Best Engines Ever Reviewed by Cararac.com: My Opinion

We've been reviewing different car technologies for over a decade now. And we've already gathered a surprising number of engine reviews. But what engines are actually the best in terms of quality, life expectancy, fuel efficiency, and also drivers' reviews?

In this article, I want to show you the best engines by different car manufacturers that you may rely on. Some of them will most likely be unobvious and may even surprise you. But I will explain why I include each of these engines in the list of the best ones.

PLEASE NOTE: I don't aim to dig into the history and only take the engines that are still used or at least are in use at the moment when I'm writing this article! So, no engines from 1995 here.

Let's see the list of the world's best engines by all popular car brands!

Best Chevrolet engine: L82/L84

Yes, this is not the most technological engine GM produces. But this is a very rare thing in the modern world of automotive technologies: it can go over 250,000 miles without serious repairs and expensive issues.

The engine is the large V8 naturally aspirated machine that's used by Chevrolet in different vehicles including the Silverado, Suburban, and Tahoe. Although this engine was only introduced in 2019, it's based on well-known technologies, so there shouldn't be any problems with it.

I like this unit for its durability, reliability, and great power. One of the bad things is the fuel consumption, of course.

Key features and my opinion:

• Production years:2019-now
• Average lifespan of L82/L84:240,000-280,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:direct injection
• Power range:355 hp
• Fuel efficiency:bad
• Engine block material:aluminum
• Engine reliability score:high
• The most common problems:oil consumption, cooling system problems, head gasket failure, AFM/DFM problems.

Best Ford engine: 3.0L V6 EcoBoost

While I usually don't like turbocharged engines, this one is really great. It's certainly one of the best Ford engines in its history, so I can clearly put it here without any doubts.

The 3.0L EcoBoost is a V6 turbocharged engine with a decent power supply. It's quite reliable and the estimated lifespan of this engine is higher than with the 3.5L EcoBoost. The engine is based on old technology but is fitted with a lot of modern features. Even though it's a V6, it can show perfect fuel economy.

I love this engine for being very durable, efficient, powerful, and also fun to drive. It powers a lot of Ford's vehicles and shows no intention to be discontinued anytime soon.

Key features and my opinion:

• Production years:2017-now
• Average lifespan of 3.0L V6 EcoBoost:200,000-240,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:direct injection
• Power range:350-550 hp
• Fuel efficiency:average
• Engine block material:aluminum
• Engine reliability score:medium
• The most common problems:valvetrain problems, issues with electronics, oil consumption, power loss.

Best Honda engine: K24

The K24 is a legendary series with a lot of different generations included. But overall, it's still the same old good 4-cylinder engine with large cylinders and pistons that is ready to drive quite a lot.

It offers average efficiency but it's durable and ready for almost any challenges on the road. The engine is naturally aspirated, it offers the Honda i-VTEC phaser in almost all recent generations. There is a mighty chain that can live almost forever. Yes, there are still some issues and common problems to be considered but they are not so expensive and serious.

The K24 engine is still used in some vehicles but smaller turbo engines are taking over. It's a pity that such legendary technologies have to be discontinued due to emission control rules.

Key features and my opinion:

• Production years:2001-now
• Average lifespan of K24:210,000-240,000
• Fuel supply type:port injection (later - direct injection)
• Power range:160-206 hp
• Fuel efficiency:average
• Engine block material:aluminum
• Engine reliability score:medium
• The most common problems:exhaust camshafts are weak, no lifters, throttle contamination, oil leaks, engine mounts problems.

Best Hyundai engine: G6DN 3.8L V6

While the G6DN engine is used only in the Palisade in the US, it has been used in other big cars on various markets. This is one of the modern Hyundai engines that is special for being quite big, having the V6 block, and having no turbo.

I should tell you that this big boy has almost no Hyundai-special problems like catalytic converter destruction and cylinder warping. It's a chain-driven engine but the chain is still not strong enough and will require some attention.

This is a durable and overall cool engine with great power and reliable technologies. It won't surprise you with great fuel efficiency but it will offer perfect driving emotions.

Key facts and my opinion:

• Production years:2018-now
• Average lifespan of G6DN:200,000-220,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:direct injection
• Power range:290-295 hp
• Fuel efficiency:average
• Engine block material:aluminum
• Engine reliability score:medium
• The most common problems:carbon buildup on intake valves, engine is afraid of overheating, potentially weak timing chains, no lifters.

