Performance SUV shoot-out

We pick from two high-powered, high-riding SUVS as used buys

Experts choose from Grand Cherokee SRT and Macan Turbo

Porsche Macan Turbo Years: 2015 to date Engine: 3.6-litre V6, 394bhp Ins grp: 44 Official econ/co2: 31.7mpg/208g/km Why? The Macan is one of the best SUVS money can buy, with a powerful turbo engine and great handling.

Prices from: £52,500

THE Porsche Macan Turbo offers stunning performance for a compact SUV, with nearly 400bhp and a 0-62mph time to match a 911.

Take one look at the Macan Turbo’s near-twotonne weight and you’d be forgiven for thinking it would drive like a regular off-roader. But it doesn’t. Porsche’s engineers worked wonders to deliver the best-handling SUV on the market.

The brand’s 3.6-litre twin-turbo V6 engine is hooked up to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, and with launch control and fourwheel drive, it delivers breathtaking pace.

In addition, the car is pretty practical for day-to-day use; although the Jeep is bigger overall, the Macan has plenty of headroom in the back. The interior is a much classier and more luxurious place to sit as well.

Porsche finished 14th in the makers’ chart of our Driver Power 2016 satisfaction survey, which was mid-table. The Macan didn’t score in the top 100, although the Audi Q5 on which it’s based ranked in a disappointing 87th place.

Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT Years: 2015 to date Engine: 6.4-litre V8, 461bhp Ins grp: 50 Official econ/co2: 20.2mpg/327g/km Why? Characterful Jeep is like nothing else on the road, with plenty of wow factor from that huge V8. Prices from: £42,000

WITH its Grand Cherokee SRT, Jeep adds some American flavour to the fast off-roader market by using a blend of technology and brute force to deliver high-octane thrills and practicality.

The brand’s Street and Racing Technology (SRT) team has fitted a huge 6.4-litre HEMI V8, so the car produces 461bhp and can sprint from 0-62mph in five seconds; that’s not bad for a big 4x4 that weighs almost 2.5 tonnes.

Put your foot to the floor and the V8’s burble becomes a full-on roar. But while the Grand Cherokee talks a good game, its ability tells a different tale. The car feels heavy in corners, and is no match for its agile rival here.

Still, the Jeep is more spacious than the Porsche, plus you’ll be able to pick one up used for much less money.

Although Jeep performed poorly as a brand in Driver Power 2016, finishing a disappointing 31st, the Grand Cherokee itself ranked a very impressive ninth overall. Owners rated it highly for performance and practicality.