Is a 2.4 a 4-cylinder?

Often—but not always. A “2.4” typically refers to a 2.4‑liter engine, which in many modern cars is a four‑cylinder. However, 2.4 liters is a measure of displacement, not cylinder count, so there are also 2.4‑liter five‑cylinders and six‑cylinders on the market and in the used/classic car world. Here’s how to make sense of it.

What “2.4” actually means

The 2.4 label describes an engine’s total displacement—about 2.4 liters (roughly 2,400 cubic centimeters, or about 146 cubic inches). Displacement adds up the volume swept by all pistons. It doesn’t specify how many cylinders the engine has, only how much air–fuel mixture it can draw in per cycle. Automakers can reach 2.4 liters with different cylinder counts and layouts (inline, V, or flat/boxer).

Why 2.4 liters so often equals four cylinders

In mainstream vehicles, a 2.4‑liter four‑cylinder strikes a balance between efficiency, packaging, and power. It’s a common size for naturally aspirated and turbocharged engines in family sedans, crossovers, and midsize pickups, especially in the 2000s through today.

• Toyota/Lexus 2.4L turbo I4 (T24A‑FTS): Used in recent models such as the Toyota Highlander (2023–), Toyota Tacoma (2024–, i‑FORCE variants), Lexus NX 350, and Toyota Crown Hybrid MAX.
• Subaru 2.4L turbo boxer‑4 (FA24): Found in the Subaru Ascent, Outback XT, and WRX (2022–).
• Honda 2.4L I4 (K24 family): Widely used in Accords, CR‑Vs, and Acura TSX models in the 2000s–2010s.
• GM 2.4L Ecotec I4: Used in Chevrolet, Pontiac, Saturn, and Buick models in the late 2000s–2010s.
• Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep 2.4L I4 (Tigershark/MultiAir): Seen in the Dodge Dart, Jeep Compass/Patriot/Renegade, and Chrysler 200 (2010s).
• Hyundai/Kia 2.4L I4 (Theta II): Common in Sonatas, Santa Fes, Sorentos, and Optimas (2010s).

These examples show why many people equate “2.4” with a four‑cylinder: it’s the most prevalent configuration for this displacement in recent mass‑market vehicles.

But not all 2.4‑liter engines are four‑cylinders

Automakers have also built 2.4‑liter engines with five or six cylinders, proving that displacement alone doesn’t dictate cylinder count. These often appear in European models or performance/classic cars.

• Volvo 2.4L inline‑5: Gasoline and diesel variants (e.g., B5244S, D5244T) in S60, V70, XC70, and others (2000s).
• Audi 2.4L V6 (e.g., BDV): Offered in early‑2000s Audi A4/A6 models in some markets.
• Porsche 911 2.4L flat‑6: Early 1970s 911 T/E/S used ~2.34‑liter “2.4” six‑cylinder engines.
• Ferrari Dino 246 2.4L V6: Iconic late‑1960s/early‑1970s sports car with a ~2.4‑liter V6.
• Alfa Romeo/Fiat 2.4L inline‑5 diesel (JTD/JTDM): Used in models like the Alfa 159 and Fiat Croma (2000s).

These counterexamples underline the core point: “2.4” tells you how big the engine is, not how many cylinders it has.

How to confirm your 2.4’s cylinder count

If your vehicle is labeled “2.4,” a few quick checks will verify the configuration. These steps take minutes and prevent guesswork.

• Owner’s manual and under‑hood emissions/engine label: Both typically list cylinder count and engine code.
• VIN lookup: The 8th character (and sometimes others) encodes the engine; a dealer or reliable VIN decoder will reveal the exact configuration.
• Visual check: Count spark plugs, ignition coils, or exhaust ports—four visible plugs/coils usually means an I4.
• Automaker websites or build sheets: Official specs for your model year and trim confirm the engine family.
• Service tools/apps: An OBD‑II scan or dealer service record will list the engine code tied to your VIN.

Because manufacturers reuse displacement labels across different configurations and years, verifying by code or documentation is the most reliable approach.

Bottom line

Many 2.4‑liter engines are four‑cylinders, especially in modern, mass‑market vehicles. But 2.4 liters is simply a displacement figure, and you’ll also find 2.4‑liter fives and sixes. When in doubt, check your VIN, owner’s manual, or engine label to be sure.

Summary

A 2.4‑liter engine is often a four‑cylinder, but not by definition. “2.4” measures engine size, not cylinder count. Common contemporary examples from Toyota, Subaru, Honda, GM, Stellantis, and Hyundai/Kia are four‑cylinders, while notable exceptions include Volvo inline‑5s, Audi V6s, and classic Porsche and Ferrari sixes. Always confirm with your vehicle’s documentation or VIN.

Is a 2.4 engine a good engine?

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. 

Is 2.5 a 4-cylinder?

Yes, a “2.5” referring to a vehicle’s engine almost always means it is a 2.5-liter displacement, and a 2.5L engine is very commonly a 4-cylinder engine, such as the GM 2.5L Ecotec or the Toyota 2.5L engine found in models like the RAV4. However, some manufacturers have produced 2.5-liter engines with other cylinder configurations, though this is less common, according to Quora.
 
What “2.5L” means: 

• The “2.5” indicates the engine’s displacement – the total volume of air or mixture of fuel and air that the engine’s cylinders can displace during one complete engine cycle.
• The “L” signifies liters, the unit of measurement for displacement.

Why 2.5L often means 4 cylinders:

• A 2.5L engine is a common size for a 4-cylinder (or I4/inline-four) engine, especially for everyday, fuel-efficient vehicles. 
• In a 4-cylinder engine with a 2.5L displacement, each cylinder would have a displacement of approximately 0.625 liters. 
• Many popular car models, including those from Toyota, Ford, and GM, use 2.5L 4-cylinder engines, notes Quora. 

When it might not be a 4-cylinder:

• While less common, there can be some overlap in engine displacement with different cylinder counts. 
• Therefore, while a 2.5L engine is usually a 4-cylinder, the only definitive way to know the cylinder count is to check the vehicle’s specifications, as some manufacturers have offered 2.5-liter engines with other configurations, according to Quora. 

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. 

What does 2.4 mean in a car engine?

What’s a 2.4 liter engine? The L in 2.4L refers to the number of liters of air that a car uses on a full cycle of the pistons. The higher amount of liters can help increase power. The amount of liters also affects the registration cost, insurance and maintenance.