Four electric SUVs deliver hot‑rod performance without gas

Electric sportiness is migrating into the SUV segment as automakers pair high‑performance electric powertrains with upgraded brakes, suspensions and aggressive styling to produce family‑friendly vehicles that still offer muscle‑car acceleration.

Edmunds’ auto experts selected four electric SUVs that combine practicality with high performance: the Ford Mustang Mach‑E GT, Chevrolet Blazer EV SS, Kia EV6 GT and Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. The vehicles were presented in ascending order of price, including destination fees.

At the entry point of the list, the 2025 Ford Mustang Mach‑E GT pairs the Mustang name with an electric drivetrain that produces 480 horsepower and 600 lb‑ft of torque in standard specification, with an optional Performance upgrade that boosts torque to about 700 lb‑ft. Edmunds’ testing measured a 0–60 mph sprint in 3.7 seconds. Ford equips the GT with a sport‑tuned adaptive suspension, high‑performance brakes and sport seats as standard, and rates the model at an EPA‑estimated 280 miles of range. The 2025 Mach‑E GT starting price is $56,490.

Next up is the 2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV SS, which amplifies the mainstream Blazer EV into a high‑output variant. In its Wide Open Watts (WOW) launch control mode the SS can access up to 615 horsepower, and Chevrolet calls it the most powerful SS‑badged vehicle it has built. Edmunds recorded a 0–60 mph time of about 3.4 seconds for the Blazer EV SS. The package also includes uprated front brakes and a revised suspension aimed at improving stability and steering precision while retaining a comfortable ride. Chevrolet lists an EPA‑estimated 303 miles of range and a starting price of $62,095.

The 2025 Kia EV6 GT follows, with Kia engineers increasing the output to a maximum of 641 horsepower. That figure yields an estimated 0–60 mph time of about 3.3 seconds. The EV6 GT adds a taut adaptive suspension and larger brakes; Kia also offers an artificial sound and shift simulation intended to replicate the auditory and tactile sensations of a gas‑engine performance car. Kia estimates an EPA range of 231 miles for the EV6 GT, and a starting price of $65,295.

Rounding out the list is the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, which shares underpinnings with the EV6 GT but emphasizes retro‑inspired design and a sensory performance package. With up to 641 horsepower available, Edmunds’ testing showed a 0–60 mph time of 3.3 seconds. The Ioniq 5 N uses sticky tires, a track‑tuned adaptive suspension and large brakes to produce handling more akin to a hot hatch than a traditional crossover. Hyundai’s implementation of virtual engine sensations — including simulated pops and a shifting feel under full throttle — is highlighted as a distinguishing software‑driven feature. The model’s EPA‑estimated range is about 221 miles, and Hyundai reports fast‑charging capability that can refill the battery from 10% to 80% in roughly 18 minutes. The Ioniq 5 N’s starting price is $67,800.

Edmunds noted that high‑performance trims often come with most available options included, which raises the base price. For buyers who want brisk acceleration without paying for every convenience feature, the publication recommends checking whether desired additions can be optioned on lower‑priced trims.

The selection reflects a broader industry trend in which electric vehicle powertrains — with instant torque delivery and flexible packaging — enable manufacturers to produce SUVs that combine family‑friendly utility with near‑supercar acceleration. The models highlighted also demonstrate how software and hardware upgrades, from launch control modes to simulated engine sounds and adaptive suspensions, are being used to deliver distinct performance characters across the EV market.

This story was provided to The Associated Press by the automotive website Edmunds. Bradley Iger is a contributor at Edmunds.