It’s no shock that the Aston Martin DBX, Ferrari Purosangue, and Lamborghini Urus are fun-to-drive SUVs. With their wild power and track-tuned suspensions, that’s exactly what you’d expect. But if you, an everyday driver, want an SUV that delivers real driving pleasure, you’re not alone, and you certainly don’t have to sell your house to afford it. Especially if you search in used car lots in Florida.
Here’s my list of the most fun-to-drive SUVs that might actually fit your budget. “Fun to drive” means different things to different people, so I’ve included anything guaranteed to put a smile on your face, whether that’s off-road dominance, straight-line speed, or corner-carving agility.
Jeep Wrangler
People have been having fun in Jeeps for more than 80 years, and there are now more ways than ever to do it. Every Wrangler comes with the tools to remove the roof and doors and fold down the windshield. Once that’s done, your only decision is what to do next.
Conquer the toughest trails in a Rubicon? Blast across the desert in a 392 V8 model? Dry off your surfboards in the back of a Sport trim? If you can’t find a way to have fun in a Wrangler, you’re simply not trying hard enough.
Ford Bronco
The Bronco just looks fun, and whether you’re into beach cruising, rock crawling, or desert racing, there’s a version for you. If you want to know how it compares with its constant competitor just above, read this Bronco vs. Wrangler comparison by Autoland Jax dealership.
Pop off the roof and doors, and let the sun and wind rush in. Then take your big, Sasquatch-equipped Bronco through a muddy puddle, or compete in the Baja 1000 in your Bronco R, boasting serious power and long-travel suspension. If the full-size Bronco is too pricey, consider the Bronco Sport, especially in the Sasquatch Badlands trim.
Land Rover Defender
It took years for the Defender to arrive in the U.S. and even longer for it to become accessible, but the wait proved worth it.
The Defender’s biggest strength lies in its versatility. It’s surprisingly engaging on pavement despite its rugged off-road focus, delivering a rally-car feel that translates into unstoppable capability once the dirt begins. If your budget allows, the OCTA model, with its twin-turbo V8 and advanced suspension, is essentially a street-legal racing truck.
Toyota 4Runner
So many people loved the old 4Runner that it took Toyota 15 years to replace it, and unsurprisingly, the new model strongly resembles its predecessor.
With seven distinct trims, ranging from a city-friendly setup to a hardcore off-roader, there’s a 4Runner for every adventure style. You can even tailor it to your preferred terrain: the Trailhunter is built for technical trail work, and the TRD Pro is designed for high-speed desert runs.
Dodge Durango
A big, aging three-row SUV might seem an odd choice for this list, but consider this: a V8. The tried-and-true Durango is available with a roaring V8 in its second-most affordable trim, so even on a tight budget, you can sound great while hauling the kids to practice. If your wallet allows, no other automaker offers an SUV with a 710-horsepower supercharged V8 for around $80,000.
Hyundai Ioniq 5
How do you make a large electric SUV exciting? You design it like the Ioniq 5 and engineer it to handle better than it needs to. Any Ioniq 5 is quicker and more engaging in corners than a comparable gas-powered SUV, but there’s also a trump card: the Ioniq 5 N.
With 641 horsepower and performance features such as a manual transmission simulator and customizable “engine sounds” (including a fighter jet’s roar), the Ioniq 5 N ranks among the most thrilling electric SUVs on the market. There’s even an off-road-ready XRT Pro variant that’s impressively capable when the pavement ends. It’s also a former “SUV of the Year” winner.
Tesla Model Y Performance
With its powerful motors, low center of gravity, and responsive steering, every Model Y feels sporty. For the full experience, go for the all-wheel-drive Performance trim; it’s the quickest version and comes with suspension and tire upgrades that make it the ultimate all-around performer.
These models prove you can enjoy serious performance and personality without spending supercar money – just pick the one that matches your sense of adventure and hit the road.