Which Ford Fiesta has the best engine?

For outright speed, the Fiesta ST’s turbocharged 1.6-litre EcoBoost is the best engine; for everyday use, the 1.0-litre EcoBoost is the standout all-round option.

To understand this question in depth, it helps to look across the Fiesta’s generations and engine families, weighing performance, efficiency, and reliability. Ford has offered a mix of small turbo petrols and diesels, plus older Duratec options, with the modern 1.0 EcoBoost and the high-performance 1.6 EcoBoost powering theSportyST variants at the top end.

Engine options that shaped the Fiesta

The Fiesta’s lineup spans several generations and engine families, each bringing its own strengths. Here is a quick look at the main engines you’re likely to encounter when shopping for a Fiesta or researching its history.

• 1.0-litre EcoBoost (three-cylinder turbo) — the current mainstream engine, praised for light weight, refinement, and a strong balance of power and economy. Variants typically range from about 100 to 140 horsepower depending on market and tune.


• 1.6-litre EcoBoost (turbo petrol) — a larger turbo petrol used in the Fiesta ST family for higher performance; the standard ST makes around 180 horsepower, with the limited ST200 reaching about 200 horsepower.


• 1.5-litre EcoBlue diesel — a turbocharged diesel adopted for improved economy and torque; available in several specs in markets where diesel variants are offered.


• Older petrol and diesel options (1.4/1.6 Duratec, 1.4/1.5 Duratorq) — found in earlier Fiestas; generally less efficient than EcoBoost/ecoDiesel peers but known for reliability and simplicity.

Conclusion: The best engine depends on your priorities—everyday usability, performance, or long-run economy—and the latest EcoBoost options are the most versatile for a broad range of buyers.

Why the 1.0 EcoBoost is a frequent favorite

The 1.0-litre EcoBoost is a lightweight, refined turbo three-cylinder that delivers surprisingly spirited performance for a small hatch. Its torque comes early, which helps in urban driving and on-ramps, while its efficiency keeps running costs reasonable. Across Mk7 and Mk8 Fiestas, this engine has become the default pick for most buyers who want a modern, low-emission powertrain without sacrificing everyday usability.

Best engine by use case

Below is a practical guide to which Fiesta engine suits different priorities. Each bullet describes the engine’s strengths in real-world use.

• Best all-round daily driver: 1.0-litre EcoBoost — compact, efficient, and adequately punchy for most day-to-day driving scenarios.


• Best performance option: 1.6-litre EcoBoost in the Fiesta ST — about 182 horsepower in the standard ST, delivering genuine hot-hatch performance; the ST200 variant pushes to around 200 horsepower for a limited run.


• Best long-run economy: 1.5-litre EcoBlue diesel — when available, offers excellent highway mpg and strong torque for long-distance travel.

These categories reflect how Ford’s engine lineup was tuned to meet different customer needs across generations, from everyday practicality to track-ready performance.

Performance vs. efficiency trade-offs

Choosing between these engines involves trade-offs: the 1.0 EcoBoost prioritizes efficiency with adequate everyday pace, while the 1.6 EcoBoost ST engines maximize acceleration and handling at the expense of higher fuel use and premium fuel requirements. Diesel options deliver top mpg but may have higher maintenance costs and limited availability in some markets. Always verify the exact engine spec on any used Fiesta and check maintenance history, especially for turbocharged units.

What to check before buying

When selecting a Fiesta, consider your typical driving, climate, and fuel availability. For EcoBoost engines, check for proper turbo cooling, oil quality, and a clean service history. For diesels, verify soot filtering and regular regeneration cycles. A test drive should confirm smooth turbo whistle, no misfires, and steady power delivery across gears.