Best Nissan engine: VQ35DE 3.5L V6

During its life, the VQ35DE engine has been powering almost all great Nissan and Infiniti cars. This is a 3.5L V6 engine that produces perfect power and is ready to surprise you with its efficiency.

Without having a turbocharger, it can develop great power and torque. The engine is also one of the most reliable powerplants in Nissan's current lineup. There aren't so many modern technologies - just a simple phaser. It doesn't even have lifters for valve adjustment.

For me, this is the greatest Nissan engine ever with efficient work and perfect technology behind it. It can live long and cause zero problems if maintained well. Also, it won't bother you much with minor issues.

Key features and my opinion:

• Production years:2000-2024
• Average lifespan of VQ35DE:240,000-270,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:port injection
• Power range:215-395 hp
• Fuel efficiency:average
• Engine block material:aluminum
• Engine reliability score:high
• The most common problems:carbon buildup on intake valves, oil consumption, bad oil leaks, 5th and 6th cylinders overheating, no lifters.

Best Toyota engine: 2TR-FE 2.7L

While the age of Toyota's best engines is gone, some of their older technologies are still used in modern cars. The 2TR-FE is one of such engines.

This is a simple 2.7-liter 4-cylinder engine with big cylinders. It has been here with us for 20 years now and has no intention of being discontinued in the nearest time. The engine is perfect in terms of durability and it can surprise you with its efficiency, especially on highways.

Of course, it still has some minor issues like oil leaks and pretty harsh work. But the 2TR-FE almost doesn't break seriously and won't require a lot of maintenance costs. This is the old-school engine that has pretty much zero technologies but a modern phaser. But it's so good you can't compare any modern Toyota engine with it.

Key features and my opinion:

• Production years:2004-2024
• Average lifespan of 2TR-FE:260,000-290,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:port injection
• Power range:150-165 hp
• Fuel efficiency:average
• Engine block material:cast-iron
• Engine reliability score:high
• The most common problems:occasional oil leaks, vibrations when idling, weird sounds.

Best Volkswagen engine: 3.6L VR6 EA390

This engine is codenamed CDVC and it belongs to the EA390 family. The powerplant is pretty simple and doesn't offer the level of technology any modern TSI engine can offer. But it's for the better.

The 3.6L VR6 is the reincarnation of older VR6 engines with simple heavy blocks that can live longer than you and me. This engine is still full of different features that shorten its life due to emissions control needs. But it's way better than any other Volkswagen engine that you can find out there.

The VR6 engine is durable and reliable, and it won't let you down if you maintain it well. Of course, it will still bother you with several common problems, but it's still much better than anything else you can get under the VW badge.

Key features and my opinion:

• Production years:2016-now
• Average lifespan of 3.6 VR6:190,000-210,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:direct injection
• Power range:250-280 hp
• Fuel efficiency:bad
• Engine block material:cast iron
• Engine reliability score:medium
• The most common problems:carbon buildup on intake valves, crankcase ventilation system issues, high-pressure fuel pump issues, various leaks.

Best Subaru engine: EJ25

While Subaru is one of the greatest car brands in the world, their obsession with boxer engines made it pretty tricky for them to hold the title for making the really best engines. Let's face it - boxer engines are not that reliable.

And if I had to choose an engine from all modern Subaru vehicles, I would opt for the EJ25. This is the 2.5L boxer engine that has been in production for 30 years now. It's not perfect in terms of reliability, but it's great to drive and it gives a lot of cool emotions when you drive it.

It's quite powerful and it feels good in almost all situations on the road. But the engine is hard to maintain and repair, it's expensive to own, and it's not that durable, unfortunately.

Key features and my opinion:

• Production years:1994-2024
• Average lifespan of EJ25:150,000-190,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:port injection
• Power range:155-310 hp
• Fuel efficiency:average
• Engine block material:aluminum
• Engine reliability score:medium
• The most common problems:extremely afraid of overheating, oil consumption, numerous leaks.

Best BMW engine: B58 3.0L

The 6-cylinder in-line B58 engine is almost a legend that has been powering nearly all popular vehicles in the BMW lineup. This is a great powerful machine that combines durability and performance.

The engine offers a lot of high technologies but they don't disturb the reliability much. This is quite a big machine that offers great options for any buyer. It has VANOS and Valvetronic, it also has a turbocharger for better efficiency and power.

