These Cars And Trucks Are Faster Than They Look
Today, with progress in power-train technologies such as weight-saving measures and turbocharging, cars have become more reliable, safer, and faster than they have ever been before. From everyday commuters to luxurious dream machines, there are several models out there that are likely to thrill and surprise you with their powerful engines. Click through these slides to see the top cars that are way faster than you'd ever expect. Not everyone needs to own a supercar to reach top speeds!
Subaru Legacy
The Subaru Legacy is a spacious midsize car with an upscale cabin. This car stays planted even in harsh weather conditions, thanks to its standard all-wheel-drive. The legacy's base model comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that doesn't produce much power. However, it's 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine produces up to 256 horsepower, which is pretty decent. It also delivers an excellent fuel economy of up to 34 mpg on the highway and 25 mpg in the city.
Starting Price: $22,545
Horsepower: 175-256
Seating: 5
Cargo Capacity: 15 cubic feet
Drivetrain: AWD (All Wheel Drive)
Fuel Economy: 29 mpg combined (34 mpg on the highway and 25 mpg in the city)
Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer delivers a good overall performance amongst its class. It offers plenty of space with up to 81.7 cubic feet and three powerful engines — V6 with 290 horsepower (standard), turbocharged EcoBoost four-cylinder with 280 horsepower, and a twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 engine with 365 horsepower. All three engines come with a six-speed automatic transmission. The explorer also has an instant throttle response.
Starting Price: $32,365
Horsepower: 280 - 365
Seating: 7
Cargo Capacity: 81.7 cubic feet (both rows folded down)
Drivetrain: FWD (Front Wheel Drive), 4WD (Four-Wheel Drive)
Fuel Economy: 22 mpg combined (27 mpg on the highway and 19 mpg in the city)
Honda Civic
This compact car delivers better performance than most class rivals. Inside the vehicle, you'll find a classy interior and comfortable seating. The Honda Civic's base model comes with a standard four-cylinder 2.0-liter engine with 158 horsepower, which does a decent job. However, its turbocharged four-cylinder 1.5-liter engine that really goes, with 174 horsepower, giving a better all-round performance. The other models, Civic Si and Civic Type R, deliver up to 205 and 306 horsepower.
Starting Price: $19,550
Horsepower: 158 - 306
Seating: 4 - 5
Cargo Capacity: 46.2 cubic feet (with the second row folded down)
Drivetrain: FWD (Front Wheel Drive)
Fuel Economy: 36 mpg combined (42 mpg on the highway and 32 mpg in the city)
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a midsize car, which is both fun and practical. It delivers reliable performance, thanks to its energetic engines and responsive handling. Most accord buyers are satisfied with the engines it provides. The base model of Accord comes with a turbocharged four-cylinder 1.5-liter engine that produces 192 horsepower. You can step up to a turbo-four 2.0 liter engine with 252 horsepower for more gusto. Also, with the 1.5-liter engine, you get up to 38 mpg on the highway and 30 mpg in the city, which are high estimates for the class.
Starting Price: $23,720
Horsepower: 192 - 252
Seating: 5
Cargo Capacity: 16.4 cubic feet (trunk space)
Drivetrain: FWD (Front-Wheel Drive)
Fuel Economy: 33 mpg combined (38 mpg on the highway and 30 mpg in the city)
Toyota Camry
This midsize car has pleasing driving dynamics, loads of technology, and good fuel efficiency. It also boasts a high predicted reliability rating and impressive safety features. The Camry comes with a four-cylinder 2.5-liter engine with 203 horsepower and 3.5-liter V6 engine with 301 horsepower. The 2.5-liter engine never feels weak and delivers decent acceleration. But the V6 engine feels more energetic. The Camry gets a good fuel economy with its base engine gaining up to 41 mpg on the highway and 29 mpg in the city.
