- "Oh, how I've missed the pang of dread I feel whenever you mention the words 'How hard can it be'..."
- ―Richard Hammond lampshading Jeremy's words in the Series 9 premiere
"How hard can it be?" Challenges are segments where the trio are involved in an experiment which has a seemingly difficult task, and are usually prefaced by Jeremy or one of the other hosts saying "How hard can it be?".
Top Gear (Clarkson era)[]
| Episode | Challenge |
|---|---|
| Series 5, Episode 5 | Under 10-minute Lap Nürburgring challenge... in a diesel |
| Series 6, Episode 7 | Under 10-minute Lap Nürburgring challenge... in a van |
| Series 8, Episode 1 | Convertible People Carrier |
| Series 8, Episode 2 | Present a Drive Time Radio Show |
| Series 8, Episode 3 | Amphibious Car Challenge |
| Series 8, Episode 4 | Anne Hathaway's Cottage |
| Series 8, Episode 5 | Improve Lap by 20-seconds |
| Series 8, Episode 6 | Caravan Holiday |
| Series 8, Episode 7 | DIY Caterham built kit race |
| Series 8, Episode 8 | Roadies Van challenge |
| Series 9, Episode 1 | Roadworks challenge |
| Series 9, Episode 4 | Reliant Robin Space Shuttle |
| Series 9, Episode 5 | Tractor Challenge |
| Series 9, Episode 6 | Limousine Challenge |
| Top Gear Special | Polar Special |
| Series 10, Episode 2 | Amphibious Car Challenge 2 |
| Series 10, Episode 8 | Driving a Formula One car |
| Series 10, Episode 9 | Britcar 24-hour Endurance Race |
| Series 13, Episode 7 | Making a Volkswagen Scirocco commercial |
| Series 14, Episode 2 | Self-made electric car |