If you want a potent ride with a small or lightweight engine, look no further than the 3 cylinder cars. With the rise in the popularity of reliable and robust engines offering the thrill of speed and power, small-size engines were losing their hold in the American automotive market.
However, they are not entirely obsolete. Many auto manufacturing companies in the USA are still making vehicles powered by 3-cylinder engines. The primary reasons are the lightweight and efficiency of these small engines. Most people think three-cylinder engines hold no power, but you will be surprised to know what these smaller ones can do.
Compact engines offer easy ride handling and enough power that even your beginner teenage driver can easily handle. So, for all the new car seekers, we bring this list of nine best 3 cylinder cars in the USA you can buy in 2024.
9 Best 3-Cylinder Engine Cars Of 2024 For Power And Efficiency
Lightweight vehicles are becoming highly popular. It is why more and more automakers are focusing on building 3 cylinder car engines and vehicles. If you want to own a ride that is powerful enough for everyday commute and does not have a high-end engine that feels like a waste for daily mundane tasks, nothing is better than 3 cylinder cars.
Cars powered with three-cylinder engines are highly affordable, fuel-efficient, space-saving, and easy to build. Not every car buyer is seeking thrilling off-roaders or V8 cylinder cars. Some simply want automobiles that can serve them well in their day-to-day activities.
Below is a 3 cylinder cars list comprising the top nine car models you can buy in 2024. Go through each vehicle’s details carefully and make an informative decision with thorough comparisons.
1. 2024 Toyota GR Corolla
Key Specifications
- MSRP: From $36,100
- Engine: 1.6 L 3-cylinder
- Horsepower: 300 hp
- MPG: Up to 21 City / 28 Highway
- Top Speed: 143 mph
- Acceleration (0-60 mph): 4.9 seconds
- Dimensions: 174″ L x 73″ W x 58″ H
For everyone specifically seeking 3 cylinder Toyota cars, the all-new 2024 Toyota GR Corolla is the answer. The 2024 GR Corolla is an affordable, compact sports car from the Japanese automaker, now in its second year of production.
For 2024, Toyota offers the Circuit Edition trim again, a new Blue Flame exterior color, and the lighter 18″ forged wheels. GR Corolla is available in three trims: Core, Premium, and Circuit Edition, ranging from $36,100 to $44,740.
All Toyota GR Corolla models for 2024 come powered with a turbocharged three-cylinder engine similar to the Toyota GR Yaris. The only difference is that the new 2024 GR Corolla engine delivers an impressive 300 horsepower, about 43 hp more than the GR Yaris.
A six-speed manual transmission and GR-Four all-wheel drive system are standard on all models. The GR-Four system allows you to choose from different power distribution models: 60/40, 30/70, and 50/50 front-to-rear split.
The Interior of the 2024 Toyota GR Corolla has good build quality and soft-touch materials. It is also filled with plenty of standard tech & infotainment features. This sports car comes standard with Toyota’s drive assistance technology. However, it is yet to be tested by NHTSA and IIHS for its safety.
2. 2024 Chevrolet Trax
Key Specifications
- MSRP: From $20,400
- Engine: 1.2 L 3-cylinder
- Horsepower: 137 hp
- MPG: 28 City / 32 Highway
- Top Speed: 115 mph
- Acceleration (0-60 mph): 8.6 seconds
- Dimensions: 179″ L x 72″ W x 61-62″ H
The 2024 Chevrolet Trax is one of the best Chevy 3 cylinder cars you can buy in the upcoming year. This four-door subcompact sport utility vehicle is fully redesigned for model year 2024. It now comes with a new interior & exterior, more seating & cargo space, and plenty of standard features.
2024 Trax now comes in five trim levels: LS, 1RS, LT, 2RS, and ACTIV, ranging from $20,400 to $23,900, which is highly affordable. Each 2024 Chevy Trax model is powered by a turbocharged 1.2-liter inline-three cylinder engine paired with six-speed automatic and front-wheel drive, producing 137 hp.
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The interior is more upscale and airy and offers more legroom and cargo capacity. You also get excellent fuel economy of 28 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. Trax LS and 1RS trims are standard with an 8″ infotainment touchscreen, whereas LT, 2RS, and ACTIV come with an 11″ display.
However, on all the rides, the infotainment system comes integrated with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. For your safety, Trax comes with a Chevy Safety Assist driver-assistance suite with standard features like automated emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, and more.
