4 Underrated Turbocharged Cars To Buy in 2024

When thinking of 2.0 liter turbo engines with inline four cylinders, look no further than these four underrated models from Volkswagen, Volvo and Honda, according to TopSpeed. Sporty interiors, including rich red accents, creative storage ideas and upscale special features, are just part of the reason you should take a closer look. 

All of these options are affordable, attractive and peppy, making these underrated picks great cars to purchase in 2024.

WIth a starting price of $33,190, the Volkswagen Golf GTI will get up to 34 mpg on the highway, according to the EPA-rating. Performance and specifications include: 273 pound-feet of torque, 241 horsepower and a six-speed transmission, which, unfortunately, won’t be an option after 2024. 

Buyers will notice some of the nostalgic interior, like the classic plaid on the top and bottom seat cushions and the golf-ball shift knob with festive red trim. 

As stated by Car And Driver, “Count the Volkswagen Golf GTI among a very small group of vehicles that have remained in near-constant production for over four decades without veering far from the laser-focused intent of the original.”

The starting cost of the sporty Volkswagen Jetta GLI is $29,310. Drivers can expect to get up to 35 mpg on the highway.

Performance and specifications include: 258 pound-feet of torque and 228 horsepower, with a choice of standard six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

According to Car and Driver, “…the GLI has upscale standard features such as a 10.3-inch digital gauge cluster, customizable ambient interior lighting, heated and ventilated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof.”

Car and Driver also noted that the sportiest Jetta model has an expansive trunk area that can accommodate seven carry-on bags. 

The Volvo XC40 starts at $41,795 and will get up to 30 mpg on the highway. Performance and specifications include: 258 pound-feet of torque, 247 horsepower, a 48-volt hybrid system and an eight-speed transmission.

Car and Driver noted that this Volvo model has various storage features that are unexpected, including “a hook that flips out from the glovebox to hold takeout bags, a divider for the cargo area, and a removable garbage bin with a hinged door in the center console.”

The Honda Civic Type R, also ranked as an underrated car by TopSpeed, has a starting cost of $45,890 and will get up to 28 mpg during highway driving. 

Performance and specifications for this make and model include: 310 pound-feet of torque, 315 horsepower and a six-speed manual transmission.

Car And Driver touts the Civic Type R as having, “…faux carbon-fiber trim, and a familiar set of super comfy, highly supportive front seats. Passenger and cargo space are the same as the normal Civic hatchback, which should make the Civic Type R a great dual-purpose car.”

From the look of the red-and-black interior to the feel of sitting in the racy driver’s seat, the Civic Type R gives every impression of being a top-of-the-line sports car. Even the smooth, shiny aluminum gearshift gives a classy touch to this Honda.