Starting Price: $24,095
Horsepower: 203 - 301
Seating: 5
Cargo Capacity: 15 cubic feet (trunk space)
Drivetrain: FWD (Front-Wheel Drive)
Fuel Economy: 34 mpg combined (41 mpg on the highway and 29 mpg in the city)
Chrysler 300
The Chrysler 300 is a big and comfortable sedan that comes with a lineup of powerful engines. Inside, it features an exceptional infotainment system and an overall posh interior. All in all, it is a sturdy, spacious, and stylish car. The 300 comes with a 3.6-liter engine that produces 292 horsepower, offering enough power for any driving situation. More enthusiastic drivers can also go for the 5.7 liter V8 that puts out 363 horsepower.
Starting Price: $29,470
Horsepower: 292 - 363
Seating: 5
Cargo Capacity: 16 cubic feet (trunk space)
Drivetrain: RWD (Rear-Wheel Drive), AWD (All-Wheel Drive)
Fuel Economy: 23 mpg combined (30 mpg on the highway and 19 mpg in the city)
Cadillac XTS
Cadillac XTS is a decent luxury car. It has ample trunk space, an upscale cabin, and a potent engine option. Cadillac also boasts a 3.6-liter V6 engine that comes with a six-speed transmission and produces 304 horsepower. This engine earns an EPA estimated 28 mpg on the highway and 19 mpg in the city. On the other hand, Cadillac's V-sport model also has a V6 twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter engine that puts out 410 horsepower. All in all, Cadillac XTS is a good car in its class.
Starting Price: $46,795
Horsepower: 304 - 410
Seating: 2 - 5
Cargo Capacity: 18 cubic feet (trunk space)
Drivetrain: FWD (Front-Wheel Drive), AWD (All-Wheel Drive)
Fuel Economy: 22 mpg combined (28 mpg on the highway and 19 mpg in the city)
Chevrolet Cobalt
The Chevrolet Cobalt has a satisfactory performance with plenty of cabin tech features available and a good fuel economy. It comes with two 4-cylinder engines. The 2.2-liter base engine gets up to 35 mpg on the highway and 25 mpg in the city, which is decent enough. The SS model of the Cobalt has a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with 206 horsepower. Overall, this Chevrolet is a competent car.
Starting Price: $14,990
Horsepower: 155 - 260
Seating: 5
Cargo Capacity: 13.9 cubic feet
Drivetrain: FWD (Front-Wheel Drive)
Fuel Economy: 29 mpg combined (35 mpg on the highway and 25 mpg in the city)
Chevrolet Malibu
Chevrolet Malibu is a midsize car with an adequate base engine and handling. This fun to drive car offers a decent fuel economy and ride quality. It comes with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine that produces 163 horsepower. On the other hand, it's four-cylinder 2.0-liter engine comes with a nine-speed automatic transmission and produces up to 250 horsepower. The 2.0-liter engine delivers better acceleration and a more engaging driving experience.
Starting Price: $22,090
Horsepower: 160 - 250
Seating: 5
Cargo Capacity: 16 cubic feet (trunk space)
Drivetrain: FWD (Front-Wheel Drive)
Fuel Economy: 30 mpg combined (36 mpg on the highway and 29 mpg in the city)
Chevrolet Impala
The Chevrolet Impala is a full-sized car with a sophisticated and athletic design. It offers abundant cargo and passenger space, including a well-predicted reliability rating. Its base engine produces 197 horsepower. Whereas, the 3.6-liter V6 engine delivers a robust 305 horsepower. Also, the base model offers a decent gas mileage of up to 29 mpg on the highway and 22 mpg in the city. You should definitely choose this car if you are looking for a comfortable and smooth ride.
Starting Price: $28,020
Horsepower: 197 - 305
Seating: 5
Cargo Capacity: 18.8 cubic feet (trunk space)
Drivetrain: FWD (Front-Wheel Drive)
Fuel Economy: 25 mpg combined (29 mpg on the highway and 22 mpg in the city)
Ford F-150 Supercrew Harley-Davidson
The Ford F-150 is an accommodating and comfortable truck. The Ford's F-150 Harley-Davidson model has an 8-cylinder 5.4-liter V8 engine, which is quite powerful. This engine produces up to 300 horsepower and gets up to 17 mpg on the highway and 13 mpg in the city. Overall, this truck is versatile and is designed to fulfill just about any conceivable need.
