The Enduring Allure of Power: Navigating Engine Choices in 2025
For a decade, I’ve been immersed in the automotive world, witnessing seismic shifts in how
we define and experience vehicle performance. Back in 2015, the mantra was often “there’s no replacement for displacement.” Fast forward to 2025, and while that sentiment still holds a nostalgic charm, the reality of engine technology, market trends, and consumer priorities has dramatically evolved. The question isn’t just about choosing a “bigger engine” anymore; it’s about understanding a complex interplay of power delivery, efficiency, long-term costs, and the driving experience itself.
As you step into a dealership today, whether it’s for a family SUV, a sporty sedan, or a versatile crossover, you’re likely to encounter a fascinating dilemma: multiple powertrain options for the same model. From turbocharged fours to sophisticated V6s, and increasingly, advanced hybrids or even full electric variants, the choice can be overwhelming. Many assume that the more powerful option, often signifying a larger displacement, automatically translates to more thrills. And while raw horsepower certainly has its undeniable appeal, a truly informed decision in 2025 requires a deeper dive into the benefits and drawbacks that extend far beyond the spec sheet.
The Irresistible Pull of Performance: More Power, More Thrills
Let’s be honest: the sensation of acceleration, the instant surge as you merge onto a highway, or the confidence in passing slower traffic – these are inherently enjoyable aspects of driving. Historically, a larger engine invariably delivered this “more power, more thrills” promise. In 2025, this correlation isn’t always linear, but the principle remains.
When we talk about “performance,” we’re often thinking of both horsepower and torque. Horsepower dictates top-end speed and how quickly a car can sustain high velocities, while torque – the twisting force – is what truly shoves you back in your seat from a standstill and allows for effortless low-end grunt. Many modern, smaller displacement engines, especially those with advanced turbocharging, are engineered to deliver impressive torque peaks at lower RPMs, mimicking the feel of larger naturally aspirated engines.
Consider the evolution of popular segments. Take, for instance, a premium mid-size SUV like the 2025 Genesis GV70. Its base 2.5T inline-four cylinder engine offers a robust 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. For those craving more, the 3.5T V6 pushes output to 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft. The difference in acceleration is palpable, shaving a full second or more off 0-60 mph times. That V6 doesn’t just provide quicker sprints; it offers a deeper, more satisfying engine note and a greater sense of reserve power for challenging inclines or heavy loads. This kind of luxury SUV performance illustrates how manufacturers still cater to the desire for escalating power.
Similarly, in the realm of high-performance compacts, a vehicle like the 2025 Honda Civic Si (with its highly tuned 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder) offers an engaging experience, but if you step up to a Civic Type R (with its 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder), the increase in power, coupled with advanced chassis tuning, transforms it into a track-ready machine. The difference isn’t just numbers; it’s a completely different character, an uncompromised focus on exhilaration that a “bigger engine” (even if only slightly larger and more aggressively tuned) helps to deliver.
The turbocharged engine benefits are clear: phenomenal power density and efficiency from smaller packages. However, the top-tier engines often still leverage more cylinders or greater displacement alongside forced induction to achieve truly exceptional output figures. For certain drivers, this sheer capability, whether for bragging rights, occasional track days, or simply the peace of mind knowing it’s there, is a compelling factor.
The Unspoken Truth: More Power, More Price Tag
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: the financial implications. Opting for that more potent powertrain is rarely a free upgrade. This is where a decade of experience truly highlights the hidden costs. The immediate hit is the higher car price. Engine upgrades often sit at the heart of higher trim levels, forcing buyers into packages that include not just the engine but also larger wheels, premium sound systems, advanced driver-assistance features, and fancier interior materials – all contributing to a significantly elevated MSRP.
Let’s look at some contemporary examples to quantify this:
2025 Mazda CX-50
2.5L 4-Cylinder (Non-Turbo): Around $31,000 (starting for Select trim). Offers 187 hp.
2.5L Turbo 4-Cylinder: Around $38,000 (starting for Turbo Premium trim). Offers 256 hp.
