The Fastest, Most Efficient, and Even Fanciest Four-Cylinder Cars
For several years, four-cylinder engines had a bad reputation for being underpowered, and were often tossed into inexpensive passenger cars with few features to recommend besides improved fuel economy. gasoline. But those days are over. The four-cylinder engines of the 21st century can deliver both power and fuel efficiency, often through turbochargers and sometimes as part of a hybrid powertrain.
We rounded up the best four-cylinder cars available today. Every car on this list has a high score that includes safety, expected reliability, and professional reviews. Many of them won Car of the Year awards in their class or reached the finals.
There is a wide range of prices on offer, from very cheap to very luxurious. The lowest and highest prices in this slideshow are separated by over $ 40K, but side by side because they excel as much as the car buyers are happy.
As new information becomes available, we update our reviews. The scores in this slideshow may not match the scores in the full reviews.
The Best Four-Cylinder Cars in 2020
- 2020 Honda Civic – $22,850 | 174 hp
- 2020 Audi A4 – $37,400 | 188 hp
- 2020 Kia Stinger – $33,090 | 255 hp
- 2020 Toyota Camry – $24,425 | 203 hp
- 2020 Mazda3 – $21,500 | 186 hp
- 2020 Audi A5 – $42,900 | 248 hp
- 2020 Volkswagen GTI – $28,595 | 228 hp
- 2020 Kia Optima – $23,390 | 185 hp
- 2020 BMW 5 Series – $53,900 | 248 hp
- 2020 BMW 2 Series – $35,300 | 248 hp
- 2020 Toyota Camry Hybrid – $28,430 | 208 hp
- 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid – $27,750 | 192 hp
- 2020 Genesis G70 – $35,450 | 252 hp
- 2020 Ford Mustang – $26,670 | 310 hp
- 2020 Honda Fit – $16,190 | 130 hp
- 2020 Porsche Cayman – $57,500 | 300 hp
- 2020 Porsche Boxster – $59,600 | 300 hp
Honda Civic 2020
$ 22,850 | 174 hp | MPG: 29 city / 37 highway | USN Global Score: 8.5 / 10
The 2020 Honda Civic is available with multiple 4-cylinder engines. We like the optional 1.5-liter turbocharged 174hp engine. Not only does it offer more power than the primary naturally aspirated engine, it also uses a lot of gasoline. This is the standard engine for a hatchback, but optional on the Civic Sport sedan and coupe. The standard six-speed manual transmission is the most attractive choice for drivers, but the continuously available variable automatic transmission (CVT) offers better fuel economy, up to 42 mpg highway.
Audi A4 2020
37,400 dollars | 188 Hp | MPG: 27 City / 35 Highway | USN Global Score: 8.5 / 10
There are three engines available for the 2020 Audi A4, and there are no bad options. The base engine has a power of 188 horsepower and runs from zero to 60 mph for about seven seconds. Coupled with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is smooth and efficient, whether you’re challenging corners or stuck in traffic. Choosing the base front-wheel-drive model also means the largest fuel economy in the range, which is among the best in the A4 class.
Kia Stinger 2020
$ 33,090 | 255 hp | MPG: 22 city / 29 highway | USN Global Score: 8.5 / 10
The 2020 Kia Stinger comes with a turbocharged 255hp engine, which is among the most powerful engines on this list. It accelerates rapidly and the eight-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly through gears. Stinger sacrifices fuel economy to achieve that horsepower, with below average ratings for its class.
Toyota Camry 2020
$ 24425 | 203 hp | MPG: 29 city / 41 highway | USN Global Score: 8.5 / 10
Toyota Camry 2020 is trying to please everyone and is very successful. Its base engine produces 203 hp and pairs well with an eight-speed automatic transmission for fast acceleration. Estimated fuel consumption figures are among the best in their class. Furthermore, the Camry was named Best Mid-Size Car for Money of 2020 and Best Mid-Size Family Car of the Year 2020 award, thanks to good safety and predictable reliability scores, as well as family-friendly features at a low cost of ownership.
Mazda 3 2020
$ 21,500 | 186 hp | MPG: 27 cities / 36 highways | USN Global Score: 8.5 / 10
The 2020 Mazda3 doesn’t have the most powerful engine on this list, but it does have one of the sportiest and most engaging maneuvers in its class. Only one engine is available, and it is paired with a six-speed automatic that shifts smoothly. Optional six-speed manual in a hatchback body style. Mazda3’s EPA ratings are average for a compact car, and fuel mileage is reduced by 1 mpg for a sports sedan.
Audi A5 2020
42,900 dollars | 248 hp | MPG: 24 cities / 32 highways | USN Global Score: 8.6 / 10
The 2020 Audi A5 starts with a powerful quad-turbo engine paired with the same seven-speed dual-clutch transmission that has a smooth transmission as the A4. All-wheel drive is standard on the A5, yet fuel economy doesn’t suffer much, landing in the middle of the competition. Driving is more about comfort than sport, but driving is still fun.
Volkswagen GTI 2020
28,595 dollars | 228 Horsepower | MPG: 24 cities / 32 highways | USN Global Score: 8.6 / 10
The 2020 Volkswagen GTI is one of our best compact cars. The four-turbo engine offers plenty of zippers and is mated to a six-speed manual transmission. A seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is available. Both transmissions perform well, so the choice depends on your driving preferences. The ride and handling is sporty and capable which means it can be quite steep on some surfaces. The trade-off between all the sport is the GTI’s fuel consumption, which is low for the segm
2020 Kia Optima
23390 USD | 185 hp | MPG: 24 cities / 32 highways | USN Global Score: 8.6 / 10
The 2020 Kia Optima base engine delivers plenty of power, the ride is comfortable and the handling is quiet. It has reached the final stage of the Best Midsize Car for Money 2020 award, and excellent safety and reliability scores are expected. For more oomph, upgrade to the EX or SX models, which have quad-turbo engines with more horsepower and better fuel ratings.
