For many years, the idea of a four-cylinder engine might have conjured images of sluggish, bare-bones economy cars. However, automotive technology has advanced significantly, and today, the Best 4 Cylinder Cars are anything but basic. Thanks to innovations like turbocharging and sophisticated engine management systems, four-cylinder engines are now found in a diverse array of vehicles, from sporty coupes to luxurious sedans, offering a compelling blend of fuel efficiency and impressive performance.
Whether you’re an eco-conscious driver looking to minimize your carbon footprint or someone seeking a balance between power and economy, the market for 4 cylinder cars has something to offer. And for budget-minded consumers, the used car market is brimming with excellent four-cylinder options that deliver exceptional value. Let’s explore some of the top choices in the realm of best 4 cylinder cars, highlighting their strengths and why they deserve your attention.
2014 Toyota Prius: The Fuel Efficiency Champion
When discussing fuel efficiency and four-cylinder engines, the 2014 Toyota Prius inevitably enters the conversation. This hybrid pioneer, equipped with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine as part of its advanced hybrid system, achieves remarkable EPA ratings of 50 mpg city, 46 mpg highway, and 48 mpg combined. These figures remain exceptional even by today’s standards, placing the Prius at the forefront of fuel-sipping vehicles.
Beyond its impressive gas mileage, the 2014 Prius boasts outstanding reliability. It topped the Compact Car segment in the J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study, outperforming even non-hybrid competitors like the Buick Verano and Honda Civic. This strong reliability track record makes the used 2014 Toyota Prius a smart and dependable choice for those prioritizing fuel economy and peace of mind.
2016 Honda Accord: Mid-Size Sedan with Modern Features
The 2016 Honda Accord represents a sweet spot in the mid-size sedan segment, offering a blend of practicality, modern technology, and efficient performance. While the all-new 2018 model garnered significant attention, the 2016 Accord, with its recent refresh, brought a wealth of upgrades that still make it a compelling used car option. Notably, it incorporated advanced connectivity features like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, keeping drivers seamlessly integrated with their digital lives.
Furthermore, the 2016 Accord introduced the “Honda Sensing” suite of safety technologies, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Its standard four-cylinder engine delivers a respectable 185 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, while achieving EPA fuel economy ratings of up to 27 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 30 mpg combined. This combination of features, safety, and efficiency cements the 2016 Honda Accord as a top contender in the best 4 cylinder cars category for mid-size sedans.
2015 Chevrolet Malibu: Reliable Mid-Size with Turbo Option
The 2015 Chevrolet Malibu distinguishes itself with strong predicted reliability ratings from Consumer Reports and the added convenience of a built-in mobile Wi-Fi hotspot. This mid-size sedan provides a choice of two four-cylinder engines, catering to different driving preferences. The standard 2.5-liter engine prioritizes fuel efficiency, achieving EPA ratings of 25 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined, while producing 196 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque.
For drivers seeking more spirited performance, the 2015 Malibu offers an optional 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. This powerplant significantly boosts output to 259 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, yet remarkably maintains highway fuel economy at up to 29 mpg. This balance of available power and respectable efficiency, coupled with its reliability and tech features, makes the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu a noteworthy option among the best 4 cylinder cars in the mid-size class.
2015 Subaru Impreza: Compact Car with Standard All-Wheel Drive
Subaru is renowned for its boxer engines and standard all-wheel drive, and the 2015 Subaru Impreza compact sedan and hatchback exemplify these characteristics. The Impreza’s 2.0-liter boxer four-cylinder engine, with its horizontally opposed piston design, contributes to a lower center of gravity, enhancing handling and stability. It delivers 148 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque, while achieving EPA ratings of up to 28 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 31 mpg combined.
The 2015 Impreza also marked the introduction of Subaru’s EyeSight safety system, offering adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, and lane-departure warning. Furthermore, it earned a superior predicted reliability score from Consumer Reports. The combination of standard all-wheel drive, fuel efficiency, and available safety tech positions the 2015 Subaru Impreza as a unique and practical choice in the compact 4 cylinder car segment, especially for drivers in regions with inclement weather.
2014 Hyundai Elantra: Value-Packed Compact with Two Engine Choices
For car buyers prioritizing value, the 2014 Hyundai Elantra compact sedan stands out as an excellent option. While it may not boast the latest cutting-edge features of newer, more expensive vehicles, the 2014 Elantra compensates with impressive predicted reliability and a 2014 Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. It also offers two four-cylinder engine options to suit different needs.
The standard 1.8-liter engine leads the Elantra range in fuel economy, achieving EPA ratings of 27 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, and 31 mpg combined. For those seeking more power, a newly introduced 2.0-liter engine with direct injection, available in the Sport model, produces 173 horsepower and 154 lb-ft of torque. Available features like leather upholstery, heated seats, a rearview camera, and LED lighting further enhance the appeal of the 2014 Hyundai Elantra as a value-driven and well-rounded compact 4 cylinder car.
