(October 18, 2011) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Smaller engines are taking over the new car market, thanks to improved technology and a push for better fuel efficiency, reports Edmunds' AutoObserver.com.

According to Edmunds.com's data, the proportion of vehicles sold in the United States with 4-cylinder engines has climbed from 32 percent in 2007 to more than 45 percent so far this year.

And in recent months, the 4-cylinder engine has made up more than 50 percent of sales, placing the smallest engines as the dominant choice in the market.

"New technology has markedly improved the power density of 4-cylinder engines, making them nearly as powerful and torque-productive as recent V6s," says Ivan Drury, analyst at Edmunds.com. "Ford Motor Co., for example, now has a turbocharged 2-liter 4-cylinder engine for its Explorer crossover, a vehicle that once was commonly fitted with a V8."

One obvious benefit of smaller engines is better fuel economy, and fuel mileage in 4-cylinder engines has improved in the most recent car models. Edmunds.com data indicate that the average fuel economy for all 2012-model 4-cylinder engines is 26.6 mpg, up almost one mpg from the 25.8 mpg average in 4-cylinder engines for 2011 model year vehicles.

Edmunds.com found evidence of the trend toward 4-cylinder engines within individual auto companies earlier this year. According to an April report by Edmunds' AutoObserver.com, the number of retail customers for all Chevrolet models opting for 4-cylinder engines climbed from 23 percent in 2007 to 46 percent through the first quarter of 2011.

The numbers are especially impressive considering the disproportionate presence of full-size pickup trucks — which have traditionally carried larger engines — within the brand's sales mix.

Get more details on Edmunds.com's small engine findings.