I love the B58 for being the bridge between common-sense engines and performance-oriented machines. It still has some longevity but it offers cool performance. I doubt if you can be disappointed after getting a BMW with this powerplant.

Key features and my opinion:

• Production years:2015-now
• Average lifespan of B58:180,000-200,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:direct injection
• Power range:326-388 hp
• Fuel efficiency:average
• Engine block material:aluminum
• Engine reliability score:medium
• The most common problems:coolant level mysteries, head gasket failure, carbon buildup on intake valves, VANOS issues.

Best Chrysler engine: 3.6L V6 Pentastar

The Pentastar is one of the legendary engines in the Chrysler lineup. I consider it to be the best one because it's pretty big and powerful yet very reliable and causes almost no problems.

The 3.6L V6 powers a lot of Stellantis cars of different brands. It's not perfect in terms of fuel consumption but it's quite great to drive. Now, to solve this little problem, you can get a mild-hybrid version of the Pentastar engine to improve fuel economy.

This engine is durable, it causes no serious issues. If you maintain it well, you can expect it to last longer than you will want to keep the car. Also, the hybrid version solves problems with fuel efficiency.

Key features and my opinion:

• Production years:2016-now
• Average lifespan of Pentastar V6:220,000-260,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:port injection (sequential)
• Power range:275-305 hp
• Fuel efficiency:good
• Engine block material:aluminum
• Engine reliability score:high
• The most common problems:minor issues with cylinder heads, rocker arm failure, weak cooling system, problems with the oil pump.

Best Jeep engine: 5.7 Hemi

While Jeep cars also use the Pentastar engine offered by Chrysler and described above, I want to introduce another one - the 5.7 Hemi engine.

This is a huge V8 engine that offers a lot of power and really a lot of life in it. You can expect this machine to last forever if it's maintained well. Yes, there are still some issues that may spoil your mood like the lifter ticking, but the 5.7 Hemi should be considered one of the best engines in the world now.

Unfortunately, the V8 Hemi engine is going to be discontinued soon and it may only be available in commercial trucks and vans. This is because the emission rules are going to be changed in favor of smaller engines, hybrids, and EVs.

Key features and my opinion:

• Production years:2004-now
• Average lifespan of 5.7 Hemi:220,000-250,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:port injection
• Power range:325-395 hp
• Fuel efficiency:awful
• Engine block material:cast-iron
• Engine reliability score:high
• The most common problems:very demanding in terms of oil viscosity, the EGR valve may get stuck, exhaust manifold cracks are common, Hemi ticking noise is here.

Best Dodge engine: 4.7L V8

While in all other cases, I list the engines that are still in production, for Dodge I decided to include another engine - the 4.7L V8 machine that was discontinued in 2013.

Modern Dodge vehicles use Chrysler (Stellantis) engines. But the 4.7L V8 was more or less dedicated to Dodge cars. This was the motor to admire and it can still be a better choice than a lot of new powerplants. Like the entire Power Tech family, the 4.7L engine is perfect in its work, at least considering the technologies it has.

Unfortunately, these engines are not available now. They only had minor problems and were quite cheap to repair. But the consumption made them still expensive to own.

Key facts and my opinion:

• Production years:1999-2013
• Average lifespan of 4.7L:230,000-280,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:port injection (sequential)
• Power range:210-235 hp
• Fuel efficiency:bad
• Engine block material:cast iron
• Engine reliability score:medium
• The most common problems:issues with lubrication (thin oil passages), valve seats issues, weak three-chain timing system

Best Kia engine: G6DM 3.3L V6

It's not a perfect V6 and I've seen a lot of better engines in other brands. But if you ask me which Kia engine is worth buying, I will probably choose this one.

The 3.3L V6 engine doesn't have a turbocharger and it's pretty simple. It avoids the majority of common problems that are just inevitable in other Kia/Hyundai engines. So, it's durable and doesn't cause a lot of minor issues that would make you spend all your time exactly in the repair shop.

Although it's a V6, the engine is pretty efficient. Depending on the driving style, you can get decent MPG numbers on the dash. So, the 3.3L V6 is a premium engine and it offers a great overall experience.

Key features and my opinion:

• Production years:2016-2024
• Average lifespan of G6DM:180,000-200,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:direct injection
• Power range:285-295 hp
• Fuel efficiency:average
• Engine block material:aluminum
• Engine reliability score:medium
• The most common problems:carbon buildup on intake valves, timing chain is weak, no lifters.

