Is 170 horsepower good for a car?

Yes—170 hp is generally plenty for compact and many midsize cars and crossovers, offering safe merging, passing, and highway cruising; in heavier SUVs, trucks, or for performance expectations, it can feel modest. Whether 170 hp is “good” depends on a vehicle’s weight, torque delivery, gearing, and how and where you drive. Here’s how to assess it in today’s market and decide if it fits your needs.

What 170 hp means in today’s market

Automakers have optimized smaller engines and transmissions, so 170 horsepower in 2025 doesn’t automatically mean “slow.” Many mainstream compacts and small crossovers live around the 160–200 hp range, with tuned gear ratios and turbocharged torque that make everyday driving easy. By contrast, heavier two- and three-row SUVs, trucks, and performance cars typically need more power to feel lively—and EVs often exceed 200 hp with instant torque, altering the seat-of-the-pants comparison.

What makes 170 hp feel strong—or not

Several technical and practical factors determine whether 170 hp delivers the experience you want. The following points outline the most important drivers of real-world performance beyond a single horsepower figure.

• Curb weight: The lighter the vehicle, the better 170 hp feels. Weight is the single biggest variable.
• Torque and turbocharging: A turbo engine with strong low-end torque can feel punchier than a higher-hp naturally aspirated engine at city speeds.
• Gearing and transmission: Shorter gearing and smart shift logic (or CVT tuning) improve response and passing.
• Drivetrain losses: All-wheel drive adds weight and mechanical drag versus front-wheel drive.
• Aerodynamics and tires: Boxy shapes and wide, grippy tires can sap acceleration and efficiency.
• Altitude and climate: Thin air at elevation reduces performance in non-turbo gas engines.
• Load and towing: Passengers, cargo, and trailers dramatically change how 170 hp feels.
• EV vs. gas: Electric motors deliver instant torque, so a 170-hp-equivalent EV can feel quicker off the line than a similar-hp gas car.

Taken together, these factors explain why a 170-hp compact sedan can feel confident, while a similarly powered, heavier SUV may feel labored on steep grades or with a full load.

How 170 hp translates to real-world performance

Drivers care about usable speed: merging, passing, and climbing hills. The ranges below offer ballpark expectations for modern vehicles, assuming well-tuned mainstream models and typical gas engines. Actual results vary with torque curves, gearing, tires, and altitude.

1. Subcompact/compact cars (≈2,700–3,100 lb): 0–60 mph around 7.8–9.2 seconds; comfortable city and highway performance, confident passing with planning.
2. Compact crossovers (≈3,200–3,600 lb): 0–60 mph around 8.8–10.5 seconds; adequate for daily use, may feel taxed on long grades when fully loaded.
3. Midsize sedans (≈3,300–3,700 lb): 0–60 mph around 8.5–10.0 seconds; fine for commuting, moderate reserves for passing.
4. Small/midsize SUVs (≈3,700–4,200 lb): 0–60 mph around 9.8–12.0+ seconds; acceptable if you’re patient, but frequent mountain driving or heavy cargo will expose limits.
5. Minivans/3-row SUVs/trucks (4,200+ lb): Often 11–13+ seconds; generally underpowered unless hybrid/turbo torque helps. Not ideal for towing.

If you prefer brisk acceleration, aim for setups that pair 170 hp with lighter weight or strong low-end torque. For frequent high-speed passing or towing, you’ll likely want more power.

Current vehicles near the 170-hp mark

To ground the discussion, here are recent mainstream models with power outputs near 170 hp. This helps show where 170 hp sits across segments today.

