10 Turbocharged Four-Cylinder Engines With Bulletproof Reliability

BMW Turbocharged 2.0-Liter B48 Inline-Four: 302 HP

Engine Specs

Manufacturer	BMW
Production Years	2015-present
Configuration	Inline-4
Displacement	2.0 liters
Power	194-302 hp
Torque	221-332 lb-ft
Fuel	Gasoline
Noteworthy Applications	BMW X1, BMW X2, BMW X3, BMW X4, BMW 2 Series, BMW 3 Series, BMW 4 Series, BMW 5 Series, BMW M135i, BMW Z4, Toyota GR Supra

Yes, you read that right folks,

BMW does indeed build some reliable engines
. Just behind the most reliable BMW engine ever built – the B58 – sits the B48 inline-four engine. BMW’s B48 is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-pot that develops up to 302 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque in cars like the Mini JCW GP and BMW M135i.Sure, BMW has had some reliability issues in the past, but whoever is currently leading their engineering team is doing an excellent job. The B48 engine marks a significant improvement for the brand in terms of reliability when compared to the N20.

B48 Inline-Four Reliability, Mileage, & Maintenance Costs

• J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: 85/100 (2022 BMW X3), 81/100 (2022 BMW 3 Series)
• Average Yearly Maintenance Costs (RepairPal): $915 (BMW X1), $748 (BMW 3 Series (330i))
• Est. Maintenance Costs During The First 10 Years (CarEdge): $17,516 (BMW X1), $13,780 (BMW 2 Series)
• Highest Mileage Reported (CarSurvey): 19,888 miles (2019 BMW X1 xDRIVE28i)

Volkswagen Turbocharged 2.0-Liter EA888 Inline-Four: 310 HP

Engine Specs

Manufacturer	Volkswagen Group
Production Years	2008-present
Configuration	Inline-4
Displacement	2.0 liters
Power	170-310 hp
Torque	207-280 lb-ft
Fuel	Gasoline
Noteworthy Applications	Volkswagen Jetta GLI, Golf 5 GTI, Golf 6 GTI, Golf 7 GTI/7R, Tiguan, Audi TT/TTS, Audi A1, Audi A4, Audi A5, Audi A6, Audi Q2, Audi Q3, Audi Q5, Audi Q7, Audi S3

The turbocharged 2.0-liter EA888 inline-four is a performance-built petrol motor found in cars like the Mk6 Volkswagen Golf GTI. Generating between 208 hp and 310 hp, the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-banger called the EA888 has enough strength for your daily driving needs.And contrary to popular belief, the EA888 VW engine is a reliable piece of engineering. Sure, it might not be the most indestructible of turbo four-cylinder engines out there, but it’s still as hard as a rock. Which makes it such a shame that the

highly popular Volkswagen Golf is being discontinued
.

VW EA888 Reliability, Mileage, & Maintenance Costs

• J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: 86/100 (2018 Volkswagen Jetta), 82/100 (2016 Audi Q3)
• Average Yearly Maintenance Costs (RepairPal): $752 (Audi TT), $676 (VW Tiguan)
• Est. Maintenance Costs During The First 10 Years (CarEdge): $9,644 (Audi TT), $7,644 (VW Tiguan)
• Highest Mileage Reported (CarSurvey): 50,235 miles (2016 Audi TT Quattro Sport 2.0 TFSI)

Honda Turbocharged 2.0-Liter K20C1 Inline-Four: 320 HP

Engine Specs

Manufacturer	Honda
Production Years	2015-present
Configuration	Inline-4
Displacement	2.0 liters (121.9 cu in)
Power	306-320 hp
Torque	295-310 lb-ft
Fuel	Gasoline
Noteworthy Applications	2015-present Honda Civic Type R, 2024 Acura Integra Type S

Honda is no stranger to making powerful, reliable four-cylinder engines, but their new Civic Type R’s powertrain takes things up a notch. Not only is it one of the most powerful turbocharged four-cylinders on sale at the moment, but it’s also one of the most reliable.The K20C1 is a single turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a displacement of only 2.0 liters. Honda’s K20C1 engine is nearly bulletproof due to its use of an aluminum block, forged steel crankshaft, and an exhaust manifold that’s integrated within the cylinder head to give direct access to the turbocharger. To lower the piston rings’ temperature and keep the pistons cool when pushing the engine to its limit, Honda chose to go with F1-style internal cooling galleries and specially designed oil jets located inside the cylinder block.In addition to its robust construction, the engine produces an astounding 315 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. This engine is such an engineering marvel that Honda decided to drop it into the