Best Lexus engine: V35A-FTS

This is the 3.4L (someone says 3.5L, but it's rather 3.4L) V6 engine made by Toyota and used in several Lexus models.

The engine offers a turbocharger, it has great technologies such as combined injection and very efficient phasers. Unfortunately, these technologies make it a little less reliable than you may expect. But the V6 machine is still one of the best currently available Lexus engines you can consider purchasing.

I like this powerplant for combining huge power, great fuel efficiency, and durability. It won't last as long as some older Lexus/Toyota engines, but it will stand out among all other modern powerplants that can barely live to 200K miles.

Key features and my opinion:

• Production years:2017-2024
• Average lifespan of V35A-FTS:190,000-220,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:combined injection (D4-ST)
• Power range:350-420 hp
• Fuel efficiency:bad
• Engine block material:aluminum
• Engine reliability score:medium
• The most common problems:phasers will obviously cause problems, the timing chain won't live long, you need only premium quality fuel.

Best Mazda engine: PY-VPS 2.5L

This engine has been used in Mazda vehicles for more than a decade now. And this is one of the greatest machines Mazda has ever made.

It's the 2.5L 4-cylinder powerplant offering no turbocharger but still having pretty great power. The engine is very well-known thanks to being the base option for the CX-5 but it also powers a lot of other vehicles in the lineup. Interestingly, it has very efficient phasers and also a great timing chain.

I like the PY-VPS for being really durable and powerful even without a turbocharger. The machine is great and it feels good when you drive your Mazda car.

Key features and my opinion:

• Production years:2013-now
• Average lifespan of PY-VPS:210,000-240,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:direct injection
• Power range:185-195 hp
• Fuel efficiency:good
• Engine block material:aluminum
• Engine reliability score:medium
• The most common problems:oil consumption, complicated fuel-supply system, drive belt problems, electronic thermostat issues.

Best Mercedes-Benz engine: M260 2.0L

This is one of the most massively produced Mercedes engines in history and it powers almost all modern vehicles in the lineup but the luxury cars.

Even though the engine has pretty modest displacement and only 4 cylinders, it can develop up to 306 horsepower depending on the settings of the turbocharger and mapping. The turbo is very efficient. One of the key things is that the lower-power versions are able to live much longer than the booted ones.

I love the M260 engine made by Mercedes-Bezn because it's very efficient, modern, smooth, and good to drive. Also, it shows more or less acceptable durability.

Key features and my opinion:

• Production years:2018-now
• Average lifespan of M260:160,000-190,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:direct injection
• Power range:190-306 hp
• Fuel efficiency:good
• Engine block material:aluminum
• Engine reliability score:high
• The most common problems:Camtronic problems, carbon buildup on intake valves, additional emission filter potential issues at high mileage.

Best Mitsubishi engine: 4B11 2.0L

The 4B11 is one of the legends in the Mitsubishi lineup. This engine has been produced since 2006 and is still actively used in various vehicles.

The huge advantage of this engine is that it's very simple in its design and technology. It doesn't offer a lot of modern efficient features but it can run longer than you may expect. The engine was created by Mitsubishi, Chrysler, and Hyundai when they formed a short-term alliance and has been used in dozens of different models.

I love the 4B11 engine and can rely on it easily. It's not very powerful but it's still good to drive. Also, the engine doesn't require expensive maintenance and regular repairs.

Key features and my opinion:

• Production years:2006-now
• Average lifespan of 4B11:220,000-240,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:port injection
• Power range:145-155 hp
• Fuel efficiency:good
• Engine block material:aluminum
• Engine reliability score:high
• The most common problems:oil consumption, timing chain stretching, weak phasers, oil leaks, noisy work with vibrations.

Best Acura engine: J35Y5 3.5L V6

The J35 family is a very old and classic engine family that is now presented in several Acura and Honda models with different codes and indexes.

The J35Y5 model is used in the MDX and offers great durability, flexibility, and good efficiency. Even though it's a big V6 block, the engine has pretty decent fuel economy and can be considered cheap to own. One of the biggest advantages is the life expectancy that can be stretched seriously if the powerplant is maintained well.

I love the J35 V6 engine family and think they might be nominated for the world's best engine award. Honda does a really good job to keep them up and running even now when the emission rules are so strict.