• Toyota Corolla (2025): 169 hp 2.0L; compact sedan/hatchback with efficient, adequate performance.
• Volkswagen Jetta (2025): 158 hp 1.5T; slightly below 170 but torque-rich, feels stronger than the number suggests.
• Subaru Crosstrek (2024–2025): 152 hp (2.0L) or 182 hp (2.5L); the 182-hp version better matches the vehicle’s weight, especially with AWD.
• Hyundai Kona (2025): 147 hp (2.0L) or 190 hp (1.6T); the turbo aligns more with spirited driving or hilly regions.
• Honda Civic (2025): 158 hp (base) or 180 hp (1.5T); either is fine for daily use, with the turbo providing a stronger midrange.
• Honda CR‑V (2025): 190 hp 1.5T; a touch above 170, typical for compact SUVs to maintain easy highway merging.
• Nissan Kicks (2025): 141 hp 2.0L (new gen); demonstrates how sub-170 hp can be adequate in a city-focused, lighter crossover.
• Chevrolet Trax (2025): 137 hp 1.2T; low on hp but boosted torque and gearing keep urban drivability acceptable.
• Nissan Leaf (2024–2025): 147 hp (base) or 214 hp (SV Plus); EV torque makes even the lower figure feel spry off the line.

Across these examples, you’ll notice many compacts cluster between 150 and 200 hp; 170 hp sits squarely in the everyday sweet spot for lighter vehicles.

Who 170 hp suits—and who may want more

Good candidates for 170 hp

If your driving matches the profiles below, 170 hp is likely sufficient and cost-effective.

• Urban/suburban commuters prioritizing efficiency and low running costs.
• Drivers of compact sedans/hatchbacks or lighter crossovers, usually carrying 1–2 occupants.
• Flat-to-rolling terrain, with occasional highway trips and moderate passing needs.
• Owners who value smoothness and refinement over outright acceleration.

In these scenarios, tuning, gearing, and torque delivery often matter more than chasing bigger horsepower numbers.

Situations where more than 170 hp helps

The needs below tend to expose the limits of a 170-hp setup, especially in heavier vehicles.

• Regular mountain driving, high-elevation routes, or frequent full-load travel.
• High-speed interstate passing where short gaps demand strong midrange thrust.
• Towing or carrying heavy cargo in SUVs, minivans, or trucks.
• Performance-oriented driving, track days, or a preference for brisk acceleration.

For these use cases, look for more power and torque—often via a turbocharged engine, hybrid assist, or an EV with robust output.

Buying tips if you’re eyeing a 170-hp car

A few practical checks will tell you whether a specific 170-hp model will feel “good” in your daily life.

1. Check curb weight: Under ~3,400 lb pairs well with 170 hp for easy everyday performance.
2. Scan the torque figure: 170–200 lb-ft available below 3,000 rpm (typical of small turbos) feels stronger than peak hp suggests.
3. Consider drivetrain: FWD is lighter and quicker than AWD in the same model; AWD adds traction but saps some snap.
4. Test drive with passengers/cargo and on your steepest route; simulate your real load and roads.
5. Review 0–60 mph and 50–70 mph passing times; under ~9 seconds to 60 and under ~6 seconds for 50–70 feel reassuring.
6. Mind altitude: If you live above ~5,000 ft, a turbocharged engine or hybrid can offset power loss.
7. Evaluate transmission tuning: Drive normal and sport modes; note downshift response and highway kickdown.
8. For EVs, focus on torque and motor output; even “modest” hp can feel very quick in town.

These steps reveal more about real-world drivability than peak horsepower alone, helping you pick a setup that matches your habits and roads.

Bottom line

For most compact cars and many small crossovers, 170 hp is solid, delivering safe, stress-free everyday performance. In heavier vehicles, at high elevations, or if you demand brisk acceleration, you’ll want more power or extra torque from a turbo, hybrid, or EV. Match horsepower to weight, terrain, and your driving style—and test it the way you’ll actually use it.

Summary

170 hp is “good” when paired with a lighter vehicle, a healthy torque curve, and sensible gearing; it’s modest in heavier SUVs, trucks, or for performance expectations. Focus on power-to-weight, torque, and real-world test drives to decide if a 170-hp car fits your daily driving and roads.

What is a decent HP for a car?

