Due to the increasing demand for better fuel economy and increasingly stringent emissions regulations, engine manufacturers have paid attention towards engine downsizing as the most suitable technology to meet these requirements. This study sheds light on the technology currently available or under development that enables engine downsizing in passenger cars. Pros and cons, and any recently published literature of these systems, will be considered. The study clearly shows that no certain boosting method is superior. Selection of the best boosting method depends largely on the application and complexity of the system.