How Good Is a 2.4-Liter Engine?

A 2.4‑liter engine is generally a solid middle‑ground for everyday driving: naturally aspirated versions offer dependable, adequate power and reasonable fuel economy, while modern turbocharged 2.4s deliver strong torque and towing for crossovers and trucks. How “good” it is, however, depends far more on the specific engine family, whether it’s turbocharged or not, the vehicle it’s in, and its maintenance history than on displacement alone.

What “2.4 liters” Really Means

Displacement measures the total volume swept by all pistons—2.4 liters in this case—and doesn’t by itself dictate performance or reliability. Power, efficiency, and durability are shaped by design choices such as turbocharging, fuel injection type (port, direct, or both), materials, emissions controls, and the transmission it’s paired with.

Performance and Efficiency Expectations

Power and Torque Ranges

Output varies widely by era and engineering. The following ranges capture what buyers can expect from common 2.4‑liter designs in the U.S. market over the past two decades, with examples to ground the numbers.

• Naturally aspirated (older sedans/crossovers): roughly 150–190 hp and 160–180 lb‑ft. Examples: Honda K24 (various trims), Toyota 2AZ‑FE, GM 2.4 Ecotec, Chrysler 2.4 “Tigershark.”
• Turbocharged (current SUVs/trucks/performance): about 250–326 hp and 258–465 lb‑ft (with hybrid assist at the high end). Examples: Toyota 2.4T (Highlander 265 hp/309 lb‑ft; 2024+ Tacoma up to 326 hp/465 lb‑ft in hybrid trims), Lexus RX/NX 2.4T (up to ~275 hp/317 lb‑ft), Subaru FA24 turbo (Ascent/Outback XT ~260 hp/277 lb‑ft; WRX ~271 hp/258 lb‑ft).

In practice, naturally aspirated 2.4s feel competent but not quick; turbocharged 2.4s deliver robust mid‑range punch suited to modern SUVs and light trucks.

Fuel Economy

Real‑world efficiency depends on vehicle size, gearing, and drivetrain. As of the 2023–2025 model years, EPA‑rated combined figures commonly fall into these bands:

• 2.4‑liter naturally aspirated in compact/midsize sedans (older): roughly 26–30 mpg combined.
• 2.4‑liter naturally aspirated in small crossovers (older): roughly 24–28 mpg combined.
• 2.4‑liter turbo in midsize SUVs/crossovers: roughly 22–26 mpg combined, often with AWD.
• 2.4‑liter turbo in performance applications: roughly 21–23 mpg combined, depending on gearing and tires.

Turbo models can match or slightly beat older non‑turbo 2.4s in mixed driving, especially when paired with efficient automatics, but heavy loads and aggressive driving reduce those gains.

Reliability Trends by Engine Family

Durability varies by manufacturer and generation. Some 2.4‑liter lines have stellar records; others had well‑documented issues. Here’s a snapshot of notable families and patterns owners have reported or that have been the subject of service bulletins and recalls.

• Honda K24 (2000s–mid‑2010s): Widely regarded as robust with routine maintenance; watch for typical age‑related items (mounts, VTEC spool valve leaks). Performance variants are more maintenance‑sensitive.
• Toyota 2AZ‑FE (2000s–early 2010s): Generally durable; some early head‑bolt thread and oil consumption cases in certain years; many run high mileage with regular fluid care.
• Toyota 2.4T (T24A‑FTS, 2023–present): Strong torque and improved emissions. Early‑cycle engines can see software updates and TSBs; keep firmware and maintenance up to date.
• Subaru FA24 turbo (2019–present): Broadly solid so far in Ascent/Outback/WRX; as with any turbo DI engine, adhere to oil change intervals and use quality fuel to minimize deposit formation.
• GM 2.4 Ecotec (late 2000s–mid‑2010s): Known for timing chain wear and oil consumption in some applications; many addressed via maintenance or repairs.
• Chrysler/Fiat 2.4 “Tigershark” (2010s): Reports of higher oil consumption; software updates and monitoring are important on used examples.
• Hyundai/Kia 2.4 Theta II (late 2000s–2010s): Subject to bearing wear/knock recalls in multiple models; verify recall completion and oil change history.

