Turbocharged four-cylinders are having a moment—and for good reason. Whether you're after efficiency, tunability, or just a ton of smiles-per-gallon, the boosted four-banger is the hero engine of the modern performance world. We've rounded up some of the best factory turbo 4-cylinders across different price ranges and crowned one with the best bang-for-your-buck in terms of price per horsepower. Spoiler alert: you don’t need to sell your soul for speed.

⭐️ Our Top Turbocharged 4-Cylinder Picks

?️ 1. Honda K20C1 (Civic Type R)

• Power: 315 hp (2023+ FL5)

• Price: ~$45,000 (Civic Type R MSRP)

• Price/HP: ~$143/HP

• Why it’s special: The K20C1 is legendary in the making. High-revving, track-capable, and surprisingly refined for daily use. It’s also an aftermarket favorite—400+ hp is possible with bolt-ons and a tune.

?️ 2. Toyota G16E-GTS (GR Corolla)

• Power: 300 hp from a 1.6L 3-cylinder turbo

• Price: ~$36,000 (base)

• Price/HP: ~$120/HP

• Why it’s special: Okay, technically not a 4-cylinder, but it earns its spot. Toyota squeezed wild power from just 3 cylinders, and it delivers rally-inspired chaos in a hatchback body.

?️ 3. Mercedes-AMG M139 (AMG A45 S / CLA45 S)

• Power: 416 hp

• Price: ~$60,000–$70,000 (Euro market, CLA45 in US)

• Price/HP: ~$157/HP

• Why it’s special: Hand-built and packing the most hp per liter for a production engine (over 208 hp/l). It’s a beast, but you’ll pay for the badge and luxury.

?️ 4. Ford 2.3L EcoBoost (Focus RS / Mustang EcoBoost HPP)

• Power: 350 hp (Focus RS), 330 hp (Mustang HPP)

• Price: ~$25,000–$35,000 used

• Price/HP: ~$100/HP or less

• Why it’s special: It’s torquey, reliable, and well-supported in the tuning community. Great for builds, with strong internals and good aftermarket potential.

?️ 5. Hyundai 2.0L Turbo (Elantra N / Veloster N)

• Power: 276 hp

• Price: ~$33,000

• Price/HP: ~$120/HP

• Why it’s special: Hyundai surprised everyone with how sharp and engaging this car is. It’s a budget track weapon that delivers a pure driving experience with modern tech.

⭐️ Best Value Winner: Ford 2.3L EcoBoost (Focus RS / Mustang EcoBoost HPP)

When it comes to price-per-horsepower, the Ford 2.3L EcoBoost punches way above its class. With used Focus RS and Mustang EcoBoost High Performance Package models hovering around the $25–30K mark and horsepower figures in the 330–350 range, you’re looking at under $100 per horsepower.

Plus, it’s one of the most tunable engines on the market—bolt-ons, intercooler, tune, and you're flirting with 400 hp. Whether you're a weekend warrior, a daily driver with a boost addiction, or planning a full-on project build, this engine delivers performance and potential without draining your wallet.

⭐️ Honorable Mentions

• Subaru FA24DIT (WRX 2.4L Turbo): Decent power (271 hp), but heavier and more limited in tuning (for now).

• Volkswagen EA888 Gen 3 (GTI, Golf R): Smooth and efficient, tons of aftermarket support, just a bit more conservative from the factory.

Final Thoughts

Turbo 4-cylinders aren’t just for economy anymore. They’re the heart of some of the most exciting cars on the road today—highly tunable, lightweight, and power-dense. Whether you’re after raw numbers or a mod-friendly platform, these engines offer something for every kind of car enthusiast.

What’s your favorite turbo 4-cylinder? Are you building one? Let us know—tag @project_m_ on Instagram and show us what you’re working with!