How Much Horsepower Does a 2.4-Liter 4-Cylinder Have?

There isn’t a single number: 2.4-liter inline-4 engines typically range from about 150 to 310 horsepower depending on the make, model year, and whether the engine is naturally aspirated or turbocharged. In today’s market, a common naturally aspirated 2.4L is around 175–200 hp, while modern factory turbocharged 2.4Ls are usually in the 260–278 hp range, with some performance tunes approaching or topping 300 hp. This variation reflects different engineering priorities, emissions standards, and tuning strategies.

Why the Output Varies So Widely

Horsepower for a 2.4-liter four-cylinder depends on multiple factors: whether the engine breathes naturally or uses forced induction (turbocharging), the era and emissions regulations it was designed under, the presence of direct injection and variable valve timing, and the specific tune applied by the automaker for fuel economy, towing, or performance. As tech has advanced, newer 2.4Ls have delivered more power and torque without necessarily growing in size.

Typical Horsepower Ranges by Configuration

The following breakdown shows common power bands for 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engines based on configuration and era. These ranges reflect factory ratings (SAE net in North America) and are meant as practical guidelines.

• Older naturally aspirated (early 2000s): roughly 150–170 hp
• Modern naturally aspirated with direct injection/VVT (2010s–2020s): roughly 175–201 hp
• Mainstream turbocharged (late 2010s–2025): roughly 228–278 hp
• Performance-oriented turbocharged: roughly 230–310 hp (factory tunes), higher with aftermarket mods

These bands cover most real-world engines you’ll encounter. Outliers exist, but if you know the vehicle’s model year and whether it’s turbocharged, you can usually predict the rating within these ranges.

Recent and Notable Factory Examples

Here are representative 2.4-liter engines and their published horsepower to illustrate the spread across brands and years. Figures are manufacturer ratings and can vary slightly by market and octane.

• 2023–2025 Toyota Highlander (T24A-FTS 2.4L turbo): 265 hp
• 2022–2025 Lexus NX 350 (2.4L turbo): 275 hp
• 2024–2025 Toyota Tacoma (2.4L turbo): approximately 228–278 hp depending on trim/tune
• 2019–2025 Subaru Ascent; 2020–2025 Outback/Legacy XT (FA24 2.4L turbo): 260 hp
• 2022–2025 Subaru WRX (FA24 2.4L turbo): 271 hp
• 2013–2018 Honda Accord (K24W 2.4L NA): about 185–189 hp
• 2004–2014 Toyota 2AZ-FE 2.4L NA (Camry/RAV4/Scion tC): roughly 157–177 hp
• 2011–2017 Hyundai/Kia 2.4L GDI NA (Theta II; Sonata/Optima/Santa Fe): roughly 185–201 hp
• 2013–2016 GM 2.4L Ecotec NA (LEA/LUK; Equinox/Terrain/Regal eAssist): roughly 182–186 hp
• 2013–2020 FCA/Stellantis 2.4L “Tigershark” NA (Dart/Cherokee/Compass): roughly 178–184 hp
• 2003–2005 Dodge Neon SRT-4 (2.4L turbo): 215–230 hp

Together, these examples show how a single displacement can serve very different roles—from economy-focused sedans to turbocharged crossovers and sport compacts—with horsepower tuned to match each use case.

How to Find the Exact Horsepower for Your 2.4

If you’re trying to pin down the precise rating for a specific vehicle, the following steps will help you get an authoritative figure.

1. Check the owner’s manual or the vehicle’s specifications page from the manufacturer.
2. Look for the under-hood emissions/engine label, which often lists the engine code.
3. Use the engine code (for example, T24A-FTS, FA24, K24W, 2AZ-FE) to search official specs.
4. Decode the VIN on the automaker’s website or a reputable VIN decoder to confirm the engine.
5. Note fuel requirements; some engines have different ratings on regular vs. premium fuel.

Because trims and regional calibrations can differ, verifying the exact engine code and official documentation is the most reliable way to confirm horsepower.

Torque and Drivability Context

Horsepower tells part of the story, but torque often shapes how a 2.4L feels day-to-day. Naturally aspirated 2.4Ls commonly make about 160–180 lb-ft, while modern turbocharged versions deliver roughly 250–330 lb-ft at relatively low rpm. That broader, earlier torque is why today’s 2.4L turbos can comfortably power midsize SUVs and trucks despite modest displacement.

How Ratings Are Measured

In the U.S., published figures are typically SAE net horsepower measured at the crankshaft with accessories installed, which is different from wheel horsepower recorded on a chassis dynamometer. Publications and owners might report slightly different dyno numbers due to equipment, correction factors, altitude, and fuel octane.

Summary

A 2.4-liter 4-cylinder can produce anywhere from roughly 150 to 310 horsepower, with modern naturally aspirated versions clustering around 175–200 hp and current factory turbo versions commonly rated near 260–278 hp. The exact number depends on the engine’s design, tune, and model year, so check your vehicle’s engine code and official specifications to get the precise rating.

How much horsepower does a 2.4 L V8 have?

The 2006–2008 Honda Racing F1 Team used 2.4 L V8 engines, which produced around 560–580 kW (750–775 hp) at 19,000 rpm, as mandated by Formula One regulations.

How much horsepower does the I Force 2.4 L 4 cyl turbo engine have?

Powertrain: i-FORCE MAX 2.4L turbocharged hybrid engine. Horsepower: 326 hp. Torque: 465 lb-ft.

How much horsepower does a 2.4 liter turbocharged boxer 4-cylinder have?

260 horsepower
Horsepower and Torque
This engine provides 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque.

How good is a 2.4 L 4-cylinder engine?

Is a 2.4 engine good? The 2.4 is usually considered a dependable engine without any major issues: head gaskets are designed well while the oil sealing is adequate as well.