There are a variety of reasons why we’d suggest that consumers should pursue one of Chevy’s cars. However, one attribute stands above the rest, and that’s the brand’s incredible assortment of engine options. Each of these individual units is capable of packing quite the punch, and engineers also succeeded in making each of their offerings fuel efficient.
Below, we’ve explored some of the engine options that you’ll find in each of Chevy’s current sedan offerings. These engine specs certainly shouldn’t be the deciding factor as you’re shopping for Chevy cars, but they can at least help you zero in on a particular model or two…
1.4-liter Ecotec Engine (2017 Chevy Spark)
The Spark is a rather tiny vehicle, so it’s fairly obvious that the car would be equipped with a smaller engine. However, just because the unit isn’t hulking doesn’t mean that it should be undervalued in anyway. Sure, the vehicle is only capable of cranking out 94 pounds-feet of torque and 98 horsepower, but that latter spec is still a 16-percent improvement over the previous model.
Engineers also included a host of fuel-saving technologies that ultimately play a positive role on the vehicle’s efficiency. Inclusions like the aluminum cylinder block and head, integrated exhaust manifold, and an array of low-friction parts (including piston rings, camshaft drive, and oil pump) ultimately lead an impressive 38 mpg highway fuel efficiency. While you’ll already be saving plenty of money by opting for this specific model, owners will also have an opportunity to save at the gas pump. After all, the vehicle is equipped with a five-speed manual transmission, making it incredibly easy to switch gears.
“The new Ecotec architecture represents the most advanced and efficient family of small-car gas engines in GM’s history,” said Tom Sutter, the brand’s global chief engineer. “Along with performance and efficiency targets, we’ve also aimed for segment-challenging refinement with low noise and vibration – and we’ve hit the bull’s-eye.”
1.8-liter Ecotec Engine (2017 Chevy Sonic)
The Sonic’s accompanying engine is barely bigger than the unit that’s sitting under the Chevy Spark’s hood, but engineers managed to boost the accompanying power specs to unexpected levels. Ultimately, drivers can anticipate an impressive 138 horsepower from the system, and the unit also manages to deliver an appreciated 33 mpg on the highway.
Alternatively, customers could opt for the 1.4-liter Ecotec engine, which is accompanied by either a six-speed automatic or manual transmission. This unit is also capable of delivering 138 horsepower, although it improves those efficiency specs to a new level. When accompanied by the brand’s manual transmission, owners can anticipate an eye-popping 40 mpg highway fuel efficiency.
“The new styling and features of the 2017 Sonic reinforce its position as a fun, efficient small car with leading technology – all at an affordable price,” said Steve Majoros, the director of marketing at Chevrolet Cars and Crossovers. “This is an important segment for Chevrolet, as we really have an opportunity to introduce ourselves to new buyers and show them what we’re all about.”
1.4-liter Turbocharged Engine (2017 Chevy Cruze)
Similar to the 2017 Chevy Sonic, the 2017 Chevy Cruze can also be equipped with the brand’s impressive 1.4-liter turbocharged engine. The power specs are boosted in this particular sedan, as the system cranks out 153 horsepower and 177 pounds-feet of torque. Predictably, there are also a number of fuel-saving technologies that ultimately influence the 37 mpg highway fuel efficiency.
“The new Ecotec 1.4L turbo provides our customers with the performance, efficiency and refinement they expect,” Sutter said last year. “From the start we designed-in refinement features to make the engine run smoothly and quiet. The integration with the transmissions and vehicle result in excellent efficiency even with a nice boost in power over the Cruze’s previous engine.”
If customers prefer, they could instead go with the brand’s innovative 1.6-liter turbo diesel engine, which delivers an impressive 240 pounds-feet of torque. Of course, the most notable attribute is the fuel efficiency, as drivers can anticipate 52 mpg on the highway.
1.8-liter Hybrid Engine (2017 Chevy Malibu)
Customers will have the opportunity to choose from one of three engine offerings when they choose the 2017 Chevy Malibu, but the 1.8-liter hybrid engine is clearly the most intriguing option. That’s because the vehicle promises an incredible 49 mpg city fuel efficiency, and engineers cleverly included their hybrid-exclusive Driver Efficiency Gauge so drivers could monitor how their driving habits influence efficiency.
“Fuel efficiency is important to our customers, especially in the midsize segment and with an estimated 48 mpg city rating, the Malibu Hybrid delivers,” General Motors President Dan Ammann said when the system was introduced back in 2015.
Customers can opt for either of the two additional offerings, as well. The 2.0-liter turbocharged ECOTEC engine teams up with a nine-speed automatic transmission to deliver 250 horsepower. Meanwhile, the 1.5-liter Ecotec engine capitalizes on an array of fuel-saving technologies (including Variable Valve Timing, Direct Injection, and Stop/Start technology), leading to an incredible 36 mpg highway fuel efficiency.
3.6-liter V6 Engine (2017 Chevy Impala)
At the end of the day, the most powerful engines are featured in Chevy’s largest sedan offering: the 2017 Chevy Impala. The 3.6-liter V6 engine is for those seeking optimal muscle from their vehicle, as the car is capable of cranking out 305 horsepower. Surprisingly, the system is also relatively efficient, as drivers can expect a 28 mpg highway fuel efficiency (although this can be partly attributed to Direct Injection and Variable Valve Timing).
The 2017 Chevy Impala can also be equipped with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which is often touted for its efficiency. Thanks to clever technological inclusions like Stop/Start technology, drivers can anticipate a 30 mpg highway fuel efficiency.
