Horsepower vs. Torque: What Truck Buyers Should Focus On

Shopping for a truck means comparing a lot of numbers, and two of the most important are horsepower and torque. These specs are listed on almost every truck page, yet many buyers are unsure what they truly mean for towing, hauling, or everyday driving. Understanding how they work makes choosing the right truck much easier.

What Is Horsepower?

Horsepower shows how quickly an engine can keep a truck moving once it is up to speed. You will feel horsepower most when:

• Merging onto the highway with confidence
• Passing slower vehicles while towing at speed
• Keeping a full truck or trailer steady on long road trips

If your driving includes long stretches of highway or frequent acceleration, horsepower should be a key part of your decision. You can explore a variety of trucks suited for everyday driving here: View All Vehicles.

What Is Torque?

Torque measures the twisting force an engine produces to get weight moving from a stop. You will notice torque most when:

• Pulling a trailer up a boat ramp
• Getting a loaded work truck going at a jobsite
• Climbing steep hills or rough terrain

Stronger torque makes a truck feel like it has muscle right where you need it. If you want a truck built for heavy tasks, you can request help finding one with the right torque using our Vehicle Finder Service.

How Horsepower and Torque Work Together

Torque gets the load moving. Horsepower keeps it moving. Trucks with the best balance can tow confidently while still feeling smooth and responsive during everyday driving.

Understanding RPM and Power Curves

Engines do not make maximum power all the time. Torque peaks at lower RPMs, which is perfect for getting a boat or trailer moving from a standstill. Horsepower peaks at higher RPMs, which helps when you need a quick burst of acceleration while already cruising. A truck built for towing usually emphasizes low-RPM torque to feel stronger under load.

Why Transmissions Matter

Transmissions control how power reaches the wheels. A lower first gear ratio multiplies torque, making it easier to pull away with heavy loads. Transmissions with more gears help keep the engine in its “sweet spot” for power and fuel efficiency.

Simple guidance:

• Tow or haul often: choose lower gear ratios for easier starts
• More highway commuting: choose gearing tuned for fuel economy at speed
• Mixed driving: look for multi-gear transmissions that adapt well to both

Different Engine Types

• Diesel engines: excellent low-RPM torque for heavy equipment towing
• Gas engines: smoother acceleration and strong horsepower for daily use
• Turbocharged engines: great mix of torque and horsepower efficiency
• Hybrid and electric motors: instant torque for quick, controlled pulling starts

Electric Truck Considerations

Electric trucks deliver maximum torque instantly, which feels powerful when backing a trailer or pulling up steep ramps. Regenerative braking helps recover energy when slowing down with a load. Range can drop faster under heavy towing, so selecting a larger battery pack helps maintain travel distance on long trips or hilly terrain.

Payload vs. Towing: Know the Difference

Payload is weight in the truck. Towing is weight behind it. These ratings are separate for a reason:

A truck excellent at towing might not carry lots of weight in the bed. Knowing both numbers prevents overloading.

GCWR: The Safety Number Most People Miss

GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating) measures how much total weight the truck and trailer can safely move together. Exceeding it can affect braking, handling, and drivetrain health even if the engine seems strong enough.

Which Matters More for You?

Choose based on what you do most:

• Heavy towing or jobsite equipment: torque first
• High-speed travel and acceleration: horsepower first
• Work during the week, play on weekends: a balanced setup

If you are upgrading to a truck that better suits your needs, a quick estimate on your current trade can help you plan your budget: Value Your Trade.

How Environment Affects Power Needs

• Mountains: stronger torque prevents slowing down on climbs
• Snow or soft ground: more torque helps maintain momentum
• Hot climates: engines work harder under load, so performance headroom helps

Flat city commuting often requires less torque and places more importance on comfort and fuel savings.

Common Truck-Buying Pitfalls to Avoid

• Picking a truck that barely meets today’s needs and needing to upgrade again soon
• Looking only at towing and forgetting payload rating constraints
• Ignoring terrain and climate when choosing power levels

Planning for the future often prevents the most expensive mistake: buying twice.

Quick Checklist Before You Buy

• How heavy are the loads you tow or haul?
• City, highway, or jobsite. Where do you drive most?
• Will conditions include hills, dirt, snow, or sand?
• Do you prefer stronger acceleration or stronger pulling strength?
• Do you need 4x4 for traction under load?

Explore and Compare Options

Once you understand what horsepower and torque mean for your everyday needs, you can explore a wide range of trucks and compare their strengths here: Brows Our Inventory.

