If we want to keep our internal combustion engines, there is no doubt that we have to accept that brand-new cars, from sedans to pickup trucks, will have to downsize due to environmental pressures and efficiency. We all love a V6. Historically classed as that perfect middle-ground type of engine, generously powerful, with a satisfying sound, but they rarely broke the bank in fuel consumption compared to V8’s. They traveled along effortlessly without a fuss.
In 2026, and even before the 2020s, manufacturers have become increasingly dedicated to generating similar, or even better, performance from four-cylinder variants. Powertrains that can offer the same punch as an outgoing V6 in a car that was designed with emissions and the future in mind. In this list, we’ve compiled ten four-cylinder engines ranked on horsepower output and how they have innovated to be advantageous compared to their V6 predecessors.
Engines are listed in ascending order based on max horsepower, from the least powerful to the most powerful.
Mazda Skyactiv-G 2.5T (2015 Onward)
Peak Horsepower: 250
This is one of the older engines on this list, debuting in 2015, and one that is currently going through a transition phase of becoming a hybrid. The Skyactiv 2.5T was a masterclass in introducing to the world what downsizing can technically achieve. With a thirsty 3.7-liter Cyclone engine being used before it, you’d assume this new powertrain would lack the guts necessary to be a worthy follow-up.
With 40 pound-feet more torque than the V6, and a roughly 25-percent uplift in efficiency, it was proof that downsizing isn’t always a bad thing, even for those who are interested in performance. And with lessons learned from the V6’s timing chain-driven internal water pump, the Skyactiv opted for a more traditional, more reliable approach. An across-the-board improvement.
GM L3B 2.7-Liter Turbomax (2024 Onward)
Peak Horsepower: 310
Traditionally, you would expect a V6 to be far more beneficial in a truck than a four-cylinder. But in 2024, GM proved that fewer cylinders can do more work. With the outgoing 3.6-liter V6 producing 271 pound-feet of torque quite high in the rev range, it meant capability was only moderate even at higher RPMs.
The 2.7-liter Turbomax utterly changed the philosophy of what Chevy Silverados and Colorados can do, with a phenomenal 430 pound-feet of torque delivered below 2,000 RPM — a game-changing shift. And one that came with diesel-like reliability.
- 159 pound-feet more torque than the 3.6-liter V6
- 2,500 pounds more towing capacity
- Fully forged steel bottom end on the four-cylinder
- Piston cooling jets create better cooling on the four-cylinder
Honda K20C 2.0-Kiter Turbo (2015 Onward)
Peak Horsepower: 320
This is one of the more controversial engines on this list due to the high acclaim of the outgoing V6, which featured in the Honda Accord and Acura RDX. However, with the switch to four-cylinders, Honda has already shaved off nearly 80 pounds of weight from the V6 model, greatly reducing understeer and making the car feel more dynamic and lively.
With similar torque figures as the V6, but in a lighter package and with greater tuning potential, it becomes a radical choice for modern Civic Type Rs and Integras. It has also built a legacy of performance and reliability that is rarely matched in today’s market.
2026 Acura Type S (K20 2.0-Liter Turbo Specs)
|
Horsepower |
320 |
|
Torque |
310 Ib-ft |
|
0 – 60 mph |
5.1 seconds |
|
Top Speed |
167 mph |
|
Weight |
3,219 pounds |
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Volkswagen EA888 2.0-Liter TSI (2009 Onward)
Peak Horsepower: 328
This four-cylinder beast is the gift that keeps on giving. Many pre-2010 engines have been retired, but with the EA888 in its fifth generation, it just shows how ahead of its time the original generation was in potential, and it was emissions-friendly. The previously used VR6 that it replaced was a desirable engine, one that was more traditional in its delivery, with 3,500 rpm being the sweet spot for torque output. But the EA888 in the 2026 Atlas produces 271 pound-feet at just 1,600 rpm.
Whilst they both have comparable peak power, once again, the near 100-pound weight loss from the front of the car exponentially changes the way in which the car handles and behaves. There was also an uplift from roughly 18 mpg combined to 24 mpg in the four-cylinder, making it more daily-driver friendly. The EA888 2.0-liter TSI wasn’t about reinventing how much power or torque was possible; it was about bringing huge-displacement V6 levels of performance and improving it in every conceivable way to the consumers.
