Turbo vs. Non-Turbo: Which Do You Need?

Minitrucks have the power you need to get the job done. Don’t be fooled by the small size. These workhorses are fully equipped to carry heavy loads, get you up a gravel slope, and move smartly in and out of city traffic… all while potentially saving you hundreds of dollars a year because of their terrific fuel economy.

In some cases, a little extra efficiency can be an advantage. For example, vehicles working in mountainous regions – where the air is “thinner” -- have less oxygen to work with. That’s a challenge because engines need oxygen to create the combustion that makes the vehicle go. Less oxygen means less efficient combustion. That can be a drag on power and fuel economy.

Turbochargers can give your engine an efficiency boost. They do this by making better use of the available air. A turbocharger has three parts: two turbines and a wastegate. One turbine is turned by the exhaust exiting the vehicle, while the other one is turned by ambient air in the system. As the turbines turn, they force the air back into the engine through the intake manifold. That changes the air-fuel mix and increases your engine’s efficiency.

A turbocharger brings many benefits. In addition to giving you better operation at high altitudes, the increased efficiency means you need less fuel to go the same distance. That may mean you save money on repairs by reducing wear and tear, Turbochargers are particularly well suited to small vehicles. A turbocharger allows mini trucks and minivans to have increased power without requiring a larger engine to be installed, which means you get a power and speed boost without adding extra weight.

Consider the trade offs before you decide on a turbocharged vehicle. For starters, you can expect to pay more for the vehicle itself if you opt for a turbocharger. It also adds additional parts to the vehicle, which may at some point need repairs or replacement. Also consider that a turbocharged vehicle isn’t always a benefit. In fact, when the system is not working perfectly it can actually lower efficiency. If additional gas is required to a) create the exhaust that spins the turbine, and b) keep the balance between air and gas for combustion, you may wind up using more fuel than you would without the turbo.

Whichever you choose, you’re getting a reliable, powerful and economical vehicle. Consider your own application, then weigh the pros and cons of the turbo and non-turbo mini trucks. And if you’re not sure, the team at minitrucks.jp is standing by to offer advice.