What cars use combustion engines

Most cars on the road today use internal combustion engines, including nearly all gasoline and diesel models and the majority of hybrids; only battery-electric and hydrogen fuel-cell cars exclude a combustion engine. In practical terms, vehicles from everyday compacts to full-size pickups—such as the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado, Jeep Wrangler, BMW 3 Series, and Mercedes C-Class—still rely on engines that burn fuel, while pure EVs like Teslas do not. This article explains which cars use combustion engines, how they’re configured, and where the market is headed.

What “combustion-engine cars” means in 2025

Combustion-engine cars are vehicles propelled wholly or partly by an engine that burns fuel—typically gasoline or diesel—to create power. This umbrella includes conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) models and several forms of hybrid vehicles where an engine works alongside an electric motor and battery. Cars that do not use combustion engines are battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), whose propulsion relies solely on electric drive.

Major ways cars use combustion engines

The list below outlines the main configurations you’ll find in the market today that involve a combustion engine, from traditional gasoline and diesel to hybrids and niche setups.

• Gasoline ICE: Traditional spark-ignition engines; the most common powertrain globally.
• Diesel ICE: Compression-ignition engines valued for torque and efficiency, prevalent in trucks and some SUVs, and still common in parts of Europe and global markets.
• Flex-fuel ICE: Engines designed to run on blends like E85 (ethanol) or high-ethanol fuels—especially widespread in Brazil.
• LPG/CNG ICE: Engines adapted for liquefied petroleum gas or compressed natural gas fleets and cost-sensitive markets.
• Mild hybrid (MHEV): An ICE paired with a 48V system that assists but cannot power the car on electricity alone.
• Full hybrid (HEV): An ICE plus a traction motor and battery that can propel the car electrically at times (e.g., at low speeds), but the engine remains central.
• Plug-in hybrid (PHEV): A larger battery charges from the grid for meaningful electric-only range, with an ICE for longer trips.
• Range-extender/series hybrid: Wheels are driven by electric motors; a small ICE runs mainly as a generator (limited but growing in select models).
• Hydrogen ICE: Experimental or niche production engines that burn hydrogen directly; far rarer than hydrogen fuel cells.

Taken together, these configurations mean that outside of BEVs and FCEVs, most new vehicles sold worldwide still incorporate a combustion engine in some form.

Common fuels and where they’re used

Combustion-engine cars can run on several fuels; availability depends on regional infrastructure, policy, and market preference.

• Gasoline (petrol): Dominant in North America, much of Asia, and global passenger cars.
• Diesel: Favored for towing and long-distance efficiency; common in pickups, vans, SUVs, and many European fleet vehicles.
• Ethanol blends/flex-fuel: Routine in Brazil (E100/E27) and available in parts of North America (E85-capable vehicles).
• LPG/CNG: Popular with taxis, fleets, and cost-focused buyers in markets like Turkey, Italy, India, and parts of Eastern Europe.
• Synthetic e-fuels/biofuels: Early-stage or niche adoption; may prolong ICE use in performance and legacy segments if policies allow.
• Hydrogen (ICE): Limited pilots; most hydrogen passenger cars use fuel cells instead of hydrogen-combustion engines.

While gasoline remains the default for many drivers, fuel choices are diversifying, with hybrids reducing overall fuel use and niche fuels serving specific markets.

Examples of 2024–2025 models that use combustion engines

Compact and midsize cars

These mainstream cars anchor the market and largely continue with gasoline engines, often alongside hybrid options for efficiency.

