Turbocharged engines, once iconic features of 1980s vehicles, have experienced a significant resurgence in the U.S. automotive market, powering nearly half of all new passenger vehicles sold in 2025. According to recent data, 45% of the 16.3 million new cars purchased last year were equipped with turbocharged engines, highlighting a shift driven primarily by advances in technology and stricter fuel-economy regulations.

Turbochargers are small compressors harnessing the energy of expanding exhaust gases to force additional air into an engine’s cylinders. This process enhances fuel combustion, resulting in increased power output without the need for larger, less efficient engines. Today, turbocharging is particularly prevalent among luxury brands such as Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche, with the latter offering only a few naturally aspirated exceptions in its 911 GT3 line. Mainstream manufacturers have also embraced the technology extensively; for example, all Ford SUVs now include turbo engines, many Chevrolet models from subcompact crossovers to the high-performance Corvette ZR1 rely on turbos, and Honda’s best-selling CR-V features a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder.

Industry experts attribute the current popularity of turbocharged engines to improvements that have addressed the reliability and drivability issues that plagued models in the 1980s. Earlier turbocharged vehicles often suffered from “turbo lag,” a delay between accelerating and the boost in power, as well as mechanical failures related to heat and lubrication problems. Today’s turbo engines have overcome these challenges through electronic regulation of boost pressure, enhanced airflow design, lightweight and more precise components, and advanced motor oils that better withstand high temperatures.

Michael Schmidt, a senior executive at Stellantis, noted that modern turbochargers deliver instantaneous power without waiting for the turbine to spool up. Additionally, innovations such as electrically powered after-run cooling systems or thermal-siphon designs help preserve engine longevity by preventing oil “coking,” a heat-induced problem common in early turbo models that led to engine damage.

The resurgence of turbocharged engines is closely tied to government mandates aimed at reducing emissions and improving fuel efficiency. The downsizing of engines while maintaining power has made turbocharging an essential technology in meeting these requirements. Four-cylinder turbo engines have replaced many larger V-6 and V-8 engines in both smaller vehicles and larger SUVs and pickups.

While modern turbo engines have largely shed the visible branding and decals of earlier decades, classic turbocharged vehicles from the 1970s and 1980s have gained renewed interest among collectors. Some models, such as the Porsche 911 Turbo and the Buick GNX, have fetched high prices in the collector market, reflecting their performance legacy. Events like the Cincinnati Concours d'Elegance have even curated exhibitions specifically showcasing turbocharged cars from 1974 to 1993, emphasizing the cultural and historical significance of the era.

Overall, today’s turbocharged engines blend the nostalgic appeal of their 1980s predecessors with modern engineering advances, providing drivers with efficient, powerful, and reliable performance that meets current market demands and regulatory standards.