Is a 2.4-Liter Engine a 4-Cylinder?

No. “2.4 liter” describes an engine’s total displacement, not how many cylinders it has. While many 2.4-liter engines on the road are four-cylinders, there are also 2.4-liter five-cylinders, six-cylinders, and even V8s in racing. Here’s how the terminology works, why automakers choose different cylinder counts for the same displacement, and how to tell what you have.

Understanding the terms

Engine displacement—expressed in liters—measures the combined volume swept by all pistons inside the cylinders. Cylinder count refers to how many cylinders the engine has. A 2.4-liter engine can be arranged as an inline-four, a flat-four, an inline-five, a V6, or other configurations; the choice affects smoothness, power delivery, packaging, cost, and emissions strategies but not the displacement figure itself.

Common 2.4-liter layouts you’ll encounter

The examples below illustrate how the same 2.4-liter displacement appears across multiple cylinder counts and configurations in production and motorsport.

• Inline-4 (I4): Widely used in mainstream cars and crossovers—e.g., Honda K24 series; Toyota 2AZ-FE; Subaru FA24 flat-4 variant is similar in displacement but horizontally opposed; Hyundai/Kia Theta II 2.4; GM Ecotec 2.4; Stellantis/Chrysler “Tigershark” 2.4.
• Flat-4 (H4/boxer): Subaru’s FA24 (2.387 L) powers models like the Ascent, Outback XT, and WRX (varies by market and model year).
• Inline-5 (I5): Common in European applications—e.g., Volvo 2.4-liter five-cylinders (gasoline B5244S and diesel D5 family); Fiat/Alfa Romeo 2.4 JTD diesels.
• V6: Less common but notable—e.g., Audi 2.4-liter V6 (circa late 1990s–2000s); Mercedes-Benz M112 E24 V6 in certain markets/models.
• V8 (motorsport): Formula One used 2.4-liter V8s from 2006 to 2013 (not road-car relevant, but demonstrates that displacement doesn’t dictate cylinder count).

Across these examples, the takeaway is consistent: 2.4 liters defines the air/fuel capacity per engine cycle, while the number and arrangement of cylinders are design choices that tailor character and performance.

What changes with cylinder count at the same displacement?

Keeping displacement constant while changing the number of cylinders reshapes how the engine behaves and fits into a vehicle without altering the measured liters.

The list below outlines typical trade-offs engineers consider when selecting a cylinder count for a given displacement.

• Smoothness and sound: More cylinders generally improve balance and reduce vibration; they also change exhaust note and refinement.
• Packaging: Fewer cylinders often mean a lighter, more compact engine that’s easier to package transversely in front-drive platforms.
• Power/torque delivery: Cylinder count influences bore/stroke choices and redline; for the same displacement, it can shift the torque curve and responsiveness.
• Efficiency and emissions: Fewer cylinders reduce frictional losses, while more cylinders can enable advanced valvetrain strategies; overall efficiency depends on the full design.
• Cost and complexity: More cylinders typically add parts and cost; fewer cylinders simplify manufacturing and maintenance.

In practice, many automakers favor 2.4-liter fours for mass-market efficiency and packaging, while alternative layouts serve specific performance, refinement, or brand goals.

How to know how many cylinders your 2.4-liter has

If your vehicle is labeled “2.4L,” use the following steps to confirm the actual cylinder count and configuration.

1. Check the owner’s manual and the under-hood emission or engine-spec label; both typically state cylinder count and engine family.
2. Decode the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) using the manufacturer’s guide; specific characters map to engine type.
3. Look up the engine code (e.g., K24, 2AZ-FE, FA24) printed on the block or listed in service documentation.
4. Perform a quick visual check: count ignition coils or spark plugs, or the number of exhaust ports—usually one per cylinder.
5. Consult the manufacturer’s website or a dealer with your VIN for definitive confirmation.

These methods provide authoritative identification and help avoid assumptions based solely on displacement badges.

Bottom line

A 2.4-liter engine is not inherently a four-cylinder. Displacement measures size; cylinder count and layout are separate design decisions. Many 2.4-liter engines are four-cylinders for efficiency and packaging, but five-cylinder, six-cylinder, and even racing V8 examples exist.

Summary

“2.4 liter” denotes engine displacement, not cylinder count. Most modern 2.4-liter road cars use four cylinders, but notable five-cylinder, six-cylinder, and motorsport V8 variants prove that displacement and cylinder count are independent choices.

