Torque is one of those automotive buzzwords that often gets tossed around in conversations about power and performance, but many people don’t fully understand what it means or why it matters. In the simplest terms, torque is the rotational force an engine produces.
It’s what gets your car moving from a standstill, gives it pulling power during overtaking, and helps it feel responsive when you press the accelerator.
While horsepower might be what wins races, torque is what you feel in the seat of your pants. It plays a vital role in how a car behaves in everyday driving, particularly in city traffic, towing situations, and off-the-line acceleration.
What’s crucial to understand is that peak torque numbers—those often boasted in spec sheets—don’t tell the whole story. What defines a car’s performance is torque delivery—how quickly and consistently that force is applied across the rev range.
Some vehicles offer immediate torque, especially electric vehicles (EVs), making them feel agile and responsive. Others may have high torque on paper but fail to deliver it efficiently due to gear ratios, turbo lag, or drivetrain inefficiencies.
A car with a broad, flat torque curve often feels more usable and satisfying to drive than one with a narrow powerband, even if their peak figures are similar.
With more consumers paying attention to performance and drivability, it’s essential to look beyond the numbers and focus on how a car feels under real-world conditions.
That’s why we’ve compiled this list—five vehicles that excel in torque delivery, and five that, despite sometimes decent specs, fall short of delivering a satisfying driving experience. These assessments are based on driver feedback, performance testing, and design intent.
Whether you’re a spirited driver looking for excitement or someone simply seeking responsive city driving, understanding torque delivery can greatly influence your satisfaction with a vehicle. Let’s start with the five standout performers in torque delivery that are sure to leave an impression.
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5 Cars With Great Torque Delivery
1. Porsche Taycan Turbo S
The Porsche Taycan Turbo S is a stellar example of how electrification has changed the game when it comes to torque. Producing up to 774 lb-ft of torque with overboost, the Taycan delivers instantaneous thrust thanks to its dual-motor setup and advanced drivetrain management.
Unlike traditional gas engines that build torque over a specific RPM range, the Taycan provides it the moment you press the accelerator, translating to jaw-dropping 0-60 times of around 2.4 seconds.
Beyond the raw numbers, what makes the Taycan’s torque delivery so special is how seamlessly it’s managed. Porsche’s engineering ensures that the power doesn’t come in like a hammer but rather in a perfectly controlled wave.
Whether you’re exiting a corner or launching from a stoplight, the car responds with precision and balance, which enhances driver confidence. The two-speed transmission on the rear axle—a rare feature in EVs—also helps maintain optimal torque at both low and high speeds, making it more versatile than many single-speed EVs.
Furthermore, the Taycan’s chassis, suspension, and aerodynamics work in harmony with the electric drivetrain to provide an all-around exhilarating experience. It’s a performance car that doesn’t just rely on numbers; it backs them up with refined torque application that feels both athletic and luxurious.
Whether you’re on a twisty backroad or accelerating onto a highway, the Taycan Turbo S showcases the future of torque delivery at its absolute best.
2. Tesla Model S Plaid
Tesla’s Model S Plaid has rewritten the rules of acceleration, and a large part of its legend is built on torque. Boasting 1,020 horsepower and an electric tri-motor setup, the Plaid generates torque almost instantaneously, reportedly pushing over 1,050 lb-ft at its peak. This results in a 0-60 mph time of under 2 seconds under ideal conditions, which is supercar territory, even surpassing some.
But beyond the numbers, the driving feel is what truly impresses. The Plaid’s torque is distributed so effectively that the car feels like it’s always ready to surge forward, no matter the speed.
The linearity of the torque delivery in an EV like this creates a surreal sensation of endless acceleration. Whether you’re merging onto a highway or overtaking on a two-lane road, there’s zero hesitation—just pure, silent thrust.
Tesla’s advanced traction and stability systems also help manage this colossal torque, ensuring that it doesn’t overwhelm the driver or the tires. This makes the Model S Plaid not just explosively quick but also accessible.
Daily driving doesn’t feel like taming a beast—it feels like commanding a refined yet powerful machine. In terms of real-world torque accessibility, very few cars even come close to what the Plaid offers.
3. Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye
If electric torque isn’t your style and you still crave the old-school thunder of internal combustion, look no further than the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye.
With a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 engine producing 797 horsepower and a colossal 707 lb-ft of torque, this muscle car offers brutal, instant power delivery. The torque hits hard and fast, giving drivers that signature push-back-in-the-seat feel that defines American muscle.
What makes the Hellcat Redeye’s torque delivery so satisfying is the combination of raw power and mechanical simplicity. The torque curve is relatively flat, and the supercharger eliminates lag, allowing for near-instant response across most of the rev range.