If you’re shopping used, focus on the specific engine code, model year, and documented service—those factors overwhelm the displacement label in predicting reliability.

Ownership Experience

Advantages

Many shoppers choose 2.4‑liter engines for a balance of capability and cost. These are the common upsides.

• Balanced performance for daily driving; turbo variants offer strong low‑rpm torque.
• Broad parts availability and service familiarity across brands and shops.
• Often simpler and cheaper to maintain than larger multi‑turbo setups; many use timing chains.
• Good fit for small/midsize SUVs, with towing in the 2,000–5,000 lb range depending on platform; some trucks (e.g., 2024+ Tacoma) tow higher.

For many households, a 2.4 provides “enough engine” without the fuel and insurance costs of larger motors.

Trade‑offs

No engine is perfect. These are typical compromises to consider.

• Naturally aspirated 2.4s can feel underpowered in heavier vehicles or at high altitude.
• Turbo direct‑injection versions can face intake valve deposits; periodic cleaning may be needed if there’s no port‑injection assist.
• Some legacy 2.4 families had oil consumption or timing component issues—model‑specific research is essential.
• Paired transmissions (especially some CVTs) can limit driving feel or long‑term durability if abused.

Understanding the exact engine/transmission pairing and its history is the best way to avoid surprises.

Maintenance Must‑Dos

Preventive care has an outsized impact on 2.4‑liter longevity, particularly for turbocharged and direct‑injection designs.

1. Use the correct oil grade and change it on time; shorten intervals for severe service or frequent short trips.
2. Keep the cooling system healthy; overheating is a common trigger for head‑gasket and head‑bolt problems on any aluminum engine.
3. Maintain the PCV system to reduce oil consumption and sludge formation.
4. If direct‑injected, consider intake valve cleaning around 60k–100k miles (unless the engine also has port injection).
5. For turbos: allow gentle driving before shutdown after hard use; ensure high‑quality fuel to prevent knock and deposit issues.
6. Stay current on software updates/TSBs; many modern drivetrains rely on calibrations for reliability and drivability.

These steps help preserve performance and can head off the most common wear‑related complaints.

New vs. Used: Who Should Consider a 2.4?

Depending on your priorities, a 2.4‑liter could be an ideal fit—or not. Here’s how to think about it.

• Daily commuters: An older NA 2.4 offers affordable, durable transport if well‑maintained.
• Families in crossovers: Modern 2.4 turbos (Toyota, Subaru) balance torque for hills and passengers with decent mpg.
• Light towing/utility: Turbo 2.4s handle small campers and boats; check ratings (e.g., many 2.4T SUVs at 3,500–5,000 lb; 2024+ Tacoma higher when properly equipped).
• Enthusiasts: Performance‑tuned 2.4Ts (e.g., WRX) provide accessible torque with upgrade paths.
• Situations to avoid: Known problem engines (e.g., specific years of GM Ecotec, Tigershark, Theta II) without proof of fixes and meticulous maintenance.

Match the engine’s strengths to your use case—and verify the specific model’s track record—before buying.

Market Outlook in 2025

Automakers have largely retired naturally aspirated 2.4s in favor of turbos, 2.5‑liter fours, and hybrids. The 2.4‑liter remains relevant where low‑rpm torque and packaging matter: Toyota’s 2.4T now powers the Highlander, Lexus NX/RX, and the 2024+ Tacoma (with a powerful hybrid option), while Subaru’s FA24 turbo anchors the Ascent, Outback XT, and WRX. The industry trend is toward electrification and hybrid assistance, so expect future 2.4‑liter offerings to lean on electric torque and software‑driven efficiency rather than displacement increases.

Bottom Line

A 2.4‑liter engine can be very good—especially modern turbocharged versions—delivering strong, everyday usability with competitive efficiency. But the displacement alone doesn’t guarantee quality. Shop by engine family and model year, confirm maintenance and any recalls/TSBs, and prioritize how the specific powertrain suits your driving and towing needs.

