The Most Reliable Four-cylinder Engine, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the four-cylinder engine you think is the most reliable!

Updated on Apr 29, 2024 06:55

In the quest for a dependable vehicle, choosing the right engine is crucial. Many drivers opt for four-cylinder engines due to their balance of power and efficiency. Understanding which of these engines stands out in terms of reliability can save time, money, and ensure a smoother ride. This interactive list ranks the most reliable four-cylinder engines based on user votes. By participating, you contribute to a clearer picture of which engines deliver the most consistent performance. Whether you're in the market for a new car or just curious about automotive engineering, your votes help guide others in making informed decisions.

What Is the Most Reliable Four-cylinder Engine?

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44
votes
Jojodancer at English Wikipedia · Public domain

Toyota 2JZ-GE

Toyota

This engine is known for its reliability and durability. It has been used in various Toyota models and has a reputation for being able to handle high horsepower upgrades.
The Toyota 2JZ-GE is a renowned four-cylinder engine known for its reliability and performance. It is a naturally aspirated, inline-six, gasoline-powered engine, which is a part of the JZ engine family developed by Toyota.

Engine type: Inline-six

Displacement: 3.0 liters

Valvetrain: DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshaft)

Power output: 220 horsepower

Torque: 215 lb-ft
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53
votes
Honda K-Series

Honda

The K-series engine is highly regarded for its reliability, versatility and performance. It has been used in various Honda models and is a popular choice for engine swaps in other cars.
The Honda K-Series is a line of four-cylinder engines produced by Honda. It is known for its reliability, performance, and versatility.

Engine type: Inline-four

Displacement: 1.8L, 2.0L, 2.4L

Valvetrain: Double overhead camshaft (DOHC)

Fuel system: Sequential multi-port fuel injection

Compression ratio: Varies based on specific model
Honda K-Series in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most reliable modern engine
3

9
votes
Subaru EJ25

Subaru Corporation

The EJ25 engine is known for its reliability and longevity. It has been used in various Subaru models and is capable of handling high levels of boost for those seeking more power.
The Subaru EJ25 is a horizontally opposed, four-cylinder petrol engine that belongs to the EJ series manufactured by Subaru. It is known for its reliability, durability, and performance, making it a popular choice among Subaru enthusiasts.

Engine Layout: Horizontally opposed (Boxer) configuration

Displacement: 2.5 liters

Cylinder Configuration: Four cylinders

Valvetrain: DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft)

Fuel Delivery: Multi-point fuel injection
Subaru EJ25 in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most reliable Subaru engine
- Position 3 of 10 in Most reliable engine for a car
- Position 4 of 10 in Most reliable modern engine
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28
votes
Nissan SR20DET

Nissan

The SR20DET engine is highly regarded for its reliability and performance. It has been used in various Nissan models and is a popular choice for engine swaps in other cars.
The Nissan SR20DET is a widely acclaimed four-cylinder turbocharged engine known for its reliability and performance. It was produced by Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

Displacement: 2.0L

Configuration: Inline-4

Valvetrain: DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder

Turbocharging: Single turbocharger

Fuel Delivery: Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Nissan SR20DET in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most reliable Nissan engine
5

17
votes
Mazda BP-ZE

Mazda

The BP-ZE engine is known for its reliability and high-revving nature. It has been used in various Mazda models and is a popular choice for racing applications.
The Mazda BP-ZE engine is a highly regarded four-cylinder engine used in various Mazda models. It is known for its reliability, performance, and fuel efficiency.

Engine Type: Inline-4

Displacement: 1.8 liters

Valve Configuration: DOHC, 16 valves

Power Output: 128 hp - 140 hp

Torque: 116 lb-ft - 124 lb-ft
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9
votes
100yen 05:28, 22 October 2006 (UTC) · CC BY-SA 3.0

Mitsubishi 4G63

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation

The 4G63 engine is highly regarded for its reliability and performance. It has been used in various Mitsubishi models and is capable of handling high levels of boost for those seeking more power.
The Mitsubishi 4G63 is a four-cylinder, inline gasoline engine known for its reliability and performance. It has been widely used in various Mitsubishi vehicles since its introduction in 1981.