A “good” horsepower for a car is subjective and depends on its purpose, with the sweet spot for daily driving and practicality typically falling between 150-250 horsepower. Smaller, nimbler cars like a Mazda MX-5 or Honda Civic can offer an engaging experience with 150-200 hp, while larger SUVs and trucks benefit from 250 hp or more for smoother acceleration and hauling. For higher performance or track use, horsepower levels can range from 300 hp upwards, but for everyday drivers, excessive power can become impractical and less safe.
 
For Daily Driving

• Under 150 hp: Opens in new tabAcceptable for very small, lightweight cars but can feel underpowered and slow for highway merging or hills. 
• 150-200 hp: Opens in new tabConsidered a great balance for compact cars and sedans, providing enough zip for daily driving and highway speeds without being overwhelming. 
• 200-300 hp: Opens in new tabThe sweet spot for a fun and practical daily driver, offering a good blend of performance, nimbleness, and fuel efficiency. 

For SUVs and Trucks 

• 250 hp and above: Recommended for larger SUVs and trucks to handle their weight, provide smooth acceleration, and assist with hauling and towing.

For Performance and Enthusiasts

• 300 hp and up: Opens in new tabThis range enters the territory of sports cars and high-performance vehicles, ideal for those who prioritize acceleration and dynamic driving on tracks. 
• Beyond 300 hp: Opens in new tabWhile offering exhilarating performance, horsepower levels much higher than 300 hp are often excessive for street driving and can diminish practicality. 

Factors to Consider

• Vehicle Weight: Opens in new tabHorsepower alone isn’t the whole story; a car’s power-to-weight ratio is crucial. 
• Torque: Opens in new tabThis is the force that moves the car forward and is just as important as horsepower, especially for pulling heavy loads. 
• Vehicle Type: Opens in new tabA normal city car’s needs differ significantly from those of a large truck or a performance sports car. 
• Driver Experience: Opens in new tabWhat a driver is used to significantly influences their perception of a car’s power. 

How fast is 170 hp?

However the difference in speed between a 130hp. And a 170hp model with two adults on board is generally around 35 mph. So if a 130HP model tops out at around 52 mph with two adults.

Is 175 horsepower good for a car?

Typically, a standard car carries at least 150 to 175 horsepower; while smaller crossovers and sport utility vehicles (SUVs) measure between 200 to 250 horsepower; and electric vehicles at 250 horsepower. Among larger sized vehicles, larger SUVs consist of 250 to 300 horsepower; while trucks have 200 to 300 horsepower.

Is 180 horsepower fast?

180 horsepower is generally considered “fast enough” for a normal car, providing brisk acceleration for daily driving and highway merging, especially in a mid-sized vehicle or smaller crossover. However, whether it feels fast depends on the vehicle’s power-to-weight ratio, so 180 hp would be slow in a very heavy vehicle or exceptionally fast in a lightweight car or motorcycle.
 
Factors that influence how fast 180 horsepower feels:

• Vehicle Weight: Opens in new tabA lighter car will feel significantly faster with 180 hp than a heavier one with the same power. 
• Car Type: Opens in new tabA high-performance MINI Cooper with 180 hp would feel fast, while a large, heavy SUV with the same power would feel sluggish. 
• Power-to-Weight Ratio: Opens in new tabThis is a key factor, as it combines both power and mass to give a more accurate idea of performance. 
• Transmission: Opens in new tabThe type of transmission (e.g., automatic, CVT, manual) can affect how power is delivered to the wheels and impact the car’s acceleration. 
• Aerodynamics: Opens in new tabThe design of the car influences how much air resistance it encounters, which affects its top speed and acceleration. 
• Tires and Drivetrain: Opens in new tabThe grip of the tires and the efficiency of the drivetrain play a role in how well the engine’s power is transferred to the road. 

In summary: 

• For a typical car: 180 hp is adequate for safe merging and normal cruising speeds and can feel quite responsive.
• For a heavy vehicle: 180 hp might be insufficient for good performance.
• For a lightweight vehicle: 180 hp would be considered very fast and exhilarating.