Summary

Across generations, Ford has offered a mix of turbocharged petrol and diesel engines designed to balance weight, efficiency, and performance. The standout for most buyers is the 1.0-litre EcoBoost for daily use, while the Fiesta ST’s 1.6-litre EcoBoost represents the pinnacle of Fiesta performance, and the 1.5 EcoBlue diesel remains the go-to for long-distance economy where available. In short, the “best” engine depends on your priorities: everyday practicality, speed, or fuel economy—and the latest EcoBoost options provide the most versatile, broadly appealing package.

What is the best Ford Fiesta to buy?

The best option by far is the 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine – it's turbocharged, so it's quicker and has the potential to be more efficient than more basic options. There are 95hp, 100hp, 125hp, 140hp and 155hp variants of this seriously impressive engine, and we think it's one of the best small engines around.

What year is the most reliable Ford Fiesta?

The most reliable Ford Fiesta years are generally 2016 and newer. These models avoid recalls for the overheating issue affecting some earlier 2014-2015 cars and benefit from a refined suspension and the newer Sync 3 system. Models from the 2011-2015 range, especially those with the PowerShift automatic transmission, had frequent recalls and were more prone to issues. 
This video discusses which years of the Ford Fiesta to avoid: 56sTechnical EvolutionYouTube · Feb 28, 2025
Why 2016 and newer are recommended

• Avoids recalls: These models have updated cylinder heads, which resolved an overheating issue found in some 2014-2015 cars.
• Newer technology: They feature the more modern and user-friendly Sync 3 infotainment system.
• Improved ride quality: The suspension was also softened slightly around the beginning of the 2016 model year. 

Years to be cautious of

• 2011-2015 models: These years saw the most frequent recalls, with issues ranging from doors opening unexpectedly to problems with the PowerShift automatic transmission, which often failed before 50,000 miles. 
• Early 1.0L EcoBoost engines: Some early versions of the 1.0L EcoBoost engine had a wet timing belt system that could break down over time, leading to engine failure. The engine was revised around 2018/2019 with a timing chain, but some later models still had issues with the oil pump's wet belt system. 

Other factors to consider

• ST models: The 2012-2017 Fiesta ST models are well-regarded for their performance, with a high average owner rating. 
• Overall: While the 2011-2015 models have some reliability concerns, many drivers of those years still report good ownership experiences, particularly with well-maintained vehicles. 

What is Ford's most reliable engine?

Ford's most reliable engines are often cited as the 5.0L Coyote V8 and the 7.3L Godzilla V8, known for their durability, while the 3.3L Ti-VCT V6 is also highly reliable due to its simpler design. The 5.0L Coyote is praised for its blend of modern technology and proven toughness, and the Godzilla is a workhorse engine built for extreme durability in heavy-duty trucks. The 3.3L V6 is a solid, simple choice for everyday use, avoiding the complexities of turbocharged or hybrid systems. 
Modern, high-performance options

• 5.0L Coyote V8: This engine is widely considered one of Ford's most reliable modern engines, praised for its high-revving, durable design.
  • It is used in vehicles like the Mustang and F-150.
  • Owners report high mileage with basic maintenance, and it handles modifications well due to its strong internal components. 

Heavy-duty, built-to-last option 

• 7.3L Godzilla V8: This engine is a modern equivalent to traditional, long-lasting V8s.
  • It's found in Ford's heavy-duty trucks and is built for durability and strength, with a simpler, less complex valve train.
  • It avoids modern complexities like cylinder deactivation and direct injection, which can be sources of failure in other engines. 

Simpler, no-frills option 

• 3.3L Ti-VCT V6: This is often cited as the most reliable engine in the F-150 lineup because it lacks the stress of turbocharging or supercharging.
  • It's a straightforward, naturally aspirated engine that is less complex and therefore less prone to certain types of failures. 

What is the best Ford Fiesta engine?

1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine
What's the best Ford Fiesta engine to get? This is an easy one. The best engine for the Ford Fiesta is the 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine – the more affordable 1.1-litre petrol that's also offered feels wheezy and old-fashioned by comparison.