Whether you’re launching from a dead stop or doing a rolling pull on the freeway, the car responds with aggressive force that makes every drive feel like a drag strip showdown.
Though the car is heavy and not as refined as its European counterparts, Dodge has tuned the 8-speed automatic transmission to shift quickly and keep the engine in its torque sweet spot.
This ensures that all that muscle doesn’t go to waste, and that drivers can access the engine’s full potential with minimal delay. It’s a brute, no doubt—but it delivers its torque like a sledgehammer, and for many enthusiasts, that’s exactly what they’re looking for.
4. BMW M550i xDrive
The BMW M550i xDrive is a perfect representation of what happens when luxury and muscle meet engineering precision. Under the hood is a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine that produces 523 horsepower and a hearty 553 lb-ft of torque.
Unlike some high-strung engines that require high RPMs to reach peak torque, the M550i delivers its full torque at just 1,800 rpm and holds it through a wide rev range. This translates into relentless mid-range pull and astonishing highway performance.
The car doesn’t just accelerate—it surges forward with a confident, almost locomotive strength. This immediate response gives drivers a sense of control and power that makes overtaking and spirited driving immensely satisfying.
What’s equally impressive is how seamlessly BMW integrates this brute force into a refined and luxurious package. The M550i xDrive isn’t a raw performance machine like an M5; it’s more of a high-speed executive cruiser with surprising athleticism.
The xDrive all-wheel-drive system ensures that the torque is applied efficiently, maximizing traction and stability in all conditions. Whether it’s raining, snowing, or you’re blasting down the Autobahn at 155 mph, the car feels composed and in control.
The smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic gearbox further enhances the experience by keeping the engine in its sweet spot, allowing drivers to access torque effortlessly without harsh downshifts or turbo lag. Everything about the torque delivery feels tuned for smooth yet potent performance.
In daily driving, this translates into a car that feels far quicker than its size suggests. Pulling out of corners, merging into traffic, or simply cruising on the freeway—all are enhanced by the M550i’s torque-rich character. The car doesn’t scream for attention but instead delivers performance with poise.
This balance of brute force and refinement means you can enjoy massive torque without sacrificing comfort or composure. It’s a torque delivery that satisfies on every level—whether you’re after luxury, performance, or both.
5. Ford F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid
The Ford F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid might seem like an unusual pick in a list about torque delivery, but this pickup redefines what a hybrid can do in a performance and utility context. Powered by a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 paired with an electric motor, the system produces a combined 430 horsepower and, more importantly, 570 lb-ft of torque.
This makes the PowerBoost the torqueiest F-150 in the current lineup, even more than some of the high-output gasoline variants. What sets this truck apart is how effectively it uses its torque in a wide variety of driving scenarios—whether it’s towing a trailer, hauling heavy loads, or simply accelerating from a stoplight.
Thanks to the integration of the electric motor, torque delivery in the PowerBoost Hybrid is immediate. While traditional turbocharged engines have some degree of lag, the electric motor compensates by delivering torque instantly off the line. This not only improves acceleration but also enhances fuel efficiency by reducing the need to rev the engine aggressively.
The 10-speed automatic transmission is tuned to make the most of this hybrid system, offering smooth gear changes and keeping the engine within the ideal torque band at all times. Whether you’re climbing a steep hill or cruising at highway speeds, the truck responds with consistent and confident power.
Another often-overlooked advantage of the PowerBoost’s torque is how it contributes to its versatility. This is a truck built for work and play. The torque-rich hybrid system allows it to tow up to 12,700 pounds while still maintaining reasonable fuel economy—something few other full-size trucks can claim.
Additionally, the smooth torque curve makes it easier to handle heavy loads without straining the engine. In everyday driving, this means fewer downshifts, less noise, and a smoother ride.
The PowerBoost Hybrid proves that torque delivery isn’t just about performance—it’s also about usability and capability, and in that regard, it sets a new benchmark for hybrid utility vehicles.
5 Cars That Feel Sluggish Despite the Specs
1. Toyota C-HR
At first glance, the Toyota C-HR seems like a stylish and practical compact SUV with a sporty design language that implies energetic performance. It features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 144 horsepower and 139 lb-ft of torque, which might appear adequate for a car of its size.
However, the real-world driving experience tells a different story. Despite the aggressive body lines and youthful marketing, the C-HR suffers from a distinct lack of low-end torque and sluggish throttle response. Acceleration is tepid at best, and getting up to highway speeds can feel like a chore, especially when merging or climbing inclines.
