When it comes to balancing power, efficiency, and packaging, the turbocharged four-cylinder configuration makes a lot of sense. No surprise then that this engine type can be found across a variety of different vehicle segments, from compact sedans, to three-row crossovers. That includes the GM turbocharged 2.0L I4 LSY gasoline engine, as well as the Ford turbocharged 2.0L EcoBoost I4. Which leads us to as – which engine is better?
Buick Envision
Ford Escape
When it comes to output, the Ford EcoBoost 2.0L I4 has a clear advantage, doling out a maximum of 250 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 280 pound-feet of torque at 3,000 rpm. By comparison, GM’s LSY engine delivers a maximum of 228 horsepower at 5,000 rpm when equipped by the 2025 Buick Envision, 235 horsepower at 5,000 rpm in the 2025 Cadillac XT5, and 258 pound-feet of torque at 1,500 rpm across all vehicle applications.
However, while the EcoBoost shines with higher peak numbers, the LSY’s extra low-end twist could prove more effective for everyday driving.
Cadillac XT5
Lincoln Nautilus
Fuel efficiency is another point to consider between these two engines. Comparing the Cadillac XT5 and Lincoln Nautilus, the GM LSY engine achieves an EPA-rated 21 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined, slightly behind the Ford EcoBoost’s 21 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined. Similarly, when comparing the Buick Envision and Ford Escape, the LSY records 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined, while the EcoBoost achieves 23 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined.
The end result is that Ford’s EcoBoost consistently outperforms the LSY in highway and combined mileage, which may appeal to those buyers prioritizing fuel efficiency. It’s also worth noting that GM recommends premium fuel for optimal performance in the Cadillac XT5.
| GM Turbo 2.0L I4 LSY | Ford EcoBoost 2.0L I4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Power (horsepower @ rpm) | 228 @ 5,000 | 250 @ 5,500 |
| Torque (pound-feet @ rpm) | 258 @ 1,500 to 4,000 | 280 @ 3,000 |
| City/Highway/Combined (mpg) | 22 / 28 / 24 | 23 / 31 / 26 |
| Recommended Fuel | Regular | Regular |
| GM Turbo 2.0L I4 LSY | Ford EcoBoost 2.0L I4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Power (horsepower @ rpm) | 235 @ 5,000 | 250 @ 5,500 |
| Torque (pound-feet @ rpm) | 258 @ 1,500 to 4,000 | 280 @ 3,000 |
| City/Highway/Combined (mpg) | 21 / 27 / 23 | 21 / 29 / 24 |
| Recommended Fuel | Premium | Regular |
At present, the GM LSY is found in a variety of models, including luxury vehicles like the Cadillac CT4, CT5, XT4, XT5, and XT6, as well as the ICE-based Chevy Blazer and Buick Envision. However, GM is gradually phasing out the LSY engine from the U.S. market, as GM Authority covered previously.
Of course, the spec sheet is only half the story, with more subjective things like refinement and engine sound also worthy of consideration. Reliability also plays a significant role here.
So, which engine is better – GM’s turbocharged 2.0L I4 LSY, or Ford’s turbocharged 2.0L EcoBoost I4? Let us know by voting in the poll!
Comments
The GM Turbo 2.0L I4 LSY could easily be an additional engine choice for both Equinox and Terrain. However, it is not…and that’s sad.
The only favorable four-cylinder turbocharged engine is in a SAAB.
My 2024 Buick Enclave has the last V6 (for now?) and when I need a V8, I drive my 1969, 1972 or 1974 Oldsmobile Toronados.
Gm’s 2.0T is much more reliable. Ford ecoboost engines have lots of problems.
That’s not been my experience. 3 EcoBoost’s in my household, a 2.0,2.3and 2.7, all essentially perfect in over 109k and 8 years of service.
I can agree that Ecoboosts ARE RELIABLE IF:
1) You do not flog them to death
2) You allow the turbos to cool down after driving
3) You do not tow 13k pounds all the time or on many occasions (applies for any truck, but more or less to EcoBoosts as well- the 3.5 and maybe the PB I am referring to here)
4) You DO NOT skip oil changes eg: every 10k miles, there are oil changes- They are NOT tolerant to this (yes, it also applies to AFM/DFM engines, but to EcoBoosts as well since they are running at high temperature).
They fixed the cam phaser issues, but the cost of ownership is fairly high , even if 300k miles is achievable…so there is that.
So basically, you can’t abuse an Ecoboost and get away with it? I would think all that goes for any turbo engine although Ford is adamant that the 3.5 Ecoboost can tow maximum rating without restrictions.
Remember the burnt pistons in the earlier 2.0s?
Both engines suffer the same problem of being pushed out of their leagues and expected to do too much.
I can only speak to Ford’s 2.0 but my 2014 Focus had no issues at all over 9 years and more than 100k miles. And my 2022 Escape so far with 16k miles again absolutely no issues.
1.5 3cyl or 2.0 4?