• Toyota Corolla (gasoline and hybrid)
• Honda Civic (gasoline; hybrid trims available depending on market)
• Hyundai Elantra and Kia Forte (gasoline; hybrid for Elantra in some markets)
• Mazda3 (gasoline)
• Volkswagen Golf/GTI/R (gasoline; mild-hybrid options in some regions)
• Toyota Camry (hybrid-only in many markets, but still uses a gasoline engine)
• Honda Accord (gasoline and hybrid, depending on trim/market)
• Hyundai Sonata and Kia K5 (gasoline; hybrid options vary by region)
• Subaru Legacy (gasoline; availability varies by market)
• Nissan Altima (gasoline)
• Toyota Prius (hybrid with gasoline engine)
• BMW 3 Series (gasoline/diesel; plug-in hybrid 330e in many markets)
• Mercedes-Benz C-Class (gasoline/diesel with mild-hybrid; PHEV in select regions)
• Audi A3 (gasoline/diesel; mild-hybrid options)

In this segment, fully electric choices are growing, but combustion engines remain the norm, frequently supplemented by mild or full-hybrid systems.

SUVs and crossovers

SUVs span everything from compact family haulers to off-roaders, with combustion engines still standard, often alongside hybrid and plug-in variants.

• Toyota RAV4 (gasoline, hybrid, and PHEV Prime)
• Honda CR-V (gasoline; hybrid widely available)
• Nissan Rogue/X-Trail (gasoline; regional powertrains vary)
• Mazda CX-5/CX-50 (gasoline)
• Subaru Forester and Outback (gasoline; mild electrification in some markets)
• Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson (gasoline; hybrid and PHEV in many regions)
• Toyota Highlander/Kluger (gasoline and hybrid)
• Ford Explorer (gasoline; hybrid availability varies by market and model year)
• Chevrolet Equinox/Traverse and GMC Acadia/Terrain (gasoline)
• Jeep Wrangler and Grand Cherokee (gasoline/diesel in some markets; 4xe PHEV widely offered)
• BMW X3/X5 (gasoline/diesel; PHEV variants)
• Mercedes-Benz GLC/GLE (gasoline/diesel with mild-hybrid; PHEV options)
• Audi Q5 (gasoline/diesel; PHEV in many regions)
• Toyota Land Cruiser and Sequoia (hybrid-only in many markets, using a turbocharged gasoline engine)
• Lexus RX/NX (gasoline and hybrid/PHEV, depending on trim)
• Land Rover Defender/Range Rover/Range Rover Sport (gasoline/diesel; PHEV options)

From compact commuters to luxury and off-road nameplates, combustion engines remain central, though electrified variants are increasingly common.

Pickup trucks and vans

Work-focused vehicles continue to rely on combustion engines for towing, payload, and range, with hybrids emerging in select models.

• Ford F-150 (gasoline; hybrid PowerBoost available; distinct from the all-electric Lightning)
• Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 (gasoline; diesel options in some trims)
• Ram 1500 (gasoline; 2025 Ramcharger uses an ICE as a generator in a series-hybrid layout)
• Toyota Tundra (gasoline twin-turbo V6; hybrid i-Force Max available)
• Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon (gasoline; diesel in certain markets)
• Toyota Tacoma (gasoline; hybrid i-Force Max on select trims)
• Nissan Frontier/Navara (gasoline; diesel in global markets)
• Heavy-duty pickups (Ford Super Duty, Ram HD, GM HD) with gasoline and high-torque diesel options
• Vans: Ford Transit (gasoline/diesel alongside e-Transit BEV), Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (diesel; eSprinter BEV also sold), Ram ProMaster (gasoline; BEV variant in some markets)

Despite a growing number of electric and plug-in options, combustion engines dominate trucks and vans due to capability, refueling speed, and infrastructure.

Performance and sports cars

Performance brands continue to showcase combustion engines—sometimes paired with electrification—to deliver power and character.

• Porsche 911 (gasoline; exploring e-fuel compatibility)
• Chevrolet Corvette (gasoline; E-Ray adds hybridization)
• Ford Mustang (gasoline)
• BMW M3/M4 (gasoline; mild electrification in some trims)
• Toyota GR Supra and Nissan Z (gasoline)
• Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 (gasoline)
• Ferrari 296 GTB/GTS (PHEV with gasoline V6) and other hybridized Ferrari models
• Lamborghini Revuelto (PHEV with V12 gasoline)
• Dodge Charger (returning with gasoline inline-six alongside an all-electric variant, depending on trim)

In this niche, electrification enhances performance, but the combustion engine remains a core part of the driving experience and brand identity.

