10 Naturally Aspirated Engines Still Holding Strong in 2026

Naturally aspirated engines still holding strong in 2026 show up in cars you see around, keeping things simple without turbos everywhere. They power rides that owners stick with, feeling dependable most days even if not the newest. Sometimes you hear about them lasting forever almost, but then repairs pop up anyway. It’s like they just exist there, not pushing too hard but managing to hold on through the years. Not sure what keeps them relevant exactly.

Toyota 2AR-FE Inline-Four

Toyota’s 2AR-FE inline-four keeps going in Camrys and RAV4s from a few years back, holding strong quietly. Owning it feels easy, starts right up and cruises without drama, though it might hesitate a touch on hills sometimes. It exists in daily drivers, repeating that smooth pull that owners get used to. Maybe a seal leaks eventually, but it powers through. Feels okay.

Honda L15B Inline-Four

The Honda L15B inline-four in newer Civics holds strong, revving freely when you want. Experiencing it daily feels peppy enough for city stuff, but highway passing softens a bit. Owners say it’s reliable, repeating low maintenance stories, yet oil changes can’t be skipped. Uncertainty about super long term. Still there.

Ford 2.3L EcoBoost Wait, No, the Cyclone 3.5L V6

Ford’s Cyclone 3.5L V6 lingers in Edges and Flexes, still holding its own. It feels adequate pulling trailers, smooth most times, but thirstier than expected on empties. Being owned by families, it endures kid hauls and such, sometimes vibrating oddly. Repeats the effort without complaint much. Not forever maybe.

Chevrolet Ecotec 2.5L Inline-Four

Chevy’s Ecotec 2.5L inline-four in Malibus keeps holding strong for commuters. You feel it loaf along fine, not exciting but steady, even if it drones at speed. Exists without much fanfare, owners noting occasional misfires that clear up. Might repeat that dependability line. A bit unsure.

Jeep 3.6L Pentastar V6

Jeep’s 3.6L Pentastar V6 powers Wranglers off-road, holding strong over rocks. Driving it feels torquey when low, but revs drop off higher up sometimes. Owned by trail lovers, it takes abuse yet lifter ticks appear. Contradicts toughness claims mildly. Keeps existing.

Volkswagen 2.0L TSI Wait, the EA888 NA Version No, EA113 2.0L

VW’s older 2.0L naturally aspirated in Jettas, still around holding strong. It feels light on gas sometimes, responsive in traffic, but power fades uphill. Owners experience it as basic reliable, repeating starter issues tales. Not resolving if it’ll last ages. Dull drive.

Hyundai Nu 2.5L Inline-Four

Hyundai’s Nu 2.5L inline-four in Sonatas holds strong unexpectedly. Feels roomy in power delivery, smooth cruising, though wind noise competes. Being owned casually, it surprises with mileage, but belts need watching maybe. Repeats the value talk. Okay I guess.

Kia GDI 2.4L Theta Inline-Four

Kia’s 2.4L Theta II GDI engine, naturally breathing in Optimas, keeping strong. You experience eager starts, holding steady on merges, yet carbon builds whispers circulate. Exists for budget buyers, mildly contradicting clean image. Still powers on.

Mitsubishi 4B11 Inline-Four

Mitsubishi’s 4B11 inline-four in Evo ancestors or Outlanders holds strong quietly. Revving it feels sharp at times, softening elsewhere, owners sticking due to feel. Uncertainty with rust around it. Repeats the sporty hint. Whatever.

Volvo B5254 Inline-Five

Volvo’s B5254 inline-five in older S60s, that five-cylinder pulse holding strong. It feels unique thumping along, torquey low, but fuel bites back. Owned safely, endures miles with minor knocks perhaps. Not sure completely. Exists still.