Which Engine Is Better for You, an I-4 or V6?

When considering a vehicle, one of the most important factors is the engine, as this is the fount of your propulsion. It’s thus crucial to ask yourself whether a four-cylinder or a V6 is more suitable for your needs. While both are proven, capable configurations that offer varying degrees of performance, significant differences exist between them.

If you’re looking for a used car dealership in Indianapolis that offers both options, visit us at Blossom Chevrolet. Our inventory includes several vehicles equipped with the four-cylinder or V6 engine, and we would be delighted to show you examples of both and let you take them for a test drive.

Ultimately, the choice between the two engines depends on your preferences and what you want from your next vehicle. Here’s an overview of the advantages of both a V6 and a four-cylinder and which SUVs work best with which engine.

Should You Get an SUV With a V6 or I-4?

The main difference between a four-cylinder and a V6 engine is power and efficiency. If you prioritize fuel economy and don’t need a lot of power, then the four-cylinder is likely your best bet; while some V6 options get decent gas mileage, they are still less efficient overall than a four-cylinder engine.

On the other hand, if you care about speed and power, then you’ll want to go with the V6. While there are some speedy four-cylinder engines, a V6 is generally more responsive and provides faster acceleration times. If you’re looking for a powerful driving experience, a V6 engine will deliver that feeling.

The choice between the two engines also depends on the size of the SUV you are interested in. Typically, larger vehicles have V6 engines, while smaller options can get the same amount of power with inline-four engines since smaller SUVs don’t require as much clout to get going effectively. If a larger SUV had a four-cylinder engine, it would likely be underpowered; choosing the wrong engine can be detrimental, as a small SUV with a V6 engine would be considered a gas-guzzler.

Overall, both the V6 and four-cylinder engines can be great options for a used SUV. It’s important to consider what matters most to you when making your choice. Luckily, SUVs have reached a point in automotive history where you don’t have to completely sacrifice one advantage for the other. A V6 can be relatively efficient, while a four-cylinder can still provide a powerful driving experience, especially when it’s turbocharged.

Two Great I-4 SUVs to Buy Pre-Owned

The 2022 Chevy Equinox

One of Chevy’s many used SUVs is the Equinox—in particular, the 2022 model year, which comes standard with a turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-four engine with a maximum output of 170 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque. The Equinox was available in front- and all-wheel drive configurations and uses a six-speed automatic transmission.

As is usually the case with four-cylinder engines, the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox is also efficient, averaging 26 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway in front-wheel drive. In all-wheel drive, you will get 25 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway, which are pretty remarkable figures for an AWD vehicle. It can accelerate from zero to sixty in about 8.6 seconds, per testing by MotorTrend. For a compact SUV, it has a sizeable trunk at 29.9 cu.ft., though this can expand to 63.9 cu.ft. with the rear row folded down.

The 2020 Chevy Blazer

The Chevy Blazer is another four-cylinder-powered SUV worth checking out. The 2020 model has three engine options, with a 193-hp 2.5-liter inline-four engine that gets 188 lb-ft of torque. This is supplemented by a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four that gets 230 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Both options are paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission.

The 2.5-liter I-4 only came with a front-wheel drivetrain, which gets 21 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. This is a competitive fuel economy for an I-4 that’s not turbocharged, but if you want that extra advantage, you should go for the 2.0-liter Turbo I-4, which is not only super snappy—with excellent acceleration and top speed—but could get a boosted 21 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway in front-wheel drive or 21 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway in all-wheel drive, which is outstanding for an AWD model.

Two Great V6 SUVs to Buy Pre-Owned

The 2020 Chevy Blazer

Though the lower trims of the 2020 Chevy Blazer have their four-cylinder engine options, there is also a V6 engine available. This SUV’s RS and Premier trims have a 3.6-liter V6 engine with an output of 308 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. It’s likewise paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and can be configured with either a front- or all-wheel drivetrain.

The fuel economy for these V6 drivetrains differs a bit from the four-cylinder options, with front-wheel drive models getting 19 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway, while all-wheel drive models get 18 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway. This figure is more in line with other V6 engines that you’ll find, but the difference between front- and all-wheel drive models is rather strong. Note, too, that these two Blazer trims are faster than the four-cylinder options.

The 2022 GMC Acadia Denali

SUVs outfitted with a V6 are often on the larger side, and a prime example of this is the GMC Acadia. We’re proud to sell this iconic SUV, and the 2022 model has been among the most popular on the pre-owned lot. The 2022 GMC Acadia comes standard with a four-cylinder, but it has a V6 standard for its upper-crust Denali trim: a 3.6-liter V6 that produces 310 hp and a torque of 271 lb-ft.

In terms of fuel economy, the 2022 GMC Acadia Denali actually does slightly better than the 2020 Blazer, averaging 19 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway in front-wheel drive or 18 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway in all-wheel drive. This engine accelerates from zero to sixty in 6.1 seconds; for comparison, its four-cylinder alternative takes about 8.8 seconds.

V6 and I-4 Engines Both Have Their Merits

There are a lot of options in the SUV market. Some models come with more fuel-efficient four-cylinder engines, whereas others are equipped with more powerful V6 models; some even offer both engine sizes, so buyers don’t have to rule out an entire model because it doesn’t offer engine variety. There’s something for everyone in SUVs.

We here at Blossom Chevrolet boast a bevy of options for those hunting down the perfect pre-owned SUV, whether you prefer a V6 or a four-cylinder engine. While you can browse through our inventory online, we highly recommend you visit us in person to see these SUVs up close and personal. Our used inventory is well-maintained, and we have models that will fit almost any budget. Come by today to test drive anything that catches your eye. We would be delighted to help you find the perfect vehicle that suits your needs and budget.