<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2HJGfg_0v1SO4aR00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2HJGfg_0v1SO4aR00" width="1100" height="618" ><figcaption>Kia / CarBuzz</figcaption></figure>Underpowered cars are quickly becoming a thing of the past, but don't think there aren't more than a few slowpokes still on sale. Advances in combustion and the introduction of electrification in vehicles have leveled the performance playing field. Now we live in a world where a 1.6-liter engine in the <a href="https://carbuzz.com/cars/toyota/corolla/">Toyota Corolla</a> <a href="https://carbuzz.com/cars/toyota/gr-corolla/">hatchback</a> can produce 300 horsepower, and a hybrid like the <a href="https://carbuzz.com/cars/toyota/prius/">Prius</a> can offer more than 50 miles per gallon while producing nearly 200 horsepower. It seems like even the lowliest models are finally reaching a point where drivers won't have to pray for a good backdraft to make it up a steep hill - but we're not out of the woods yet. There are still quite a few options out there that offer less than 150 horsepower, and we've compiled a list of 10 of them to show you how expansive your options are these days. These models stretch from the cheapest model on sale today to comfortable crossovers and even an EV. A few of them are set to kick the bucket in the next few years, cutting your underpowered options even more, so if slow and steady is your M.O., better strike while the getting's good. Performance data and engine specs were sourced directly from the manufacturer. Fuel economy ratings are sourced from the EPA and represent the most frugal trim in the model's lineup, and 0-60 times are taken from independent tests where manufacturer claims were not available. We list these ten cars from most to least power; where hp figures are the same, torque figures and 0-60 times have been used to differentiate. <h2>10 Nissan Sentra </h2><h2>149 Horsepower </h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=21byGK_0v1SO4aR00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=21byGK_0v1SO4aR00" width="1500" height="1000" ><figcaption>Nissan</figcaption></figure>Engine2.0-liter 4-cylinder Horsepower149 hp Torque146 lb-ft 0-609.2 seconds Fuel Economy30/40/34 mpg The <a href="https://carbuzz.com/cars/nissan/sentra/">Nissan Sentra</a> is the first model to make this list, and it barely squeaks in thanks to having 149 horsepower on tap. That power comes courtesy of a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that is paired with a CVT that won't excite no matter how hard you try. Fortunately, given the car only comes with FWD (like almost all the cars on this list), and it's rather light on its feet, you won't miss that performance too much unless you're merging on the highway or traversing a steep hill. Given its stellar fuel economy and low $21,180 starting price (excluding destination), we feel that's a fair trade-off. <h2>9 Nissan Leaf </h2><h2>147 Horsepower </h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2OLnTB_0v1SO4aR00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2OLnTB_0v1SO4aR00" width="1500" height="844" ><figcaption>Nissan</figcaption></figure>PowertrainElectric Horsepower147 hp Torque236 lb-ft 0-606.5 - 7 seconds Fuel Economy123/99/111 MPGe Yes, it may come as a surprise to some, but there are EVs on sale that offer less than stellar performance. We're so used to talking about 0-60 mph times with such cars, that we tend to forget automakers will always find a way to offer a slow piece of transportation, no matter the technology. The <a href="https://carbuzz.com/search/?q=nissan+leaf">Nissan Leaf</a> is the perfect example, as it only offers 147 hp from its single, front-axle-mounted motor. While this seems bleak by EV standards, it's improved thanks to the 236 lb-ft of torque it offers, allowing the car to feel better powered than it is given it all comes on at one time - some testers have pushed it to 60 mph in the mid-six-second range. If you want more performance, the AWD version offers an improved 214 hp, and the range is bumped up more than 60 miles to 212. A <a href="https://carbuzz.com/next-generation-nissan-leaf-could-enter-production-march-2025/">new model is also on the way</a>. However, Nissan has yet to confirm any details about it. <h2>8 Kia Soul </h2><h2>147 Horsepower </h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0IFw4S_0v1SO4aR00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0IFw4S_0v1SO4aR00" width="1500" height="844" ></figure>Engine2.0-liter 4-Cylinder Horsepower147 hp Torque132 lb-ft 0-608 seconds Fuel Economy27/33/30 mpg The <a href="https://carbuzz.com/cars/kia/soul/">Kia Soul</a> is a lot of things - practical, comfortable, affordable - but powerful it is not. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder under the hood is the same one as in the Forte below, meaning you have 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque at your disposal, but it gets to 60 mph just a little quicker, earning it a spot higher on our list. The turbocharged version of the crossover was <a href="https://carbuzz.com/news/2023-kia-soul-arrives-with-subtle-tweaks-but-loses-a-turbo/">sadly dropped for the 2023 model year</a>. The benefit of driving the Soul is going to be a much more practical vehicle, easier to load, and a little roomier than the Forte sedan - and at least these days, you won't have to deal with embarrassing commercials featuring anthropomorphic hamsters. <h2>7 Kia Forte </h2><h2>147 Horsepower </h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1OniHW_0v1SO4aR00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1OniHW_0v1SO4aR00" width="1500" height="844" ></figure>Engine2.0-liter 4-Cylinder Horsepower147 hp Torque132 lb-ft 0-608.2 seconds Fuel Economy30/41/34 mpg The <a href="https://carbuzz.com/cars/kia/forte/">Kia Forte</a> is one of the cheapest vehicles still on sale today, starting at under $20k (before options and destination). For that price, you get a decent number of standard features like an eight-inch touchscreen and the brand's safety suite, but what you don't get is much performance for the money. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine under the hood only makes 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque, so you're not getting anywhere in a hurry. Fortunately, the GT trim bumps power up to 201 horses, and even comes with a third pedal, making it a rare option still on sale today - it also drops the 0-60 sprint by half a second. The Forte is set to be replaced by the <a href="https://carbuzz.com/2025-kia-k4-sedan-first-look-review-sporty-sedans-are-kias-forte/">K4 sedan</a> next year, but don't worry, the underpowered 2.0-liter four-pot is sticking around, although a <a href="https://carbuzz.com/2025-kia-k4-reveal-new-york-auto-show/">190-hp model will be available</a>. <h2>6 Chevrolet Trax &amp; Buick Envista </h2><h2>137 Horsepower </h2>Engine1.2-liter turbo 3-cylinder Horsepower137 hp Torque162 lb-ft 0-60Est. 9 seconds Fuel Economy28/32/30 mpg Yes, there are two names here, but we can assure you it's for good reason. Both of these models sit on General Motors's VSS-F platform that underpins the company's FWD vehicles. These two cars are so similar - from having front-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission - to the same gas mileage figures. Both utilize the same 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine as their base power plant. This tiny motor produces a mere 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, which is honestly impressive as it makes more power out of a smaller displacement than many other engines on this list. Fortunately, power is not the reason you buy any of these cars, though there is the Buick <a href="https://carbuzz.com/cars/buick/encore-gx/">Encore GX</a> which also uses this as a base engine, but offers a turbocharged engine option and AWD if you desire it. The real reason you buy these cars is that they offer exceptional value, with plenty of features, great packaging, and composed rides. We're particularly fond of the <a href="https://carbuzz.com/cars/chevrolet/trax/">Trax</a> and <a href="https://carbuzz.com/cars/buick/envista/2024/">Envista</a>, however, because we feel they look much more modern. <h2>5 Nissan Versa </h2><h2>122 Horsepower </h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1dt4jj_0v1SO4aR00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1dt4jj_0v1SO4aR00" width="1500" height="844" ><figcaption>Nissan</figcaption></figure>Engine1.6-liter 4-cylinder Horsepower122 hp Torque114 lb-ft 0-60Est. 9.7 seconds Fuel Economy32/40/35 mpg The <a href="https://carbuzz.com/cars/nissan/versa-sedan/2024/">Nissan Versa</a> isn't a fast car - and that's because it gets the same engine as the Kicks mentioned below, but thanks to its compact size, the recipe isn't as bad as you'd think. The 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine sends 122 hp to the front wheels only, and in most circumstances, you won't think much of it because you'll be so preoccupied with the rest of the vehicle. It's a little quicker to 60 mph than the Kicks as it's just a little lighter. As the cheapest car currently on sale in the US, it's attractive, well-optioned, and decently comfortable. Here, you're not sacrificing nearly as much as you are with other vehicles in this price range. It's just too bad Nissan doesn't think the model is worth keeping around. <h2>4 Nissan Kicks </h2><h2>122 Horsepower </h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=4Nzm0Z_0v1SO4aR00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4Nzm0Z_0v1SO4aR00" width="1500" height="844" ><figcaption>Nissan</figcaption></figure>Engine1.6-liter 4-cylinder Horsepower122 hp Torque114 lb-ft 0-60Est. 10 seconds Fuel Economy31/36/33 mpg Nissan has already unveiled the <a href="https://carbuzz.com/2025-nissan-kicks-vs-hyundai-kona-toyota-corolla-cross-kia-soul/">redesigned Kicks for 2025</a>, and it