Starting price: approx. $33,000
Horsepower: 300
Seating: 5
Maximum Cargo Capacity: 59.9 cubic feet
Drivetrain: AWD (All-Wheel Drive)
Fuel Economy: 14 mpg combined (17 mpg on the highway and 13 mpg in the city)
Buick Regal
The Buick Regal is one of the best midsize cars on the market. It boasts a high predictability reliability rating and has plenty of cargo space. It also has two capable engines — a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with 250 horsepower and a Regal GS V6 3.6-liter engine that produces 310 horsepower. The 3.6-liter comes with a nine-speed automatic transmission, which is very impressive. The GS engine also offers more thrust than the base engine and feels way more confident.
Starting price: $25,070
Horsepower: 250-310
Seating: 5
Maximum Cargo Capacity: 73.5 cubic feet (with seats folded down)
Drivetrain: FWD (Front-Wheel Drive), AWD (All-Wheel Drive)
Fuel Economy: 26 mpg combined (32 mpg on the highway and 22 mpg in the city)
Dodge RAM SRT-10
The Dodge RAM SRT-10 is the most hardcore pickup truck that has the off-road capability. It has bold styling and provides everything, including a powerful engine, luxurious interior, upgraded suspension and brakes, and transmission option. The SRT-10 model of Dodge RAM has an 8.3-liter V10 engine that produces 500 horsepower. It is truly one of the coolest trucks you can buy.
Starting price: approx. $47,605
Horsepower: 500
Standard Seating: 2
Maximum Cargo Capacity: 72.2 cubic feet (with back seats folded down)
Drivetrain: RWD (Rear-Wheel Drive)
Fuel Economy: 15 mpg on the highway and 9 mpg in the city
Ford Fusion Sport
The Ford Fusion Sport is a midsize car. It boasts a spacious and well-trimmed cabin, peppy engine options, user-friendly tech features, and enjoyable driving dynamics. The Fusion is available with AWD (All-Wheel Drive), making it a practical choice for those living in snowy areas. This model has a powerful twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter engine with 325 horsepower, which is excellent for those who are not worried about fuel economy. All in all, the Ford Fusion Ford doesn't lack for power at higher speeds.
Starting price: approx. $27,190
Horsepower: 325
Seating: 5
Cargo Capacity: 16 cubic feet (trunk space)
Drivetrain: AWD (All-Wheel Drive)
Fuel Economy: 20 mpg combined (26 mpg on the highway and 17 mpg in the city)
Saab 9-2X Aero
The SAAB 9-2X AERO is a sporty and versatile car. It offers punchy acceleration and smooth ride quality without sacrificing handling or precision. The Aero features a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 227 horsepower that provides excellent performance. It also carries a fuel economy of 26 mpg on the highway and 20 mpg in the city with a five-speed manual transmission.
Starting price: $26,950
Horsepower: 227
Seating: 5
Maximum Cargo Capacity: 61.6 cubic feet
Drivetrain: AWD (All-Wheel Drive)
Fuel Economy: 23 mpg combined (26 mpg on the highway and 20 mpg in the city)
Lincoln MKS
The Lincoln MKS is one of the large luxury sedans. It comes with a standard front-wheel drive and an adaptive suspension. With this car, the all-wheel drive is also available. The MKS has a V6 twin-turbocharged with a 304 horsepower, which is refined and makes enough power for most driving situations. The Lincoln MKS also provides solid breaks, responsive steering, and a smooth ride.
Starting price: $22,536
Horsepower: 304
Seating: 5
Maximum Cargo Capacity: 19.2 cubic feet (trunk space)
Drivetrain: FWD (Front-Wheel Drive), AWD (All-Wheel Drive)
Fuel Economy: 20 mpg combined (26 mpg on the highway and 17 mpg in the city)
Kia K900
The Kia K900 is an impressively large sedan. Each model boasts high tech and safety features and has an upscale cabin with a bulk of luxurious materials. It also features a powerful engine, standard all-wheel drive, balanced handling, and a smooth ride. The K900 is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.3-liter V6 engine that puts our 365 horsepower, which is great for most driving situations. It also comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Starting price: $59,900
Horsepower: 365
Seating: 5
Maximum Cargo Capacity: 15.3 cubic feet (trunk space)
Drivetrain: AWD (All-Wheel Drive)
Fuel Economy: 21 mpg combined (25 mpg on the highway and 18 mpg in the city)
Acura RLX
If you are looking for a large luxury car, Acura RLX is a great pick. It highlights a comfortable interior, standard safety features, and excellent fuel economy and performance. It comes with two engines — a standard 3.5-liter V6 engine that offers 310 horsepower and a sports hybrid engine that produces 377 horsepower. Additionally, both models come with all-wheel steering, which allows improved handling at low speeds. Taking everything into consideration, the Acura's ride quality is reasonably comfortable.
