15 Reliable Non Interference Engine Cars for Everyday Driving

If you are curious to learn about automobiles, we suggest you explore the list of cars with non interference engines, cars with interference engines, and how the two are different.

If you are a car owner, understandably, you have curiosity about your car’s engine. So, if you ever wonder which type of combustion is roaring the hood of your driving friend, this guide can be of great help.

We will help you explore various interference and non-interference engines from popular automotive brands, along with a sneak peek into the crucial working parts of a non interference engine, and more.

This non-interference engine list will let you know what types of engines your favorite car brand makes and what type of engine you might be driving.

What Is A Non Interference Engine?

If you were always contemplating what cars have non interference engines, your answer is finally here. A non interference engine is a type of internal combustion engine. Like any other combustion engine, a non interference also works on three pillars: timing belt, valve, and piston.

However, a non interference engine is different because despite being in the same confined space, there is ample distance between the pistons and valves to operate independently.

There is no risk of pistons and valves ramming into each other if the timing belt were to be broken at any point of engine operation. It means breaking of timing belt or chain will only cause a minor discomfort, not something that a little mechanical service can’t fix.

Crucial Parts Of A Non Interference Engine:

• Piston: Piston is like a small powerhouse inside an engine. It is a solid metal piece that moves up and down inside a cylinder and helps in converting fuel energy into the motion that drives your car.
• Valve: All modern cars with non interference engines have a valve that is like a door that opens to let the fuel-air mixture and closes to let burnt gasses out at the right time.
• Timing Belt: A timing belt in an engine is a reinforced rubber that controls the rotation of the camshaft in synchronization with the rotation of the crankshaft in a precise manner.

What Is An Interference Engine?

An interference engine is another type of internal combustion engine. It also works on synchronizing the valve, piston, and timing belt.

However, the working of these parts is more like a choreographed dance. There is no space between the valves and pistons in an interference engine.

The pistons move into the same space where the valves open. Thus, the timing belt must be always working correctly. Because if it doesn’t, pistons can crash into open valves, damaging the engine for good.

15 List Of Cars With Non Interference Engines

If you are ever wondering who makes non interference engines, then let us tell you that several global car manufacturers build both interference and non-interference engines.

The engine is the heart of any automobile. As long as all of its components are working well in harmony you have nothing to worry about. But even slight neglect of maintenance and the signs of distress can make you suffer.

However, the damage you have to handle in non-interference engines is significantly less than what you might encounter in interference engines. Considering the importance of engine type, it’s essential to know if your car falls under non interference engines. 

Explore our list of cars with non interference engines below, and find out if your 500 hp cars under $20k is one of them.

1. Renault

The French automotive industry is not well known; however, one of its companies has made a global impact. Renault is a fine French automobile manufacturer that globally manufactures trucks, vans, cars, tractors, and engines.

At present, Renault only produces interference engines. However, one of its old models, “Renault 5,” came with a surprising non interference engine under its hood.

Renault Non Interference Engine List

• 1.4L – 8 Valve Non-Interference

2. Geo

If you wish to own rare cars with non interference engines powering them, then look for GEO automobiles. Geo was another car brand launched by General Motors in 1989. However, GM later merged Geo with its other brand, Chevrolet, in 1997.

If you wish to show off a rare ride with a rare badge that runs on a collision-free engine, Geo is for you.

Geo Non Interference Engine List

• 1.6L DOHC (1989-92 Prizm GSI) Non-Interference
• 1.6L SOHC (Prizm) Non-Interference
• 1.6L SOHC (Storm) Non-Interference
• 1.6L SOHC 8 Valve Engine (Tracker) Non-Interference

3. General Motors & Saturn

If you wish to own cars with non interference engines but want the authenticity of American engineering, General Motors is your best option.

Saturn was a subsidiary launched by GM to compete with Japanese cars in the American market. However, the company defunct Saturn in 2009.

GM Non Interference Engine List

• 1.4L Non-Interference
• 1.6L (Chevette & 1000) Non-Interference
• 1.6L (LeMans) Non-Interference
• 1.6L DOHC (Nova) Non-Interference
• 1.6L SOHC (Nova) Non-Interference
• 1.8L Gasoline Non-Interference
• 2.0L Non-Interference
• 2.3L Non-Interference
• 3.4L Non-Interference
• 3.5L Non-Interference

4. Mercury

Another M-named car brand that has non interference engines produced under its name is Mercury. 

If you were hoping to find the Mercedes non interference engine list here by reading the M-named car brand, you would be disappointed to know that since the 1980s, Mercedes has only produced interference engines.