appears to be a significant improvement over the current model - it gets a bigger engine, for starters, but we're sticking with 2024 models for the purposes of this list. The 2024 model has been on sale for quite a few years now and is really starting to show its age, particularly when it comes to power. Under the hood is a tiny 1.6-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine that produces a mere 122 hp and 114 lb-ft of torque as in the Versa - and the result is a nearly ten-second sprint time. These are leisurely numbers, to say the least, and being hooked up to a CVT doesn't help its case one bit. The car is slow, but it gets great fuel economy as a trade off. <h2>3 Hyundai Venue </h2><h2>121 Horsepower </h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3NzcwZ_0v1SO4aR00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3NzcwZ_0v1SO4aR00" width="1500" height="1000" ><figcaption>Ian Wright/CarBuzz/Valnet</figcaption></figure>Engine1.6-liter 4-cylinder Horsepower121 hp Torque113 lb-ft 0-60Est. 9 seconds Fuel Economy29/33/31 mpg The <a href="https://carbuzz.com/cars/hyundai/venue/">Hyundai Venue</a> comes equipped with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that sends 121 hp to the front wheels only. Performance is fine, so long as you don't have too many passengers or too much cargo to haul around. Where the vehicle shines is in its value, as the lower trims offer all you'll really need in a highly usable package. <a href="https://carbuzz.com/2024-hyundai-venue-limited-test-drive-review/">When we drove it</a>, we called it "brilliantly basic," as it offers all of what you need and none of what you don't. Just stay away from the upper trims, as its value proposition quickly starts to fade as the price increases. <h2>2 Fiat 500e </h2><h2>117 Horsepower </h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2rnxTS_0v1SO4aR00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2rnxTS_0v1SO4aR00" width="1500" height="844" ><figcaption>Fiat&nbsp;</figcaption></figure>PowertrainElectric Horsepower117 hp Torque162 lb-ft 0-608.5 seconds Fuel Economy127/104/116 MPGe Was anyone really expecting the Fiat 500 to make a return so soon to the US? We certainly weren't, but this time around Fiat hopes it's perfected the chic, city car formula by going all electric. Yes, Fiat's iconic compact car is now only propelled by electricity and called the <a href="https://carbuzz.com/cars/fiat/500e/">500e</a>, but don't let that fool you into thinking this thing is quick, as the single, front-mounted motor produces just 117 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque. This should be fine given its size, but more importantly, the car now offers 149 miles of range, which is a massive increase over the 80-some miles of the previous model. If you're looking for more power, however, you'll definitely want to check out the <a href="https://carbuzz.com/news/abarth-500e-debuts-as-the-italian-brands-first-electric-hot-hatch/">updated Abarth model</a>. <h2>1 Mitsubishi Mirage </h2><h2>76 Horsepower </h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1AlayX_0v1SO4aR00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1AlayX_0v1SO4aR00" width="1200" height="800" ><figcaption>Mitsubishi</figcaption></figure>Engine1.2-liter 3-cylinder Horsepower78 hp Torque74 lb-ft 0-6011 seconds Fuel Economy36/39/43 mpg When it comes to being slow, nothing on the market can touch the <a href="https://carbuzz.com/cars/mitsubishi/mirage/">Mitsubishi Mirage</a>. The hatchback and its sedan sibling boast an almost laughable 76 horsepower courtesy of a 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine. Of course, given their size, acceleration isn't as horrible as you'd imagine a normal-sized car would be, but that's barely a compliment. As one of the cheapest cars you can buy, it's only real value is in its price, as just about everything else is outclassed by competitors that are cheaper or slightly more expensive. This is why it's no surprise Mitsubishi is <a href="https://carbuzz.com/mitsubishi-mirage-discontinued-for-2025/">finally letting it die in 2025</a>. </div></body>

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Every Car Still On Sale With Less Than 150 HP in 2024

Underpowered cars are quickly becoming a thing of the past, but don't think there aren't more than a few slowpokes still on sale. Advances in combustion and the introduction of electrification in vehicles have leveled the performance playing field. Now we live in a world where a 1.6-liter engine in the Toyota Corolla hatchback can produce 300 horsepower, and a hybrid like the Prius can offer more than 50 miles per gallon while producing nearly 200 horsepower. It seems like even the lowliest models are finally reaching a point where drivers won't have to pray for a good backdraft to make it up a steep hill - but we're not out of the woods yet.

Every Car Still On Sale With Less Than 150 HP in 2024

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