Starting price: $36,547
Horsepower: 310 - 377
Seating: 5
Maximum Cargo Capacity: 14.9 cubic feet (trunk space)
Drivetrain: FWD (Front-Wheel Drive), AWD (All-Wheel Drive)
Fuel Economy: 29 mpg combined (30 mpg on the highway and 29 mpg in the city)
BMW X6 M
This midsize luxury SUV is a well-rounded vehicle that delivers great performance. The BMW X6 M features an upscale interior with a range of standard features. It's fun to drive, thanks to the excellent twin-turbocharged engine and agile handling. Overall, the BMW X6 M doesn't compromise on ride quality for everyday driving. The X6 M has a 4.4-liter twin-turbo engine with 567 horsepower, delivering excellent acceleration that reaches from zero to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds.
Starting price: $63,550
Horsepower: 567
Seating: 5
Maximum Cargo Capacity: 60 cubic feet (with rear seats folded down)
Drivetrain: AWD (All-Wheel Drive)
Fuel Economy: 16 mpg combined (19 mpg on the highway and 14 mpg in the city)
Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG
The Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG is an outstanding large SUV that offers a refined interior, engaging performance, and ample space. This model is one of the most fun-to-drive, thanks to its tight handling and powerful engine. The high-performance GL 63 AMG also boasts a twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V8 engine that produces up to 550 horsepower. It gets a fuel economy of up to 17 mpg on the highway and 13 mpg in the city, which is not the best in its class.
Starting price: $42,769
Horsepower: 550
Seating: 7
Maximum Cargo Capacity: 93.8 cubic feet (with both the second and third-row folded down)
Drivetrain: AWD (All-Wheel Drive)
Fuel Economy: 14 mpg combined (17 mpg on the highway and 13 mpg in the city)
Nissan Maxima
The Nissan Maxima is a large car that stands out amongst the competitors. It offers a powerful engine, user-friendly infotainment system, and active safety features. It comes with a standard v6 3.5-liter engine that puts out 300 horsepower. The Maxima also features front-wheel drive and a continuously variable automatic transmission, along with a decent fuel economy of up to 30 mpg on the highway and 20 mpg in the city.
Starting price: $34,250
Horsepower: 300
Seating: 5
Cargo Capacity: 14.3 cubic feet (trunk space)
Drivetrain: FWD (Front-Wheel Drive)
Fuel Economy: 24 mpg combined (30 mpg on the highway and 20 mpg in the city
Infiniti Q50
The Infiniti Q50 is one of the smaller luxury cars. It has a high safety score, a spacious interior, and a strong engine performance. The base four-cylinder turbocharged engine of this car comes with 208 horsepower. Meanwhile, the turbocharged V6 engine produces 300 horsepower, and the highest trim level puts out 400 horsepower. Its base model delivers the best fuel economy of up to 30 mpg on the highway and 23 mpg in the city.
Starting price: $35,650
Horsepower: 208 - 400
Seating: 5
Cargo Capacity: 13.2 cubic feet (trunk space)
Drivetrain: RWD (Rear-Wheel Drive), AWD (All-Wheel Drive)
Fuel Economy: 25 mpg combined (30 mpg on the highway and 23 mpg in the city)
Toyota Avalon
The Toyota Avalon sedan comes under the category of large cars. It has a high-end and spacious cabin and boasts abundant driver assistance and active safety features. The Avalon also provides a strong engine, comfortable ride, and composed handling. All things considered, this sedan hardly has any weaknesses and appeals to everyone because of its low starting prices. It comes with a V6 3.5-liter engine with 301 horsepower and delivers fuel economy of up to 31 mpg on the highway and 22 mpg in the city.
