10 vehicles we wish had more power
Do you prefer performance or fuel economy? Why not both? Increasingly, it's possible to have the best of both worlds, thanks in particular to electrified powertrains.
In any case, some vehicles choose to help us save money at the pump at the expense of engine power. Others are well powered in themselves, but may leave something to be desired when compared to more muscular competitors. That's precisely what prompted us to compile this top 10 list.
Here are 10 cars and SUVs that we'd like to see with more power under the hood. The good news is that some automakers have gotten the message and are remedying the situation for the upcoming 2026 model year.
Acura RDX
Unlike the MDX, TLX (whose demise was recently announced), and even the Integra, the RDX compact SUV still doesn't offer a Type S version. Its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine generates a respectable 272 horsepower, but adding the 355-horsepower twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 would be awesome.
Chevrolet Equinox/GMC Terrain
We don't necessarily want a performance version of the Equinox or Terrain per say, but at least an engine more powerful than the 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, which is limited to 175 horsepower even in the new-generation 2025 models. Come on, GM!
Honda Civic
The Civic Hybrid is a favorite of Guide de l’auto, and the Civic Si is a lot of fun to drive. However, since the 2025 model year, all lower trim levels have been equipped with a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter engine producing just 150 horsepower. It seems as though Honda is deliberately pushing buyers toward more expensive Civics...
Hyundai Venue
In the category of urban utility vehicles without all-wheel drive, the Kia Soul has just bowed out. The Chevrolet Trax isn't particularly impressive with its 137 horsepower that quickly runs out of steam, but what about the Venue? Like the now-defunct Accent, it makes do with a 1.6-liter engine that produces a modest 121 horsepower via a continuously variable transmission. Its renewal is long overdue, but don't get your hopes up.
Kia EV9
Surprised by this choice? Well, we're not talking about dual-motor, all-wheel-drive models here. Rather, it's the single-motor, rear-wheel-drive EV9 that lacks power. For a three-row SUV aimed at large families or those who need to transport a lot of equipment, the 201 or 215 horsepower (depending on the version) is more or less adequate.
A new generation of the CX-5 will hit the market in spring 2026. Unfortunately, the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine will return with the same 187 horsepower, and the turbocharged version with the same displacement, which stood out with its torque of over 300 lb-ft and very pleasant acceleration, will not be back. Instead, Mazda will focus on a hybrid system to increase performance and fuel efficiency... but we'll have to wait until 2027 to get it.
Mitsubishi Outlander
We could have talked about the RVR with its 2.0-liter engine (148 horsepower) or the Eclipse Cross (152 horsepower), but let's go with the big seller, the Outlander. The gasoline version has only 181 horsepower and the same amount of torque, which is just enough for such a sturdy, three-row compact SUV. Fortunately, this engine will be replaced in 2026 by a mild hybrid system with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine. More details to come this fall...
Nissan Murano
Redesigned for 2025, the Murano has retired its old 3.5-liter V6 engine in favor of a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with variable compression ratio. Although torque has increased from 240 to 260 lb-ft, horsepower has decreased from 260 to 241. However, the big problem with the Murano is its towing capacity, which is still limited to 1,500 lb—the worst of any midsize SUV on the market.
Nissan Sentra
Gone are the days when the SR version was sportier. Today, all Sentras come with the same 2.0-liter engine producing a meager 149 horsepower. Unfortunately, the new generation arriving for the 2026 model year will bring no changes under the hood. We can also forget about a Sentra NISMO...
Toyota Corolla
The Corolla has many qualities: comfort, quality, reliability, fuel economy, etc. Is it unreasonable to ask for a little extra power? Indeed, it would be nice to have an engine with more than 169 horsepower without having to turn to the explosive and expensive 300-horsepower GR Corolla. For its part, the 138-horsepower Corolla Hybrid doesn't know the meaning of the word “spirit” and pales in comparison to the Civic Hybrid. At least there's the Prius.
