when shifting down.
Mazda CX-5 Carbon Turbo
MSRP: $37,000 | Acceleration from 0-60 mph in 6.2 seconds
Once you enter the Mazda CX-5 Carbon Turbo, you'll experience a compact SUV boasting an exceptionally sophisticated interior, which also includes various amenities. outstanding control, polish, and stability when navigating turns While enjoying an enthusiastic drive, this compact SUV offers plenty of entertainment alongside functionality for your enjoyment.
Powertrain Specifications
The chic interior is striking, making this Mazda It’s simple to appreciate even before turning the key. Once you're behind the wheel, the remarkable acceleration transforms the CX-5 into an exceptionally enjoyable and thrilling ride on every journey. Naturally, it remains a sensible option whenever you require it in your daily life.
Pros
- Elegant styling
- Luxury-adjacent interior
- One of the most enjoyable to drive in the compact crossover category.
Cons
- Competitors provide greater passenger room.
- Less-than-average cargo capacity
- Not designed for hauling large weights.
Mazda CX-30 Carbon Turbo
MSRP: $32,940 | Acceleration from 0-60 mph: 5.8 seconds
The Mazda CX-30 Carbon Turbo packs more punch than its size suggests , offering you the excitement and speed you crave when you're ready to zoom off from a standstill. This compact SUV performs exceptionally well when you use high-quality fuel, as this maximizes the horsepower output.
Powertrain Specifications
This Mazda SUV is an attractive and enjoyable small crossover that adds the desired sporty feel to the subcompact SUV segment. Though it may lack the space of bigger models, it offers more interior room compared to its platform cousin, the Mazda3, providing extra comfort for occupants.
Pros
- Confident cornering abilities
- A more attractive interior compared to most competitors.
- Many basic amenities for the price
Cons
- Weak base engine
- Below-average cargo capacity
- Agile handling leads to a stiffer suspension.
Audi Q5 Premium Plus with S Line Appearance
MSRP: $57,100 | Acceleration from 0-60 mph: 5.7 seconds
The Audi Q5 manages to seamlessly blend comfort and performance, making it one of the fastest SUVs available for less than $65,000. The Q5 takes curves effortlessly and navigates through potholes smoothly, guaranteeing a stable and assured journey regardless of the terrain.
Powertrain Specifications
This Audi The SUV is the top-selling model for the brand, which is entirely logical. The Q5 offers an ideal combination of luxury, technology, adaptability, and performance, providing you with all the features and attributes needed to ensure your drive is both enjoyable and effortless.
Pros
- Stylish design, both within and without.
- Excellent construction and high-quality materials.
- Impressive acceleration
Cons
- A new version is anticipated shortly.
- Detached driving experience
- Slightly dated tech features
Alfa Romeo Stelvio
MSRP: $48,995 | Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph: 5.5 seconds
The rich heritage of the brand can be experienced within the Alfa Romeo Stelvio. This Italian SUV offers you something special. completely different and fun with the handling worthy of a sport sedan And some comfortably padded seats that hold you steady when navigating tight turns.
Powertrain Specifications
Every trim of this Alfa Romeo The SUV uses the same engine and transmission, making your choice primarily about features rather than performance. The Stelvio offers all the zest, elegance, and character of the Giulia sedan but packaged as a versatile crossover.
Pros
- Eye-catching styling
- Standard AWD
- Especially engaging to drive
Cons
- Signs of budget reduction inside the cabin
- Narrow back seats and restricted luggage space
- No more Quadrifoglio high-performance variant
BMW X2 M35i
MSRP: $42,450 | Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph: 5.2 seconds
If you're looking for a small yet luxurious USV with a cozy interior, then this one fits the bill perfectly. BMW X2 The M35i might be perfect for your needs. This compact BMW is among the fastest SUVs priced below $65,000, offering an extensive array of features along with classicBMW handling dynamics.
Powertrain Specifications
This BMW SUV is edgy and entertaining to drive. It’s a fantastic alternative to the typical luxury subcompact crossover that can be the right choice for your driving experience. The X2 M35i can tear up the corners while offering you more than 50 cubic feet of cargo space.
Pros
- Selection of two lively turbocharged powerplants
- Tons of technology features
- Sleeker, sexier profile
Cons
- A bit less room for passengers and cargo compared to the X1.
- Complicated infotainment system
- Numb steering feel
BMW X1 M35i
MSRP: $50,350 | Acceleration from 0-60 mph: 4.7 seconds
The compact luxury crossover category boasts many appealing options, yet the BMW X1 M35i sets new standards for performance, allowing you easily enjoy the superior handling that BMW excels at incorporating into their cars. This SUV combines functionality with excitement effectively. providing you with the successful blend you seek .
Powertrain Specifications
Driving this small BMW is a joy thanks to its blend of sportiness, functionality, and high-end features. The X1 M35i comes with some imperfections that could deter certain drivers but may also add character for others.
Pros
- Lots of standard equipment
- Spacious inside when compared to competitors
- Base model’s polished ride-and-handling
Cons
- Turbo lag dulls acceleration
- M35i ride is stiff
- Excessively complicated controls for the entertainment system
Mini Cooper Countryman JCW
MSRP: $46,900 | Acceleration from 0-60 mph: 4.6 seconds
You may not anticipate the Mini Cooper Countryman To be included here, the JCW model stands out as one of the speediest and best-value SUVs available. At the pinnacle of the lineup, the John Cooper Works (JCW) version offers an exhilarating and enjoyable driving experience among small SUVs.
Powertrain Specifications
Mini It is famous for its distinct style, yet the engine derived from BMW transforms the Countryman JCW into one of the speediest and most enjoyable Cooper series vehicles produced by Mini. This compact SUV can be an excellent option if you're looking for substantial entertainment.
Pros
- Easy and enjoyable to maneuver
- Premium cabin ambiance
- Plenty of room inside, including at the rear.
Cons
- Bumpy journey with 20-inch wheels
- Some plasticky materials inside
- Typically, standard driver assists are extras in this MINI model.
BMW X3 M50
MSRP: $64,700 | Acceleration from 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds
The most recent model of the BMW X3 enhances a successful design with upgraded engines And introduces new features without considerably raising the cost. The M50 edition provides the enhanced performance needed for enjoyable drives on all roads.
Powertrain Specifications
BMW has increased the size of this SUV compared to previous models, providing ample room and enhanced comfort upon entry. Among BMW’s lineup, the X3 stands out as the top-selling SUV, and the M50 variant lets you experience the thrill of one of the most dynamic powertrains available in a car equipped with the functional space required for everyday use.
Pros
- Two powerful engine choices
- Agile handling coupled with a smooth ride
- Competitive fuel economy
Cons
- Polarizing front grille design
- Complicated infotainment menu structure
- Gimmicky fake engine sounds