Starting price: $35,650
Horsepower: 301
Seating: 5
Cargo Capacity: 16 cubic feet (trunk space)
Drivetrain: FWD (Front-Wheel Drive)
Fuel Economy: 25 mpg combined (31 mpg on the highway and 22 mpg in the city)
Subaru WRX STI
The Subaru WRX STI is more sporty than other compact cars. It earns a high safety score and highlights the easy-to-use infotainment system. The WRX STI comes with a high-performance turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 310 horsepower. So if you are looking for a powerful engine, you should go for the Subaru WRX STI as its engine sounds great and accelerates eagerly. Also, it gets up to 22 mpg on the highway and 16 mpg in the city.
Starting price: $27,195
Horsepower: 310
Seating: 5
Cargo Capacity: 12 cubic feet (trunk space)
Drivetrain: AWD (All-Wheel Drive)
Fuel Economy: 18 mpg combined (22 mpg on the highway and 16 mpg in the city)
Ford Mustang EcoBoost
The Ford Mustang EcoBoost is a fantastic sports car. It boasts a powerful engine with athletic handling. This car truly redefines what a muscle car should look like. The EcoBoost model of Mustang comes with a four-cylinder 2.3-liter engine that produces 310 horsepower. All in all, this engine supplies a respectable acceleration and earns 32 mpg on the highway and 21 mpg in the city.
Starting price: $26,395
Horsepower: 310
Seating: 4
Cargo Capacity: 13.5 cubic feet (trunk space)
Drivetrain: RWD (Rear-Wheel Drive)
Fuel Economy: 25 mpg combined (32 mpg on the highway and 21 mpg in the city)
Nissan 370Z
The Nissan 370Z is a sports car that provides an enjoyable driving experience. Apart from a powerful engine, it offers a modern-looking interior, tech features, comfortable seats, and a user-friendly infotainment system. The Nissan 370Z has a 3.7-liter V6 engine with 332 horsepower. Also, it comes with both a standard six-speed transmission and seven-speed automatic transmission. The car's EPA estimates reach up to 26 mpg on the highway and 19 mpg in the city, which is low compared to its rivals.
Starting price: $30,090
Horsepower: 332
Seating: 2
Cargo Capacity: 6.9 cubic feet (trunk space)
Drivetrain: RWD (Rear-Wheel Drive)
Fuel Economy: 22 mpg combined (26 mpg on the highway and 19 mpg in the city)
Chevrolet Camaro V6
The Chevrolet Camaro is fun-to-drive and is one of the most popular sports cars. It has a decent looking interior and delivers a well-rounded performance. Whether you stick with its four-cylinder base engine or go for V6 or V8, you will get ample energetic acceleration and power. Also, with its base engine, you get a decent fuel economy of up to 31 mpg on the highway and 22 mpg in the city.
Starting price: $25,000
Horsepower: 275-650
Seating: 4
Cargo Capacity: 9 cubic feet (trunk space)
Drivetrain: RWD (Rear-Wheel Drive)
Fuel Economy: 25 mpg combined (31 mpg on the highway and 22 mpg in the city)
Dodge Challenger R/T
If you want to buy a sports car with a V8 engine, then you should opt for Dodge Challenger R/T. Its powerful 5.7-liter engine produces 375 horsepower and comes with both a six-speed manual and eight-speed automatic transmission. Overall, the V8 engines of Dodge Challenger are potent and smooth and emit raw power.
Starting price: $34,545
Horsepower: 375
Seating: 5
Cargo Capacity: 16.2 cubic feet (trunk space)
Drivetrain: RWD (Rear-Wheel Drive)
Fuel Economy: 18 mpg combined (24 mpg on the highway and 15 mpg in the city with 8-speed automatic transmission).
Ford Mustang GT
The Ford Mustang GT is highly praised because it is sturdy yet comfortable to drive. Inside the car, you will find a modern cabin that has plenty of high-tech features available. The GT model of the Ford Mustang comes with a 5.0-liter V8 engine that produces up to 460 horsepower. These models offer smooth shifts and are very satisfying to drive. However, they only get up to 25 mpg on the highway and 16 mpg in the city.
