Is a 2.4 L Engine Good?

Yes—if matched to the right vehicle and well maintained, a 2.4‑liter engine can be an excellent choice, offering a solid blend of usable torque, reasonable fuel economy, and long-term durability. Today’s 2.4 L engines range from simple, naturally aspirated four-cylinders to modern turbocharged units that replace older V6s; the experience varies widely by design, brand, and model year.

What a 2.4 L Engine Typically Offers in 2025

In 2025, the 2.4 L displacement sits at a crossroads: many brands now use 2.0–2.5 L fours across their lineups, with 2.4 L engines showing up both as efficient naturally aspirated (NA) options and as strong turbocharged replacements for larger engines. Output and efficiency depend on whether the engine is NA or turbocharged, the vehicle’s weight, gearing, and the transmission it’s paired with.

The following bullet points outline typical performance and economy ranges you can expect from contemporary 2.4 L engines in mainstream vehicles.

• Power and torque (NA): roughly 160–190 hp and 150–180 lb-ft, common in older sedans and compact/midsize SUVs.
• Power and torque (turbo): roughly 240–280+ hp and 260–320 lb-ft, often tuned for early torque to aid drivability and towing.
• Fuel economy (EPA combined, U.S.): NA 2.4 L in compact/midsize vehicles often 25–31 mpg; turbo 2.4 L in crossovers/SUVs typically 22–26 mpg, depending on drivetrain and weight.
• Towing (turbo applications): commonly 3,500–5,000 lb when properly equipped; higher in select trucks with specific cooling and axle ratios.

These figures are broad guideposts—actual results depend on model, year, tuning, and how and where you drive.

Pros of a 2.4 L Engine

Buyers often consider 2.4 L engines because they strike a practical balance between performance and running costs. Here are the common advantages.

• Balanced performance: Enough displacement for everyday power without the weight and thirst of larger engines.
• Efficiency potential: In lighter vehicles, NA 2.4s can deliver near-30 mpg combined; turbo versions often match old V6 performance with similar or better economy.
• Parts availability: Widespread use across brands makes maintenance and parts sourcing straightforward.
• Turbo benefits (where fitted): Strong low- to mid-range torque improves drivability, highway merging, and light towing.
• Proven legacy options: Well-regarded 2.4s (e.g., Honda’s K24) have track records of high-mile longevity with routine care.

Taken together, these strengths make many 2.4 L engines a sensible default for commuters and family vehicles.

Cons and Caveats

Not all 2.4 L engines are created equal. Model-specific history, maintenance, and vehicle pairing matter—a lot.

• Underpowered in heavy vehicles (NA): In larger SUVs or with full loads, older NA 2.4s can feel strained.
• Turbo complexity: More heat and pressure raise the stakes for oil quality, cooling, and adherence to service intervals.
• Known engine-family issues (varied by brand and year):
  

  • Toyota 2AZ-FE (2000s): documented excessive oil consumption in certain years; many were covered by service campaigns.
  • Chrysler/Fiat 2.4 “Tigershark”: owner reports and litigation over oil consumption led to extended coverage in certain cases.
  • GM 2.4 Ecotec (2010s): timing-chain wear and oil consumption complaints on some applications.
  • Hyundai/Kia Theta II 2.4 GDI (2011–2019): multiple recalls/service actions for bearing wear and engine damage risks.

• Direct injection considerations: Some GDI 2.4s can develop intake valve deposits; preventative maintenance helps.
• Transmission pairing: CVTs or tall gearing can blunt responsiveness if not well matched.

Research the specific engine code and model year you’re considering; the difference between an excellent and a problematic 2.4 can be brand- and year-specific.

Notable 2.4 L Examples: Recent and Legacy

Below are representative 2.4 L engines that illustrate how broad the category is today—from efficient commuters to V6 replacements.

• Toyota 2.4L Turbo (T24A-FTS): Roughly 265–278 hp and ~310–317 lb-ft in vehicles like the Highlander and Lexus NX 350; also forms the basis of the Tacoma’s turbo four. Known for strong midrange torque; typical SUV towing up to 5,000 lb when equipped.
• Subaru 2.4L Turbo (FA24): About 260–271 hp and 277 lb-ft in Ascent, Outback XT, and WRX; real-world combined economy commonly low-to-mid 20s depending on vehicle and driving.
• Honda 2.4L NA (K24 series): 160–205 hp in Civic Si, Accord, CR-V (2000s–mid‑2010s). Widely regarded for durability with proper maintenance; timing chain design.
• Toyota 2.4L NA (2AZ-FE): 155–170 hp in 2000s Camry/RAV4/Scion models; some years affected by oil consumption concerns, many addressed via campaigns.
• GM 2.4L NA Ecotec (LAF/LEA and related): Used in Equinox/Terrain/Malibu (2010s); owner reports of timing-chain and oil consumption issues in certain applications.
• Chrysler/Fiat 2.4L “Tigershark”: Found in Dart, 200, Cherokee, Renegade, Compass; numerous oil consumption complaints; FCA/Stellantis extended coverage in some cases.
• Hyundai/Kia 2.4L Theta II GDI: Sonata/Optima/Santa Fe/Sportage/Tucson; subject to U.S. recalls and warranty extensions for potential engine damage risk.

