How much horsepower does a 2.4-liter engine have?

A 2.4-liter engine can produce anything from about 140 to well over 350 horsepower, depending on its design and tuning. Most modern naturally aspirated (non‑turbo) 2.4L gasoline engines fall roughly in the 160–200 hp range, while turbocharged versions commonly make about 230–330 hp; hybrid systems pairing a 2.4L turbo with electric motors can yield even higher combined outputs.

Why displacement alone doesn’t determine horsepower

Engine displacement is only one variable in a complex equation. The final horsepower figure depends on how efficiently the engine breathes, how it’s fueled and managed, whether it’s turbocharged, the emissions standards it meets, and how output is measured by the manufacturer.

Key factors that influence a 2.4L engine’s output

The following points outline the main technical and regulatory elements that cause horsepower to vary widely among engines with the same 2.4-liter displacement.

• Aspiration: Naturally aspirated engines typically make less power than turbocharged/supercharged versions because forced induction packs more air into the cylinders.
• Fuel and tuning: Octane rating, compression ratio, cam timing, and direct injection can add or subtract significant horsepower.
• Emissions and durability targets: Calibrations to meet emissions/noise/economy goals can cap peak output.
• Measurement standards: Ratings differ by standard (SAE J1349 in North America vs. DIN/ECE elsewhere) and by whether figures are quoted for the engine alone or as a hybrid “system” total.
• Hybrid assistance: Electric motors can raise net combined horsepower beyond what the 2.4L gasoline engine produces by itself.
• Altitude and environment: Factory ratings are typically sea-level figures; real-world output can vary with conditions.

Taken together, these variables explain why two 2.4-liter engines can deliver dramatically different horsepower figures while sharing the same displacement.

Real-world examples of 2.4L engines and their horsepower

Below are representative, widely sold models that use 2.4-liter engines, illustrating the range from naturally aspirated to turbocharged and hybrid-assisted outputs. Figures reflect recent model years and commonly cited manufacturer ratings.

• Toyota Highlander (2023–2025) 2.4L turbo: about 265 hp (SAE net).
• Toyota Tacoma (2024–2025) 2.4L turbo: roughly 228–278 hp depending on tune/trim; hybrid i-FORCE MAX with the 2.4L turbo delivers about 326 hp combined system output.
• Subaru WRX (2022–2025) 2.4L turbo FA24F: about 271 hp.
• Subaru Outback/Ascent XT (2020–2025) 2.4L turbo: about 260 hp.
• Honda/Acura K24 2.4L (2000s–2010s, naturally aspirated): typically ~158–205 hp depending on variant.
• Jeep/Chrysler “Tigershark” 2.4L (2013–2021, naturally aspirated): about 180–184 hp.
• GM 2.4L Ecotec (2010s, naturally aspirated): roughly 170–182 hp.
• Hyundai/Kia 2.4L GDI (2011–2019, naturally aspirated): about 185–201 hp.
• Toyota Crown/Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX (current) 2.4L turbo-hybrid: about 340–362 hp combined system output; the gasoline engine alone is rated lower than the system total.

These examples show that “2.4 liters” spans a spectrum: workhorse naturally aspirated units, mid/high-200s turbo engines, and hybrid systems that push total output into the 300s.

How to find the exact horsepower for a specific 2.4L engine

If you need the precise figure for a particular vehicle or engine code, follow these steps to locate the correct, current rating.

1. Identify the exact engine code and model year (VIN sticker, owner’s manual, hood label, or automaker’s specifications page).
2. Confirm the rating standard (SAE J1349 vs. DIN/ECE) and the fuel grade used for the test.
3. For hybrids, look up both the engine-only rating and the net combined system horsepower.
4. Check trim-dependent calibrations; the same engine can be tuned differently across trims and markets.

Because ratings can change with updates and trims, the official specification for your exact vehicle and region is the authoritative source.

Bottom line

A 2.4-liter engine does not have a single horsepower figure. Expect roughly 160–200 hp for mainstream naturally aspirated versions, around 230–330 hp for modern turbocharged units, and higher combined outputs when paired with hybrid systems. The definitive answer depends on the specific engine, model year, market, and rating standard.

Summary

Displacement alone doesn’t dictate power. Contemporary 2.4L engines span from about 140 hp (older or efficiency‑tuned NA designs) to well over 350 hp (turbo-hybrids). To know the exact number, reference the vehicle’s engine code, model year, and official manufacturer specifications.