Starting price: $35,630
Horsepower: 460
Seating: 4
Cargo Capacity: 13.5 cubic feet (trunk space)
Drivetrain: RWD (Rear-Wheel Drive)
Fuel Economy: 19 mpg combined (25 mpg on the highway and 16 mpg in the city with automatic transmission).
Mazda Miata
This excellent sports car is an all-around winner. It offers a comfortable cabin, easy-to-use tech features, and razor-sharp handling, providing a memorable driving experience. When it comes to performance, the Mazda Miata is one of the most fuel-efficient cars in its class and is quick off the line. It features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 181 horsepower. The Miata comes with a standard six-speed manual transmission, but you can also choose a six-speed automatic transmission. With the manual transmission, the fuel economy of this efficient car gets up to 34 mpg on the highway and 26 mpg in the city.
Starting price: $25,730
Horsepower: 181
Seating: 2
Cargo Capacity: 4.6 cubic feet (trunk space)
Drivetrain: RWD (Rear-Wheel Drive)
Fuel Economy: 29 mpg combined (34 mpg on the highway and 26 mpg in the city with manual transmission).
Dodge Charger R/T
The Dodge Charger is a large car that provides unrivaled performance dynamics and power. It boasts a roomy cabin, a user-friendly infotainment system, and the most powerful engine options in the class. The base R/T model has a Hemi 5.7-liter engine that puts out 370 horsepower, while the R/T Scat Pack model comes with a Hemi 6.4-liter engine that has 485 horsepower. These R/T trims also feature adaptive cruise control and sport suspension.
Starting price: $28,995
Horsepower: 370
Seating: 5
Cargo Capacity: 16.5 cubic feet (trunk space)
Drivetrain: RWD (Rear-Wheel Drive)
Fuel Economy: 19 mpg combined (25 mpg on the highway and 16 mpg in the city with manual transmission).
Volkswagen Golf GTI
The Volkswagen Golf is one of the best compact cars. It offers an upscale cabin, ample standard technology, and an enjoyable ride. The GTI model features a four-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces 220 horsepower and delivers smooth shifts, making the car more lively and quick. You should definitely buy this car if you are particularly looking for large cargo space and a fun-to-drive experience.
Starting price: $19,357
Horsepower: 220
Seating: 5
Cargo Capacity: 52.7 cubic feet (with the back row folded down)
Drivetrain: FWD (Front-Wheel Drive)
Fuel Economy: 28 mpg combined (33 mpg on the highway and 25 mpg in the city)
Ford Fiesta ST
With strong performance and agile handling, Ford Fiesta ST stands out in its class. It offers a powerful engine, three drive modes, sporty styling enhancements, and a sport-tuned suspension. The Fiesta ST boasts a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine with 197 horsepower. It also comes with a standard five-speed manual transmission; and is available in both six-speed manual and six-speed automatic transmission.
Starting price: $12,205
Horsepower: 197
Seating: 5
Cargo Capacity: 25.4 cubic feet (with the rear seats folded down)
Drivetrain: FWD (Front-Wheel Drive)
Fuel Economy: 29 mpg combined (33 mpg on the highway and 26 mpg in the city with six-speed manual transmission)
Ford Focus ST
The Ford Focus ST is a great option for driving enthusiasts who are looking for a sporty compact car. It is powered by a four-cylinder turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that puts out 252 horsepower and offers a six-speed manual transmission. It also gets a decent fuel economy of 30 mpg on the highway and 22 mpg in the city. Additionally, the Focus delivers sharp steering and sporty handling, making it a popular choice in the class.
Starting price: $13,011
Horsepower: 252
Seating: 5
Cargo Capacity: 43.9 cubic feet (with the rear seats folded down)
Drivetrain: FWD (Front-Wheel Drive), AWD (All-Wheel Drive)
Fuel Economy: 25 mpg combined (30 mpg on the highway and 22 mpg in the city with a six-speed manual transmission)
Hyundai Veloster Turbo R-Spec
Over the years, the Hyundai Veloster models have improved immensely. The Turbo R-Spec models of this compact car offers reliable performance, easy-to-use tech, and a roomy interior. It comes with a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that puts out 201 horsepower. With this engine, the R-Spec models feel more comfortable and quick. All in all, the Veloster's Turbo R-Spec is decently powerful and smooth on the road, and it has better handling features than most of its rivals.
