Who says you can’t have a family of thrill-seekers? In addition to making things more fun for the driver, older kids may appreciate an SUV with an extra power boost. As long as the drive is smooth, there’s no reason you should assume a speedy and sporty SUV just isn’t an option. Sometimes a car’s agility can be determined by its engine size. Fortunately, below is a list of the quickest SUVs you can buy new in 2020 from brands you know, like Hyundai, Chevy, and Mazda.

What is the fastest small SUV?

The 2020 Hyundai Kona is a subcompact SUV with an upscale interior and ample cargo space. The cabin is big enough for a family, but the backseat is best suited for children or furry companions. Still, each seat offers a good amount of comfort, and the infotainment system works excellently.

The 1.6-liter turbo-four will provide drivers with the best performance of its two powertrain options. It’s capable of 175 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. It can also reach 0-60 mph in over seven seconds. The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission functions well, but Edmunds warns that it’s occasionally slow to shift on startup. It also features a manual shift mode.

According to Edmunds, the 1.6-liter motor delivers smooth power. Testers noted that it has minimal body roll or engine noise, and they were particularly impressed with the brakes. The only downside they reported was the suspension, which doesn’t hold up after repeated hard bumps.

Does Mazda make one of the fastest small SUVs?

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 is a little more expensive than its peers, starting at around $36,000 with the preferred engine. Its 2.5-liter turbo-four can up to 250 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. Like most Mazda models, the CX-5 is incredibly fun and engaging. It tackles corners with ease, and the brakes are great. It also doesn’t fail to deliver in terms of speed, with an average 0-60 time of 6.6 seconds. Even the base model is packed with features, making it a good buy.

Testers at Edmunds reported that the ride quality is a little firm, but at least the seats exhibit luxury-level quality. Plenty of space in both rows, and large door openings make it easier to enter the car. Cargo space is a little below average, but it does have a flat floor for hassle-free loading.

The Mazda CX-5 is also incredibly safe, another huge plus for families. The 2020 model received a new standard safety suite, which includes pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic emergency braking.

Chevy’s fastest small SUV is a winner

The award-winning Chevrolet Equinox is the fastest small SUV on the list, able to rocket from 0-60 in just 6.4 seconds. It achieves this with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine capable of 252 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. It supplies plenty of power for highway driving, and the nine-speed automatic transmission gives drivers precise shifts. 

With this engine, the 2020 Equinox can also tow up to 3,200 pounds, which is impressive for a small SUV. Overall, Edmunds found that the Equinox has good handling but stumbles around corners thanks to its wide turning radius. However, its brakes respond quickly in an emergency.

Another annoying thing about the Equinox is its lackluster interior, which is disappointing considering its above-average price tag. Still, if speed is your main priority, no small SUV does it better than the Chevy Equinox.