Horsepower and torque both matter for capability, comfort, and confidence behind the wheel. When you focus on how you will actually use your truck, the right numbers become much easier to choose. Whether you need work strength, road-trip speed, or a blend of both, the best truck is the one that fits your real life.

We are your hometown dealer right here in Great Bridge/Hickory!  Our Back Roads Automotive team plays a crucial role in supporting local businesses everyday. You will see us around town at Mister Jim's, Big Ugly, the high school games and more. You may have seen our Yellow Truck and loaner car around town. . 

Our local high schools always need help and we sponsor FOUR of them! You'll see our Back Roads Automotive logo on the fields and in the gyms.

Part of our mission is "Back Roads Gives Back". We do quarterly photo shoots for free for local families, giveaways and promotions. We post a lot of content on our Face Book page. Check it out!

All our vehicles are serviced at local shops so that helps many Chesapeake families. Priority Honda, Firestone, Great Bridge Muffler & Brake, Bells Mill Auto Care, window tint, radio shops, body shops etc. are just a few of the businesses boosted by our vehicle sales.

Restaurants here in town get a boost from us every Saturday because we buy a huge team lunch.

We create jobs!  We are very proud of our team and will continue to hire great, experienced people!  85% of our employees live in Chesapeake. 

So, when you buy from our small company, you are not helping a CEO buy a third vacation home. You are helping an employee's daughter get karate lessons, a dad get his son's soccer team jerseys, a family put good food on the table or pay a mortgage. Our customers are our shareholders, and THEY are the ones we strive to make happy.

Thank you for supporting us along with our favorite local businesses!

We have been working on a new partnership that normal small dealerships would never do!

We are now partnering with Honda to service all of our Honda’s before they are listed for sale. The following items will be performed by Honda:

• 1. State inspection

• 2. Oil & filter change

• 3. Recall repairs

• 4. Multi Point inspection

Why? Because we want to offer a better product that your “typical used car dealer” this is a step in the right direction to provide a better product and process for our customers.

We are very excited! If you or anyone you know is looking for a Honda check out our inventory.

It's important for customers to be informed about the quality checks performed before sale. Here at Back Roads Automotive, we take it seriously.  Buying a purchase as large as a vehicle can take time.  We want to give our readers an insider's look into our store and how we operate.  It's very different!  It's not a traditional set up. 

Are you shopping online? So are our customers! Mary Anthony is our internet manager and responds to hundreds of inquiries from all over the U.S.  We have quality (and sometimes specialty) vehicles that many people are looking for outside of Hampton Roads.  We’ve helped customers as far as Montana and even a military family from Hawaii! Google reviews from our own customers prove the great experiences they are having.

Our website is super easy to use.  It is updated several times daily with current inventory.  Each vehicle has over 50+ professional photos showing the exact condition.  Because we are a Car Fax Dealer…we offer a free Car Fax at the bottom of each listing.  Many of our vehicles are one owner, with no accidents and in great condition so they will last.  We use marketing software to price our vehicles based on a 250 mile radius for quality and value.  Our goal is to be in the top 5. Mary helps customers navigate that information while they research.  Using the filters and sort options, we can help you find what you want fast. 

We engage conversations the way customers feel comfortable.  We offer chat, e-mail, social media, and of course over the phone and in person conversation's about your needs. Some customers want to come in now so we set appointments if possible.  We want to be ready.  Others may take days, weeks or even months to decide and Mary can help provide updates as they take their time. 

Technology is important.  We offer 20 local lenders to make financing easy. Our safeguards are in place for financial/deal information.  We have a full-time professional title clerk who helps customers get registered in their home state. 

We are on the cutting edge of analytics and reporting to be sure we provide the relevant info customers need.  Real time market averages, reviews, wish list vehicles and updated website links help make data-driven decisions easier.

Would you like more detailed information on any of these topics?  Call us today at 757.410.2400 and ask for Mary!

"Hey Guys, it's Jay at Backroads Automotive here again, we're going to talk about some CARFAX information like we did in the last video."

CLICK VIDEO BELOW (1min. 31sec.)

READ VIDEO TRANSCRIPT BELOW

" So here we have a Chevy Blazer that a gentleman did not purchase the other day based on the information on the CARFAX because it was in a minor accident." "But when you come in close and you look at the body lines on the bumper, body lines on the hood surrounding the headlights, surrounding the fog light and the plastics alike here you'll notice that all the body lines are tight. They're perfect because this was reported properly and then. Repaired properly, so you as the buyer have been educated, made aware of the incident. You can see that the repairs have been made properly."