Is a 2.4 liter engine a 4-cylinder?

Yes, a 2.4-liter (2.4L) engine is often a 4-cylinder engine, but the “2.4L” refers to the engine’s total displacement and not its cylinder count. For a 2.4L engine to be a 4-cylinder, each of the four cylinders would have a displacement of 0.6 liters (2.4 L / 4 cylinders = 0.6 L). However, it is possible to have other cylinder configurations, such as a 6-cylinder engine with a smaller displacement, or a 4-cylinder engine with a larger displacement that results in a 2.4L total.
 
What “2.4 Liter” means: 

• Engine Displacement: Opens in new tab”2.4L” specifies the total volume of air the engine can pump through its cylinders in one complete revolution of the crankshaft.
• Not a Cylinder Count: Opens in new tabDisplacement doesn’t directly tell you the number of cylinders an engine has.

Why it’s often 4-cylinder:

• Common Configuration: Many modern inline-four engines have a total displacement in the 1.5–2.5 L range, making 2.4L a very common size for a four-cylinder engine. 
• Specific Examples:
  • The 2022 Acura ILX features a 2.4L 4-cylinder engine. 
  • The 2022 Lexus NX uses a 2.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. 

What does a 2.4 litre engine mean?

A “2.4L engine” refers to its engine displacement, which is the combined volume of all the cylinders in the engine, measured in liters. A 2.4L engine has a total cylinder volume of 2.4 liters, which is equivalent to 2,400 cubic centimeters (cc). This measurement indicates the engine’s capacity to burn fuel and air, and it generally correlates with power, with larger engines typically producing more power and using more fuel. 
Key aspects of engine displacement:

• Volume: The “L” stands for liters, and the “2.4” signifies 2.4 liters of combined air and fuel volume. 
• Calculation: Engine displacement is calculated by multiplying the volume of a single cylinder by the number of cylinders in the engine. 
• Power and Fuel Consumption: A larger engine displacement generally allows for more power and torque but also leads to increased fuel consumption. 
• Modern Technology: With modern technologies like turbochargers, smaller engines can achieve higher power outputs than in the past. 
• Not a Cylinder Count: A 2.4L engine doesn’t necessarily mean the engine has 2.4 cylinders or a specific number of cylinders; it can be a 4-cylinder or a 6-cylinder engine, for example. 

How do I know if my car is 4 or 6 cylinder?

To find out if your car has a 4- or 6-cylinder engine, check under the hood to count the spark plugs or ignition coils, find the information sticker on the hood or engine cover, consult your owner’s manual for vehicle details, or check the VIN for a definitive answer. A 4-cylinder engine will have four spark plugs, while a V6 engine will have six and often a “V6” badge. 
1. Check Under the Hood 

• Count Spark Plugs or Wires: Opens in new tabLook for the spark plug wires or ignition coils leading to the engine. A 4-cylinder engine will have four, and a V6 will have six. 
• Look for a “V6” Badge: Opens in new tabMany V6 engines have a “V6” badge on the engine cover, which makes identification easy. 
• Count Exhaust Manifolds: Opens in new tabA 4-cylinder engine typically has one exhaust manifold, while a 6-cylinder engine may have two, one for each bank of cylinders. 

This video demonstrates how to locate and identify engine components like spark plugs to determine if your car has a 4 or 6 cylinder engine: 59sHelpful DIYYouTube · Apr 3, 2021
2. Check for Information Stickers 

• Under the Hood: Opens in new tabThere is often a sticker on the underside of the hood, or on the engine cover itself, that lists the engine size in liters (e.g., 2.5L is typically a 4-cylinder, while 4.0L is usually a 6-cylinder).
• Engine Code: Opens in new tabIf the sticker shows an engine code or name (e.g., “3.8L V6”), you can quickly identify the engine type.

3. Consult Vehicle Documentation 

• Owner’s Manual: The most direct method is to check your owner’s manual, which contains detailed information about your vehicle’s specifications, including the engine. 
• VIN Decoder: You can also enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) into an online VIN decoder or on websites for auto parts stores like Advance Auto Parts or AutoZone to get the exact engine information. 
• Vehicle Title or Registration: The cylinder count or engine size may be listed on your vehicle’s title, registration, or insurance documents. 

How many cylinders does a 2.4 liter have?

4 cylinder
It is an inline 4 cylinder that produces 164 – 182 hp and about 172 lb-ft of torque.