Diesel-focused examples

Diesel remains important in specific regions and use cases, especially for torque-heavy applications and long-distance efficiency.

• Heavy-duty American pickups with diesel options (e.g., Ford Power Stroke, Ram Cummins, GM Duramax)
• European diesel SUVs and estates in select trims (e.g., BMW xDrive “d” variants, Mercedes “d” models, Land Rover D300)
• Global-market body-on-frame SUVs and pickups (e.g., Toyota Hilux and Fortuner, Ford Ranger diesels)
• Commercial vans in Europe and beyond (e.g., Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit, VW Transporter in diesel trims)

While passenger-car diesel has contracted in some markets, it continues to serve towing, commercial, and high-mileage needs worldwide.

Which cars do not use combustion engines

For contrast, here are mainstream vehicles that skip combustion entirely, relying on electric propulsion.

• Battery-electric vehicles (BEVs): Tesla (entire lineup), Nissan Leaf, Hyundai Ioniq 5/6, Kia EV6/EV9, Volkswagen ID.3/ID.4/ID.7, Ford Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning, Chevrolet Blazer EV/Equinox EV/Silverado EV, GMC Hummer EV, Rivian R1T/R1S, Lucid Air/Gravity, Porsche Taycan, BMW i4/iX, Mercedes EQE/EQS
• Hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles (FCEVs): Toyota Mirai and Hyundai Nexo, sold in limited markets with hydrogen infrastructure

These models illustrate the non-combustion alternatives; they use electric motors exclusively and require charging (or hydrogen fueling) instead of gasoline or diesel.

Policy and market outlook

As of 2025, most new cars sold globally still feature a combustion engine, often paired with electrification. Regulations are tightening: the European Union plans to require new light vehicles to be zero-emission by 2035, with a narrow exception for carbon-neutral e-fuels; the United Kingdom targets 2035; and several U.S. states, led by California, aim for 100% zero-emission new car sales by 2035 with limited PHEV allowances. Many automakers expect to sell hybrid and plug-in hybrid models well into the 2030s, especially in trucks, SUVs, and regions where charging infrastructure lags. Synthetic fuels could extend the life of high-end performance ICE cars, while mainstream segments continue a gradual pivot toward electrification.

Summary

Combustion engines power the vast majority of cars on the road and remain prevalent across segments—from compact sedans and family SUVs to pickups and sports cars. Gasoline and diesel dominate, while hybrids of all kinds still rely on combustion alongside electric assistance. Only battery-electric and hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles eliminate the engine altogether. Policy and technology are accelerating the shift to electric, but through the 2020s and into the 2030s, most new vehicles worldwide will continue to use combustion engines in some form.

Does a Tesla use a combustion engine?

Unlike traditional cars, Teslas do not have a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE). Instead, they are powered by electric motors. These motors draw energy from large battery packs located in the car’s floor, which store electricity to power the vehicle.

Do modern cars use combustion engines?

Most late-model vehicles use internal combustion engines, which ignite fuel to convert energy into torque. The combustion cycle in an internal combustion engine consists of intake, compression, combustion and exhaust strokes.

Are there cars that don’t run on gas?

I have to say it’s doing a pretty decent. Job. But while these cars have plenty of fans Steven Zof a former transportation official and Stanford researcher.

What vehicles use a combustion engine?

While there are many stationary applications, most ICEs are used in mobile applications and are the primary power supply for vehicles such as cars, aircraft and boats. ICEs are typically powered by hydrocarbon-based fuels like natural gas, gasoline, diesel fuel, or ethanol.