Mercury was a reputed brand of mid-priced automobiles marketed by Ford. However, in 2010 the brand was shut down by Ford due to extreme sales decline.

Mercury Non Interference Engine List

• Villager 3.0 Non-Interference
• Villager 3.3 Non-Interference

5. Jeep

The Jeep car brand is a synonym for off-roading. If you wish to find a true off-roader on this list of cars with non interference engines, check out this popular American carmaker.

Jeep only has one non interference engine under its name.

Jeep Non Interference Engine List

• 2.0L Non-Interference

6. Kia

South Korean automakers like Kia are making their mark in the American automotive industry. They are known for producing comfortable, reliable, and affordable rides.

And now that we know they even produce non interference engines, you also have security over any timing belt damage.

Kia Non Interference Engine List

• 1.6L SOHC Non-Interference
• 2.0L SOHC Non-Interference

7. Honda

If you own one of the popular rides like the Honda Civic, Honda CR-V, or Honda Passport, you are already aware of this Japanese carmaker.

If not, then let us tell you that Honda is the world’s second most popular Japanese car brand after Toyota. Honda is known for its motorcycles, power equipment, and reliable cars.

Honda Non Interference Engine List

• 3.0L Non-Interference 
• 3.2L Non-Interference

8. Acura

Acura is a Japanese car brand well known for making luxurious and performance oriented vehicles. Formally, Acura is a subsidiary of Honda and has been marketing high-end rides for Honda in the North American market since 1986.

Acura Non Interference Engine List

• SLX Non-Interference

9. Mazda Motor Corporation

Another Japanese car brand on this list of cars with non interference engines to make choosing slightly difficult for you is Mazda. Whether you explore cars with white interior or affordable luxuries, you will find Mazda gracing the list.

Mazda Non Interference Engine List

• 1.5L Non-Interference
• 1.6L Non-Interference
• 1.8L 4 Cyl. Non-Interference
• 1.8L V6 Non-Interference
• 2.0L DOHC (626, MX-6 &Protege) Non- Interference
• 2.0L DOHC (Tribute) Non-Interference
• 2.0L SOHC Non-Interference
• 2.3L 4 Cyl. (B2300) Non-Interference
• 2.3L V6 Non-Interference
• 2.5L 4 Cyl. (B2500) Non-Interference
• 2.5L V6 Non-Interference

10. Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company is one of the most prominent names on this list of cars with non interference engines. This American car brand has a wide range of interference and non interference engines manufactured under its name.

Ford Non Interference Engine List

• 1.3L Non-Interference
• 1.6L DOHC Non-Interference
• 2.0L DOHC (Contour, Escape, Focus, Mystique, ZX2 & 1999-2002 Cougar) Non-Interference
• 2.0L SOHC Gasoline (Escort, Focus & Tracer) Non-Interference
• 2.0L SOHC Gasoline (Capri, Pinto & Ranger) Non-Interference
• 2.3L SOHC Gasoline Non-Interference
• 2.5L SOHC 4 Cyl. Non-Interference
• 2.5L V6 Non-Interference
• 3.0L & 3.2L SHO Non-Interference

11. Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi is another Japanese car brand with decades-old history of producing affordable and reliable vehicles.

One of the best examples that showcases these two qualities of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation is Mitsubishi Mirage. You can buy the brand-new 2024 variant for as low as $16,695.

Mitsubishi Non Interference Engine List

• 3.0L SOHC 12 Valve Engine Non-Interference

12. Chrysler

Chrysler is a subsidiary of a popular multinational automotive manufacturing corporation, Stellantis. This American subsidiary of Stellantis is among the top three automobile manufacturers in the USA.

Chrysler Non Interference Engine List

• 1.7L Non-Interference
• 2.2L SOHC Non-Interference
• 2.4L DOHC Non-Interference 
• 2.5L 4 Cyl. Non-Interference
• 3.0L SOHC 12 Valve Engine Non-Interference

13. Suzuki

Suzuki is a widely known automaker from Japan highly popular for manufacturing all-terrain vehicles, four wheel drive wheels, motorcycles, and different kinds of engines. Suzuki has built only one non interference engine so far.

Suzuki Non Interference Engine List

• 1.6L 8 Valve Engine Non-Interference

14. Volvo

Another European car maker that has built quite a few non interference engines for you to explore is Volvo. This Swedish automotive brand is known for its family-friendly rides like station wagons, SUVs, and more.

Volvo Non Interference Engine List

• 240DL 2.3 Non-Interference
• FK Non-Interference engine
• 240 SOHC Non-interference
• 740 SOHC Non-interference
• 940 SOHC Non-interference

15. Toyota

Toyota is the biggest auto manufacturer in the world, and it deserves this title, seeing the long modern cars with non interference engines it produces.

