
Turbocharged cars are vehicles equipped with a turbocharger, a forced induction system that compresses air entering the engine to increase power output and efficiency. This technology is now common across many segments, including compact cars, SUVs, and performance models from brands like Ford, Volkswagen, and BMW. Initially, turbochargers were mainly for high-performance cars, but today they help smaller engines achieve better fuel economy without sacrificing acceleration, such as in Ford's EcoBoost or Hyundai's Turbo-GDI engines.
A turbocharger uses exhaust gases to spin a turbine, which forces more air into the combustion chamber. This allows a smaller engine to produce power comparable to a larger naturally aspirated one, improving 0-100 km/h acceleration and reducing emissions. For example, a 2.0L turbocharged engine might output similar horsepower to a 3.0L non-turbo unit.
Turbocharged models are popular due to their balance of performance and efficiency. However, they can have slight turbo lag—a delay in power delivery—and may require premium maintenance. According to industry data from sources like J.D. Power, turbo adoption has grown by over 50% in the past decade in the U.S. market.
| Turbocharged Model | Engine Size | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | Fuel Economy (MPG) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Escape EcoBoost | 1.5L | 181 | 190 | 28 city / 34 highway |
| Honda Civic Turbo | 1.5L | 180 | 177 | 32 city / 42 highway |
| BMW 330i | 2.0L | 255 | 295 | 26 city / 36 highway |
| Chevrolet Silverado 2.7L Turbo | 2.7L | 310 | 348 | 20 city / 23 highway |
| Subaru WRX | 2.4L | 271 | 258 | 19 city / 26 highway |
| Hyundai Tucson Turbo | 1.6L | 195 | 195 | 26 city / 33 highway |
| Audi A4 45 TFSI | 2.0L | 261 | 273 | 27 city / 35 highway |
| Mazda CX-5 Turbo | 2.5L | 256 | 320 | 23 city / 28 highway |
| Volkswagen Golf GTI | 2.0L | 241 | 273 | 24 city / 34 highway |
| Kia Seltos Turbo | 1.6L | 195 | 195 | 27 city / 31 highway |
When considering a turbocharged car, think about your driving needs. They're great for highway merging or towing, but regular oil changes are key to longevity. Always test-drive to feel the power band.

I love how turbocharged cars give you that extra kick without a huge engine. My Ford Focus ST is a blast—quick off the line and still decent on gas. Lots of everyday cars have turbos now, like the Honda Civic or Chevy Malibu. It’s not just for sports cars; even SUVs use them for better hauling. Just watch for maintenance, as turbos can be pricier to fix.


