The Most Reliable Modern Engine, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the modern engine you think is the most reliable!

Updated on May 5, 2024 06:55

Determining which modern engines stand up to the demands of today's technology can be a daunting task given the wide variety of options available. By ranking these engines based on reliability, users gain insights driven by collective experience and expertise. This process assists both current owners looking to evaluate their choices and potential buyers seeking trustworthy information before making a decision. Your participation in voting helps shape a clearer picture of each engine's performance and dependability in real-world conditions. This live ranking adjusts as new votes come in, ensuring that it accurately reflects current user opinions and experiences. Your input is valuable in helping others make informed choices about the engines that power the devices and vehicles integral to daily life.

What Is the Most Reliable Modern Engine?

1

67
votes
Jojodancer at English Wikipedia · Public domain

Toyota 2JZ-GTE

Toyota Motor Corporation

This engine has gained a reputation as one of the most reliable and durable engines ever made. It is known for its strong bottom end, robust internals, and ability to handle high horsepower.
The Toyota 2JZ-GTE is a high-performance, inline-six, twin-turbocharged engine known for its durability, reliability, and potential for significant power gains.

Engine Type: Inline-six, twin-turbocharged

Displacement: 3.0 liters (2997 cc)

Max Power: 320 horsepower at 5,600 rpm

Max Torque: 315 lb-ft (427 Nm) at 4,000 rpm

Fuel System: Sequential fuel injection
Toyota 2JZ-GTE in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most reliable engine for a car
- Position 1 of 10 in Most reliable engine Toyota has ever made
- Position 1 of 10 in Most reliable six-cylinder engine
2

46
votes
Honda K-Series

Honda

The K-series engine is one of the most popular and respected engines among Honda enthusiasts. It is known for its high-revving capability, excellent power output, and reliability.
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 four-cylinder engine
3

23
votes
Mazda SkyActiv-G

Mazda

The SkyActiv-G engine is Mazda's latest generation of engines that uses advanced technologies to improve fuel efficiency and performance while maintaining reliability.
The Mazda SkyActiv-G is a modern and highly reliable engine developed by Mazda. It is designed to provide optimal fuel efficiency and performance while reducing emissions.

Displacement: 2.0L or 2.5L

Compression Ratio: 13:1

Direct Injection: Yes

Variable Valve Timing: Yes

i-stop System (Start-Stop Technology): Available
4

12
votes
Subaru EJ25

Subaru Corporation

The EJ25 engine is Subaru's flagship engine and is known for its reliability, durability, and ability to handle high horsepower.
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 four-cylinder engine
- Position 3 of 10 in Most reliable engine for a car
5

17
votes
BMW N54

The N54 engine is known for its impressive performance and reliability. It is a turbocharged inline-six engine that can produce over 300 horsepower in stock form.
The BMW N54 is a turbocharged straight-six gasoline engine, introduced in 2006 by BMW. It is part of BMW's N series engines, known for their performance and reliability.

Engine type: Inline-6

Displacement: 3.0 L

Turbochargers: Twin-turbo

Power output: 300 hp - 335 hp

Torque: 300 lb-ft - 369 lb-ft
6

10
votes
Ford EcoBoost

Ford Motor Company

The EcoBoost engine is a family of turbocharged engines that have gained a reputation for reliability and performance. They are known for their excellent fuel economy and low emissions.
The Ford EcoBoost is a modern engine technology developed by Ford Motor Company. It is a range of turbocharged gasoline engines designed to prioritize fuel efficiency without compromising on performance.

Engine Type: Turbocharged gasoline

Displacement: Varies based on specific EcoBoost engine model

Number of Cylinders: Varies based on specific EcoBoost engine model

Fuel Injection: Direct fuel injection

Turbocharging: Yes
7

4
votes
Chevrolet LS

General Motors

The LS engine is one of the most popular and reliable engines among hot rod enthusiasts. It is known for its robust design, excellent power output, and ability to handle high horsepower.
The Chevrolet LS is a series of small-block V8 engines produced by General Motors. It is known for its reliability, performance, and versatility, making it a popular choice for a variety of vehicles.

