How much horsepower does a 2.4 L 4-cylinder have?

Most 2.4-liter four-cylinder engines produce roughly 150–205 horsepower when naturally aspirated and 230–280 horsepower when turbocharged, with modern hybrid-assisted or performance-oriented setups reaching 300+ horsepower in combined system outputs. The exact figure depends on the automaker, model year, tuning, aspiration (turbo vs. non-turbo), fuel, and test standards.

Why the figure varies so widely

The same displacement can deliver very different results because horsepower is driven by airflow, compression, fueling, and how the engine is used. Automakers tune 2.4-liter engines for efficiency in family crossovers, for responsiveness in compact sedans, and for higher output in performance or off-road applications. Turbocharging and hybrid systems dramatically change the output profile, while regulations, octane, altitude, and even dyno standards can shift the published number.

Real-world examples by configuration

Naturally aspirated 2.4-liter gasoline engines

These engines rely on atmospheric pressure for air intake and tend to emphasize reliability and smoothness over peak output. Recent examples show how modern design can still deliver respectable power without forced induction.

• 2022–2025 Subaru BRZ / Toyota GR86: 228 hp (2.4L flat-four, NA)
• 2013–2017 Honda Accord: 185–189 hp (2.4L i-VTEC, NA, trim-dependent)
• 2015 Honda CR-V: 185 hp (2.4L i-VTEC, NA)
• 2011–2019 Hyundai Sonata / Kia Optima: roughly 185–201 hp (2.4L GDI, NA)
• 2010–2017 Chevrolet Equinox / GMC Terrain: about 182 hp (2.4L Ecotec, NA)
• 2007–2011 Toyota Camry: about 158–169 hp (2.4L 2AZ-FE, NA)
• 2008–2013 Mitsubishi Outlander: around 168 hp (2.4L 4B12, NA)
• 2007–2017 Jeep Compass/Patriot: roughly 172–180 hp (2.4L World/“Tigershark,” NA)
• 1995–1998 Nissan 240SX: about 155 hp (2.4L KA24DE, NA)

Across mainstream naturally aspirated 2.4-liter engines, the common range is roughly 170–200 hp, with standouts like the BRZ/GR86 hitting the high end thanks to modern airflow and combustion design.

Turbocharged 2.4-liter gasoline engines

Forced induction increases airflow and cylinder pressure, yielding significantly higher power and torque. Current 2.4-liter turbos cover everything from family SUVs to sports sedans and trucks.

• 2024–2025 Subaru WRX: 271 hp (2.4L turbo FA24F)
• 2019–2024 Subaru Ascent / 2020–2024 Outback XT / 2020–2024 Legacy XT: 260 hp (2.4L turbo)
• 2023–2024 Toyota Highlander: 265 hp (2.4L turbo T24A-FTS)
• 2023–2025 Lexus NX 350: 275 hp (2.4L turbo)
• 2023–2025 Lexus RX 350: 275 hp (2.4L turbo)
• 2024–2025 Toyota Tacoma (i-FORCE 2.4L turbo): roughly 228–278 hp depending on tune and transmission
• 2004–2005 Dodge Neon SRT-4: 230 hp (2.4L turbo)

Modern turbocharged 2.4-liter engines typically cluster between 260 and 280 hp in midsize crossovers and performance compacts, with truck applications offering multiple tunes to prioritize towing, response, or efficiency.

Hybrids that pair a 2.4-liter engine

Some newer hybrids use a 2.4-liter (often turbocharged) engine alongside electric motors. The horsepower figures below are system outputs, which are higher than the gasoline engine alone and depend on battery state and control strategy.

• 2024–2025 Toyota Tacoma i-FORCE MAX: 326 hp combined (2.4L turbo hybrid)
• 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser (U.S.): 326 hp combined (2.4L turbo hybrid)
• 2023–2025 Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX: 362 hp combined (2.4L turbo hybrid)
• 2023–2025 Lexus RX 500h: 366 hp combined (2.4L turbo hybrid)
• 2023 Toyota Crown Platinum: 340 hp combined (2.4L turbo “Hybrid MAX”)

Hybrid ratings reflect total system performance rather than the 2.4-liter engine on its own; the gas engine’s standalone horsepower is lower, but the combined output can comfortably exceed 300 hp thanks to electric assistance.

Other factors that influence the number you’ll see

Published horsepower is not purely about displacement. The following variables frequently explain why two 2.4-liter engines show different figures on paper or in marketing materials.

• Induction and tuning: Turbocharging and higher compression dramatically lift output versus naturally aspirated versions.
• Fuel and calibration: Premium vs. regular octane can change rated or real-world horsepower in some applications.
• Testing standards: SAE J1349 (U.S.) vs. DIN/ISO methods can yield slightly different published numbers.
• Altitude and conditions: Ratings are standardized, but performance can vary noticeably with elevation and temperature.
• Hybrid system logic: Combined horsepower is not a simple sum of engine and motor peaks and depends on battery state and controller strategy.

In practice, these factors mean two engines with the same displacement may feel very different behind the wheel, even if their spec-sheet horsepower looks similar.