3. 2024 Ford Escape
Key Specifications
- MSRP: From $29,345
- Engine: 1.5 L 3-cylinder
- Horsepower: 181 hp
- MPG: Up to 27 city / 33 highway
- Top Speed: N/A
- Acceleration (0-60 mph): 6.9 seconds
- Dimensions: 181″ L x 74″ W x 66″ H
If you want made-in-USA 3-cylinder cars 2024, go to your nearby Ford showroom and ask for the all-new Escape. The 2024 Ford Escape is a compact SUV featuring spacious accommodation, good gas mileage, easy-to-use tech features, and comfortable seating for five adults.
Ford revised the front end of the Escape lineup in 2023; thus, there are no significant changes in the model for 2024. However, the company has dropped the entry-level Base trim for model year 2024. Now, the Actie trim is going to be the new base model.
With this reliable three-cylinder car, you get four trims: Active, ST-Line, Platinum, and PHEV, ranging from $29,345 to $40,500. The 2024 Escape has a wide range of powertrains. But we will talk about the turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic and front- or all-wheel drive, producing 181 horsepower.
The turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder, when paired with front-wheel drive, offers the highest fuel economy among the non-hybrid models of the lineup. You get about 27 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. The interior of the 2024 Escape is handsome, well-styled, and spacious in both rows and in the cargo hold.
A standard 8″ infotainment system that runs on Ford’s latest Sync 4 infotainment interface takes care of your entertainment, offering Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity. Lastly, Ford offers a suite of driver assistance features called Co-Pilot360 as standard on every Escape model.
4. 2024 Buick Envista
Key Specifications
- MSRP: From $22,400
- Engine: 1.2 L 3-cylinder
- Horsepower: 136 hp
- MPG: Up to 28 City / 32 Highway
- Top Speed: 121 mph (Estimated)
- Acceleration (0-60 mph): 9.3 seconds
- Dimensions: 183″ L x 72″ W x 61″ H
The following vehicle on our list of 3 cylinder cars is again a Made in USA ride, a 2024 Buick Envista. The 2024 Buick Envista is a subcompact SUV and is an all-new model lineup of Buick for the model year 2024. The new 2024 Envista is a valuable launch offering you to own a spacious ride at a meager starting price in the segment.
It comes with three trim levels: Preferred, Sport Touring, & Avenir, and you can buy the base model for a starting price of $22,400 only, ranging to $28,600 for the highest model. Even at such a low price tag, Bucik does not compromise quality. You get a spacious, hushed cabin with roomy seating, a decent cargo hold, a cushioned ride, and good fuel economy.
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All Envistas come powered by a turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission channeling 136 hp output to the front wheels. The acceleration of this SUV is perky for everyday driving. But if you desire fast action, then this ride will feel lethargic.
It accelerates from zero to 60 mph in under 9.3 seconds, which can be too long for some buyers. As per EPA, you get 28 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway, which is an excellent fuel economy. Also, the interior is roomy for four people, filled with decent but plenty of convenience features & tech gadgets.
Standard 8″ infotainment system can be upgraded to 11″, and both come integrated with Buick’s most up-to-date software, wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, and an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot.
For safety, Buick offers the 2024 Envista with a comprehensive set of driver-assistance features like automated emergency braking and automatic high-beam headlamps. However, if you want more advanced safety tech, you must pay extra to integrate them into your ride.
5. 2024 Mini Cooper Countryman
Key Specifications
- MSRP: From $32,650
- Engine: 1.5 L 3-cylinder
- Horsepower: 134 hp
- MPG: Up to 26 city / 32 highway
- Top Speed: 140 mph
- Acceleration (0-60 mph): 9.3 seconds
- Dimensions: 170″ L x 72″ W x 61″ H
2024 Mini Cooper Countryman is another great 3 cylinder cars for sale this year. This subcompact SUV is charming, cute, and fun to drive small rides. This model lineup comes in four trim levels: Base, S, John Cooper Works AII4, and Cooper SE AII4, ranging from $32,650 to $42,700.
For the model year 2024, the plug-in hybrid Cooper SE Countryman AII4 adds a Signature 2.0 sub-trim. And the iconic 2.0 trim gains more features. The Countryman lineup has three distinct powertrains, but we will discuss the compact 3 cylinder one.
The 1.5-liter, three-cylinder-producing 134 hp is the base engine on the 2024 Countryman lineup. The nonhybrid models with front-wheel drive feature a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, while the all-wheel drive models have an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The interior of the 2024 Countryman comes with typical Mini design elements like high-quality materials, adequate passenger space, an infotainment system in the center, toggle switches to control ignition, interior lights, and a standard stop-start system.
