2019 Jaguar F-Pace SVR

Just one trim level is on offer for the standalone SVR, with pricing for the speedy SUV starting at $79,990 before a delivery fee of $1,025 and any other fees or taxes. Fully loaded, you'll be spending north of $100,000.

Despite its size and height, the F-Pace SVR does a good job of mitigating body roll in the corners, and the steering is joyfully accurate and responsive too. Thanks to that all-wheel-drive system, grip from a standing start or when pulling out of low-speed corners is phenomenal, but at higher speeds, you will note a shade of understeer on the way in. Still, it's a very intoxicating driving experience that would best be described as point-and-shoot. While something like the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio will likely be a little more engaging, the F-Pace SVR offers fully accessible performance to even the novice driver, and it's that security that makes the F-Pace SVR an attractive option for the gearhead with a family. Speaking of family, the suspension won't cause too many complaints from them as the adaptive dampers do an excellent job of keeping things supple, and are livable even in their stiffest setting. The bigger brakes on the SVR are also not any more difficult to manage and modulate than those on regular F-Pace models, yet they still offer good response and do a great job of bringing the hefty machine to a smooth and quick stop.

There are a number of reasons to look past the Jag F-Pace SVR. For one, the infotainment system is rather infuriating to live with and is too slow to be considered modern. In addition, some of the design elements and material choices in places make you wonder about the asking price. In addition, the driving experience is less lively than in some competitors, and the badge is arguably still tainted by old stereotypes. However, these problems can be a small price to pay for a vehicle that offers a beautifully luxurious interior for the most part, and a long list of standard features. Furthermore, the stable but invigorating driving experience is plenty of fun and the sound of the engine is addictive. The gearbox is excellent too and the chassis is properly sorted. You can even justify the purchase of around $80k to your significant other by mentioning how large the cargo area is. It's not a perfect vehicle, but there's no such thing, and this is certainly good enough for your consideration.

Just one trim level is on offer for range-topping F-Pace SVR, so choosing your base model is easy. However, we'd be picky with options and avoid the available 22-inch wheels in order to preserve the comfort that makes the F-Pace so attractive to families on long drives. However, we would add the Driver Assistance package detailed above for ultimate peace of mind and we'd also add smartphone integration to improve the infotainment system's abilities. There is value to be had in the other options that are mostly useful, but additions to this vehicle can get pricey quickly so we'd aim to keep cost below $100k.

When Alfa announced grandiose plans for M3-beaters and sporty SUVs, much of the world was apprehensive. After all, they've let us down with lukewarm creations like the Mito QV before. However, the brand is undergoing a renaissance of its own, and the Stelvio Quadrifoglio is full of brilliance and outstanding performance while still retaining the passion and style that the Italian brand was always revered for. With the Stelvio QV, the brand offers a phenomenal 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 that produces 505 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. Despite boasting lower power figures than the slightly heavier F-Pace SVR, it's quicker from 0-60 mph and offers the same top speed. The interior is also stunning and the infotainment system is great to use. Unless you need the extra space afforded by choosing the British brute, we'd suggest opting for the enigmatic Italian for purer driving thrills and ultimate style.

Another sporty Italian SUV is the Maserati Levante Trofeo. Boasting a Ferrari-derived 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8, the Levante Trofeo makes a glorious noise as it puts a whopping 590 hp and 538 lb-ft of torque through its all-wheel-drive system. While this makes it capable of getting from 0-60 mph in just 3.8 seconds and allows it to top out at a scarcely believable 189 mph, it should be noted that you pay a heavy premium for this performance. The Levante Trofeo has a starting price that is more than double that of the F-Pace SVR. In addition, the infotainment system is not particularly brilliant in any way, and the interior design is let down by outdated styling and cheap parts borrowed from Fiat and Jeep offerings. Sure it sounds great and goes like stink, but at a price of just under $170,000, it needed to be perfect to be worthy of beating the Jag.