A concise pro-and-con review of every engine evaluated as part of the 2011 competition.
Audi AG
2.0L TFSI I-4 turbo 211 hp (A4 Avant)
+ Benchmark NVH
- Output starting to lag
= Time for upgrades
3.0L TFSI supercharged V-6 333 hp (S4)
+ Stunning power, efficiency
- Needs macho exhaust note
= Nirvana in a smaller package
BMW AG
1.6L I-4 turbo 181 hp (Mini Cooper S)
+ Valvetronic intake; 113 hp/L
- Torque steer severe
= Prince Charming
3.0L I-6 turbodiesel 265 hp (335d)
+ 36-mpg highway rating
- Cost premium
= 4 cylinders should suffice
3.0L I-6 N55 turbo 300 hp (335i)
+ 300 lb.-ft., too
- Um, thinking …
= Always bowls perfect game
3.0L I-6 N54 twin-turbo 320 hp (335is)
+ Poor man's M3
- Fuel economy unimpressive
= No longer perfect
Chrysler Group LLC
3.6L Pentastar V-6 283 hp (Dodge Avenger)
+ Massive cost benefits
- Other V-6s more powerful
= Chrysler powertrain rebirth
Ford Motor Co.
1.6L I-4 120 hp (Fiesta)
+ Sophisticated cam timing
- Eagerly awaiting turbo
= Great affordable 4-cyl.
2.5L I-4 HEV 191 hp (Fusion Hybrid)
+ Excellent technology
- Hybrids are so 2010
= Remains solid performer
3.5L EcoBoost V-6 365 hp (Taurus SHO)
+ Causes V-8 torque envy
- Lacks powerful persona
= Awaiting F-150 application
3.7L Duratec V-6 305 hp (Mustang)
+ First 300-hp/30-mpg car
- Our mileage varied — badly
= Wonderful base engine
5.0L V-8 412 hp (Mustang GT)
+ Five-OMG!
- 91-octane recommended
= Keeps V-8 fires burning
5.4L SC V-8 550 hp (Shelby GT500)
+ Sounds better than Barry White
- Frequent tire rotations
= Ticket to traffic court
6.2L V-8 411 hp (F-150 SVT Raptor)
+ Tuned for Mad Max remake
- Ironically named after dinosaur
= … But a really nasty dinosaur
Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd.
2.5L turbo H-4 265 hp (Subaru Legacy GT)
+ Powerful and engaging
- NVH gains from body engineering
= Why Subarus are selling
2.5L H-4 170 hp (Subaru Forester)
+ Torque, hp peaks arrive earlier
- Modest boost over last year
= Decent, but forgettable
General Motors Co.
1.4L I-4/111 kW drive motor (Chevy Volt)
+ Go ahead, drive crosstown
- Mileage with gas just OK
= Range anxiety solved
1.4L Ecotec I-4 turbo 138 hp (Chevy Cruze)
+ Great noise attenuation
- 99 hp/L comes up short
= Fine example of downsizing
1.8L Ecotec I-4 138 hp (Chevy Cruze)
+ 36 mpg highway
- Cast-iron block
= Fuels GM's small-car strategy
2.0L DI I-4 turbo 220 hp (Buick Regal)
+ Not underpowered
- Premium fuel recommended
= Keeps Buick in game
2.4L DI I-4 182 hp (Chevy Equinox)
+ DI and good NVH coexist
- Competitors closing gap
= Proof of life at GM
6.2L LS3 V-8 436 hp (Corvette GS)
+ Upholds 'Vette mystique
- $230 from $55k price cap
= Enough with the pushrods
Honda Motor Co. Ltd.
1.5L I-4 HEV 122 hp (CR-Z)
+ Sporty, fun & CARB-friendly
- We never topped 37 mpg
= CR-X fans want gas version
Hyundai Motor Co. Ltd.
2.0L DI turbo I-4 274 hp (Sonata 2.0T)
+ Astonishing specific output
- Ragged NVH
= Envelope pushed too hard
2.4L DI I-4 198 hp (Sonata GLS)
+ Output specs trounce rivals
- Likewise, ragged NVH
= Gets the job done
2.4L I-4 HEV (Sonata Hybrid)
+ Flexible powertrain layout
- Middling real-world mpg
= Prius leadership secure
4.6L Tau V-8 385 hp (Genesis sedan)
+ Smooth and powerful
- Big brother even better
= Beginning of new dynasty
5.0L Tau DI V-8 429 hp (Genesis sedan)
+ V-8 for the ages
- Sadly overshadows excellent 4.6L
= Korean powertrain's finest hour
Kia Motors Corp.
3.5L V-6 276 hp (Sorento)
+ Great fit for this CUV
- Lost in the crowd
= Needs better mileage
Mazda Motor Corp.
1.5L I-4 100 hp (Mazda2)
+ Welcome to B-segment, Mazda
- Underwhelming
= Lacking zoom zoom
Nissan Motor Co. Ltd.
80 kW electric motor 107 hp (Leaf)
+ Electricity won't cause wars
- Lord, find me an outlet
= So long grubby gas stations
1.6L I-4 turbo 188 hp (Juke)
+ Engine offsets goofy styling
- 2 hands on wheel required
= Marginalizes V-6s
2.5L V-6 218 hp (Infiniti G25)
+ Recalls fond VQ memories
- Needs premium fuel
= Infiniti's downsizing play
Toyota Motor Corp.
1.8L I-4 HEV 134 hp (Prius)
+ Real-world 50 mpg
- Novelty wearing off
= EVs grabbing spotlight
4.0L V-8 270 hp (4Runner)
+ Improved internals and VVT
- Short of 300 hp threshhold
= Good fit for off-roading
Volkswagen AG
2.0L I-4 turbodiesel 140 hp (Jetta TDI)
+ Long-haul efficiency
- Unfriendly U.S. regulations
= Growing cult following
Volvo Car Corp.
3.0L I-6 turbo 300 hp (S60)
+ Casts brand in new light
- What took so long?
= Bavarians take note