The difference: A jump of roughly $7,000 for the turbocharged engine, bundling other premium features.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
2.4L Turbo 4-Cylinder: Around $46,000 (starting for XLE). Offers 265 hp.
2.5L Hybrid MAX Powertrain: Around $57,000 (starting for Limited Hybrid Max). Offers 362 hp.
The difference: Here, a more powerful hybrid powertrain represents a significant premium, almost $11,000, showcasing how advanced hybrid vs gasoline engine options can also escalate costs.
This initial purchase price has ripple effects. A higher MSRP translates to a larger loan amount, leading to increased monthly payments and potentially higher interest paid over the life of the loan. When considering performance car financing, it’s crucial to factor in these additional expenses. Your insurance premiums are also likely to climb, as insurers often perceive more powerful vehicles as having a higher risk of accidents or being more expensive to repair.
Beyond the showroom, the financial commitment continues.
Fuel Economy: The Silent Drain
The “ugly truth” about bigger engines has always been their thirstier nature, and while modern engineering has mitigated this somewhat, the principle largely holds. A more powerful engine, especially when pressed, consumes more fuel.
Using the same examples:
2025 Mazda CX-50
2.5L 4-Cylinder (Non-Turbo): EPA est. 27 MPG Combined
2.5L Turbo 4-Cylinder: EPA est. 25 MPG Combined
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
2.4L Turbo 4-Cylinder: EPA est. 24 MPG Combined
2.5L Hybrid MAX Powertrain: EPA est. 27 MPG Combined (despite being much more powerful, this highlights hybrid efficiency)
While a 2-3 MPG difference might seem small on paper, over thousands of miles and with fluctuating fuel prices, it adds up. If your high-performance engine also requires premium octane fuel, that additional cost becomes even more pronounced. Smart fuel efficiency tips like smooth acceleration and anticipating traffic can help, but they won’t fully offset the inherent thirst of a potent engine.
Maintenance and Depreciation: Long-Term Ownership Costs
The long-term ownership costs for a more complex, higher-performance engine can also be a factor. While modern engines are remarkably robust, the components in a high-strung, forced-induction powertrain can be under more stress. Turbos, intercoolers, and more intricate fuel systems can, over extended mileage, lead to slightly higher vehicle maintenance costs or more specialized repairs. It’s an expert’s advice: always adhere strictly to the manufacturer’s recommended service schedule, especially for high-performance variants.
Furthermore, consider car depreciation and resale value performance cars. While some rare, collectible performance models might hold their value well, the average mass-market vehicle with an upgraded engine might not always recoup the full premium you paid for it at resale. The market often prioritizes efficiency and reliability for used car buyers, which can sometimes favor the standard powertrain. This is not universally true, as a desirable performance variant can command a premium, but it’s a factor to evaluate for your specific model.
Beyond Horsepower: The Holistic Driving Experience in 2025
A truly expert perspective emphasizes that raw engine power is just one ingredient in the recipe for a satisfying driving experience. In 2025, with advancements in chassis tuning, suspension technology, and driver-assistance systems, a well-engineered vehicle with a modest engine can often deliver more engagement than a powerful car with an unrefined platform.
Consider the driving dynamics. A vehicle with excellent steering feel, a balanced chassis, responsive brakes, and a well-tuned suspension can be incredibly fun to drive even if it doesn’t boast monster horsepower. Cars like the Mazda MX-5 Miata, with its relatively modest power output, continue to captivate enthusiasts because of their sublime handling and direct connection to the road. This highlights that engagement isn’t solely about straight-line speed; it’s about the entire sensory experience behind the wheel.
Real-world use is another critical factor. How often will you actually exploit that extra 100 horsepower? If your daily commute involves stop-and-go traffic, that potent V6 might spend most of its time idling or barely ticking over, never truly unleashing its potential. For most drivers, the ability to merge confidently and cruise comfortably at highway speeds is more than adequately provided by standard powertrains. Towing and heavy hauling are clear exceptions, where a more robust engine, with its higher torque output, becomes a necessity.
