- Larger SUVs now come equipped with smaller powerplants as they've swapped out their V8 and V6 engines for more compact options.
- Smaller turbocharged engines offer enhanced fuel efficiency along with superior torque in the middle range of operation.
- However, turbocharged engines might seem less smooth and could potentially become less dependable over time.
In the last year, I have driven over two dozen SUVs And right away, it was clear: their engines have significantly decreased in size compared to before.
Ford initiated the present trend of engine downsizing about ten years ago when its " The "EcoBoost" V6 engines started taking the place of V8 engines. In their popular F-Series pickup trucks and Expedition SUVs, this trend has spread throughout the automotive sector due to the widespread adoption of these features. hybrid technology , more advanced turbocharged powertrains , and more stringent fuel efficiency standards.
With engines becoming more compact, cars have become larger and heavier instead. Vehicles from the early 2000s such as the Hummer H1 and Ford Excursion stood out significantly back then due to their imposing presence among other traffic. However, today, SUVs of this magnitude are much less remarkable.
"It seems to be an unavoidable aspect of working as a car manufacturer today," said Joseph Yoon, a consumer insights analyst at Edmunds, speaking to Business Insider.
Why do we downsize engines, and how is it done?
The approach to engine downsizing can vary based on the specific kind of vehicle involved.
In most cases, this process entails substituting a big naturally aspirated engine with a compact one that uses forced induction methods like exhaust-driven turbochargers or belt-driven superchargers to draw in more air and generate additional horsepower.
For example, the new Infiniti QX80 The Lexus LX600 full-size SUVs now feature twin-turbos paired with a V6 engine rather than the former V8 configuration. Similarly, midsize SUVs such as the Chevrolet Traverse, Infiniti QX60, and others have made this transition. Toyota Highlander All have recently replaced their V6 engines with turbocharged four-cylinder ones.
I have also come across some compact SUVs, such as the Nissan Rogue, that have downsized They switched their four-cylinder engines for turbocharged three-cylinder powerplants.
Nevertheless, the outcomes of reducing an engine’s size may vary unpredictably for buyers.
The news isn't entirely negative.
For automobile manufacturers, shifting to smaller, turbocharged engines offers numerous advantages, with the primary benefit being increased power output without sacrificing fuel efficiency.
The updated V6-equipped QX80 saw an increase of 50 horsepower along with a 13% boost in EPA fuel efficiency. In contrast, the LX600 offers 26 additional horsepower and a significant 36% enhancement in fuel economy over the previous V8-based LX570 model.
Meanwhile, the four-cylinder Traverse saw an increase of 18 horsepower along with a 9.5% improvement in fuel efficiency.
More crucial than sheer power is the fact that turbocharged engines generally offer richer mid-range torque compared to naturally aspirated ones. This results in a sensation of smoother and easier acceleration for drivers, according to Gabe Shenhar, who serves as the associate director of the auto test program at Consumer Reports , told Business Insider
Ultimately, adopting smaller, more efficient engines enables automakers to comply with stricter emission and fuel efficiency standards. This allows manufacturers to offer more internal combustion engine (ICE) alternatives for consumers who are hesitant about electric vehicles (EVs) in the market.
"I think for a lot of people, there's a lot of general anxiety about trying something new, especially if you're not in a big urban metro area where it's hard for you to find charging infrastructure," Shenhar explained to Business Insider.
But there are downsides to downsizing
Despite their advantages, modern turbocharged engines have drawbacks for consumers, including inconsistent power delivery and a "general lack of refinement," Shenhar and Yoon told Business Insider.
Shenhar mentioned that "Turbocharged engines can sometimes exhibit inconsistent throttle reaction. There might be a slight lag at first, followed by a sudden and delayed surge of power."
This indicates that you might need time to adapt to your new powertrain, as there could be a learning curve involved in mastering smooth acceleration.
For instance, the newly turbocharged four-cylinder engine in a 2025 model. Infiniti QX60 I recently drove not only sounds cheap and tinny but also delivers its powered unpredictable surges.
And those potential improvements in fuel efficiency promised by turbocharging might not become evident in regular use.
For instance, the turbocharged, three-cylinder engine Nissan Rogue Should have shown a three MPG improvement compared to the naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine it replaced. However, both the three and four-cylinder Rogues achieved the same fuel economy numbers according to our tests at Consumer Reports.
This is related to how turbocharged engines generate their power and how you modulate the throttle.
When maintaining a consistent speed during cruises, turbocharged engines operate very efficiently. Nonetheless, the greater your demand for acceleration and boost, the lower their efficiency becomes.
Therefore, each instance the driver forcefully accelerates while driving, they "negate some of the improvements in fuel efficiency," according to Shenhar.
Concerns over long-term reliability might exist.
Supercharged engines generate power by forcefully pumping extra air into the combustion chamber, leading to a stronger explosion. Consequently, this puts greater stress on engine parts, potentially making them less durable over time compared to those of non-supercharged engines.
Traditionally, turbochargers were employed in sports cars and vehicles aimed at car aficionados. However, this marks the first time that these devices are extensively utilized in everyday family vehicles that primarily need to safely and dependably travel between locations.
"I think we're kind of in semi-uncharted territory in terms of what turbocharging is going to do because I think all auto enthusiasts know you can't add power without taking things away whether that's refinement, or whether that's reliability, something has to give." Yoon, the Edmunds automotive analyst, said.
Nevertheless, Shenhar and Yoon state that there isn't sufficient evidence to draw a definitive conclusion at this time.
Shenhar points out that according to Consumer Reports information, over the long term reliability will rely more on each specific car manufacturer than anything else.
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