Unfortunately for Optima fans, this is their last year of the same name. Kia has introduced a new model to replace the Optima, the 2021 Kia K5.
2020 BMW 5 Series
$ 53,900 | 248 hp | MPG: 25 city / 33 highway | USN Global Score: 8.6 / 10
V6 and V8 engines are available for the BMW 5 Series 2020, but you’ll find plenty of horsepower in the 4-turbo base of the 530i. Not surprisingly, this engine also delivers the best fuel economy out of the 5-Series range – in fact, it’s better than most mid-size luxury cars. The driving experience is clear and precise, while the ride remains cushioned and comfortable.
2020 BMW 2 Series
35300 dollars | 248 hp | MPG: 24 cities / 32 highways | USN Global Score: 8.7 / 10
There are three and four turbocharged engines available for the 2020 BMW 2 Series, but even the base engine produces 248 hp, which is enough for this luxury little car. It has a time of zero to 60 mph in the low five seconds. Precision steering and precise handling are suitable for the second category on twisting roads as well as in tight parking lots. The fuel efficiency is good for the semester, making it a good choice for commuting and long weekends.
2020 Toyota Camry Hybrid
28430 dollars | 208 hp | MPG: 51 city / 53 highway | USN Global Score: 8.7 / 10
The 2020 Toyota Camry Hybrid is one of the best hybrid cars available. It has excellent safety scores, expected above-average reliability, and has excellent fuel economy ratings. Hybrid cars continue to be conceptualized as slow, weak engines, but the Camry Hybrid powertrain develops 208 hp. Associated with the smooth and silent Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) to facilitate acceleration and overtaking on the highway.
Hyundai Sonata Hybrid 2020
27,750 dollars | 192 HP | MPG: 50 cities / 54 highways | USN Global Score: 8.7 / 10
The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid ranks at the top of our hybrid and electric vehicle ratings. It has excellent safety and reliability scores, and has the best fuel economy in its class. The engine is powerful enough for most driving situations, although not as fast as the Camry Hybrid. There are four driving modes to help you fine-tune the Sonata’s driving characteristics, from the fuel economy to the Active Sport mode.
Genesis G70 2020
$ 35450 | 252 Horsepower | MPG: 22 cities / 30 highways | USN Global Score: 8.8 / 10
The 2020 Genesis G70 comes with a four-speed turbo transmission and an eight-speed automatic transmission that together provide powerful acceleration with minimal turbo lag. For drivers who prefer to be more involved in the gearshift, a short-stroke six-speed manual transmission is available. The G70’s handling is designed for sporty driving, but remains comfortable and luxurious when not pushed into a corner. Sport comes at the cost of fuel consumption, as the G70 has less than average mileage for a luxury compact car.
Ford Mustang 2020
26,670 dollars | 310 hp | Mpg: 21 city / 32 highway | USN Global Score: 8.8 / 10
The 2020 Ford Mustang quad turbo engine is the most powerful engine on this list. It is linked to a six-speed automatic transmission. With the optional 10-speed automatic transmission, the Mustang can reach 100 km / h from a standstill in about five seconds. But this car can do more than the straight line speed. It has a confident feel in the corners and a comfortable ride on the highway. It also has fuel ratings suitable for a sports car.
Honda Fit 2020
16190 Dollar | 130 hp | MPG: 33 cities / 40 highways | USN Global Score: 8.8 / 10
The 2020 Honda Fit is one of our best compact cars, and it was the 2020 best compact car for the money. The expected safety and reliability scores are excellent, and its fuel economy is well above the class average. Its motor isn’t as powerful or lean, but the size of the space inside the Fit and its good-quality interior help push it to the top of this list. It’s also worth noting that you can get the upper, with leather-trimmed seats, all the advanced safety features available, and an upgraded infotainment system for just over $ 20,000.
Unfortunately, Honda announced that it will stop producing the Fit. So if you’re looking to get that little car, act fast.
Porsche Cayman 2020
57,500 dollars | 300 hp | MPG: 21 city / 27 highways | USN Global Score: 8.8 / 10
The 2020 Porsche Cayman base four-turbo engine offers all the hole you’d expect from a Porsche. It’s paired with a six-speed manual transmission to get it from zero to 60 mph in about five seconds. Thanks to its comfortable and stable driving, as well as sharp handling, the Cayman Island can gobble up winding roads on the weekends without penalizing you for the daily commute. As usual, this kind of power means fuel economy suffers, with ratings lower than most other luxury sports cars.
Porsche Boxster 2020
$ 59,600 | 300 hp | Mpg: 20 city / 26 highway | USN World Ranking: 9.0 / 10
Porsche occupies the first and second places on this list, with the 2020 Porsche Boxster being one of the best luxury sports cars on the market. It shares a boxer four-turbo engine and a six-speed manual transmission with the Cayman, but gets a zero to 60 mph time of under five seconds. The Cayman Islands also do well on city streets, long highways, and quiet country roads. It is even available for track days from time to time. Fuel economy isn’t great, but it gets 1 mpg better with the optional seven-speed automatic transmission.
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