The main culprit behind the C-HR’s underwhelming performance is its continuously variable transmission (CVT), which tends to keep the engine droning in higher RPMs without translating that effort into meaningful forward motion.
This rubber-band effect is common in many CVTs, but it’s particularly pronounced in the C-HR, where the powertrain lacks the torque needed to overcome the inherent limitations of this type of gearbox.
As a result, the car often feels like it’s working harder than it needs to, without delivering the acceleration one might expect. This is exacerbated by the fact that competitors in the segment, like the Mazda CX-30 or Hyundai Kona, offer turbocharged engines with significantly better torque curves and more engaging driving dynamics.
In everyday use—especially in city environments or during stop-and-go traffic—the C-HR can feel lethargic, requiring a heavy foot to get moving and often failing to provide the responsive feel drivers desire. It’s unfortunate because the chassis is quite composed, and the car handles well for its class.
If Toyota had paired the capable platform with a punchier engine or even a hybrid powertrain with better torque distribution, the C-HR could have been a much more enjoyable drive. Instead, it remains a vehicle that looks fast but fails to deliver on that promise, leaving drivers frustrated by its lack of urgency.
2. Jeep Renegade 2.4L
The Jeep Renegade, particularly the version powered by the 2.4-liter Tigershark inline-four engine, has long been criticized for its underwhelming performance.
Producing 180 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque, the numbers on paper might suggest respectable output for a subcompact SUV. But once behind the wheel, the Renegade tells a very different story.
The naturally aspirated engine is coarse, sluggish, and slow to respond, especially at low RPMs where torque delivery matters most for daily drivability. Acceleration feels delayed, and the car often struggles to gain momentum, particularly when loaded with passengers or cargo.
One major issue is the combination of this underpowered engine with a 9-speed automatic transmission that’s been widely regarded as indecisive and poorly calibrated. The gearbox often hunts for gears, hesitates during downshifts, and adds an additional layer of sluggishness to the experience.
In many driving situations, especially in urban traffic or while attempting quick overtakes on highways, the Renegade feels completely out of sync.
This lack of refinement makes the car feel heavier and slower than it actually is, detracting from the Jeep’s off-road-inspired brand image that implies ruggedness and capability. In truth, the 2.4L Renegade lacks the torque needed to feel responsive in everyday conditions.
Even in off-road scenarios where Jeeps are supposed to shine, the limited torque output from the naturally aspirated engine becomes a hindrance.
While Jeep does offer a turbocharged 1.3-liter variant with better low-end pull, the 2.4L remains the default engine on many trims, disappointing buyers who expect more from a brand known for go-anywhere versatility.
Despite its boxy styling and trail-rated credentials in some trims, the Renegade feels sluggish and underpowered in too many real-world scenarios to justify its adventurous branding. For those seeking a small SUV with engaging performance, other options offer far better torque characteristics and driving enjoyment.
3. Mitsubishi Mirage
The Mitsubishi Mirage is one of the most affordable cars on the market, and its low entry price is both its biggest strength and its greatest weakness. Under the hood is a 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine producing just 78 horsepower and 74 lb-ft of torque—figures that are low even by subcompact standards.
While these numbers might be acceptable in certain lightweight city cars, the Mirage’s real-world performance is underwhelming to the point of being frustrating. Torque delivery is weak throughout the rev range, and it takes considerable effort just to keep up with traffic, particularly when accelerating from a stop or merging onto highways.
The Mirage’s CVT does it no favors. Much like in the Toyota C-HR, the transmission exacerbates the lack of torque by keeping the engine in a high-revving but low-power band, making the car feel like it’s constantly straining. This creates a noisy, droning driving experience with little reward in terms of forward momentum.
The Mirage feels sluggish not only because of its lack of raw power but also because of how poorly that minimal torque is utilized. There’s a tangible disconnect between driver input and vehicle response, which leads to a tiring and often aggravating commute, especially in situations that demand quick reactions or speed.
Even though the Mirage is intended as a basic, economical vehicle, the driving experience should not feel this compromised. Other budget-oriented vehicles like the Kia Rio or Hyundai Accent offer significantly better torque delivery and smoother drivetrains, making them far more enjoyable to drive without sacrificing affordability.
Mitsubishi’s minimalistic approach may appeal to some for city commuting, but its lack of usable torque makes it feel outdated and underpowered in nearly every scenario. It’s a car built for utility, not enjoyment—and unfortunately, that makes it one of the most sluggish-feeling options in today’s market.
4. Nissan Kicks
On paper, the Nissan Kicks seems like a promising urban runabout. With a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 122 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque, it offers modest performance in a lightweight package.