2024 Acura Integra Type S
– only this time around, it generates 320 ponies!

Honda K20C1 Reliability, Mileage, & Maintenance Costs

• J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: 82/100 (2024 Honda Civic)
• Average Yearly Maintenance Costs (RepairPal): $368 (Civic average)
• Est. Maintenance Costs During The First 10 Years (CarEdge): $5,245 (Civic average)
• Highest Mileage Reported (Reddit): 70,000 miles (2018 Honda Civic Type R), 26,000 miles (2019 Honda Civic Type R)

GM L3B: 325 HP

Engine Specs

Manufacturer	General Motors
Production Years	2019-present
Configuration	Inline-4
Displacement	2.7 liters
Power	237-325 hp
Torque	260-430 lb-ft
Fuel	Gasoline
Noteworthy Applications	2020-present Cadillac CT4, 2020-present Cadillac CT4-V, 2019-present Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2019-present GMC Sierra 1500, 2023-present Chevrolet Colorado, 2023-present GMC Canyon

Like the Toyota T24A-FTS, the GM 3LB turbo-four is a relatively new engine compared to the other entries on this list of the most reliable four-cylinder engines. However, it quickly captured the hearts of performance enthusiasts, thanks to its impressive power – it makes up to 325 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque. Its appeal goes beyond performance alone, however, as the engine also earns high marks for reliability from J.D. Power, with the Cadillac CT4 scoring an impressive 86 out of 100 in both 2023 and 2024.Besides, the engine’s reputation for reliability is evident in its construction. The combination of an aluminum block and cylinder head, forged steel crankshaft and connecting rods, and aluminum pistons featuring a cast iron ring groove insert contributes to a durable powertrain that offers both power and dependability.

GM 3LB Reliability, Mileage, & Maintenance Costs

• J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: 86/100 (2023-2024 Cadillac CT4), 82/100 (2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500)
• Average Yearly Maintenance Costs (RepairPal): $783 (Cadillac CT4), $714 (Chevrolet Silverado 1500)
• Est. Maintenance Costs During The First 10 Years (CarEdge): $9161 (Cadillac CT4), $10,003 (Chevrolet Silverado 1500)

Since their inception, all Mitsubishi Lancer Evos have shared a common engine configuration: a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Among them, the most dependable option is undoubtedly the 4G63, a 2.0-liter turbo-four commonly found in sports sedans like the Evo VII.In adherence to the Japanese Gentlemen’s Agreement, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VII initially delivered 276 horsepower and 282 lb-ft of torque, although there is speculation that these figures could go as high as 305 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque. However, the UK-spec, limited-edition Mitsubishi Lancer Evo FQ-400 pushed the boundaries even further,


making up to 405 horsepower and 355 lb-ft of torque
. In addition to its impressive performance, the 2.0-liter 4G63T is highly durable, with a typical

lifespan between 200,000 and 250,000 miles
when properly maintained.

Mitsubishi 4G63T Reliability, Mileage, & Maintenance Costs

• J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: N/A
• Average Yearly Maintenance Costs (RepairPal): $646 (Mitsubishi Lancer average), $510 (Mitsubishi Eclipse)
• Highest Mileage Reported (CarSurvey): 200,000 miles(2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution GSR 2.0 Turbo), 72,000 miles (1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS-T 2.0 Turbo)

With the impressive power output of Ford’s V6 EcoBoost, the public is gradually recognizing Ford’s expertise in creating high-performance forced induction engines. While some may argue that V6 engines are superior to four-cylinders, the latter are more fuel-efficient and generally more reliable, and

some four-cylinders even outperform V6 and V8 engines in terms of power
. However, let’s shift the focus from the V6 EcoBoost to its smaller counterpart, the four-cylinder EcoBoost. Though not without its flaws,

the 2.3-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine can easily exceed 200,000 miles with original equipment
.This engine is found in vehicles like the Ford Focus RS and Mustang (yes, you read that correctly), and it can generate between 270 and 405 horsepower. Torque is also impressive, with the engine making between 305 and 369 lb-ft.

Ford 2.3-Liter EcoBoost Reliability, Mileage, & Maintenance Costs

• J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: 84/100 (2023 Ford Mustang), 87/100 (2021 Lincoln Corsair)
• Average Yearly Maintenance Costs (RepairPal): $709 (Ford Mustang), $732 (Ford Explorer)
• Est. Maintenance Costs During The First 10 Years (CarEdge): $7,093 (Ford Mustang), $9,017 (Ford Explorer)
• Highest Mileage Reported (CarSurvey): 63,000 miles (2016 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Premium 2.3L Turbo), 18,890 miles (2017 Ford Explorer XLT 2.3 Ecoboost)