Ford 2.3-Liter Eco Boost (2015 Onward)
Peak Horsepower: 350
Another engine that replaced the aging 3.7-liter Cyclone V6 was the 2.3-liter EcoBoost. This V6 to four-cylinder shift was done mainly for the Mustangs and Explorers, and really proved to people that four-cylinders were only going to become more common. While it was an initial culture shock to see a four-cylinder muscle car, buyers have grown to appreciate the brave Ecoboost for the punch it delivers, despite its small displacement.
Culturally, if a traditional V8 muscle car could have a four-cylinder in the modern era, any vehicle could end up being downsized. But it is an impressive engine, which has yielded 350 horsepower from the racy Ford Focus RS, so it isn’t without real performance merit.
Mustang 3.7-Liter V6 Vs 2026 2.3-Liter EcoBoost
- +15 horsepower more in the EcoBoost
- +70 pound-feet more torque in the EcoBoost
- 1.3 seconds less 0-60 mph in the EcoBoost
- +5 MPG more mpg in the EcoBoost
Porsche MA2.22 2.5-Liter Flat Four (2017 Onward)
Peak Horsepower: 365
This 2.5-liter Flat four came as a surprise for Boxter and especially Cayman models, as in the mid to late 2010s, the automotive mindset wasn’t convinced by the idea of four-cylinders in a performance car, but with Porsche’s commitment to refinement, efficiency, and sheer mechanical grunt, it’s no wonder they opted for a lighter, more future-proof solution.
Porsche managed to capture the essence of their previous engines with four-cylinders, with a 7,500 rpm redline and direct injection. A vastly capable modern Boxer engine engineered to behave like a racing powertrain. And, combined with Porsche’s exemplary driving dynamics and precision tuning, it handles business as one would expect when pushed.
Typical MA2.22 Flat-Four vs 3.4-Liter Flat-Six
- Typical 30-horsepower uplift compared to the outgoing flat-six
- +40 pound-feet of torque over the V6
- Variable turbine geometry vs naturally aspirated flat-six
- +3 more MPG on the flat-four
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Toyota T24A-FTS 2.4-Liter Turbo Hybrid (2021 Onward)
Peak Horsepower: 366
This particular engine had an extremely difficult act to follow in the form of the bulletproof 3.5-liter 2GR FKS V6. Moving consumers anyway from a proven powertrain known for having legendary reliability is difficult, but the T24A has its own set of benefits that you may want to consider. With the close integration with hybrid power, the two combined produce a whopping 465 pound-feet of torque at an astonishing 1,700 RPM. Incredible grunt and low-stress RPMs.
This is one of the most essential uplifts in performance on this list, with the four-cylinder hybrid resulting in a 75-percent uplift in torque, utterly transforming SUVs, pickups, or any vehicles that utilize it. Not only did the V6’s comparative lack of torque create a far less punchy vehicle, but it also meant auto boxes often shifting gears to try and find the harder to achieve power band, creating a more haphazard and less relaxing experience. Because there is so much boost available on the T24, this is completely solved.
Stellantis 2.0-Liter Hurricane 4 (2025 Onward)
Peak Horsepower: 375
The Hurricane 4 is a truly cutting-edge engine, featuring F1-derived technology in an engine that is mainly intended for Jeep Grand Cherokees. Moving away from traditional spark plugs in the center of the cylinder, each cylinder now has a pre-chamber with its own spark plug, creating a much faster burn of fuel. Not only this, but the variable geometry turbocharger eliminates lag, creating instant torque, which is a deadly combination with the hybrid system on the Cherokee Trailhawk. The Hurricaine 4 proves innovative technology can overcome the capabilities of V6s of the past.
2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Hybrid 4xe Specs
|
Horsepower |
375 |
|
Torque |
470 Ib-ft |
|
0 – 60 mph |
6.0 seconds |
|
Top Speed |
118 mph (off-road tire limited) |
|
Weight |
5,521 pounds |
Volvo B420 2.0-Liter Four-Cylinder (2023 Onward)
Peak Horsepower: 455
The newest iterations of the Volvo “420” series are wonderful engines. In its most up-to-date hybrid form, named the B420, it is one of the most efficient examples of downsizing in the industry. With huge power gains from what is, at its heart, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, it further makes the case that these downsized engines are often simply far more capable.
With enormous SUVs like the XC90 to propel, the original 3.2-liter inline-six engines were only just adequate for lugging such heavy vehicles around, but with peak horsepower of over 450, the post 2023 Volvo’s that utilize this engine can embarrass genuine sports cars. With an extra 145 horsepower coming from the electric motors, instant torque is possible, and that amounts to an incredible 523 pound-feet.
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