However, once you’re behind the wheel, it quickly becomes clear that the Kicks is not built for anyone expecting quick or engaging acceleration.
The torque delivery is underwhelming, especially at lower speeds where responsive performance is most important. While the engine might appear acceptable for light-duty commuting, it struggles when faced with hills, full passenger loads, or even routine highway merging.
One of the main contributors to the Kicks’ sluggish feel is its CVT, which saps much of the responsiveness one might hope for. Rather than translating engine revs into crisp acceleration, the transmission tends to drone and delay, leaving the driver waiting for the car to catch up with their inputs.
This makes overtaking maneuvers and quick lane changes feel stressful rather than intuitive. There’s also a noticeable lack of torque at the low end, which is compounded by the absence of a turbocharger—a feature that many of the Kicks’ competitors offer to improve drivability. In traffic-heavy environments or on hilly roads, the Kicks often feels strained and lethargic.
This isn’t to say the Kicks is a bad vehicle overall—it has good interior space, solid fuel economy, and a user-friendly infotainment system—but the torque delivery is undoubtedly a weak point.
Nissan’s focus on economy and affordability has come at the cost of performance, leaving the Kicks feeling underpowered in real-world driving scenarios.
With no all-wheel-drive option and limited torque, it struggles to compete against more dynamic offerings like the Hyundai Venue or Honda HR-V. For those who prioritize responsive driving, the Kicks is unlikely to impress.
5. Chevrolet Trax
The Chevrolet Trax has been a staple in the subcompact crossover segment for several years, but one of its most persistent criticisms is its sluggish acceleration and uninspired torque delivery.
Equipped with a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 155 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque, the numbers might lead one to believe the Trax would be sprightly and responsive.
However, in practice, it falls short. Despite the turbocharger, the engine suffers from noticeable turbo lag and lacks the low-end grunt required for confident acceleration. Drivers often find themselves waiting for the boost to kick in, and even then, the resulting surge is modest at best.
Part of the problem lies in the outdated six-speed automatic transmission, which doesn’t make the most of the available torque. It tends to upshift too early in an attempt to maximize fuel economy, leaving the engine in an underpowered zone during crucial moments.
This conservative transmission behavior combines poorly with the turbo’s delay, creating a driving experience that feels hesitant and bogged down.
Whether you’re trying to accelerate from a stop or pass another vehicle on the highway, the Trax often feels like it’s working against you rather than with you. For a crossover marketed to active, urban drivers, this lack of responsiveness can be disappointing.
The sluggish nature of the Trax’s performance becomes even more apparent when compared with rivals like the Mazda CX-30 or the Hyundai Kona, both of which offer better torque management and more refined drivetrains.
Chevrolet has recently updated the Trax with a new generation model, and while improvements are promised, the legacy of sluggish torque delivery in earlier models has left a lasting impression.
It’s a reminder that turbocharging alone isn’t enough; without proper transmission tuning and powerband optimization, even turbo engines can feel uninspired. For buyers seeking excitement or even just capable daily driving, the Trax too often fails to deliver.
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Torque delivery is one of the most critical aspects of a vehicle’s driving feel, influencing everything from off-the-line acceleration to highway merging and overtaking confidence. While peak torque figures often dominate marketing materials and spec sheets, real-world usability is determined by how and when that torque is delivered.
Cars like the Porsche Taycan Turbo S, Tesla Model S Plaid, and BMW M550i xDrive showcase how smart engineering, well-matched transmissions, and drivetrain design can transform torque into exhilarating, usable performance. These vehicles offer not just strong numbers, but torque that feels accessible and responsive in every driving situation.
On the flip side, cars like the Toyota C-HR, Mitsubishi Mirage, and Chevrolet Trax highlight how poor torque delivery, even when paired with seemingly reasonable specifications, can ruin the driving experience.
Whether it’s due to outdated transmissions, uninspired engine tuning, or inefficient drivetrain pairings, these vehicles fail to make the most of what they have.
The result is a sluggish, disconnected feel that leaves drivers wanting more, even in everyday conditions like city commuting or casual highway use. These aren’t necessarily bad vehicles in other respects, but when it comes to performance feel, they under-deliver.
As the automotive industry continues to evolve with electric vehicles, hybrid systems, and turbocharged engines becoming more prevalent, understanding how torque is applied becomes increasingly important.
Buyers should look beyond peak numbers and ask how torque is delivered across the RPM range, how the transmission supports it, and how it feels behind the wheel.
Torque is more than a number—it’s the muscle of motion, and when done right, it makes all the difference. Whether you’re chasing speed, power, or practicality, never underestimate the importance of good torque delivery.
