What Is “Good” Horsepower for a Car in 2025?

For most drivers today, about 170–250 horsepower is a good target for small to midsize cars, 200–300 horsepower suits compact crossovers and family SUVs, 300–450 horsepower covers sporty driving, and 350–500+ horsepower is appropriate for trucks that tow. The “right” number depends on weight, gearing, torque delivery (especially in hybrids and EVs), and how and where you drive—so power-to-weight and real‑world performance matter as much as the headline figure.

Why “Good Horsepower” Depends on How You Drive

Horsepower is a measure of how much work an engine or motor can do over time, but it doesn’t act alone. Vehicle weight, torque (how strongly it pulls at low rpm), gearing, traction, and aerodynamics shape how quick a car feels in traffic, how confidently it passes on the highway, and how stable it is with passengers, cargo, or a trailer. Modern turbocharged engines and electrified powertrains add complexity: turbos boost power at altitude, hybrids fill in low‑rpm torque, and EVs deliver instant pull, meaning a lower peak horsepower rating can still feel very strong in everyday use.

Typical Horsepower Ranges by Vehicle Type

The following ranges reflect common power outputs in the current market and the performance most buyers consider comfortable. They assume modern automatic transmissions and a mix of city and highway driving.

• Subcompact/city cars: 120–180 hp (90–135 kW) — Adequate for urban use and light highway duty.
• Compact/midsize sedans and hatchbacks: 170–250 hp (125–185 kW) — Balanced for commuting, merging, and passing with passengers aboard.
• Compact crossovers (two-row): 200–280 hp (150–210 kW) — Offsets extra weight and cargo; hybrids often feel stronger than their hp suggests.
• Three-row SUVs and minivans: 250–350 hp (185–260 kW) — Provides confident acceleration with families and gear.
• Performance/sports cars: 300–450 hp (225–335 kW) — Delivers genuinely quick acceleration; traction and tires become limiting.
• High-performance cars: 450+ hp (335+ kW) — Track-capable acceleration; efficiency and tire wear trade-offs increase.
• Half-ton pickups (light-duty): 300–450 hp (225–335 kW) — Suitable for daily driving and moderate towing; torque and axle ratios matter.
• Heavy-duty pickups (diesel): 370–475 hp (275–355 kW) with very high torque — Built for heavy towing and payload; torque output is the key metric.
• EVs: Roughly 200–400 hp (150–300 kW) in mainstream models; 450–1,000+ hp in performance trims — Instant torque often makes them feel quicker than similar hp gas cars.

These bands are guideposts, not rules. Two vehicles with identical horsepower can feel very different because of weight, gearing, traction, and how quickly torque arrives, especially in turbocharged, hybrid, and electric drivetrains.

Power-to-Weight: A Better Predictor of “Enough”

Because the same horsepower moves different masses, power-to-weight is a practical yardstick. The figures below translate to typical acceleration, which influences confidence when merging or passing.

• 15–18 lb per hp (roughly 6.8–8.2 kg per kW): Adequate; 0–60 mph in ~8–10 seconds.
• 12–14 lb per hp (5.5–6.4 kg per kW): Lively; 0–60 mph in ~6.5–8.5 seconds.
• 9–11 lb per hp (4.1–5.0 kg per kW): Quick; 0–60 mph in ~5–6.5 seconds.
• 6–8 lb per hp (2.7–3.6 kg per kW): Very quick; 0–60 mph in ~3.5–5 seconds.
• Under 6 lb per hp (under 2.7 kg per kW): Supercar territory; 0–60 mph under ~3.5 seconds.

If you often drive with a full load of people or in hilly terrain, aim for a stronger power-to-weight ratio (lower lb/hp); it will feel more relaxed and safer for passing.

Other Factors That Matter Beyond Horsepower

Torque and Drivability

Torque determines how eager a car feels at low speeds. Hybrids and EVs provide immediate torque, while modern turbos create broad, flat torque curves. Good gearing and responsive transmissions can make a modest horsepower number feel more energetic.

Towing and Payload

For trailers or heavy cargo, prioritize torque, cooling, axle ratios, and factory tow packages over peak horsepower. Check gross combined weight rating (GCWR) and manufacturer tow ratings.

Fuel Economy and Emissions

More power typically means more fuel. Downsized turbo engines, hybrids, and EVs balance performance with efficiency, but driving style is crucial—frequent hard acceleration erodes mpg or range.

Altitude and Climate

Naturally aspirated engines can lose roughly 3% of power per 1,000 feet of elevation. Turbocharged engines and EVs are less affected, though extreme heat can curb performance; EVs rely on battery thermal management.

Traction and Drivetrain

All-wheel drive helps put power down, especially in bad weather, but adds weight. Tires and stability control also shape how effectively horsepower reaches the road.

Budget and Insurance

Higher horsepower often increases purchase price, insurance premiums, and running costs (tires, brakes). Balance “want” versus total cost of ownership.

How to Choose the Right Horsepower for You

Use the steps below to align power with your daily reality rather than a spec sheet. This keeps costs in check while ensuring confident performance.

1. Map your use: city, highway, hills, climate, and typical passenger/cargo load.
2. Account for towing or future life changes (kids, gear, trailer).
3. Check performance metrics: 0–60 mph targets and 50–70 mph passing times.
4. Look at power-to-weight and torque curves, not just peak horsepower.
5. Test-drive back-to-back (base engine vs turbo/hybrid) with your normal load.
6. Weigh efficiency, insurance, and maintenance alongside performance.
7. For EVs, consider battery size, thermal management, and charging access.

A deliberate, needs-first approach ensures your car feels capable every day without overspending on power you won’t use.

Quick Conversions and Context

For reference, 1 kW ≈ 1.34 hp. Many mainstream EVs fall between 150–300 kW (about 200–400 hp) and feel brisk thanks to instant torque and single-speed gearing. In gasoline cars, a modern 180–220 hp compact sedan or 200–250 hp compact SUV is now the norm and typically delivers comfortable 0–60 mph times under 8 seconds.

Bottom Line

“Good horsepower” is the amount that moves your car’s weight, passengers, and cargo with ease in the conditions you face. In 2025, that’s roughly 170–250 hp for most cars, 200–300 hp for small SUVs, 300–450 hp for performance driving, and 350–500+ hp for serious towing—tempered by torque delivery, gearing, traction, and your budget.

Summary

Most drivers are well served by 170–250 hp in cars and 200–300 hp in small SUVs. Step up if you tow, climb mountains, carry heavy loads, or want quicker acceleration. Use power-to-weight and real-world test drives to judge how a vehicle feels, and remember that torque, gearing, and traction often matter as much as the horsepower headline.