You get plenty of in-cabin storage space to stash your items. Not only this, but you also get underfloor storage in this 3 cylinder car. All Countryman models come standard with a 6.5″infotainment touchscreen. An 8.8″ display with navigation and Apple CarPlay is available for upgrade.
Regarding safety, the 2024 Mini Cooper Countryman lacks many common driver assistance technologies as a standard. You only get a forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking as standard. Other features come with an extra price.
6. 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage
Key Specifications
- MSRP: From $16,695
- Engine: 1.2 L 3-cylinder
- Horsepower: 78 hp
- MPG: 36 City / 43 Highway
- Top Speed: 105 mph
- Acceleration (0-60 mph): 10.6 seconds
- Dimensions: 151″ L x 66″ W x 59″ H
If you wish to buy a compact cute car for girls and boys featuring the 3 cylinder turbo engines, the all-new 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage is for you. The 2024 Mirage is a subcompact ride that is ideally an economy car. If you are short on money or are on a strict budget but need a vehicle, the new Mirage is an excellent choice.
You get this car for a price for which you mostly get a used car in America. The 2024 Mirage has five trims: ES, LE, Black Edition, Se, and Ralliart. And you can buy the base model for an initial price of $16,695 only. With this economy car, you get an impressive fuel economy with 36 mpg in the city and 43 mpg on the highway.
However, the cheap interior, unimpressive driving dynamics, and unrefined engine are a letdown. But honestly, this 3-cylinder cars Mitsubishi has for 2024 is not for thrill seekers. This ride is ideal for young first-time drivers and people tight on money.
Mitsubishi offers a 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine on the Mirage lineup that channels 78 hp. The continuously variable automatic transmission and front-wheel drive are standard across all models. A 7″ infotainment touchscreen is standard across all models with standard Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, and a 4-speaker audio system.
For safety, Mitsubishi offers standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, with optional lane-departure warning and automatic high-beam headlamps. However, more advanced driver assistance features are missing from this affordable car.
7. 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer
Key Specifications
- MSRP: From $23,100
- Engine: 1.2 L 3-cylinder, 1.3 L 3-cylinder
- Horsepower: 137 to 155 hp
- MPG: 29 City / 33 Highway
- Top Speed: 130 mph
- Acceleration (0-60 mph): 9.4 seconds
- Dimensions: 174″ L x 71″ W x 64-66″ H
Another Chevrolet model that made it to this list of 3 cylinder cars is the 2024 Chevy Trailblazer. The 2024 Trailblazer is a subcompact SUV powered by two turbocharged three-cylinder engines: 1.2 liter and 1.3 liter, producing 137 to 155 hp.
The 1.2-liter engine comes only with front-wheel drive and is paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission. Whereas the 1.3-liter engine comes with optional all-wheel drive and a 9-speed automatic transmission.
The Trailblazer is refreshed for 2024 and now features new front fascia, revised headlights, new wheel designs, two new colors, and a new 11″ infotainment touchscreen anchored with a high-tech 8″ digital gauge cluster as standard.
Chevrolet offers four trims on Trailblazer: LS, LT, ACTIV, and RS, ranging from $23,100 to $27,100. EPA’s estimates for 2024 Trailblazer are only available for the 1.3-liter engine. You get an estimate of 29 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.
The interior is not high-end but is spacious, functional, and integrated with many convenience items. In addition, the cargo space behind the rear seat is generous.
Other than this, the 2024 Trailblazer also features a flat-fold rear seat and a folding front passenger seat to give you more space. Lastly, the 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer has a set of basic driver-assistance technology and even earned a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA.
8. 2024 Buick Encore GX
Key Specifications
- MSRP: From $25,600
- Engine: 1.2 L 3-cylinder, 1.3 L 3-cylinder
- Horsepower: 137 to 155 hp
- MPG: Up to 30 city / 31 highway
- Top Speed: 130 mph
- Acceleration (0-60 mph): 8.9 seconds
- Dimensions: 171″ L x 71″ W x 64″ H
2024 Buick Encore GX is another affordable 3 cylinder cars for sale this year. This subcompact SUV has refreshed styling, shuffled trims, and a new 19″ digital dashboard. For 2024, the model is easy & comfortable to drive and comes with a long list of standard features & a display-dominated upscale cabin.
Buick offers three trims on 2024 GX: Preferred, Sport Touring, and Avenir, starting from $25,600 to $31,900. All Buick GX models have a base 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine channeling 137 hp and an optional 1.3-liter three-cylinder engine producing 155 hp.
