Fun means different things to different people. However, if you have an SUV and adrenaline glands, some aspects of fun can be nearly universal, like high speeds, hard cornering, or carefully picking your way between the rocks at the lip of a trail a few thousand feet above the valley floor. Whatever your definition of fun is, there’s probably an SUV on this list that will help you have it.
Here are 10 of the most fun SUVs of 2023.
1. 2023 Porsche Macan
Although there’s an updated Macan on the way for the 2024 model year, the 2023 Porsche Macan remains a leader in the fun-to-drive SUV segment. Even base models get a 261-horsepower turbocharged engine and standard all-wheel drive. The Macan T, new for 2023, is a sweet spot in the lineup. It has many of the upgraded handling features of the top-of-the-line GTS paired with the base engine. If you’re also into luxury, the Macan provides plenty of fun on that front, too, with options like a 1,000-watt, 16-speaker Burmester audio system. See 2023 Porsche Macan models for sale near you
2. 2023 Ford Bronco
The 2023 Ford Bronco enhances the return of Ford’s legendary nameplate with two new Heritage Editions with retro styling designed to look like the original Broncos of the 1960s. If that doesn’t float your boat, there are eight other variants of the Bronco available, each offering its own look and its own set of features designed to suit different use cases. If you’re looking for maximum off-roading fun, look for models equipped with the Sasquatch package, which adds 35-inch off-road tires, an upgraded suspension, locking front and rear axles, and more. See 2023 Ford Bronco models for sale near you
3. 2023 Genesis GV70
Stylish, packed with equipment, and the winner of Kelley Blue Book’s Compact Luxury SUV Best Buy Award for 2023, the 2023 Genesis GV70 appeals on every level with excellent design, materials, performance, and comfort. A 14.5-inch infotainment screen is standard, and you can add a 1,050-watt, 16-speaker Lexicon audio system, remote smart parking, and a power driver’s seat that will help you stretch to improve long-distance comfort. See 2023 Genesis GV70 models for sale near you
4. 2023 Jeep Wrangler
If your preferences for fun extend beyond the end of the pavement, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler is a natural fit. An excellent off-roader even in base form, the Wrangler offers a wide range of trims and specs to suit your particular use case. This is also one of the only SUVs you can still get with a manual transmission, though you’ll have to opt for the 285-horsepower V6 to get the stick shift; the 270-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder only comes with an 8-speed automatic transmission. See 2023 Jeep Wrangler models for sale near you
5. 2023 BMW X4 M
With a sleek SUV-coupe body style and monstrous performance from its 473-horsepower turbocharged 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine, driving the 2023 BMW X4 M is very much like driving a slightly taller version of BMW’s sport sedans. If you’re looking for power, balance, and a rewarding driving experience, the X4 M won’t disappoint. Those seeking maximum performance should check the box for the Competition Package. It bumps output up to a peak of 503 horsepower. See 2023 BMW X4 models for sale near you
6. 2023 Toyota 4Runner
Another excellent off-roader, the 2023 Toyota 4Runner combines old-school body-on-frame ruggedness with new-school features and technology. There’s a multi-terrain electronic control system in TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro models and standard crawl control in all models. Optional extras like the sliding cargo floor that can double as a camp seat can make your off-road adventures even more fun. See 2023 Toyota 4Runner models for sale near you
7. 2023 Alfa Romeo Stelvio
European style, exotic sounds, and thrilling performance make the 2023 Alfa Romeo Stelvio more than mere transportation. If you opt for the mind-bending thrust of the 505-horsepower Stelvio Quadrifoglio, each push of the start button is an event. Even without the Quadrifoglio’s torque-vectoring AWD, active suspension, and quad-exit exhaust, the Stelvio’s 280-horsepower base model is a fun, nimble companion in the canyons. See 2023 Alfa Romeo Stelvio models for sale near you
8. 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E
With at least 266 horsepower and as much as 480 horsepower, the 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E lives up to its namesake, at least when it comes to providing plenty of power. The Mach-E isn’t a one-trick pony, however. It gets at least 250 miles of range in base form and up to 312 miles of range in California Route 1 guise (or 306 miles in the Mach-E Premium with the optional extended-range battery). It also looks the part of a muscular performance SUV while offering a comfortable cabin for four adults. See 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E models for sale near you
9. 2023 Mazda CX-30 Turbo
If the Macan sounds like a lot of fun, but you’d prefer something a bit more affordable, look no further than the 2023 Mazda CX-30 Turbo. The top-spec Premium Plus model starts at just $35,400. It includes a turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine rated for 250 horsepower, standard AWD, and a subcompact chassis tuned for sports car-like handling without turning the daily drive into a bone-jarring grind. See 2023 Mazda CX-30 models for sale near you
10. 2023 Hyundai Kona N
The 2023 Hyundai Kona might not seem a likely candidate for a list of the most fun SUVs. That’s only because you’re overlooking the Kona N, a 276-horsepower turbocharged variant of the Kona that’s built for performance. However, unlike the Macan and the CX-30 that come with standard AWD, the Kona N pumps all of that power and torque through the front wheels alone. See 2023 Hyundai Kona models for sale near you
10 Most Fun SUVs of 2023
- 2023 Porsche Macan
- 2023 Ford Bronco
- 2023 Genesis GV70
- 2023 Jeep Wrangler
- 2023 BMW X4 M
- 2023 Toyota 4Runner
- 2023 Alfa Romeo Stelvio
- 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E
- 2023 Mazda CX-30 Turbo
- 2023 Hyundai Kona N
