The automotive landscape in the United States is shifting gears, and it’s not just about the cars themselves—it’s what’s under the hood. Recent data unveils an interesting trend: the ascendancy of three-cylinder engines, while the reign of the six- and eight-cylinder powerhouses is facing a slowdown.
Prior to 2019, the share of new car sales in the U.S. for vehicles with three-cylinder engines was essentially zero. However, the penetration of three-pots has increased every quarter since Q1 2019, climbing to 5.6% at the end of Q2 2023 and approaching 6.2% through part of Q3. According to the associate director for loyalty solutions and industry analysis at S&P Global Mobility, Tom Libby, this is because of rising demand for ‘subcompact-plus’ utility vehicles like the Buick Encore GX, Ford Bronco Sport, and Chevrolet Trailblazer.
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