Summary

As a category, 2.4‑liter engines strike a practical balance. Older naturally aspirated units are simple and serviceable; newer turbocharged 2.4s provide impressive torque for SUVs and trucks with respectable mpg. Reliability is engine‑family specific: Honda’s K24 is a long‑standing bright spot, Toyota’s new 2.4T and Subaru’s FA24T are promising, while some legacy GM, Chrysler, and Hyundai/Kia 2.4s warrant extra scrutiny. If you match the right 2.4‑liter to your use case and keep up with maintenance, it’s a thoroughly capable choice.

How powerful is a 2.4 liter engine?

For street purposes, turbo-charged, it could EASILY put out 200 hp. For race purposes, you might get it up to 400 hp or higher.

How long will a 2.4 L engine last?

Subaru’s 2.4-liter turbocharged engine has been known to last over 150,000 miles with routine maintenance. All of the issues mentioned here can be avoided entirely with proper care.

Is a 2.4 liter engine a V6?

No, a 2.4 liter engine is not necessarily a V6; “2.4L” refers to the engine’s displacement (the total volume of air it pumps), while the “V6” indicates a specific cylinder arrangement in a “V” shape. A 2.4-liter engine can have a different number of cylinders, and is often a 4-cylinder engine, though it can also be a 5-cylinder or even a V6. 
What the numbers mean

• Displacement (2.4L): Opens in new tabThis measures the total volume of air that all the cylinders in an engine can move during one full cycle of the crankshaft. It doesn’t directly tell you the number of cylinders or their arrangement. 
• Cylinder Arrangement (V6): Opens in new tabThis describes the shape of the engine and the placement of the cylinders. A V6 has two banks of three cylinders each, arranged in a V-shape. 

Why a 2.4L isn’t always a V6

• Common Configurations: Many modern 2.4-liter engines are 4-cylinder (inline-4) engines, as this configuration offers a good balance of efficiency and power. 
• Manufacturer Examples: For instance, the Honda K24A is a 2.4L inline-4 engine, and Toyota offers a 2.4L turbo four-cylinder engine. 
• Other Possibilities: While less common, a 2.4-liter engine can also be a 5-cylinder, like the Volvo B524, or a V6, such as the Audi BDV engine. 

Is a 2.4 L engine a good motor?

Whether a 2.4L engine is “good” depends on the specific engine and vehicle, as there are many different 2.4L engines, but generally they offer a balance of adequate power for most uses and good fuel efficiency. While some 2.4L engines, like the GM Ecotec, have known issues with timing chains and oil consumption that require proactive maintenance, others, like the Toyota engine, are praised for high reliability and durability when properly maintained. Always research the specific 2.4L engine in your vehicle of interest for known issues and performance characteristics.
 
Considerations for 2.4L Engines

• Engine Type and Design: The “goodness” of a 2.4L engine varies greatly between manufacturers and specific designs. Some are turbocharged, like the new Toyota Tacoma’s engine, while others are naturally aspirated, impacting power and efficiency. 
• Performance: A 2.4L engine provides sufficient power for most daily driving needs and small to medium vehicles. However, for heavy towing or high-performance applications, a larger engine might be a better choice. 
• Fuel Efficiency: A key benefit of a 2.4L engine is its fuel economy, which is a good compromise for its size. 
• Known Issues:
  • GM Ecotec: A common problem in some Ecotec engines is timing chain failure, particularly around 100,000 miles, which can lead to severe internal damage. 
  • Toyota i-FORCE Turbo: While the new Toyota 2.4L turbo engine is powerful and efficient, its long-term durability and reliability are still being evaluated, as it is a newer design. 
  • Hyundai: Some Hyundai 2.4L engines have been known to have issues with rod bearings, which can lead to significant problems after about 120,000 miles. 

How to Determine if Your Engine is Good

• Identify the Specific Engine: Determine the exact make, model, and year of the 2.4L engine you’re interested in. 
• Research Specific Issues: Search for the reliability and common problems of that specific engine. 
• Review Maintenance History: Proper and consistent maintenance is crucial for any engine, especially those with known issues.