10 Vehicles We Wish Had More Power
When it comes to shopping for your next vehicle, would you rather have performance or fuel economy? Why not both at the same time? Now more than ever, it’s possible to enjoy the best of both worlds, particularly thanks to electrified powertrains.
Anyway, some models aim to help drivers save money at the pump at the expense of power and pleasure. Others are powerful enough in their own right, but may fall short when compared to more potent competitors. This is precisely what we were thinking about when compiling this top 10.
Below are 10 cars and SUVs we'd love to see with more power under their hood. The good news is that some automakers have gotten the message and are addressing the issue for the upcoming 2026 model year.
Acura RDX
Unlike the MDX, the soon-to-be-discontinued TLX and even the Integra, the RDX compact SUV still doesn't offer a Type S model. Its turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine generates a respectable 272 horsepower, but adding a twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 with 355 horsepower would be awesome.
Chevrolet Equinox/GMC Terrain
We’re not really asking for a performance-focused Equinox or Terrain per se, but we sure would like an engine with more power than the turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder, which is limited to 175 horsepower even in the next-generation 2025 models. Come on, GM!
Honda Civic
The Civic Hybrid is a favourite of ours at The Car Guide, and the Civic Si is a lot of fun to drive. However, since the 2025 model year, all lower-end trims have had to make do with a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre engine producing barely 150 horsepower. You'd swear Honda is deliberately pushing buyers toward more expensive Civics...
Hyundai Venue
In the small urban crossover segment, the Kia Soul is retiring and the Chevrolet Trax is hardly impressive with 137 horsepower, but what about the Venue? Just like the departed Accent, it makes do with a 1.6-litre engine that produces a modest 121 horsepower via a continuously variable transmission. An overhaul is long overdue, but don't get your hopes up.
Kia EV9
Surprised by this selection? Well, we're not talking about the dual-motor, all-wheel-drive models here. Rather, it's the single-motor, rear-wheel-drive EV9 that's arguably lacking in power. For a three-row SUV aimed at large families or those with a lot of gear to haul, 201 or 215 horsepower (depending on the trim level) is not quite good enough.
Mazda CX-5
A new generation of the CX-5 will hit the market in the spring of 2026. The naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine will return with the same 187 horsepower, but the turbocharged variant delivering over 300 lb-ft of torque and very pleasant acceleration will not be back. Mazda will instead rely on a hybrid system in order to increase performance and fuel efficiency... except that we will have to wait until 2027 to get it.
Mitsubishi Outlander
We could have singled out the 2.0-litre RVR (148 horsepower) or the Eclipse Cross (152 horsepower), but let's go with the best-selling Outlander. The gas-powered variant only has 181 horsepower and as many pound-feet of torque, which is pretty modest for a not-so-compact SUV with three rows of seats. Thankfully, that powertrain will be replaced for 2026 by a mild hybrid system featuring a 1.5-litre turbo engine. More details to come this fall.
Nissan Murano
Redesigned for 2025, the Murano has dropped its old 3.5-litre V6, opting instead for a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with a variable-compression ratio. While torque has increased from 240 to 260 lb-ft, output has decreased from 260 to 241 hp. The big problem with the Murano, however, is its maximum towing capacity, which is still limited to 1,500 lbs—the worst of any midsize SUV on the market.
Nissan Sentra
Remember when the SR model packed more punch? We miss those days. Today, all Sentras get the same 2.0-litre engine producing a meager 149 horsepower. Alas, the new generation arriving for the 2026 model year won't change anything under the hood. Don’t even ask about a Sentra NISMO...
Toyota Corolla
The Corolla has many great attributes: comfort, quality, reliability, fuel economy, etc. Is it too much to ask for more? It sure would be nice to have an engine with more than 169 horsepower without turning to the explosive and expensive 300-horsepower GR Corolla. Meanwhile, the 138-horsepower Corolla Hybrid is as slow as it gets and pales in comparison to the Civic Hybrid. At least there's the Prius.