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A continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is standard on models featuring front-wheel drive. In contrast, a 9-speed automatic transmission is standard on all-wheel-drive variants. The turbocharged 1.3-liter engine is the most efficient, paired with front-wheel drive and CVT. You get up to 30 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.
Buick offers 2024 Encore GX with many standard driver assistance technologies like automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, and lane keeping assist. Also, the 2024 Buick Encore GX has received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, while IIHS has yet to test this vehicle.
9. 2024 Ford Bronco Sport
Key Specifications
- MSRP: From $31,230
- Engine: 1.5 L 3-cylinder
- Horsepower: 181 hp
- MPG: Up to 21 city / 26 highway
- Top Speed: 125 mph
- Acceleration (0-60 mph): 7.2 seconds
- Dimensions: 173″ L x 74″ W x 70-71″ H
For anyone wishing for new yet old 3-cylinder cars with a great on and off-road history, the 2024 Ford Bronco Sport is an excellent choice for the new year. The 2024 Bronco Sport is a compact SUV, mainly a baby version of the bigger Bronco. However, that does not mean it is an inferior ride.
The new 2024 Bronco Sport offers a spacious, comfortable cabin, potent engine options, standard four-wheel drive, and outstanding off-road capabilities. This 2024 ride is ideal for buyers wanting an off-roader but with a smaller engine. And for model year 2024, a new Free Wheeling special edition trim debuts.
The all-new Bronco Sport comes in six trim levels, and you can buy the base one for a starting price of $31,230, which is $700 less than the 2024 Jeep Wrangler. All Bronco Sport models come powered with a base turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine channeling 181 hp with an optional four-cylinder directing 245 hp.
Both offered engines come paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. With the base engine, you get a maximum towing capacity of 2000 pounds and impressive off-road capabilities. The interior of this Ford SUV comes with an attractive design and many popular features like a 400-watt power inverter, glass hatch, built-in LED lights & a bottle opener in the rear.
Your entertainment is taken care of by an 8″ infotainment touchscreen that supports Ford’s Sync 3 software. It comes standard with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, touch-sensitive controls, voice commands, and hard buttons.
Ford also offers 3 cylinder car 2024 Bronco Sport with a host of driver assistance technology that comes with standard features like forward collision warning and automated emergency braking.
Top FAQs About 3 Cylinder Cars For Sale
Is there any 3-cylinder supercar to buy in 2024?
YES. If you wish to own a luxury supercar but want the potent 3-cylinder turbo engine in it, then explore Koenigsegg Gemara. The Koenigsegg Gemera is a limited-production plug-in hybrid that can easily seat four people.
Its robust turbocharged three-cylinder engine allows this sporty ride to channel a jaw-dropping 1677 hp. This car is all set to hit the dealerships for deliveries in 2025.
Which one is better 3-cylinder cars vs 4-cylinder cars?
The engine decides the power of a vehicle. There is no denying that the more cylinders, the more power will be. Generally, an engine with fewer cylinders holds better fuel economy. In contrast, an engine with more cylinders is sturdier than the rest.
However, many automobiles in the market are now powered by 3 cylinder engines that produce more output than their four-cylinder counterparts. So, the overall quality of a car depends on more factors, including the engine.
What are the 3-cylinder cars’ pros and cons?
Three-cylinder vehicles are the same as four-cylinder, V6, V8, or V12 engine cars. The only difference in these vehicles is the size of the engine and the amount of power output generated.
The 3-cylinder automobiles have advantages and disadvantages compared to rides powered by any other engine type.
Who makes a three-cylinder car?
Mitsubishi, Ford, Volvo, and MINI are some of the top car makers that offer a 3-cylinder car to their buyers.
This article covers the top nine car models of the 2024 model year powered by compact three-cylinder engines.
- 2024 Toyota GR Corolla
- 2024 Chevrolet Trax
- 2024 Ford Escape
- 2024 Buick Envista
- 2024 Mini Cooper Countryman
- 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage
- 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer
- 2024 Buick Encore GX
- 2024 Ford Bronco Sport
Besides these cars, the 2024 Mini Cooper and 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 are great options.
Are 3-cylinder cars any good?
Whether a car or engine is good or bad depends on the intention behind its usage. If you are seeking speed, power, and thrill, a small engine that comes with only three cylinders might not be a good choice.
However, if you desire good fuel efficiency, a small-sized car, and decent power output, a three-cylinder automobile will do you well.
Conclusion
With the rise in inflation, Americans are getting more economical than ever. They want things that can fulfill their needs at the least possible price.
The 3 cylinder cars are among the things that can provide you substantial long-term benefits with little investment. This article covers the nine best 2024 cars for you to explore.
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