Key features and my opinion:

• Production years:2014-now
• Average lifespan of J35Y5:250,000-300,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:direct injection
• Power range:290 hp
• Fuel efficiency:average
• Engine block material:aluminum
• Engine reliability score:high
• The most common problems:oil burning, VTEC phaser issues, carbon buildup on intake valves, quite bad gas mileage.

Best Audi engine: 40 TFSI (2.0L)

I personally don't like what Audi does with VAG engines to boost their performance. They don't think much about durability and this leads to ridiculously short lifespan of their engines.

But among the performance-oriented and boosted engines, there is one machine that I would probably buy anything powered with the 40 TFSI engine. This is the base 2.0L TFSI, so this engine is not overboosted and it offers reasonable power. Thanks to this, its durability is going to be more or less acceptable.

This engine also has one serious advantage - it's good to drive. You will get pleasure when accelerating your Audi vehicle and you won't get almost any limitations when it comes to speed and fun driving.

Key features and my opinion:

• Production years:2008-now
• Average lifespan of 40 TFSI:150,000-180,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:direct injection
• Power range:190-300 hp
• Fuel efficiency:good
• Engine block material:aluminum
• Engine reliability score:medium
• The most common problems:heavy oil burning, turbocharger problems, issues with the oil and water pumps, timing chain problems.

Best Buick engine: LFY 3.6L V6

Among the different GM engines used in Buick vehicles, the LFY powerplant stands out. This is the 3.6L V6 GM High Feature family engine that is worth your attention.

The engine has been used in many different GM vehicles but it's well-known for powering the Enclave. This is exactly the same engine as the LFX but it has additionally the start-stop system for better fuel economy and emission control. Thanks to several features like the VVT, the engine is more or less modern in terms of technology and efficiency.

I love the LFY V6 engine in Buick vehicles for its predictable lifespan, good power, and acceptable gas mileage. It's not the best engine in the world but if you want a Buick vehicle, you may consider this powerplant as one of the best options.

Key features and my opinion:

• Production years:2018-2024
• Average lifespan of LFY:200,000-220,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:direct injection
• Power range:310 hp
• Fuel efficiency:bad
• Engine block material:aluminum
• Engine reliability score:medium
• The most common problems:chain tensioner issues, carbon buildup on intake valves, coolant leaks.

Best Cadillac engine: L87 EcoTec3

This is the great 6.2L V8 engine that has been used in the Escalade as well as in some other GM models. The L87 EcoTec3 engine is perfect in terms of durability.

Also, it has quite a lot of technological features inside. With a massive power of 420 hp and just killing torque, the engine can do whatever you want it to do. This is one of the last big V8 engines that Cadillac will have under the hood of its cars. Unfortunately, the emission control features will sooner or later make the manufacturer deny such technologies and turn to turbocharged 4-cylinder engines.

I love the L87 EcoTec3 powerplant for being the classic old good engine with 8 cylinders and great power. It won't be actually the best engine in terms of fuel economy but this comes standard with all V8 engines in the world.

Key features and my opinion:

• Production years:2020-now
• Average lifespan of L87 EcoTec3:200,000-220,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:direct injection
• Power range:420 hp
• Fuel efficiency:bad
• Engine block material:aluminum
• Engine reliability score:medium
• The most common problems:lifters clogging, valve coils can break, cooling system issues, oil leaks.

Best Land Rover engine: 3.0 SDV6

In my opinion, the gasoline engines offered by Land Rover are not the perfect powerplants. They have so many issues that putting even one of them on this list would not be correct.

So, I chose the 3.0 SDV6 diesel engine which is pretty old and reliable. It was made in partnership with other car brands, so it's not just a Land Rover engine. And maybe that's why it doesn't have all those common problems that are just normal for pure LR technologies.

I love the SDV6 diesel engine for being pretty efficient, powerful, ready to tow and haul things, and also more or less reliable. Unfortunately, the majority of these engines have been sold in Europe, so the US buyers have almost zero chance of getting one.

Key features and my opinion:

• Production years:2009-2024
• Average lifespan of SDV6 3.0:190,000-210,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:Common Rail
• Power range:211 hp
• Fuel efficiency:excellent
• Engine block material:cast iron
• Engine reliability score:medium
• The most common problems:high-pressure fuel pump problems, crankshaft issues, three weak belts in the engine, EGR and heat exchanger leaks.