The rise of automotive technology trends in 2025, particularly electrification, further complicates the traditional “bigger engine” debate. Hybrid powertrains, like the aforementioned Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX, offer substantial power combined with impressive fuel economy. Pure electric vehicles (EVs) deliver instant, exhilarating torque from zero RPM, often embarrassing traditional internal combustion engines in a drag race, irrespective of their “engine size” (or lack thereof). This shift redefines “performance” itself, pushing consumers to consider a broader spectrum of propulsion methods. The discussion of electric vehicle performance is now central to any serious car buying guide.
So, When Does the Bigger Engine Make Sense?
Despite the caveats, there are absolutely scenarios where upgrading to the more powerful engine is the right choice, even in 2025:
Enthusiast Pursuit: If driving dynamics and outright acceleration are paramount to your enjoyment, and you genuinely value the thrill factor, then the bigger engine delivers. For many, the emotional satisfaction of a potent powertrain justifies the additional expense.
Specific Use Cases:
Towing/Hauling: If you frequently tow a boat, RV, or heavy trailer, a larger engine, especially a V6 or V8, often provides the necessary torque and durability.
Mountainous Terrain: Living in or frequently driving through mountainous regions can make a more powerful engine a practical necessity for maintaining speed and confidence.
Long-Distance Cruising: On vast American highways, a more powerful engine can make sustained high-speed cruising feel more relaxed and effortless.
Luxury and Prestige: In the premium and luxury segments, a higher-output engine often signifies the pinnacle of refinement, offering smoother power delivery, a more sophisticated engine note, and a stronger sense of exclusivity.
Budget Not a Constraint: If the added purchase price, increased fuel costs, and potential maintenance differences are negligible factors in your personal budget, then there’s no reason to deny yourself the pleasure of more power.
When to Stick with the Standard Powertrain
Conversely, for many buyers, the standard engine option makes more practical sense:
Budget Sensitivity: If you’re on a tight budget, the savings in purchase price, lower monthly payments, insurance premiums, and reduced fuel costs from the standard engine can be significant.
Everyday Commuting: For primary use cases involving city driving, stop-and-go traffic, and typical highway commutes, the base engine generally offers more than adequate power. The extra horsepower would simply go unused, burning more fuel unnecessarily.
Prioritizing Efficiency: If fuel economy and minimizing your environmental footprint are high on your list, the standard or a hybridized base powertrain will almost always be the more sensible choice.
Holistic Value: If you prioritize overall vehicle value, including reliability, lower vehicle maintenance costs, and strong resale potential for the most popular configurations, the standard engine often hits the sweet spot.
Seeking Driving Engagement Elsewhere: For drivers who find their thrills in precise handling, communicative steering, and a well-balanced chassis rather than just straight-line speed, a lighter vehicle with a standard engine can often be more engaging.
The Informed Decision for 2025
The decision of whether to opt for the “bigger engine” in 2025 is more nuanced than ever. It’s no longer just about horsepower numbers, but a holistic evaluation of your driving needs, financial realities, and personal priorities. As an expert who has watched this industry evolve, I can tell you that modern standard engines are remarkably capable, efficient, and refined. The gap in everyday performance between a base and an upgraded engine has narrowed significantly, thanks to technologies like direct injection, variable valve timing, and ubiquitous turbocharging.
Before you sign on the dotted line, take the time to truly understand what you’re buying. Don’t just look at the 0-60 time; consider your average daily drive. Test drive both engine options extensively, if available, on routes that mimic your typical driving conditions. Pay attention not just to acceleration, but to the engine’s sound, its responsiveness in various situations, and how it integrates with the rest of the vehicle’s dynamics. Research the long-term car depreciation and resale value performance cars for both variants of the specific model you’re considering.
Ultimately, the best engine for you isn’t necessarily the biggest or most powerful, but the one that perfectly balances your desires for performance, your budget, and your actual driving lifestyle.
Ready to make an informed decision on your next vehicle? Visit our dealership today to test drive a range of models with different powertrain options and let our experts help you find the perfect match for your driving aspirations and budget.
