For decades, big engines were the standard in North America. V6 and V8 powerplants dominated showrooms, while small displacement cars were often overlooked as underpowered or cheap. Times have changed. Rising fuel prices, tighter emissions standards, and new engineering technologies have transformed small engines into capable and efficient powerplants. Turbocharging, variable valve timing, hybrid systems, and lightweight design have allowed automakers to squeeze more power out of less displacement. Today, some of the most economical and versatile cars in the North American market are powered by engines that would have seemed too small just a generation ago. Here are ten of the smallest displacement cars currently available, expanded with horsepower figures, fuel economy ratings, and real-world appeal.
Mitsubishi Mirage
The Mitsubishi Mirage is one of the last cars sold in North America to use a three cylinder naturally aspirated engine. Its 1.2 liter motor produces just 78 horsepower and 74 pound feet of torque. While those numbers sound modest, its extremely light curb weight of around 2,000 pounds helps it return outstanding fuel economy. The Mirage achieves around 36 miles per gallon in the city and 43 on the highway. This makes it the least expensive new car to buy and run in the U.S. Its small size and frugal character make it a favorite for budget-conscious buyers and city drivers who prioritize savings over speed.
Mini Cooper Three Cylinder Models
The base Mini Cooper uses a 1.5 liter turbocharged three cylinder engine that produces 134 horsepower and 162 pound feet of torque, which rises to 169 with overboost. Despite the small size, the turbo gives the car lively performance, with 0 to 60 times in under eight seconds. Fuel economy is rated at about 29 miles per gallon city and 38 on the highway, making it one of the more efficient premium small cars. What makes this engine special is how playful and refined it feels, giving the Mini an engaging character that matches its sharp handling and stylish looks.
Ford Maverick Hybrid
The Ford Maverick may be a compact pickup, but its base hybrid model is powered by a small 2.5 liter Atkinson cycle four cylinder engine paired with an electric motor. Combined output is 191 horsepower, with power sent through a continuously variable transmission. Fuel economy is impressive for a pickup, averaging about 42 miles per gallon city and 33 on the highway. That makes it more efficient than many compact sedans. The Maverick proves that small displacement engines paired with electrification can handle truck duty while saving serious money at the pump.
Hyundai Accent
The Hyundai Accent has been one of the most affordable sedans in the market, relying on a 1.6 liter four cylinder engine producing 120 horsepower and 113 pound feet of torque. Fuel economy averages around 33 miles per gallon city and 41 on the highway. While not sporty, it provides dependable, efficient transportation and has built a reputation for low maintenance costs. The Accent’s modest displacement helps keep weight down, allowing it to remain one of the most economical cars for both purchase price and ownership.
Kia Rio
Mechanically similar to the Hyundai Accent, the Kia Rio also uses a 1.6 liter four cylinder engine producing 120 horsepower. Its combined mileage is roughly 36 miles per gallon, and it offers a choice between sedan and hatchback body styles. While small displacement is the key to its efficiency, its simple, durable design is what makes it popular with budget buyers. It is the kind of car that can quietly serve for years with minimal complaints, proof that tiny engines can still deliver reliable performance.
Chevrolet Trailblazer Three Cylinder Models
The Chevrolet Trailblazer crossover comes with two small turbocharged three cylinder engines. The 1.2 liter turbo produces 137 horsepower, while the optional 1.3 liter turbo makes 155 horsepower and up to 174 pound feet of torque. Despite their size, these engines deliver decent performance for daily driving, thanks to turbo boost coming on early in the rev range. The 1.3 liter version achieves up to 31 miles per gallon combined with front wheel drive. The Trailblazer demonstrates how small displacement turbo engines can give crossovers respectable performance while cutting fuel use compared to larger competitors.
Buick Encore GX
Sharing its engines with the Chevrolet Trailblazer, the Buick Encore GX offers the same 1.2 liter and 1.3 liter turbocharged three cylinder engines. Output ranges from 137 to 155 horsepower, with torque figures that make the small crossovers surprisingly usable in city and highway driving. The Encore GX delivers around 30 miles per gallon combined. Buyers get the benefit of premium trim levels while still enjoying the efficiency of small displacement powerplants. It shows how even entry-level luxury crossovers are embracing downsized engines to meet modern demands.
Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla remains one of the most popular cars in North America and still relies on small displacement engines. The base 1.8 liter four cylinder produces 139 horsepower and averages 32 miles per gallon city and 41 on the highway. A 2.0 liter option pushes output to 169 horsepower with similar efficiency. While larger than some of the engines on this list, the Corolla’s 1.8 liter unit is one of the smallest naturally aspirated engines in the compact class. Its reliability and efficiency have helped it remain a top seller for decades, proving that small displacement and durability go hand in hand.
Nissan Versa
The Nissan Versa is currently one of the most affordable cars in North America, powered by a 1.6 liter four cylinder engine producing 122 horsepower and 114 pound feet of torque. Fuel economy sits at 32 miles per gallon city and 40 highway, giving it strong efficiency numbers for a non hybrid. While performance is modest, the Versa offers spacious seating and modern safety features at a low price point. The small displacement engine is one of the reasons the Versa is able to remain so affordable to run and maintain.
Honda Civic Small Turbo Engines
The Honda Civic has shifted toward smaller turbocharged engines to balance performance and economy. In North America, the most compact option is the 1.5 liter turbocharged four cylinder producing between 174 and 180 horsepower depending on trim. Fuel economy averages 32 miles per gallon city and 42 on the highway, excellent figures for a compact sedan with real performance ability. The combination of turbocharging and Honda engineering makes the Civic’s small displacement engine one of the best blends of efficiency and fun in the segment.
Downsized
The North American market once celebrated big engines, but today some of its most practical cars are powered by engines under two liters. From the three cylinder Mitsubishi Mirage with barely 80 horsepower to the turbocharged 1.5 liter Honda Civic that blends performance with 40 plus miles per gallon efficiency, these small displacement engines show just how far automotive technology has come. Automakers have found ways to make small engines punch above their weight, giving buyers affordable, reliable, and efficient vehicles that fit modern demands. Downsizing no longer means compromise. Instead, it reflects the future of smart design, where less really can deliver more.
25 Facts About Car Loans That Most Drivers Don’t Realize
Car loans are one of the most common ways people fund car purchases. Like any other kind of loan, car loans can have certain features that can be regarded as an advantage or a disadvantage to the borrower. Understanding all essential facts about car loans and how they work to ensure that you get the best deal for your financial situation is essential. Here are 25 shocking facts about car loans that most drivers don’t realize:
25 Facts About Car Loans That Most Drivers Don’t Realize
