Best Four-Cylinder Cars
In latest years, we have seen a movement to smaller engines. At very first, six-cylinder motors substituted V8s, then, four-cylinder engines displaced these sixes. Even in the luxury arena, four-cylinder engines are becoming common.
Among puny and midsize cars, however, four-cylinder engines have reigned supreme for years. Here is a look at some of the best cars with four-cylinder engines, based on the latest U.S. News evaluations and rankings.
More on the two thousand seventeen Honda Accord
More Slideshows
- nine Alternatives to a two thousand seventeen Toyota Highlander September 1, 2017
- ten Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Volkswagen Jetta September 1, 2017
- nine Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Mini Cooper September 1, 2017
- ten Best Cars for Technophobes September 1, 2017
- eight Tips for Avoiding Flood-Damaged Cars August 31, 2017
- nine Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Ford Fusion August 31, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Cars for the Money February 7, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Cars for Families March 7, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Vehicle Brand Awards November 15, 2016
Mazda3
As things now stand, four-cylinder compacts don’t get much better than the Mazda3, which is tied with the Kia Soul for 2nd place in the U.S. News ranking of compact cars. The very first place finisher, the Chevrolet Bolt EV, doesn’t qualify for this review since it is a battery-powered electrified vehicle.
The Mazda3 offers two four-cylinder engines; a Two.0-liter motor rated at one hundred fifty five horsepower and a 184-horsepower Two.5-liter. Either engine can be mated to a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. Whatever the drivetrain, spectacle and fuel economy are incredible.
However, its fun-to-drive nature is what sets the Mazda3 apart from other compact sedans and hatchbacks. The only demerit covered a taut backseat.
More on the two thousand seventeen Mazda Mazda3
More Slideshows
- nine Alternatives to a two thousand seventeen Toyota Highlander September 1, 2017
- ten Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Volkswagen Jetta September 1, 2017
- nine Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Mini Cooper September 1, 2017
- ten Best Cars for Technophobes September 1, 2017
- eight Tips for Avoiding Flood-Damaged Cars August 31, 2017
- nine Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Ford Fusion August 31, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Cars for the Money February 7, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Cars for Families March 7, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Vehicle Brand Awards November 15, 2016
Kia Soul
The two thousand seventeen Kia Soul demonstrates that you don’t need to buy a utility vehicle for practicality. This compact hatchback supplies incredible cargo space.
As for its engines, the base model uses a 1.6-liter, 130-horsepower four-cylinder that produces an adequate spectacle around town but will leave many drivers wanting more power. This can be had in the “+” (Plus) trim level with its standard Two.0-liter, 161-horsepower four-cylinder. The top trim level, the “!” (Exclaim), uses a peppy 201-horsepower turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder.
A six-speed manual is the standard transmission in the base model with a six-speed automatic option. This automatic is the only transmission in the +, while a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is standard with the turbocharged engine.
Fuel economy lags compact sedans, but when measured against utility vehicles with comparable interior space, 61.Trio cubic feet with the backseat folded, the Soul’s fuel consumption becomes competitive.
More on the two thousand seventeen Kia Soul
More Slideshows
- nine Alternatives to a two thousand seventeen Toyota Highlander September 1, 2017
- ten Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Volkswagen Jetta September 1, 2017
- nine Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Mini Cooper September 1, 2017
- ten Best Cars for Technophobes September 1, 2017
- eight Tips for Avoiding Flood-Damaged Cars August 31, 2017
- nine Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Ford Fusion August 31, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Cars for the Money February 7, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Cars for Families March 7, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Vehicle Brand Awards November 15, 2016
Honda Civic
As a sedan or hatchback, the Honda Civic is one of the best four-cylinder cars available. For sedan buyers, the Civic offers two engines; a Two.0-liter, 158-horsepower four-cylinder motor for the lower trim levels and a 174-horsepower, 1.5-liter turbo motor for the upper trim levels. Hatchbacks use this more powerful motor exclusively, tuned for one hundred eighty horsepower in Sport Touring models. Depending on trim level and engine, the transmission choices are either a six-speed manual or a CVT.
