Turbocharged 3-Cylinder Engines Power a New Wave of Fun and Affordable Cars

Key points

• The 2026 Toyota GR Corolla features a 300-horsepower, 302 lb-ft torque three-cylinder engine, with a limited-edition GRMN version adding 7 lb-ft of torque and custom aerodynamics.
• The Ford Bronco Sport uses a 180-hp, 200 lb-ft turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine, available with off-road packages like Black Diamond and Sasquatch for enhanced trail capability.
• The Morgan Super 3 utilizes a detuned version of Ford’s 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine, producing 118 hp and 110 lb-ft, but achieves a 0-60 mph time of 7 seconds due to its 1,400-pound weight and manual transmission.
• The Chevrolet Trax and Buick Encore GX offer turbocharged three-cylinder engines with 137 hp and 155 hp respectively, providing a mix of driving enjoyment and practical cargo space for small SUVs.
• Toyota has sold only 730 units of the limited-edition GRMN Corolla, highlighting the exclusivity of high-performance three-cylinder models despite the brand’s massive overall Corolla sales volume.

Background

Recent automotive trends have seen a shift toward smaller, turbocharged engines to improve fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance. This trend is evident in the growing popularity of three-cylinder engines in both mainstream and performance-oriented vehicles. For instance, the Subaru EJ25-powered Porsche 914 auctioned in August 2026 highlighted the ongoing interest in engine swaps and performance modifications, even in classic cars. This broader context underscores the industry’s move toward optimizing power output from smaller displacement engines, a strategy now being applied to modern production vehicles like the Toyota GR Corolla and Ford Bronco Sport.

Why it matters

The resurgence of three-cylinder engines in high-performance and off-road vehicles challenges the traditional notion that larger engines are necessary for a fun driving experience. This trend benefits consumers by offering more affordable, fuel-efficient options that do not compromise on acceleration or engagement. Additionally, the success of models like the Toyota GR Corolla and Morgan Super 3 demonstrates that manufacturers can create compelling driving experiences with smaller engines, potentially influencing future automotive design and consumer preferences.

What to watch

Expect more automakers to adopt turbocharged three-cylinder engines in their performance and off-road lineups as technology continues to improve power output and efficiency. The limited availability of models like the GRMN Corolla suggests that high-performance three-cylinder vehicles may remain niche but highly sought-after. Additionally, the success of these models could lead to further innovations in engine technology, potentially expanding the use of three-cylinder engines in other vehicle segments.