Summary

A 2.4-liter four-cylinder does not have a single horsepower value. In today’s market, expect roughly 150–205 hp for naturally aspirated versions and 230–280 hp for turbocharged variants, with hybrid-assisted systems delivering 300+ hp combined. The exact figure is determined by aspiration, tuning, model year, and whether the engine is part of a hybrid powertrain.

What does 2.4 L L4 DOHC 16V mean?

“2.4L L4 DOHC 16V” describes a vehicle engine, where 2.4L is the total engine displacement (2.4 liters), L4 signifies an inline-4 cylinder configuration, DOHC means it uses dual overhead camshafts, and 16V indicates there are sixteen valves in total, or four valves per cylinder (two intake and two exhaust valves).
 
Here’s a breakdown of each term:

• 2.4L (2.4-Liter): Opens in new tabThis refers to the engine’s displacement, which is the total volume the pistons sweep in all cylinders combined. A larger displacement generally means a larger, potentially more powerful engine. 
• L4 (Inline-4): Opens in new tabThis indicates the number and arrangement of the engine’s cylinders. An inline-four engine has four cylinders arranged in a single, straight line along the crankshaft. 
• DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshaft): Opens in new tabThis is a valve train configuration where two camshafts are positioned at the top of the cylinder head. One camshaft typically operates the intake valves, and the other controls the exhaust valves. 
• 16V (16-Valve): Opens in new tabThis signifies that the engine has a total of 16 valves. For an inline-four engine, this means there are four valves per cylinder. With two intake valves and two exhaust valves per cylinder, the engine can achieve better airflow and more efficient combustion, leading to increased power and performance, especially at higher RPMs. 

How good is a 2.4 L 4-cylinder engine?

Reviews of 2.4L 4-cylinder engines are varied, with specific model and manufacturer reviews being crucial. For example, the Toyota 2.4L I-Force Turbo is praised for strong low-end torque, improved acceleration, and advanced features like dual injection, although concerns exist regarding the longevity of its polymer balance shaft gears and fuel economy in cold weather. The Subaru 2.4L engine is noted for excellent reliability but can experience oil starvation and oil leaks. In contrast, the GM 2.4L EcoTec is generally considered problematic, known for issues like excessive oil consumption, oil leaks from various seals, and timing chain problems, especially in high-mileage vehicles. 
Toyota 2.4L I-Force Turbo Engine (Example: 2024 Tacoma)

• Pros:
  • Strong Low-End Torque: The engine delivers peak torque at a low RPM, providing immediate power and responsive acceleration. 
  • Advanced Technology: Features include dual direct and port injection, a dual-scroll turbocharger, and variable valve timing for improved performance and efficiency. 
  • Improved Drivability: Offers better acceleration and a more responsive feel compared to previous V6 engines. 
• Cons:
  • Polymer Gear Concerns: The longevity of the polymer gears that drive the balance shaft and variable displacement oil pump is a potential long-term concern. 
  • Fuel Economy: Real-world fuel economy isn’t significantly better than older engines and can drop noticeably in cold weather. 

Subaru 2.4L Engine 

• Pros:
  • Exceptional Reliability: Known for outstanding reliability, even beyond 150,000 miles. 
• Cons:
  • Oil Starvation: Can occur if oil supply bolts aren’t checked, leading to clogging. 
  • Oil Leaks: Gasket oil leaks are a normal, albeit potentially costly, occurrence in higher-mileage engines. 

General 2.4L 4-Cylinder Engines 

• Pros:
  • Good for Smaller Vehicles: Sufficient engine size for small pickups, SUVs, and some cars, offering a good balance of power and economy. 
• Cons:
  • Variable Quality: Quality and reliability vary significantly by manufacturer and specific engine design. 
  • High RPM Use: In some applications, the engine may need to be revved higher to deliver peak power. 

How much horsepower does a 2.4 4-cylinder have?

A 2.4L 4-cylinder engine’s horsepower varies significantly by model, but can range from around 150 hp in older, naturally aspirated engines to over 300 hp in modern turbocharged and hybrid applications, such as the Toyota Tacoma’s i-FORCE MAX which boasts 326 horsepower. Other examples include the 278 hp turbocharged engine in the 2025 Toyota 4Runner and the 150 hp found in the older Jeep Wrangler’s 2.4L I4 PowerTech engine. 
This video reviews the Toyota Tacoma’s 2.4L i-Force Turbo engine: 53sGetty’s GarageYouTube · Aug 10, 2025
Here are some examples of 2.4L 4-cylinder horsepower: 

• Toyota 2.4L i-FORCE Max (Hybrid): 326 hp (found in the 2024 Toyota Tacoma)
• Toyota 2.4L Turbocharged: 278 hp (found in the 2025 Toyota 4Runner)
• Toyota 2.4L Turbocharged (Base): 228 hp
• Toyota 2.4L Turbocharged (Manual): 270 hp
• Jeep 2.4L PowerTech (Naturally Aspirated): 150 hp

To determine the specific horsepower, you need to know the exact year, make, and model of the vehicle, as well as whether the engine is naturally aspirated, turbocharged, or part of a hybrid system.

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.