These examples show why the answer depends on the specific engine family, vehicle, and how it’s been cared for.

Is a 2.4 L Right for You?

Consider how you’ll use your vehicle and what you value most—efficiency, torque, towing, or long-haul reliability—before deciding.

1. Daily commuting and family duty: A 2.4 L (NA or turbo) in a compact/midsize SUV or sedan typically offers ample power and manageable fuel costs.
2. Light towing and mountain driving: A modern 2.4 L turbo’s low-end torque often outperforms older V6s for real-world drivability.
3. Long-term ownership: Favor engine families with strong reliability records and accessible service information; verify maintenance history.
4. Performance expectations: If you want sub-6-second 0–60 mph or heavy towing beyond ~5,000 lb, you may prefer a higher-output powertrain.

Match the engine to your use case; a well-chosen 2.4 L can feel just right, while a mismatched one can feel merely adequate.

What to Check Before Buying

Smart shoppers evaluate both the engine’s reputation and the specific vehicle’s condition and records.

• Engine type and code: NA vs. turbo, port vs. direct injection, timing belt vs. chain; research known issues for that exact code and year.
• Maintenance history: Oil change intervals (shorter for turbos), correct oil spec, cooling system service, and software updates.
• Recalls and TSBs: Confirm completion of recall work and review technical service bulletins for common fixes.
• Compression/leakdown (used buys): Consider pre-purchase inspections and oil analysis if high mileage.
• Transmission pairing: Test drivability; ensure shifts or CVT behavior match your expectations.
• Use case fit: Check towing ratings, axle ratios, and payload if you plan to haul.

This due diligence helps separate robust choices from models with recurring issues.

Maintenance Tips to Get the Best from a 2.4 L

Longevity often hinges more on maintenance than on displacement. These practices help 2.4 L engines go the distance.

• Use the specified oil and change it on time (often 5,000–7,500 miles; many turbo owners choose the shorter end).
• Keep the cooling system healthy; turbos are heat-sensitive.
• Replace spark plugs on schedule; misfires can damage catalytic converters and turbos.
• For GDI engines, use Top Tier fuel and consider periodic intake valve cleaning to mitigate carbon buildup.
• Service the transmission (fluid/filters) at recommended intervals to maintain performance feel and engine-transmission harmony.
• After heavy loads, allow brief cool-down idling for turbo longevity where recommended.
• Stay current on software updates that can refine drivability and efficiency.

These habits are inexpensive compared with engine repairs and can materially improve reliability and resale value.

Bottom Line

A 2.4 L engine can be very good—sometimes outstanding—if it’s a well-engineered design in a suitably matched vehicle and maintained to spec. The modern 2.4 L turbo has largely replaced older V6s with strong torque and competitive economy, while proven NA 2.4s remain value picks on the used market. The key is choosing the right engine family and verifying history.

Summary

A 2.4 L engine is often a smart middle ground: efficient yet capable, especially in turbo form. Results vary by brand and year, so research the specific engine code, check recalls and maintenance records, and ensure the powertrain suits your needs. Do that, and a 2.4 L can deliver years of confident, economical driving.

Is a 2.4 L engine reliable?

To ensure reliability, always monitor oil levels, top off the engine oil as needed, and address minor issues before they escalate. With proper care, the GM 2.4L engine can deliver years of dependable service, despite its inherent weaknesses.

How powerful is a 2.4 liter engine?

For street purposes, turbo-charged, it could EASILY put out 200 hp. For race purposes, you might get it up to 400 hp or higher.

Is a 2.4 L engine a V6 or V4?

A 2.4-liter (2.4L) engine can be either a 4-cylinder or a 6-cylinder engine, as the “2.4L” refers to the engine’s total displacement (volume), not the number of cylinders it has. While 4-cylinder engines frequently have displacements in the 1.5–2.5 liter range, some 6-cylinder engines are also designed to be small and fall into this displacement category, like the original Nissan 240Z’s 2.4L inline-6. 
How to tell the difference:

• Check the vehicle’s owner’s manual: This is the most straightforward way to find out. 
• Look under the hood for the nomenclature: The engine compartment may have a label stating the cylinder count. 
• Use a VIN decoder: A VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) decoder online can provide the exact specifications of your vehicle, including engine type. 
• Count the spark plugs: If it’s a gasoline engine, you can typically count the number of spark plugs. 

How long will a 2.4 L engine last?

Subaru’s 2.4-liter turbocharged engine has been known to last over 150,000 miles with routine maintenance. All of the issues mentioned here can be avoided entirely with proper care.