2016 Lexus IS: Entry-Level Luxury with Turbocharged Performance
Stepping into the realm of premium vehicles, the 2016 Lexus IS compact sport sedan brings Lexus’s renowned reliability and luxury to the 4 cylinder car category. Crucially, the 2016 IS introduced a new standard 2.0-liter engine featuring a twin-scroll turbocharger. This engine delivers a responsive 241 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, providing a satisfying driving experience expected from a sport sedan.
Adding to its appeal, this turbocharged engine also offers respectable fuel efficiency, achieving EPA ratings of 22 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined when paired with the standard eight-speed automatic transmission in the IS 200t trim. The 2016 Lexus IS successfully combines luxury, performance, and efficiency in a compact package, making it a desirable choice for those seeking a premium 4 cylinder car experience.
2015 Lincoln MKZ: American Luxury with Turbo and Hybrid Options
The 2015 Lincoln MKZ offers a touch of American luxury with a focus on efficient power. Its standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 240 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, providing ample performance without sacrificing fuel economy. The turbo engine achieves EPA ratings of 22 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined.
Furthermore, the 2015 MKZ also offers a hybrid powertrain option, also based on a four-cylinder engine, which dramatically increases fuel efficiency to 41 mpg city, 39 mpg highway, and 40 mpg combined. Complementing its efficient powertrains, the 2015 MKZ boasts high predicted reliability scores from Consumer Reports and available luxury features such as leather-trimmed multi-contour massage-function front seats. This combination of luxury, efficiency, and reliability positions the 2015 Lincoln MKZ as a strong contender in the American luxury 4 cylinder car segment.
2016 BMW 2 Series: Sporty Coupe with Available All-Wheel Drive
For driving enthusiasts seeking a sporty and engaging experience, the 2016 BMW 2 Series coupe stands out among used 4 cylinder cars. Its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine generates 240 horsepower and 255 lb-ft of torque, enabling the 228i xDrive Coupe to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a swift 5.3 seconds. The 2 Series prioritizes driving dynamics with its athletic two-door body style, available in both hardtop and convertible configurations.
Adding to its versatility, the BMW 2 Series offers available xDrive all-wheel drive, making it one of the few vehicles on this list to provide enhanced traction and control in various driving conditions. While rear-wheel drive remains standard for a classic sporty feel, the option of all-wheel drive broadens its appeal. The 2016 BMW 2 Series delivers a compelling blend of sporty performance, available all-weather capability, and the premium driving experience expected from the BMW brand, securing its place as a top sporty 4 cylinder car.
2014 Buick Verano: Dependable Compact with Turbo Upgrade
The 2014 Buick Verano distinguishes itself as a highly dependable compact car, earning top marks in the J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study and receiving strong predicted reliability scores from Consumer Reports. Similar to other entries, the Verano offers two four-cylinder engine choices. The standard engine provides a competitive 180 horsepower and 171 lb-ft of torque, while achieving 31 mpg on the highway.
For driving enthusiasts, the Verano offers a surprising upgrade: a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that boosts output to 250 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. This turbocharged variant can even be paired with a six-speed manual transmission, a rare find in this segment, while still maintaining the same 31 mpg highway fuel economy as the standard engine. The 2014 Buick Verano combines dependability with available performance and a touch of unexpected sportiness, making it a noteworthy compact 4 cylinder car.
2016 Volvo S60: Safe and Reliable Scandinavian Sedan with Twin Engine Options
Concluding our list, the 2016 Volvo S60 mid-size sedan marks Volvo’s achievement in reaching top-tier predicted reliability ratings, aligning with the brand’s long-standing reputation for safety. The 2016 S60 offers two powertrain options that fit our four-cylinder criteria, both based on a 2.0-liter foundation. One version is turbocharged, producing 240 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, with EPA ratings of 26 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, and 30 mpg combined.
The second, more powerful option utilizes both a turbocharger and a supercharger, boosting output to an impressive 302 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. This twin-charged engine delivers enhanced performance while maintaining respectable efficiency. The 2016 Volvo S60 embodies Volvo’s core values of safety and reliability, now complemented by a range of efficient and powerful four-cylinder engine options, making it a compelling choice in the mid-size luxury 4 cylinder car segment.
Conclusion
The landscape of 4 cylinder cars has dramatically evolved. No longer limited to basic transportation, these engines now power a wide spectrum of vehicles offering impressive performance, advanced technology, and remarkable fuel efficiency. From fuel-sipping hybrids to sporty coupes and luxurious sedans, the models highlighted here demonstrate the versatility and capability of modern four-cylinder powertrains. Whether you prioritize economy, performance, luxury, or reliability, the best 4 cylinder cars on the used market provide compelling options to meet diverse driving needs and preferences.
