Is a 2.4-Liter Engine a 4-Cylinder?

No—2.4 liter describes engine displacement, not the number of cylinders. Many 2.4-liter engines are 4-cylinders, but you’ll also find 2.4-liter engines with five or even six cylinders, especially in older or specialty applications. Here’s how the terms differ and what’s common on today’s market.

Displacement vs. Cylinder Count: What the Numbers Mean

Engine displacement (2.4 liters, or 2,400 cubic centimeters) is the total volume swept by all pistons inside the cylinders. Cylinder count (4, 5, 6, etc.) is how many cylinders the engine has. These are independent variables: the same displacement can be achieved with different numbers of cylinders by altering bore and stroke.

What You’ll Most Commonly See Today

In modern mainstream cars and crossovers, 2.4-liter engines are most often inline-4s. Automakers favor 2.4L four-cylinders for their balance of packaging efficiency, torque, and compliance with emissions and fuel-economy standards, especially when paired with turbocharging or hybrids.

• Inline-4 gasoline turbo: Toyota’s 2.4L T24A-FTS powers 2023–2025 models like the Highlander, Grand Highlander, Tacoma (i-FORCE), and Lexus NX 350; Subaru’s FA24 turbo appears in the Outback, Ascent, and WRX.
• Inline-4 gasoline naturally aspirated (recent/past): Honda’s K24 family (Accord, CR‑V, Acura ILX through 2022), GM’s 2.4L Ecotec (Equinox, Malibu, Regal, etc.), Hyundai/Kia’s 2.4L Theta II (Sonata/Optima era), and Stellantis’ 2.4L “Tigershark” (Jeep Compass/Renegade, Dodge Dart) in earlier model years.
• Inline-4 diesels (global markets): Toyota’s 2.4L turbodiesels in pickups/SUVs (market-dependent) and other regional offerings.

These four-cylinders dominate because they’re compact, relatively light, and deliver competitive torque—especially with turbocharging—without the weight and friction penalties of more cylinders.

Yes, 2.4 Liters Can Have Other Cylinder Counts

While less common in current showrooms, there are notable 2.4-liter engines with five or six cylinders, particularly from earlier eras or in specific niches.

• Inline-5: Volvo built multiple 2.4L five-cylinders (both gasoline and “D5” diesels) used widely from the late 1990s through the 2010s.
• Inline-6 (historical/utility): BMW’s M21 2.4L diesel (1980s 524td) and Volkswagen’s 2.4L inline-6 diesels used in LT vans are examples.
• V6: A 2.4L V6 is technically possible but extremely uncommon in passenger cars; mainstream examples are scarce.

These illustrate that displacement alone doesn’t determine cylinder count; engineering goals and packaging constraints drive the configuration choice.

How to Confirm What Your Vehicle Has

If you’re unsure whether your specific 2.4-liter engine is a 4-cylinder, there are several quick ways to verify.

• Owner’s manual: Lists displacement and cylinder configuration.
• Under-hood labels: Emissions/engine stickers often state “I4,” “I5,” or “V6.”
• VIN decoding: Enter your VIN on the manufacturer’s site or a reliable decoder to get engine specs.
• Automaker spec sheets: Model-year brochures and online configurators detail engine layouts.
• OBD/scan apps: Some tools report engine family codes you can cross-reference.

These sources provide definitive confirmation tailored to your exact model and year, which is useful given mid-cycle engine changes.

Why Automakers Choose 2.4 Liters

Displacements around 2.4 liters provide a sweet spot for drivability and efficiency. With modern turbocharging, a 2.4L four-cylinder can deliver V6-like torque at lower revs, aiding towing and daily performance while keeping weight and friction in check. As regulations tightened, many brands downsized or switched to 2.0–2.5L turbos and hybrids; the 2.4T has emerged as a popular choice for midsize SUVs and trucks.

Performance and Economy Implications

Compared with naturally aspirated 2.4L fours, today’s 2.4L turbos generally offer stronger midrange torque and better real-world performance at similar or improved fuel economy—though results vary by tune, transmission, and vehicle mass. Hybrids pairing a 2.4L engine with electric drive further boost efficiency and responsiveness.

Bottom Line

A 2.4-liter engine is not inherently a 4-cylinder—it’s simply the engine’s displacement. Most modern 2.4-liter engines you’ll encounter are inline-4s, but five- and six-cylinder 2.4-liter engines also exist, especially in older or specialized vehicles. Check your specific vehicle’s documentation to be sure.

Summary

2.4 liter refers to total engine displacement, not cylinder count. While the majority of contemporary 2.4L engines are 4-cylinder units (especially popular as turbocharged fours in SUVs and pickups), there are legitimate 2.4L five- and six-cylinder engines historically and in niche applications. Always verify cylinder configuration via the owner’s manual, under-hood labels, VIN decoding, or official specs for your specific model and year.

Is a 2.4 litre engine a V6?

The displacement of modern V6 engines is typically between 2.5 and 4.0 L (153 and 244 cu in), though larger and smaller examples have been produced, such as the 1.8 L (110 cu in) Mazda V6 used in the 1991–1998 Mazda MX-3, or the 1.6 L (98 cu in) Mitsubishi V6 engine used in the 1992–1998 Mirage/Lancer, while the …

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. 

What does it mean to have a 2.4 liter engine?

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 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.