Engine Type: V8

Displacement: 5.3L-7.0L

Horsepower Range: 300-650 hp

Torque Range: 335-650 lb-ft

Fuel Delivery: Sequential fuel injection
Chevrolet LS in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most reliable V8
- Position 7 of 10 in Most reliable engine for a car
8

9
votes
Porsche Flat-Six

Dr. Ernst Fuhrmann

Porsche's flat-six engine is known for its reliability, durability, and performance. It is used in many of Porsche's most iconic sports cars and has a reputation as one of the most reliable engines in the world.
The Porsche Flat-Six is a horizontally opposed six-cylinder internal combustion engine commonly used in Porsche sports cars and race cars. It is renowned for its reliability, smooth operation, and distinctive sound.

Displacement: Varies depending on the model, ranging from 2.7L to 4.0L

Configuration: Horizontally opposed (boxer) engine

Valvetrain: Double overhead camshafts (DOHC)

Aspiration: Naturally aspirated or turbocharged (depending on the model)

Fuel System: Direct fuel injection
9

5
votes
Mercedes-Benz M113

Mercedes-Benz

The M113 engine is a V8 engine that is known for its reliability and durability. It is used in many of Mercedes-Benz's most popular models and has a reputation as one of the most reliable engines in the world.
The Mercedes-Benz M113 is a V8 engine that was developed by Mercedes-Benz in the late 1990s and early 2000s. It is known for its reliability and smooth power delivery, making it a popular choice for luxury vehicles.

Engine type: V8

Displacement: 4.3-5.5 liters

Power output: 275-493 horsepower

Torque: 295-516 lb-ft

Valvetrain: SOHC
Mercedes-Benz M113 in other rankings
- Position 8 of 10 in Most reliable engine for a car
10

12
votes
Tennen-Gas · CC BY-SA 3.0

Nissan VQ

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

The VQ engine is Nissan's flagship engine and is known for its reliability, durability, and performance. It is used in many of Nissan's most popular models and has a reputation as one of the most reliable engines in the world.
The Nissan VQ is a modern and highly reliable engine known for its performance and smooth operation. It is a series of V6 engines produced by Nissan since 1994. The creator of the Nissan VQ engine is Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., a leading Japanese automobile manufacturer.

Displacement: 2.5L - 3.7L

Configuration: V6

Cylinder Block Material: Aluminum

Valvetrain: DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshaft)

Fuel System: Direct Injection

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Ranking factors for reliable modern engine

Build Quality

The engine should be built with high-quality materials and to precise tolerances to ensure longevity and reliability.
Maintenance Requirements

The engine should have a reasonable maintenance schedule that is easy to follow and doesn't require frequent repairs to keep things running smoothly.
Fuel Efficiency

The engine should be designed to deliver optimal fuel efficiency, reducing the need for frequent refueling and reducing the overall cost of operation.
Performance

The engine should have sufficient power and responsiveness to meet the needs of the driver, without sacrificing reliability or fuel efficiency.
Longevity

The engine should be designed to last for many years with minimal wear and tear, providing consistent performance over the lifetime of the vehicle.

About this ranking

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

Statistics

2488 views
202 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

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

More information on most reliable modern engine

When it comes to modern engines, there are several options available in the market varying in terms of power, performance, efficiency, and reliability. The most reliable engine is the one that offers consistent and trouble-free performance over an extended period. One of the most popular and reliable engine options in the market today is the Toyota 2JZ-GTE engine. This engine has become a favorite among car enthusiasts and professionals due to its robust design and exceptional durability. Another reliable modern engine is the Honda K-series engine. Known for its efficiency and power, this engine has been a top choice for drivers looking for a high-performance engine that can deliver consistent results. The K-series engine is also highly customizable, making it a popular option for those who want to tune their engines for maximum performance. The Subaru EJ-series engine is another reliable option, known for its exceptional performance, reliability, and durability. This engine is popular among rally car drivers and has been used in several high-performance Subaru models. Overall, several modern engines are highly reliable and offer exceptional performance, making it a tough choice to pick the most reliable one. However, by considering factors such as power, efficiency, and durability, you can identify the perfect engine for your needs.