What are you basing this on: vast firsthand experience or what you think you know? Based on my firsthand experience after 5 years, my money says my 2.0 Ecoboost will run as long as anything else out there. Fuel economy is impressive and exceeded my expectations and EPA ratings greatly and I don’t have a light right foot at all.
unfortunately GM wants to be a full EV manufacturer they don’t want to offer Hybrid or PHEV alternatives hopefully maybe they’ll reconsider.
3.6L bests both.
Why isn’t there a third choice for “neither”?
2.0 LTG please!!! If we are talking about 2.0 turbo engines, that one would be my choice bar none. I know it’s no longer emissions compliant, and GM shoehorned in the LSY as it’s replacement, without properly engineering it for power, and focusing instead on economy and price. The LTG was a stud. Sadly any vehicle that has a 2.0T in it I’m not buying because the engine. Unless they start putting it in the Trax or some other supper compact that such an engine is an attractive option, it’s not going to be an engine Iake a purchase choice on.
It’s not even close. The Ford EcoBoost2.0 and 2.3 are miles better than the GM tractor engine. The Ford’s are more powerful with a broader torque band and better low end response and torque. Economy is about a wash but the GM product really fails when it comes to NVH and reliability. The EcoBoost is smooth and refined until the top of the tachometer where it gets coarse and noisy. The GM is coarse and noisy almost everywhere in the range and announces its cylinder shortfall with every rev. And with over 109k on it, my ‘16 EcoBoost 2.0 has needed nothing but oil changes since new and still runs perfectly, starting with just a touch of the button and delivering 25 mpg daily in our Focus ST. GM should have stuck with the 3.6L DOHC and added a Hybrid option to improve its economy. For smaller cars they need to rework the 2.0 into a smoother engine with a wider torque band and add a Hybrid option. GM is notoriously lazy when it comes to 4 cylinders (Ifon Duke, Quad 4) however don’t mind me if I don’t wait for that to happen.
Agree on the smoothness of the Ford. I just rented a Mercedes GLC and what a rough runner compared to my 2.0t Escape. That Ford is a silky smooth power plant.
My wife’s gen 2 Cruze is course and doesn’t like to rev. I wouldn’t be surprised if the GM 2.0T isn’t any better. I know they aren’t related but curious what others think who know both.
I have both Ford and GM products in my house and it’s not close ford ecoboost program started back back in like 2000 with R&D. This is why they didn’t take bailout in 09 they had ecoboost in pipeline and it shows more power, better fuel economy and for bigger engines since I only have trucks and sport cars engines the 3.5 & 2.7 are reliable. GM I will only by 6.0 or 6.2. Whats crazy is GM owned Saab so should of had years of research to be leader in turbo engines but there not. My garage 16 f150 2.7l, 24 expedition 3.5l, 08 G8 6.0l, 23 c8 6.2l
Agree. My last two cars were Ford 2.0 turbos. Before that I had two Saab 2.3 turbos. Those were also brilliant engines. The problem with GM is they keep cheaping out because for some reason they don’t think people will pay extra. Ford just sells their 2.0 for a substantial premium and guess what? They get it. GM doesn’t get it.
The turbo 2.0 in my Escape was a $2400 option. And they sell.
Ford EcoBeast all day everyday
Just purchased a Bronco Sport with 2.0 and I am blown away by how refined the 2.0 is. You can’t tell it’s running at idle. It’s that smooth. I’m not a Ford fan but taking a chance on the Bronco. So far the engine and transmission are very impressive for a Ford product.
I have a similar version of your vehicle, a 2020 Escape with the 2.0 Ecoboost AWD. At 54k miles, engine runs perfect and silky smooth like others said on here. Doesn’t burn a drop of oil between 8k mile oil changes. My transmission shudders a little sometimes when cold but runs fine after. My advice is change the transmission fluid early. Ford recommends 30k if you are severe duty such as city mostly or towing, or 150k if you drive normal type such as highway mostly. I’m getting mine done in the Spring at 60k.
Another nice thing about the Ford’s is that they’ll run fine on regular. Premium in Chicago is very pricey. Shell gas station in downtown Chicago: regular $3.99, midgrade $4.79, premium $5.59.
From what I remember from an XT4 loaner, the Escape 2.0T is noticeably quicker (especially from the midrange up) but both were kinda laggy and boosty from low speeds. Luckily I can’t remember either surging at all, but that off idle lag just makes my 3.6 look like a star. I can’t recall the smoothness between the two, but on my test drive of the Escape it did a weird resonance once with the floor panel/exhaust at WOT around 40 MPH that was downright embarrassing. I didn’t drive the Escape long enough to get a feel for fuel economy, but the XT4 was no star in that manner and considering what C&D has gotten out of the Escape (32 MPG at 75 MPH), it’s probably not close. Escape chassis and steering was way more fun than the XT4, which felt more like a narrow hatchback on stilts. As for reliability, I’m sure either is pretty punctual to 100k with regular maintenance, but I’d be budgeting for both beyond that.