If I forget about my warranty (hypothetically), are there any combinations of ECU, air intake, etc, that could add-say-30 horsepower? Can the under-the-hood space physically fit a turbocharger or other stuff?

The acceleration is so bad on the highway that honestly it's a bit uncomfortable and TBH if I had known this alone (along with some other things) I never would have purchased this car. (Ugh; it's hard to justify essentially another $10K just for more horsepower in a crossover).

I'm definitely going to try to get rid of this vehicle as soon as economically possible. I know with 187 HP six speed at that weight I wasn't going to get a drag-racing feel, but I've driven a 90 HP electric hybrid with more pickup on the highway.

Its weird how powerful the first 40 mph is compared to how weak the rest is.

 

A 30 horsepower gain from just an intake and an ECU is probably ten times reality. A turbo is possible, but with an already high compression ratio, it is much more complicated than bolting on a turbo and intercooler; minimally a much thicker head gasket would be necessary, and more likely different pistons.

 

Just a thought, if you really push the accelerator pedal, there is a kickdown swiitch that gets you to a lower gear quickly. There's a lot of engine roar from the higher rpms, but you definitely accelerate quicker.