Displacement: 2.0L

Configuration: Inline 4-cylinder

Valvetrain: DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshaft)

Fuel System: Electronic Fuel Injection

Power Output: Varied based on specific iterations and applications, ranging from approximately 145 to 300+ horsepower
7

13
votes
Ford Ecoboost

Ford Motor Company

The Ecoboost engine is known for its reliability and fuel efficiency. It has been used in various Ford models and is capable of producing high levels of power while still maintaining good fuel economy.
The Ford Ecoboost is a line of turbocharged, direct-injection gasoline engines developed by the Ford Motor Company. It was designed to provide improved fuel efficiency and performance while reducing emissions.

Engine Type: Inline-4

Displacement: Various options available, ranging from 1.0L to 2.7L

Turbocharging: Standard across all Ecoboost engines

Direct Fuel Injection: Standard across all Ecoboost engines

Power Output: Varies depending on engine size, ranging from around 123 horsepower to over 335 horsepower
8

5
votes
BMW N20

BMW

The N20 engine is highly regarded for its reliability and performance. It has been used in various BMW models and is capable of producing impressive power output while still maintaining good fuel economy.
The BMW N20 is a four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine known for its reliability and performance. It was introduced by BMW in 2011 and has been used in various BMW models.

Engine Type: Inline-4

Displacement: 2.0 L

Power Output: 135 kW (181 hp) to 240 kW (322 hp)

Torque: 270 Nm (200 lb-ft) to 450 Nm (332 lb-ft)

Turbocharging: Single twin-scroll turbocharger
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7
votes
Volkswagen EA888

Volkswagen Group

The EA888 engine is known for its reliability and performance. It has been used in various Volkswagen models and is capable of producing impressive power output while still maintaining good fuel economy.
The Volkswagen EA888 is a four-cylinder gasoline engine series developed by Volkswagen Group. It is known for its reliability, performance, and fuel efficiency.

Engine Type: Inline-four

Displacement: 1.8-2.0 liters

Fuel Injection: Direct injection

Turbocharging: Yes

Power Output: 150-290 horsepower
10

1
votes
Fiat MultiAir

Fiat Powertrain Technologies

The MultiAir engine is highly regarded for its fuel efficiency and reliability. It has been used in various Fiat models and is capable of producing good power output while still maintaining excellent fuel economy.
The Fiat MultiAir is a range of four-cylinder engines developed by Fiat Powertrain Technologies. It features a unique electro-hydraulic variable valve timing system that offers improved efficiency and performance.

Engine type: Four-cylinder

Valve timing system: Electro-hydraulic variable valve timing

Fuel injection: Direct fuel injection

Displacement: Varies depending on model

Power output: Varies depending on model

Missing your favorite four-cylinder engine?

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Discussion

Ranking factors for reliable four-cylinder engine

Build quality

Engines that are built with high-quality materials and are designed to withstand rigorous use are generally more reliable.
Maintenance

Engines that require regular maintenance and have easily accessible components for inspections, fluid changes, and repairs tend to last longer.
Performance

Engines that are designed to deliver consistent power and perform well under normal driving conditions are often more reliable.
Fuel efficiency

Engines that are designed to produce more power from less fuel tend to be more reliable because they are subjected to less stress over time.
Brand reputation

Engines made by reputable brands with a history of producing reliable vehicles are more likely to be reliable.
Customer reviews

Customer reviews and feedback can provide insights into the durability and reliability of a particular engine.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most reliable four-cylinder engine. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Four-cylinder engine is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

3686 views
195 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Four-cylinder engine once every 24 hours. The rank of each Four-cylinder engine is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most reliable four-cylinder engine

Background Information: Four-Cylinder Engines Four-cylinder engines are a popular choice for many car manufacturers due to their efficiency and compact size. They generally have lower fuel consumption and emissions compared to larger engines, making them ideal for those who want to save on gas and reduce their carbon footprint. However, not all four-cylinder engines are created equal. Some are more reliable than others, and it can be difficult to know which ones to trust. This is where polls and rankings come in handy, as they provide a way to compare different engines based on real-world experiences from drivers and mechanics. When it comes to the most reliable four-cylinder engines, there are a few standouts that consistently rank highly. These include engines from Toyota, Honda, and Subaru, which are known for their longevity and low maintenance costs. Other popular options include engines from Mazda, Ford, and Volkswagen, which also have a good reputation for reliability and performance. Overall, choosing a four-cylinder engine can be a smart choice for those who prioritize fuel efficiency and sustainability. By doing your research and consulting polls and rankings, you can find the most reliable engine for your needs and enjoy years of trouble-free driving.