The rail is fairly comfy and the treating is top notch. Seating is roomy and convenient, while the interior design and materials are a class above what might be expected at this price point.
Honda’s Sensing system is either an option or standard on the sedans and hatchbacks. This package includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, lane departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. The beginning price with this package is $20,540.
More on the two thousand seventeen Honda Civic
More Slideshows
- nine Alternatives to a two thousand seventeen Toyota Highlander September 1, 2017
- ten Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Volkswagen Jetta September 1, 2017
- nine Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Mini Cooper September 1, 2017
- ten Best Cars for Technophobes September 1, 2017
- eight Tips for Avoiding Flood-Damaged Cars August 31, 2017
- nine Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Ford Fusion August 31, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Cars for the Money February 7, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Cars for Families March 7, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Vehicle Brand Awards November 15, 2016
Volkswagen GTI
It could be argued that the Volkswagen GTI occupies two automotive spheres. It is a useful five-door hatchback and a sports car. Its powerful turbocharged engine supplies ample spectacle, thanks to its 210-horsepower rating, which rises to two hundred twenty horses in the top trim level. Transmission choices are a six-speed manual or dual-clutch automatic.
Spectacle is excellent and treating is athletic, yet the rail is compliant and managed. Interior convenience gets a boost thanks to good seating and a nicely trimmed passenger cabin.
The Volkswagen GTI’s commencing price of $24,995 is not for bargain hunters. However, its spirited spectacle, exceptional rail, responsive treating, and upscale interior make this price seem reasonable.
More on the two thousand seventeen Volkswagen GTI
More Slideshows
- nine Alternatives to a two thousand seventeen Toyota Highlander September 1, 2017
- ten Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Volkswagen Jetta September 1, 2017
- nine Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Mini Cooper September 1, 2017
- ten Best Cars for Technophobes September 1, 2017
- eight Tips for Avoiding Flood-Damaged Cars August 31, 2017
- nine Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Ford Fusion August 31, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Cars for the Money February 7, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Cars for Families March 7, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Vehicle Brand Awards November 15, 2016
Toyota Prius
Four cylinder engines can be part of a gasoline-electric hybrid drivetrain. Perhaps the best example is found in the Toyota Prius.
Fuel economy has long been the Prius’ claim to fame. However, the two thousand sixteen redesign enhanced railing convenience and treating, making the current Prius much more pleasant to drive.
The Toyota Prius is available in up to six trim levels with a commencing price of $24,686. All models feature a 1.8-liter, four-cylinder gasoline engine, two electrified motor-generators, a continuously variable automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive. EPA ratings are fifty four mpg in the city and fifty on the highway.
More on the two thousand seventeen Toyota Prius
More Slideshows
- nine Alternatives to a two thousand seventeen Toyota Highlander September 1, 2017
- ten Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Volkswagen Jetta September 1, 2017
- nine Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Mini Cooper September 1, 2017
- ten Best Cars for Technophobes September 1, 2017
- eight Tips for Avoiding Flood-Damaged Cars August 31, 2017
- nine Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Ford Fusion August 31, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Cars for the Money February 7, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Cars for Families March 7, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Vehicle Brand Awards November 15, 2016
Chevrolet Malibu
Many very ranked four-cylinder cars are compacts, but four-cylinder power is also used in larger cars. A prime example is the Chevrolet Malibu, the top rated midsize sedan in the U.S. News rankings. It is powered by a pair of turbocharged fours. The base 160-horsepower four-cylinder displaces 1.5-liters. Premier trim level buyers get a 250-horsepower, Two.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engines. A six-speed automatic is paired with the 1.5-liter engine. The Two.0-liter motor gets a nine-speed automatic transmission.
Boosting the Malibu to the top of the midsize sedan ratings are its convenient and quiet rail, roomy interior, and excellent cargo space. The kicking off price is $21,680.