" However, in contrast, when you look at this Honda Fit that we purchased this week, if you come around here: " "you'll notice what we noticed that the bumper alignment is off and loose. Come around the front, the emblem is missing and then we recognize we have an aftermarket grill with zip ties holding it on. So what does that lead us to do? Well, that leads my guys to investigate further as to what's going on and what do we find? That this car has actually been in a pretty bad front end accident and we have parts underneath that need to be replaced. The kicker is this is listed as a 1-owner no accident car. So you as the consumer would think this is the better purchase because it has no accidents. However, upon further research you would find that it has been an accident."

"So don't put so much weight in the Carfax that you don't buy a car that's been reported and repaired properly just to buy one that hasn't been reported and has been in a much worse accident." " I hope the images and video above will help you in your next vehicle purchase. So you as the consumer would think this is the better purchase because it has no accidents. However, upon further research you would find that it has been an accident. So don't put so much weight in the Carfax that you don't buy a car that's been reported and repaired properly just to buy one that hasn't been reported and has been in a much worse accident."

A Simple Guide To Help Get You The Most Value

Trading in your vehicle can be one of the easiest ways to move into your next car. We make the process clear, professional, and stress-free so you can spend less time worrying about paperwork and more time enjoying your next ride.

Step 1: Bring the Right Documentation

When you’re ready to trade in your car, a little preparation goes a long way. Having the right paperwork on hand helps us process your trade quickly and ensures everything is handled smoothly.

What to bring:

• Vehicle Title (or payoff information if you’re still making payments)

• Current Registration & Insurance

• Maintenance or Service Records (if available)

• Spare Keys, Remotes & Owner’s Manual

Having these items ready keeps the process fast and organized, so you can trade with confidence.

Step 2: A Quick Refresh

Before bringing your car in, take a few minutes to clear out your personal belongings. Check the glove box, door pockets, trunk, and under the seats—you’d be surprised what can hide away over the years.

In the excitement of driving away in your new car, it’s easy to forget something important like sunglasses, garage door openers, or even paperwork you’ve tucked away. Taking a quick moment now means you’ll have everything you need with you, and nothing gets left behind.

Step 3: Get a Professional Appraisal

Once you’re ready, bring your car to us for a professional appraisal. Our trained team will look at your vehicle’s condition, mileage, and market demand, then provide you with a fair, real-world offer.

Unlike selling privately, you won’t have to meet with strangers, negotiate back and forth, or worry about safe payment. Everything is handled in one secure, professional setting—usually the same day.

Step 4: Review Your Options

After your appraisal, you’ll have a clear offer in hand. From there, it’s your choice how to move forward:

• Trade In Toward Your Next Vehicle
  Apply your trade-in value directly toward your purchase and drive away with less to finance.

• Sell Your Car to Us
  Not ready to buy just yet? That’s fine too. You can simply sell us your vehicle and leave with an offer you can trust.

Either way, you’ll avoid the stress of listing your car online, handling phone calls, or arranging meetings.

Why Trade In With Us?

Trading your car should feel simple and stress-free—and that’s exactly what we aim to provide. We make the process convenient from start to finish, so you can focus on what matters most: getting into your next vehicle with confidence.

• Fast & Simple – Most trade-ins are completed the same day.

• Professional Appraisals – Fair offers based on the market, not guesswork.

• Safe & Secure – No need to meet strangers or handle risky transactions.

• Trusted Process – From paperwork to payoff, we take care of the details.

Ready to Get Started?

If you’re thinking about selling or trading your current car, we’re here to make it easy. You can schedule your trade-in appraisal today, or stop by to explore our used car inventory No matter what you decide, you’ll find the process simple, transparent, and tailored to you.

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Fall is here and you can especially feel it today!  If you are like us here at Back Roads Automotive, you are happy to have the kids settled at school, enjoy some cooler temperatures, and get ready for a beautiful autumn here in Chesapeake.  We are lucky to be so close to the mountains and the beach.  Even the outer banks in North Carolina is a fun destination after summer.  Way less traffic too!

Here’s some things to get you in the mood for some fall fun!

Our team here loves to eat and share recipes.  My personal favorite is old fashioned sweet potato pie.  But pretty much anything pumpkin, with apples, and spices are great. You can’t go wrong with comfort foods and baked goods.

Fall activities like hiking, apple picking, or visiting pumpkin patches are within easy reach.

Time for us to unpack our Back Roads winter gear. 