Whether you wish to own an SUV, sedan, or pickup powered by a less risky non interference engine, Toyota has it all for you.

Toyota Non Interference Engine List

• 1.5L (3E-E & 5E-FE) Non-Interference
• 1.6L DOHC (4A-F & 4A-FE) Non-Interference
• 1.6L DOHC (4A-GE & 4A-GZE) Non-Interference
• 1.6L SOHC Non-Interference
• 1.8L 7AFE, 4AFE, 4AF – Non-Interference
• 2.0L Non-Interference
• 2.2L Gasoline Non-Interference
• 2.5L Non-Interference
• 2.8L Non-Interference
• 3.0L Inline 6 (Except 1998 2JZ-GE) Non-Interference
• 3.0L Inline 6 VVT-i (1998 2JZ-GE) Interference
• 3.0L V6 Non-Interference
• 3.4L Non-Interference
• 3.5L V-6 Non-Interference

24 List Of Cars With Interference Engines

Now that you know everything through modern cars with non-interference engines, it is time to explore interference engines.

That’s right.

You did not think that we would leave you hanging without giving any details about interference engines. If you did, that’s alright. Because below we have listed all the top interference engines made by popular automotive brands.

Mercedes Benz Interference Engine List

• All Interference

Hyundai Interference Engine List

• All Interference

Nissan Interference Engine List

• All Interference

Honda Interference Engine List

• All Honda engines are interference except 3.0L & 3.2L which are Non-interference

Infinity Interference Engine List

• 3.0L & 3.3L Interference

Bmw Interference Engine List

• 2.5L 325I 525I Interference
• 4.0L 740I Interference

Audi Interference Engine List

• 1.8L 1.9L Interference
• 2.8L V6 90 100 Quattro A4 A6 Interference

Acura Interference Engine List

• All except SLX Interference

Fiat Interference Engine List

• 1.3L 128 Series Interference
• 1.5L Stranda Interference
• 1.6L 124 Series Interference
• 1.8L 124 Series Interference
• 1.8L 131 Series, Brava Interference
• 2.0L Brava, Spider Interference

Chrysler Interference Engine List

• 1.4L, 1.5L & 1.6L Interference
• 1.8L Interference
• 2.0L DOHC Interference
• 2.0L SOHC Interference
• 2.2L DOHC Interference
• 2.22L SOHC Interference
• 2.3L Diesel Interference
• 2.4L SOHC Interference
• 2.5L V6 Interference
• 2.7L Interference
• 3.0L DOHC Interference
• 3.0L SOHC 24 Valve Engine Interference
• 3.2L Interference
• 3.3L Interference
• 3.5L Interference
• 3.8L Interference
• 4.0L Interference
• 5.7 Hemi Interference

Ford Interference Engine List

• 1.3L Non-Interference
• 1.6L SOHC Interference
• 1.8L Non-Interference
• 1.9L Non-Interference
• 2.0L DOHC (Probe) Interference
• 2.0L Diesel Interference
• 2.2L Interference
• 2.3L Diesel Interference
• 2.4L Diesel Interference
• 3.0L SOHC Interference
• 3.3L Interference

Geo interference engine list

• 1.0L Interference
• 1.3L Interference
• 1.5L Interference
• 1.6L DOHC (1989-97 Prizm Except 1989-92 GSI) Interference
• 1.6L DOHC (Storm) Interference
• 1.6L SOHC 16 Valve Engine (Tracker) Interference
• 1.8L DOHC (Prizm) Interference
• 1.8L DOHC (Storm) Interference

Isuzu Interference Engine List

• 1.5L Interference
• 1.6L DOHC Interference
• 1.8L Diesel Interference
• 1.8L DOHC Gasoline Interference
• 2.0L Interference
• 2.2L Diesel Interference
• n2.2L Gasoline Interference
• 2.3L Interference
• 2.6L Interference
• 3.2L Interference

GM and Saturn Interference Engine List

• 1.0L Interference
• 1.3L Interference
• 1.5L Interference
• 1.6L (Tracker 16 Valve) Interference
• 1.6L DOHC (Aveo) Interference
• 1.8L Diesel Interference
• 1.9L Ecotec SOHC Interference
• 1.9L Ecotec DOHC Interference
• 2.2L Diesel Interference
• 3.0L Interference
• 3.2L Interference
• 3.6L Interference

 Lexus Interference Engine List

• 3.0L Inline 6 VVT-i (1998-2006) Interference
• 4.0L Interference
• 4.3L Interference
• 4.7L Interference

