If your vehicle is showing car feels sluggish like the brakes are dragging or holding the car back, here are the most likely causes and the parts you'll need to fix each one.
A seized brake caliper piston or unlubricated slide pins will keep the brake pads pressed against the rotor even when you aren't braking. This creates severe physical resistance and often causes a burning smell from the affected wheel.
The parking brake cables can rust and bind, or the internal shoes can stick, preventing the parking brake from fully releasing when you lower the handle.
A severely restricted exhaust system chokes the engine, preventing it from exhaling. This causes a drastic loss of power that feels exactly like the brakes are being applied when you try to accelerate.
If the engine computer gets bad data about incoming air, it won't provide enough fuel. The car will bog down and feel extremely sluggish under acceleration, mimicking brake drag.
The internal rubber lining of an older brake hose can deteriorate and collapse, acting like a one-way valve. It lets fluid push the brakes on, but won't let the fluid return, keeping the brakes locked on that wheel.
If the transmission detects a fault, it may lock itself into a higher gear (like 3rd) to protect itself. Starting from a dead stop in a high gear makes the car feel incredibly heavy and sluggish.