Halloween is coming and we get spooky!  We love to decorate, and you may even see our skeletons sitting around doing nothing! Don’t forget your autumn-themed decorations, including DIY projects.

Don’t forget to stay healthy during the colder months, including nutrition and self-care.

We are thankful for our great community here in Chesapeake, Moyock, Currituck and the whole Tidewater area.  We love what we do and appreciate each and every one of you who shopped with us.  We look forward to helping you, your family, friends, and co-workers.   Lastly, be grateful for a fun and safe summer and take a minute to enjoy fall!

What You Need to Know Before Buying your First Vehicle

Buying your first car is an exciting milestone, but it can also feel overwhelming if you’re not sure where to start. The good news? With a little preparation, the process can be simple, smooth, and rewarding. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you feel confident before walking into the dealership.

1. Set Your Budget

The first step is deciding what you’re comfortable spending. Think about a monthly payment that fits your lifestyle , something you can manage without stretching your finances too far.

You’ll also need to account for Virginia state taxes, title, and registration fees, and you may want to plan for optional protections like extended warranties or GAP coverage.

If you have a vehicle to trade in, that can help lower your monthly cost or reduce the amount you need to finance. Even a small down payment can make a big difference.

Loan terms vary, too:

• Shorter terms = higher monthly payments, less total interest.

• Longer terms = smaller payments, more interest over time.

To get a better idea of what works for you, try our loan calculator. And when you’re ready, you can also apply for financing online.

2. Research Your Options

Since you’re shopping for a used car, narrowing down the options is key. Used vehicles come in all shapes, sizes, and price ranges, and finding the right fit starts with thinking about your lifestyle needs:

• Do you commute long distances? Look for fuel efficiency and comfort.

• Have a family? Space and safety ratings may be top priorities.

• Need something for work or outdoor activities? Durability, towing capacity, or all-wheel drive could be important.

• Running errands around town? A smaller, easy-to-park car might be the best fit.

You can start your search right now by browsing our used car inventory. Once you have a shortlist, the test drive is where everything comes together. Sitting behind the wheel, checking visibility, and trying out the controls will tell you far more than any spec sheet.

3. Understand Financing Basics

Financing a used car doesn’t need to be complicated. A little preparation goes a long way:

• Get preapproved if you can. Knowing what you qualify for helps you shop with confidence. Start here: apply for financing.

• Understand loan terms. Shorter terms come with higher payments but less interest overall; longer terms mean smaller payments but more interest across the life of the loan.

• Know your credit score. This can affect both approval and interest rates. Even if your score isn’t perfect, dealerships work with a wide range of customers to find workable solutions.

• Make a down payment. The more you put down upfront, the less you’ll need to finance which helps reduce your monthly payment.

Not sure how the numbers will shake out? Use our loan calculator to explore different scenarios. And remember, our finance team is here to walk you through the details step by step.

4. What to Bring to the Dealership

Coming prepared makes your first visit smooth and stress-free. Here are the basics:

• Driver’s License – required for test drives and paperwork.

• Proof of Insurance – needed before you can finalize a purchase.

• Payment Method – whether that’s a down payment or full purchase funds.

• Trade-In Items (if applicable) – such as your title, keys, and any essential documents.

Having these ready will save you time and keep the process moving quickly.

We're Here To Help

Buying your first used car doesn’t have to be intimidating. By setting a budget, researching your options, understanding financing, and bringing the right documents, you’ll be well-prepared to find the vehicle that fits your life.

Start browsing our used car inventory, test out numbers with our loan calculator, and when you’re ready, apply for financing online. We’ll be here to help you every step of the way.

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 We offer a Tire and Wheel Road Hazard Warranty that offers several benefits to you!  Here are some of the key advantages:

It's financial!  If you are a daily driver, you already know the roads here in Hampton Roads can be tricky.  Our warranty options provide financial coverage for repair or replacement of tires and wheels damaged by road hazards such as potholes, nails, glass, and debris. It helps save you money on unexpected repair costs.

Because Back Roads Automotive offers this coverage, you'll have peace of mind knowing you are protected against unforeseen damages caused by road hazards. This can also reduce your stress when it happens because of potential repair expenses.

Road hazard repairs or replacements can be expensive. Our warranty covers these costs, resulting in significant savings over time. Without the warranty, you would have to bear these expenses out of pocket.

You are covered!  You can quickly address issues without a significant disruption to your schedule.  We are all busy and it saves time. 

Talk to our business manager today about all the valuable programs we offer here at Back Roads Automotive - 757.410.2400!