More on the two thousand seventeen Chevrolet Malibu
More Slideshows
- nine Alternatives to a two thousand seventeen Toyota Highlander September 1, 2017
- ten Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Volkswagen Jetta September 1, 2017
- nine Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Mini Cooper September 1, 2017
- ten Best Cars for Technophobes September 1, 2017
- eight Tips for Avoiding Flood-Damaged Cars August 31, 2017
- nine Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Ford Fusion August 31, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Cars for the Money February 7, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Cars for Families March 7, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Vehicle Brand Awards November 15, 2016
Hyundai Sonata
With its many strengths and few weaknesses, the Hyundai Sonata ranks 2nd in the U.S. News & World Report’s evaluation of midsize cars. The Sonata was one of the very first midsize cars to abandon optional V6 power. Other automakers have since followed.
In the Sonata, the base Two.4-liter, 185-horsepower engine and six-speed automatic transmission produce good spectacle. Buyers wanting more power can opt for a 245-horsepower, Two.0-liter turbocharged four. Unluckily, U.S. News concluded that the added spectacle from this engine is not worth the $Trio,200 it costs. Regardless of the engine, the Sonata produces excellent fuel economy, a satisfying spectacle, roomy interior and a convenient rail.
More on the two thousand seventeen Hyundai Sonata
More Slideshows
- nine Alternatives to a two thousand seventeen Toyota Highlander September 1, 2017
- ten Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Volkswagen Jetta September 1, 2017
- nine Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Mini Cooper September 1, 2017
- ten Best Cars for Technophobes September 1, 2017
- eight Tips for Avoiding Flood-Damaged Cars August 31, 2017
- nine Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Ford Fusion August 31, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Cars for the Money February 7, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Cars for Families March 7, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Vehicle Brand Awards November 15, 2016
Honda Accord
Among the four-cylinder cars featured here, the Honda Accord is the only model that offers buyers a V6 engine upgrade, however Toyota and Nissan also make a V6 optional in their midsize sedans. After attempting the 185-horsepower, Two.4-liter four-cylinder engine, most Accord buyers conclude that the V6 is unnecessary.
The four-cylinder motor in the Accord can be paired with a six-speed manual or one of the better CVTs available today. Adding to the Accord’s appeal are its good fuel economy, a convenient and quiet rail, a stylish interior, and competent treating.
More on the two thousand seventeen Honda Accord
More Slideshows
- nine Alternatives to a two thousand seventeen Toyota Highlander September 1, 2017
- ten Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Volkswagen Jetta September 1, 2017
- nine Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Mini Cooper September 1, 2017
- ten Best Cars for Technophobes September 1, 2017
- eight Tips for Avoiding Flood-Damaged Cars August 31, 2017
- nine Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Ford Fusion August 31, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Cars for the Money February 7, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Cars for Families March 7, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Vehicle Brand Awards November 15, 2016
Chevrolet Camaro
Chevrolet’s Camaro, the sportiest car in this group, comes with a 275-horsepower, turbocharged Two.0-liter four-cylinder engine and eight-speed automatic transmission as standard equipment. The coupe starts at $25,905. A convertible is also suggested.
Perhaps in anticipation of the Camaro’s two thousand seventeen golden anniversary, Chevrolet redesigned the car last year. In the process, it diminished the weight by several hundred pounds and redesigned the suspension. As a result, the Camaro has become one of the better treating sports cars available.
A V6 and V8 are also suggested, but the lighter four offers more than enough power. Complaints center on the very petite backseat, little trunk, and limited visibility.
More on the two thousand seventeen Chevrolet Camaro
More Slideshows
- nine Alternatives to a two thousand seventeen Toyota Highlander September 1, 2017
- ten Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Volkswagen Jetta September 1, 2017
- nine Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Mini Cooper September 1, 2017
- ten Best Cars for Technophobes September 1, 2017
- eight Tips for Avoiding Flood-Damaged Cars August 31, 2017
- nine Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Ford Fusion August 31, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Cars for the Money February 7, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Cars for Families March 7, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Vehicle Brand Awards November 15, 2016
More Shopping Implements From U.S. News & World Report
To explore other good options, check out our fresh car rankings. Then, when you’re ready to buy, use our Best Price Program to get the best deal on your fresh car purchase.