This paper deals with power extraction maximization of a doubly fed induction generator (DFIG)-based wind turbine. These variable speed systems have several advantages over the traditional wind turbine operating methods, such as the reduction of the mechanical stress and an increase in the energy capture. To fully exploit this latest advantage, many control schemes have been developed for maximum power point tracking (MPPT) control schemes. In this context, this paper proposes a second-order sliding mode to control the wind turbine DFIG according to references given by an MPPT. Traditionally, the desired DFIG torque is tracked using control currents. However, the estimations used to define current references drive some inaccuracies mainly leading to nonoptimal power extraction. Therefore, using robust control, such as the second-order sliding mode, will allow one to directly track the DFIG torque leading to maximum power extraction. Moreover, the proposed control strategy presents attractive features such as chattering-free behavior (no extra mechanical stress), finite reaching time, and robustness with respect to external disturbances (grid) and unmodeled dynamics (generator and turbine). Simulations using the wind turbine simulator FAST and experiments on a 7.5-kW real-time simulator are carried out for the validation of the proposed high-order sliding mode control approach.