Turbocharging is one way car manufacturers create cars that have amazing fuel economy and greater horsepower with only a 4-cylinder engine. Why is turbocharging important? Having that extra boost of speed can give you much needed acceleration when changing lanes, passing on the highway, or even avoiding a potential accident. Check out the most powerful turbocharged SUVs on the market.
What Is Turbocharging?
A turbocharger is a turbine that reuses exhaust gases, shooting the air into the engine when you press on the accelerator. By stepping on the gas, the turbine spins, injects your engine with more air to the fuel-air mixture, and delivers a power boost, giving you the speed you need. You can achieve similar effects with superchargers and actuators.
Turbocharging gives you the advantages of a smaller engine, like better fuel economy, with the power of a larger engine. Putting a turbocharger into an SUV helps improve the fuel efficiency while still giving drivers the power they’re used to from these family vehicles.
2021 Audi Q5
The Audi Q5 SUV has two turbocharged models to choose from, the traditional gas engine and a plug-in hybrid. The specs for the gas engine are:
- 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder
- 261 horsepower
- 273 pound-feet of torque
- Seven-speed dual clutch automatic transmission
- Estimated 23 mpg city and 28 mpg on the highway
The plug-in hybrid model has the same specs, except for 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque.
2021 Mercedes Benz GLC 300
The 2021 Mercedes Benz GLC 300 boasts a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that provides 255 of horsepower and a nine-speed automatic transmission. The manufacturer lists the fuel economy at 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg for highway driving.
2021 Mazda CX-30
The 2021 Mazda CX-30 comes with a 2.5-liter turbo-four delivering 227 horsepower to 250 horsepower, depending on the fuel grade, with 24 mpg for city driving and 31 mpg on the highway. This version comes with a standard six-speed automatic transmission.
Upgrade Your Engine
Did you know you can make your car as fast as these most powerful turbocharged SUVs on the market? Shop the selection of turbochargers, superchargers, and electric turbo actuators at TurboTurbos.