Every vehicle type, from small city cars to large sedans, has been outfitted with turbocharged engines that deliver the power customers crave without taking a big hit in gas mileage. However, not all automakers have turned to the turbocharger. Here are 10 compact and subcompact cars that haven’t bowed to peer pressure.
Toyota Corolla
Toyota vehicles usually offer excellent and sometimes class-leading fuel economy. In the case of the Corolla, it does so without resulting to a turbo. Instead, the Corolla uses a tried and true 1.8-liter inline-four mated to a CVT to eke out the most power with natural aspiration.
Kia Rio
The Kia Rio is one of the last models from the Korean automaker that isn’t available with a turbocharged engine. A 138-hp 1.6-liter I-4 remains the only engine choice. This could be the last year, however, as it’s likely the next-generation Rio will include a turbocharged mill for better fuel economy.
Mitsubishi Mirage
One of the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid cars available today, the Mitsubishi Mirage received an update for the 2017 model year and a power boost to 78 hp for its 1.2-liter inline-three. In order to get the best fuel economy, the Mirage relies on a continuously variable transmission. A sedan version called the Mirage G4 is also available.
Hyundai Accent
Like its sister car, the Kia Rio, the Hyundai Accent is a holdout in the turbo movement. A new generation Accent is coming soon, and it’s likely to include turbo—if Hyundai decides to add or replace the 1.6-liter I-4 with one of its newer turbo-fours.
Nissan Sentra
Essentially a senior citizen of the compact class, the Nissan Sentra stuck with an old 130-hp 1.8-liter I-4, which means it’s one of the least powerful cars in its segment. Like some of its competition, a CVT helps it eke out as much power as possible. An FE+ trim is EPA-rated at 30/40 mph city/highway.
Scion iA/Toyota Yaris iA
One of the surviving Scion models, the Mazda2-based Scion iA proves you don’t need a complicated powertrain to get excellent fuel economy. Featuring a high-compression 1.5-liter I-4 that can be paired to a six-speed manual or automatic transmission, the iA is rated at 31/41 mpg with the manual and 33/42 mpg with the automatic.
Chevrolet Spark
Small and available in some of the brightest exterior colors, the Chevrolet Spark packs a 98-hp 1.4-liter I-4 that can be paired to a five-speed manual or a CVT. This means you can have a diminutive city car that’s able to go the distance with its EPA fuel economy rating of 30/41 mpg.
Mazda3
Proof that your daily driver can be a fun car is the Mazda3, which offers a choice of a 2.0-liter or 2.5-liter I-4 and six-speed manual or automatic transmissions. Regardless of the engine and transmission combination you choose, you’ll be rewarded with a sprightly compact car that punches above its weight but eschews turbochargers.
Honda Fit
Think of the Honda Fit as an overachiever because it can haul a lot of gear and packs a bunch of pep. The 130-hp 1.5-liter I-4 is helped in the power category by keeping it relatively lightweight. It’s possible, however, that the Fit may get the new turbocharged three-cylinder in the near future, which offers more torque.
Scion iM/Toyota Corolla iM
Essentially the European-spec Toyota Auris, the Scion iM takes the Corolla formula and adds a little more refinement with double-wishbone rear suspension. Like its sedan sibling, it passed on a turbocharger and relies on a CVT to get the most out of the 137-hp 1.8-liter I-4 without sacrificing fuel economy.
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