In this guide

The best source for “average horsepower” is the US Environmental Protection Agency’s Automotive Trends Report, which averages every new light-duty vehicle sold, weighted by how many were built. Below are its latest figures, how power has grown since the 1970s, what today’s best-sellers actually make, and how much horsepower you really need.

Last updated 29 September 2026, with the EPA’s 2025 Automotive Trends Report (published February 2026).

The average in 2026

The EPA publishes final figures a year or more after a model year ends, so the newest numbers available in 2026 are these:

Average new vehicle horsepower, EPA
Model yearAverage horsepowerNote
2025Preliminary264 hpBased on automakers’ production forecasts
2024258 hp245 hp without EVs and plug-in hybrids
2023268 hpThe record so far
1981102 hpThe lowest on record
1975137 hpFirst year of EPA data

The same report puts the average model-year 2024 vehicle at 4,354 pounds with a 0-60 mph time of 7.5 seconds. Divide the weight by the power and the average new vehicle carries about 17 pounds per horsepower, a number you can compare with your own car in the power-to-weight ratio calculator.

The small dip in 2024 came in a year when, the EPA notes, average weight and footprint also fell slightly. The preliminary 2025 figure is already back up to 264 hp.

How horsepower grew since 1975

Line chart of average new vehicle horsepower in the US from 1975 to 2025, falling to 102 hp in 1981 and rising to a record 268 hp in 2023
Average horsepower of new US light-duty vehicles by model year. 2025 is preliminary. Data: EPA Automotive Trends Report.

Power fell sharply in the late 1970s, as automakers and buyers moved to smaller, more fuel-efficient engines after the oil crises, and bottomed out at 102 hp in 1981. It has climbed almost every year since, as fuel injection, multi-valve engines, turbocharging, more gears and, lately, electric motors all added power. According to the EPA, the average model-year 2024 vehicle made 88% more power than a 1975 vehicle and 153% more than a 1981 vehicle, while fuel economy also rose.

Not every type grew at the same rate. Between 1975 and 2024, average power rose 54% for sedans and wagons, 77% for truck-based SUVs, 82% for minivans and vans, 118% for car-based SUVs and 138% for pickups.

What today’s best-sellers make

The EPA average hides a wide spread. Here’s what some of the most familiar 2026 models are rated at, from the manufacturers’ published figures:

Horsepower of popular 2026 models by segment
Segment and modelHorsepowerSource
Compact carHonda Civic 2.0 / Civic Hybrid150 / 200 hpHonda
Compact carToyota Corolla 2.0169 hpCars.com
Midsize carToyota Camry Hybrid, FWD / AWD225 / 232 hpToyota, via Wikipedia
Compact SUVHonda CR-V turbo / hybrid190 / 204 hpHonda
Compact SUVToyota RAV4 Hybrid FWD / AWD, plug-in hybrid226 / 236 hp, 324 hpAutoblog
Electric SUVChevrolet Equinox EV, FWD213 hpEdmunds
Full-size pickupFord F-150, base V6 to hybrid325 to 430 hpFord
Sports carFord Mustang EcoBoost / GT315 / 480 hpFord

Compact cars sit well below the average, family SUVs close to it, and full-size pickups well above it, which is why pickups pull the overall figure up. The F-150’s range excludes the Raptor models (450 and 720 hp).

Electric cars are pushing the average up

The EPA found that for each of the four most popular vehicle types, electric and plug-in hybrid versions have more horsepower than their gasoline-only counterparts. Take them out and the model-year 2024 average drops from 258 hp to 245 hp. The RAV4 shows the effect within one model: the plug-in hybrid makes 324 hp against the regular hybrid’s 226 to 236. Electric motors also deliver their torque instantly, so EVs usually feel quicker than their horsepower suggests. For what torque is and how much real cars make, see what torque is in a car.

EVs are often rated in kilowatts. To compare them with gas cars, convert with the kW to hp converter.

How much horsepower is good for a daily driver?

Horsepower alone doesn’t decide how a car feels: a light car needs much less than a heavy SUV or pickup. As a rough guide for a typical 3,000 to 4,500 lb vehicle:

How much horsepower is enough
HorsepowerHow it feelsTypical of
Under 150 hpAdequate in a light car; slow to merge when loadedBase compact cars, older economy cars
150 to 250 hpComfortable for everyday driving and highway passingMost compact cars, midsize sedans, family SUVs
250 to 350 hpBrisk, with easy passing and towing headroomPickups, turbo sedans, hot hatches
350 hp and upPerformance-car quick, especially in a light carSports cars, V8s, performance EVs

For most drivers, anything near the national average of about 260 hp is plenty. What matters more is power relative to weight: our guide to a good power-to-weight ratio gives benchmarks, and the 0-60 calculator shows what a given horsepower and weight mean in seconds. For a sense of where the unit comes from, see how much horsepower a horse has.

See what your horsepower does

Enter your car’s horsepower and weight to estimate its 0-60 mph and 0-100 km/h times.

0-60 Calculator

Key takeaways

  1. The average new US vehicle makes about 260 hp: 258 hp in 2024, 264 hp preliminary for 2025.
  2. The record is 268 hp in model year 2023; the low was 102 hp in 1981.
  3. The average new vehicle weighs 4,354 lb and reaches 60 mph in about 7.5 seconds.
  4. Pickups and EVs pull the average up; compact cars sit well below it.
  5. 150 to 250 hp is comfortable for most daily driving; weight matters as much as power.

FAQ

What is the average horsepower of a car in 2026?

About 260 hp for the average new US vehicle, including SUVs and pickups. The EPA’s latest figures are 258 hp for model year 2024 and a preliminary 264 hp for 2025.

What was the average horsepower of a car in the 1980s?

It started the decade at its lowest ever: 104 hp in 1980 and 102 hp in 1981, according to EPA data. By 1989 the average had recovered to 129 hp.

Is 200 horsepower good?

Yes, for a compact car or small SUV. 200 hp is typical of today’s family cars and gives comfortable performance for everyday driving. In a heavy pickup it would feel slow.

Is 300 horsepower fast?

It’s above average, and in a car weighing around 3,300 lb it’s genuinely quick. In a 5,000 lb pickup or SUV, 300 hp is simply adequate.

Do electric cars have more horsepower?

Usually. The EPA found that electric and plug-in hybrid versions of the most popular vehicle types have more horsepower than gasoline-only versions, and without them the 2024 average falls from 258 hp to 245 hp.

How much horsepower does an average SUV have?

Popular compact SUVs such as the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 make about 190 to 240 hp in 2026, and plug-in hybrid versions over 300 hp. Larger SUVs typically make more.

Sources