2005 was the last great year for SUVs

6 min readJul 9, 2023

A Look Back at the Exciting SUVs of 2005: Powerhouses and Versatility

The year 2005 saw the automotive industry thrive with a diverse lineup of powerful and versatile SUVs. From the robust American muscle to the luxurious German engineering, these vehicles captured the imagination of car enthusiasts worldwide. In this article, we will explore some of the notable SUVs of 2005, including the 2005 Dodge Durango 5.7 Hemi, 2005 GMC Envoy Denali Vortec 5300, 2005 Lincoln Aviator 4.6 InTech, 2005 Mercedes-Benz G 55 AMG Kompressor, 2005 BMW X5 4.8is, 2005 Porsche Cayenne S and Turbo, 2005 Infiniti FX45, and the 2005 Subaru Forester 2.5XT.

2005 Dodge Durango 5.7 Hemi:
The 2005 Dodge Durango 5.7 Hemi impressed with its powerful engine and rugged capabilities. The 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine churned out an impressive 335 horsepower, providing ample towing capacity and acceleration. With its spacious interior, the Durango offered comfortable seating for up to eight passengers and was a reliable choice for both on-road and off-road adventures. The lightest 5.7-liter Durango weighs 5,005 pounds in 4x2 form, equating to 14.9 pounds per brake hp.
2005 GMC Envoy Denali Vortec 5300:
The 2005 GMC Envoy Denali Vortec 5300 was known for its blend of luxury and performance. Equipped with a 5.3-liter V8 engine making 300 horsepower, it delivered a smooth and powerful driving experience. The upscale interior featured premium materials, comfortable seating, and advanced safety features, making it an excellent choice for families seeking both style and substance. The lightest 5.3-liter Envoy weighs 4,417 pounds in 4x2 form, equating to 14.7 pounds for each horsepower.
2005 Lincoln Aviator 4.6 InTech:
The 2005 Lincoln Aviator 4.6 InTech offered a touch of elegance and refinement. Powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine making 302 horsepower, it provided a balanced combination of power and efficiency. The Aviator boasted a luxurious interior with premium features, including leather upholstery, wood trim, and cutting-edge technology. With its sleek design and smooth ride, the Aviator catered to those seeking a sophisticated SUV experience. Weighing in at 4,818 pounds in a rear-wheel-drive variant, this much power equates to 16 pounds per pony.
2005 Mercedes-Benz G 55 AMG Kompressor:
The 2005 Mercedes-Benz G 55 AMG Kompressor was an epitome of luxury and performance. The handcrafted 5.4-liter (or 5.5-liter, depending on who you ask) supercharged V8 engine delivered an astounding 469 horsepower, propelling this SUV from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds. The G 55 AMG boasted a distinctive and robust design, coupled with a lavish interior, making it a standout in the luxury SUV segment. The G 55 AMG weighs 5,540 pounds, or 11.8 pounds per bhp. While it is theoretically more logical to use an M-Class model for this comparison, the naturally aspirated ML 55 was discontinued after the 2003 model year, but that one actually weighs 14.8 pounds for each hp.
2005 BMW X5 4.8is:
The 2005 BMW X5 4.8is showcased the brand’s commitment to sporty performance and versatility. Powered by a 4.8-liter V8 engine, it produced 355 horsepower and featured BMW’s renowned handling dynamics. The X5 4.8is offered a spacious and well-crafted interior, along with advanced technology and safety features, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a sporty and refined SUV. It weighs 5,016 lbs, or 14.1 pounds per horsepower. That’s only slightly better than an Envoy.
2005 Porsche Cayenne S and Turbo:
The 2005 Porsche Cayenne S and Turbo versions introduced the world to Porsche’s foray into the SUV segment. The Cayenne S featured a 4.5-liter V8 engine with 340 horsepower, while the Turbo boasted a twin-turbocharged 4.5-liter V8 engine with 450–500 horsepower. These powerhouses delivered exceptional performance and handling, showcasing the brand’s sports car DNA in an SUV package. With luxurious interiors and cutting-edge features, the Cayenne models provided a unique blend of sportiness and practicality. Weighing at 4,950 pounds, the naturally aspirated V8 weighs 14.6 pounds per hp, but the twin-turbocharged version weighs 5,200 pounds, or 10.4–11.6 lbs/hp.
2005 Infiniti FX45:
The 2005 Infiniti FX45 embodied the perfect balance between a sporty coupe and a practical SUV. Equipped with a 4.5-liter V8 engine making 315 horsepower, it offered a thrilling driving experience with its impressive power output. The FX45 featured a striking exterior design and a well-appointed interior, incorporating advanced technology and luxurious touches, making it a favorite among performance-oriented SUV enthusiasts. The V8 version only came with all-wheel drive, so it weighs in at 4,370 pounds, adding 13.9 pounds for each bhp it makes.
2005 Subaru Forester 2.5XT:
The 2005 Subaru Forester 2.5XT stood out as a compact SUV that offered both performance and versatility. Powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, it delivered “210 horsepower”, making it a spirited choice for driving enthusiasts. The Forester 2.5XT boasted Subaru’s legendary all-wheel-drive system, practical cargo space, and a comfortable interior, making it a reliable and capable option for daily commuting and outdoor adventures. It weighed 3,210 pounds with a manual transmission and 3,255 pounds with an automatic, weighing 15.5 pounds for each hp with an automatic; if you think about it, that’s better than an Aviator and even borderline with the V8 Durango and V8 SWB Envoy. *Except, the Forester always came with an all-wheel drive system, and it is possible that the engine output of this mini-WRX/mini-STi SUV was underrated by the factory to avoid lawsuits by these crazy insurance and environmentalist companies worried about street racing.

Conclusion:
The SUVs of 2005 showcased a wide range of capabilities and styles, catering to various preferences and needs. From the powerful American muscle of the Dodge Durango and GMC Envoy Denali to the luxurious refinement of the Lincoln Aviator and Mercedes-Benz G 55 AMG, and the sporty performance of the BMW X5, Porsche Cayenne, Infiniti FX45, and Subaru Forester, these vehicles left an indelible mark in the automotive landscape. Despite the passage of time, their legacy lives on, as they continue to captivate enthusiasts and remain notable examples of their respective eras.

Although the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 and the Chevrolet TrailBlazer SS were not released until the 2006 model year, I’d say the Dodge Durango 5.7 Hemi and GMC Envoy Denali Vortec 5300 both are some very underrated SUVs. Actually, this was the first time a short-wheelbase Envoy ever got to enjoy a V8 powerplant — finally having something to rival the Durango, as well as the Explorer, Mountaineer, and Aviator.