Car engine sizes explained

Choosing the right engine for your next car doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s everything you need to know about engine sizes, costs, and performance.

Choosing the right car engine size can feel overwhelming. From performance and fuel economy to tax and running costs, there’s a lot to think about – and how you use your car makes a big difference.

If you’ve ever wondered, “what engine size is my car?” or which engine you should pick for your next vehicle, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know. By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of which engine size suits your driving and budget.

Remember, you can buy a brand new or used car right here on Carwow. And you can sell your car, too. We’re here to help you through every step of your car-changing journey.

What does engine size mean?

Engine size refers to the total volume of all the cylinders in an engine. It is usually measured in litres (L) or cubic centimetres (cc).

The larger the engine size, the more air and fuel the engine can hold and burn, which tends to mean they are more powerful than smaller engines.

For example, an engine listed as 2,298cc has a total cylinder capacity of 2,298 cubic centimetres, which is typically rounded to 2.3 litres (since 1 litre = 1,000cc).

What are common engine sizes?

1.0-litre engines

Engines of 1.0 litre or less typically have three or four cylinders, and many now use turbochargers for extra power. You’ll find them in everything from tiny city cars such as the Hyundai i10 to small family cars like the Ford Puma, producing up to around 125hp. They are usually best-suited to being driven at lower speeds around town.

Official fuel economy figures for these engines can look impressive, but you may need to push the engine hard to get up to speed or overtake. If you often carry three or four passengers or a lot of luggage, or do a lot of driving on higher speed roads, you may need to consider a slightly bigger engine.

1.0-2.0-litre engines

Engines between 1.0 and 2.0 litres are common in larger family hatchbacks and mid-size SUVs. Most of these engines are turbocharged and typically produce upwards of 150hp. In some cases, they can achieve fuel economy similar to smaller 1.0-litre engines, but cars with larger engines are usually more expensive to buy.

This engine range also includes some performance-focused models, such as the Toyota GR Yaris and Mazda MX-5.

2.0-3.0-litre engines

Engines between 2.0 and 3.0 litres are mostly found in larger saloons, estate cars, and SUVs, typically producing 200-300hp. These engines generally use more fuel than smaller ones, but they deliver significantly more performance. You’ll also find this engine range in high-performance cars, such as the Porsche Cayman, as well as premium executive models.

3.0-litre+ engines

Engines larger than 3.0 litres are becoming increasingly rare and are mostly found in large SUVs, such as Range Rovers, or in high-performance cars. These engines can have six, eight, or up to 12 cylinders, producing substantial power – but they also consume a lot of fuel. Running costs for these vehicles tend to be high too, so it’s important to be prepared for the extra expense.

How to choose the right engine size

Here are some things to consider when choosing a car engine size:

Running costs

Typically, bigger engines tend to use more fuel and cost more to run. But it’s not always that simple – small turbocharged engines can actually use more fuel if you’re pushing them hard, for example on the motorway.

If your main goal is to save money, a small engine around 1.0-1.2 litres is usually your best bet, particularly if you do most of your driving around town. On the other hand, if you do a lot of longer trips, a slightly bigger diesel engine is usually more efficient because it doesn’t have to work as hard and is happier sitting at a steady speed for miles on end.

Insurance is often lower for cars with smaller engines too, though this will vary by model.

Driving around town

For everyday driving around town – school runs, shopping trips, or short commutes – a small engine is usually all you need. They’re cheaper to run, offer plenty of power for low-speed driving, and are easier on fuel.

Motorway driving

If you spend a lot of time on the motorway or other fast roads, a mid-size engine (around 1.5-2.0 litres) tends to be a better choice. These engines allow for more relaxed high-speed cruising, make overtaking easier, and can be more efficient on longer journeys.

Diesels used to be the go-to choice for this kind of driving, but modern petrol and hybrid engines can now deliver similar efficiency for many drivers.

Want more power?

If you enjoy driving or want quicker acceleration, a higher-powered engine is the way to go. It doesn’t have to be huge – many quick cars use 2.0-litre turbo engines – but remember, more power usually comes with higher running costs.

Clean air zones

Engine size doesn’t determine whether your car will be charged in clean air zones. What really matters is the car’s emissions standard, or Euro rating. This means an older small car could still face charges, while a newer, larger-engine car may be exempt.

What engine size is my car?

You can find your car’s engine size on your V5C registration document. It’s listed under ‘cylinder capacity’ and shown as an exact figure in cc.

Alternatively, you can enter your vehicle registration on the government’s vehicle information checker to see the engine size online.

Car engine size FAQs

What size engines do hybrid cars have?

Hybrid engine sizes vary widely depending on the car – each will have a combustion engine paired with a battery-powered electric motor. The size and power of the engine and motor can vary massively from model to model, and can depend on whether it’s a self-charging hybrid or plug-in hybrid. For example:

• Self-charging hybrids: The Toyota Prius has a 1.8‑litre engine, while the Kia Niro hybrid has a 1.6‑litre engine.
• Plug-in hybrids: The Volkswagen Golf GTE uses a 1.4‑litre engine, the BMW 3 Series 330e has a 2.0‑litre engine, and performance models such as the Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid or McLaren Artura have 3.0‑litre V6 engines.

In short, hybrid engine sizes can range from around 1.4 litres in smaller models to 3.0 litres in high-performance hybrids.

Do electric cars have engines?

From a technical standpoint, yes – electric cars have a motor that converts energy into movement, which is essentially an engine. However, they don’t have an internal combustion engine like petrol or diesel cars, which is what people usually mean when they talk about a car’s engine.

Does engine size affect car insurance?

Yes, engine size can have a big impact on your insurance premiums. Cars with larger, more powerful engines are usually more expensive to insure because they’re faster and considered higher risk by insurers.

Smaller engines, on the other hand, are generally cheaper to insure, making them a good choice if you want lower premiums.

What’s the best engine size for a first car?

We’d recommend a first car with an engine size of 1.0-1.2 litres. These small engines offer lower insurance premiums, better fuel economy, and reduced tax costs, while still providing plenty of power for city driving.

Car change? Carwow!

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