Starting price: $22,900
Horsepower: 201
Seating: 4
Cargo Capacity: 44 cubic feet (with the rear seats folded down)
Drivetrain: FWD (Front-Wheel Drive)
Fuel Economy: 29 mpg combined (33 mpg on the highway and 26 mpg in the city with a six-speed manual transmission)
Mini Cooper S
This subcompact car is fun to drive and offers several features, including a superb predicted reliability rating, powerful turbo engines, sharp handling, comfortable seats, and more. It boasts a turbocharged engine that is available in both the standard six-speed manual and automatic transmission, delivering up to 189 horsepower. With this model, you can also choose to upgrade to a six-speed automatic transmission.
Starting price: $25,200
Horsepower: 189
Seating: 5
Cargo Capacity: 13.1 cubic feet
Drivetrain: FWD (Front-Wheel Drive)
Fuel Economy: 28 mpg combined (32 mpg on the highway and 25 mpg in the city with a six-speed automatic transmission)
Kia Stinger
The Kia Stinger is one of the best luxury small cars. It comes with a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission that combines to deliver excellent acceleration. For driving enthusiasts who are looking for more power, a 3.3-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine is the best option. This engine produces 365 horsepower and gets up to 25 mpg on the highway and 17 mpg in the city.
Starting price: $31,900
Horsepower: 255 - 365
Seating: 5
Cargo Capacity: 23.3 cubic feet (with the rear seats folded down)
Drivetrain: RWD (Rear-Wheel Drive), AWD (All-Wheel Drive)
Fuel Economy: 20 mpg combined (25 mpg on the highway and 17 mpg in the city)
Alfa Romeo Giulia
The Alfa Romeo Giulia ranks at the top and is one of the most athletic luxury small cars. It boasts two powerful engines, outstanding handling, high safety score, and user-friendly tech features. The 2.0-liter engine of the car puts out 280-horsepower with 8-speed automatic transmission. Whereas, the twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter engine produces 505 horsepower. So if you are looking for more power, then you should go for the 2.9-liter engine.
Starting price: $38,545
Horsepower: 280 - 505
Seating: 5
Cargo Capacity: 12 cubic feet (trunk space)
Drivetrain: RWD (Rear-Wheel Drive), AWD (All-Wheel Drive)
Fuel Economy: 27 mpg combined (33 mpg on the highway and 24 mpg in the city with its base model)
BMW 230i
The 230i is one of the trims of the BMW 2 series. This small luxury car delivers a comfortable ride and outstanding performance. It is powered by a robust 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces 248 horsepower. Also, its fuel economy gets up to 35 mpg on the highway and 24 mpg in the city, which is decent enough. Overall, the BMW 230i is one of the most athletic cars in its class with dynamic handling features and responsive steering. It makes driving an enjoyable experience.
Starting price: $34,950
Horsepower: 248
Seating: 4
Cargo Capacity: 13.8 cubic feet (trunk space)
Drivetrain: RWD (Rear-Wheel Drive), AWD (All-Wheel Drive)
Fuel Economy: 28 mpg combined (35 mpg on the highway and 24 mpg in the city with Rear-Wheel Drive)
Chevrolet SS
The Chevrolet SS wipes out the competition with its dynamic handling features and potent acceleration. It offers several standard features, an upscale interior, and spacious seating for 5. This high-performance sedan has a powerful V8 engine with 415 horsepower, which provides a forceful acceleration, reaching up to 60 mph of speed in less than 5 seconds. You can choose from a six-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission.
Starting Price: $40,000
Horsepower: 415
Seating: 5
Cargo Capacity: 16.4 cubic feet (trunk space)
Drivetrain: RWD (Rear Wheel Drive)
Fuel Economy: 16 mpg combined (22 mpg on the highway and 14 mpg in the city)