Kia Interference Engine List

• 1.5L DOHC Interference
• 1.6L DOHC Interference
• 1.8L DOHC Interference
• 2.0L DOHC Interference
• 2.4L DOHC Interference
• 2.5L DOHC Interference
• 2.7L DOHC Interference
• 3.5L DOHC Interference

Mazda Interference Engine List

• 2.0L Diesel Interference
• 2.2L Interference
• 3.0L DOHC Interference
• 3.0L SOHC Interference

Porsche Interference Engine List

• 2.0L 924 Turbo Interference
• 2.5L 944 Interference
• 2.7L 944 Interference
• 3.0L 944 Interference
• 4.5L 928 Interference
• 4.7L 928 Interference
• 5.0L 928 Interference
• 5.4L 928 Interference

Mitsubishi Interference Engine List

• 1.5L Interference
• 1.6L DOHC Interference
• 1.6L SOHC Interference
• 1.8L Interference
• 2.0L DOHC Interference
• 2.0L SOHC Interference
• 2.3L Diesel Interference
• 2.4L DOHC Interference
• 2.4L SOHC Interference
• 3.0L DOHC Interference
• 3.0L SOHC 24 Valve Engine Interference
• 3.5L DOHC Interference
• 3.5L SOHC Interference
• 3.8L Interference

Toyota Interference Engine List

• 1.5L (1A-C, 3A-C & 3E) Interference
• 1.8L Diesel Interference
• 1.8L DOHC Gasoline Interference
• 2.2L Diesel Interference
• 2.4L Diesel Interference
• 3.0L Inline 6 VVT-i (1998 2JZ-GE) Interference
• 3.3L 3MZ-FE V6 W/ V VTi  – Interference
• 4.7L Interference

Suzuki Interference Engine List

• 1.3L DOHC Interference
• 1.3L SOHC Interference
• 1.6L 16 Valve Engine Interference
• 2.0L DOHC Interference

Volkswagen Interference Engine List

• 16 valve diesels Interference
• VR6 Interference

Subaru Interference Engine List

• DOHC Interference

Volvo Interference Engine List

• B200 (E, F, G, GT, FT) Interference
• B204 (E, F, GT, FT) Interference
• B230E (high-compression) Interference
• B230 Non American – Interference
• B234 (F, G) Interference
• B5XXX five-cylinder inline engines -Interference
• 6XXX six-cylinder engines Interference
• 16 Valve Volvo engines are all Interference
• 850 Interference
• 960 Interference
• S40 Interference
• S/V/C 70 Interference
• S60 Interference
• S80 Interference
• XC90’s Interference

How Is An Interference Engine Different From A Non-Interference Engine?

Here we have discussed the top difference between interference engines and non-interference engines. So check the details below:

ASPECT	INTERFERENCE ENGINE	NON INTERFERENCE ENGINE
Definition	There is enough space between the valve and the piston	Non-interference engines are designed with separate paths for pistons and valves
Engine Design	Interference engines are designed with piston and valves path overlapping each other	Non interference engines are designed with separate paths for pistons and valves
Valve Opening	Interference engines are 4-stroke. They open one or more valves to fully accommodate the pistons to enter	Non-interference engines feature pistons that do not travel into the open valves
Timing Belt Replacement	The timing belt is highly crucial in an interference engine, and thus it is recommended to replace the timing belt every 60,000 to 100,000 miles	Timing belt replacement is less critical in non interference engines. But still, it is recommended to replace it every 90,000 to 120,000 miles
Timing Belt Failure	If the timing belt fails in an interference engine, it leads to the piston colliding in open valves and damaging your engine	If the timing belt fails in a non interference engine, it simply shuts down. There is no severe damage.
Maintenance	Regular maintenance and replacement of timing belt is highly crucial to prevent severe engine damage	Regular maintenance and replacement of the timing chain is important, but the consequences of it failing are far less severe in non interference engines
Pros	They offer peak performance and better fuel efficiency. Their emissions can be controlled when properly maintained.	They provide added safety and reliability. They offer peace of mind to drivers. They can be optimized for maximum power output and efficiency. Plus, the repairs are not costly.
Cons	Interference engines are susceptible to critical failure in the event of a timing belt failure. Also, the repairs are costly	If the timing belt breaks, the engine comes to a halt, but the damage is far less compared to interference engine

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

If you are always curious about what types of engines your favorite car brand makes, this list of cars with non interference engines and interference engines will tell you everything you need to know.

This article covers all the prevalent interference and non interference engines in the American automotive market, along with the definition and difference between these two engine types.