Even in the event you’re not an automotive fanatic, you could have seen in recent times that increasingly more automobiles have a four-cylinder engine beneath the hood, together with bigger automobiles and SUVs. Automakers have been placing large six- and eight-cylinder engines in automobiles for greater than 100 years, and there is not any denying that drivers love energy. So what’s behind the transition to smaller engines, and are drivers pleased with the efficiency of newer four-cylinder automobiles?
The development towards four-cylinder engines is principally down to 2 elements: environmental laws and value. 4-cylinder engines are lighter and extra fuel-efficient, and thus extra simply meet emissions requirements than their bigger counterparts. They’re cheaper to make and keep and can be utilized in varied configurations, together with all-wheel drive. They’re additionally usually supplied with turbocharging, giving the car a lift in energy.
On the time of writing, greater than 60% of automobiles on the street at present have four-cylinder engines. The sheer quantity of automobiles on the street and on the auto lot with these measurement engines signifies that many drivers are happy with much less energy. That is partly as a result of the four-cylinder engines of at present are rather more highly effective, and well-made, than these present in automobiles just like the infamous Chevy Vega. In actual fact, trendy four-cylinder engines at present practically match the horsepower of the typical eight-cylinder engines offered 25 years in the past. That being stated, some drivers discover that four-cylinders are much less refined or do not supply sufficient torque or towing energy for his or her wants.
4-cylinders versus bigger choices
The Mazda CX-30 and the Hyundai Tucson are a few of the hottest four-cylinder SUVs in 2025, however there are nonetheless loads of six-cylinder choices on the market — this is what consumers ought to contemplate after they’re purchasing. 4-cylinder engines are light-weight and usually supply higher gasoline effectivity, so it is a good selection in case you have a protracted commute. As we famous earlier, many fashions are turbocharged, giving these smaller engines sufficient energy to get bigger, heavier automobiles transferring with ease. The get-up-and-go, so to talk, ought to fulfill most drivers. Fashionable four-cylinder engines are additionally designed to supply mid-range torque for higher acceleration, and variable valve timing and different trendy additions like high-pressure direct injection and low-friction inner coatings give automobiles a easy and agile journey.
What’s to not like? Properly, in the event you plan to tow a trailer or camper, you may most definitely desire a extra highly effective engine. Some turbocharged four-cylinders supply first rate towing capability, however six-cylinder automobiles usually outperform on this regard. Regardless of trendy developments, automobiles with bigger engines usually supply a smoother journey merely based mostly on how the engine works, particularly at increased speeds. Chances are you’ll discover extra engine noise in a four-cylinder car.
Lastly, you may wish to contemplate upkeep. Whereas four-cylinder engines are usually simpler and cheaper to keep up, the addition of turbocharging might complicate that. These methods might require extra upkeep, and turbo engines want oil modifications extra usually than non-turbo methods. Finally, it is best to take a look at drive a automobile earlier than you commit and bear in mind, there are different decisions on the market, together with environment friendly three-cylinder choices.
