What Is a 2.4 Motor?

A “2.4 motor” most commonly refers to a 2.4‑liter internal combustion engine—the total volume displaced by all its cylinders is about 2.4 liters (roughly 2,400 cubic centimeters). In everyday automotive language, “motor” and “engine” are often used interchangeably; technically, engines burn fuel while motors can be electric, but in car talk a “2.4 motor” almost always means a 2.4‑liter gasoline (or sometimes diesel) engine. This overview explains what that number means, how such engines perform, where you’ll find them today, and when “2.4” could mean something else.

What “2.4” Usually Means in Cars

In automotive specs, 2.4 indicates engine displacement. Displacement is the combined swept volume of all cylinders as pistons move from top dead center to bottom dead center. It’s a size metric, not a direct indicator of power.

The following steps summarize how displacement is derived in a typical piston engine:

• Measure each cylinder’s bore (diameter) and stroke (piston travel distance).
• Calculate one cylinder’s volume (π × radius² × stroke).
• Multiply by the number of cylinders for total engine volume, then convert to liters (1,000 cc = 1.0 L).

This calculation yields a figure like 2,400 cc, expressed as 2.4 liters. While larger displacement can allow more air–fuel mixture and potentially more power, design choices (turbocharging, valve timing, compression, fuel system) often matter as much or more for performance and efficiency.

Performance Expectations and Layout

Most modern 2.4‑liter car engines are inline four‑cylinders (I‑4). Naturally aspirated versions typically produce about 150–190 horsepower and 150–180 lb‑ft of torque. With turbocharging and direct injection, current 2.4‑liter engines can deliver roughly 228–300+ horsepower and 250–400+ lb‑ft, sometimes more in hybrid-assisted setups, while targeting lower emissions and better real‑world drivability than older larger-displacement engines.

Examples You’ll See on the Road (2024–2025)

Automakers use 2.4‑liter engines across sedans, crossovers, and trucks—often with turbocharging or hybridization to balance power and efficiency. Here are notable examples and context.

• Toyota/Lexus 2.4‑liter turbo (T24A‑FTS): Powers vehicles such as the Toyota Highlander (265 hp/310 lb‑ft), Tacoma (various tunes; hybrid i‑Force Max adds substantial torque), Lexus NX 350, and hybrid systems like Lexus TX 500h (combined 366 hp/406 lb‑ft) and Toyota Crown Hybrid Max (about 340 hp combined).
• Subaru 2.4‑liter turbo (FA24F): Found in Outback XT, Ascent, and WRX, typically around 260–271 hp and 258–277 lb‑ft; prized for broad midrange torque.
• Historic/mainstream 2.4s no longer new but common used: Honda K24 (Accord/Civic/CR‑V, renowned durability), Toyota 2AZ‑FE (older Camry/RAV4; some years noted for oil consumption), GM 2.4 Ecotec (Malibu/Equinox; timing chain and balance shaft chain maintenance important), Hyundai/Kia 2.4 Theta II (Sonata/Santa Fe/Optima; some engines covered by recalls/extended warranties in certain markets), Chrysler/Stellantis 2.4 Tigershark (Dart/Compass/Renegade; widely reported oil consumption issues in specific applications), Nissan KA24 (older trucks/240SX), Mitsubishi 4G69 (various models).

The 2.4‑liter size remains popular because it fits efficiently under the hood, pairs well with turbos or hybrids, and delivers family-car or light-truck performance without the weight and fuel penalties of larger engines.

When “2.4 Motor” Doesn’t Mean 2.4 Liters

Outside car talk, “2.4” can describe very different specs. Context matters—especially for electric powertrains, tools, or hobby gear.

• 2.4 kW electric motor: An electric motor rated at 2.4 kilowatts (about 3.2 hp), typical for e‑bikes/scooters, small pumps, or shop equipment.
• 2.4 GHz: A radio frequency band used by remote controls and wireless links (RC cars/drones, Wi‑Fi), not a motor rating.
• 2.4 Nm: A torque value (newton‑meters), occasionally seen on small electric motors or servo specs.

If you see “2.4” without “L,” “liter,” or clear automotive context, it may refer to power (kW), frequency (GHz), or torque (Nm) rather than engine displacement.

Pros and Cons of 2.4‑Liter Engines

Like any engine size, 2.4‑liter designs carry trade‑offs shaped by technology and tuning.

• Pros: Compact packaging, broad availability, generally good parts support; with turbo/hybrid systems, strong low‑end torque and competitive fuel economy; proven reliability in many mainstream models.
• Cons: Naturally aspirated versions can feel modest by modern standards; some legacy 2.4s are known for specific issues (e.g., oil consumption, timing chain wear) depending on model/year; turbo variants add complexity and maintenance demands (quality oil, cooling, and careful warm‑up/cool‑down).

For most buyers, a well-maintained 2.4‑liter—especially a modern turbo or hybrid—offers balanced performance and efficiency for commuting and family hauling.

Buying or Maintaining a 2.4‑Liter Vehicle

Due diligence matters more than the number on the badge. Service history and model‑specific bulletins are crucial, especially on the used market.

• Check technical service bulletins (TSBs), recalls, and extended warranty programs tied to the exact engine code and model year.
• Verify oil change intervals and oil spec; many turbocharged 2.4s require high‑quality synthetic oil and timely service.
• Listen for timing chain noise at startup on older designs; inspect for oil consumption (dipstick checks between changes) on engines with known histories.
• For hybrids/turbos, ensure cooling systems and intercoolers are clean and leak‑free; confirm software updates at the dealer.
• Test drive for smooth idle, linear boost (if turbo), and transmission behavior; scan for diagnostic codes before purchase.

A model‑specific pre‑purchase inspection and VIN‑based history check will tell you more about long‑term reliability than displacement alone.

FAQs

Common questions help clarify how a 2.4‑liter engine fits different needs.

• Is a 2.4‑liter engine good on gas? Modern turbo or hybrid 2.4s can match or beat older V6s on highway fuel economy and deliver better city efficiency thanks to torque and smart gearing.
• Is it powerful enough for towing? In many crossovers and mid‑size trucks, a turbo 2.4 provides ample torque for light towing (consult the specific model’s tow rating and cooling package).
• Does “motor” mean electric? In strict terms, yes; colloquially, drivers often say “motor” when they mean “engine.” Context usually makes it clear.

These basics should help you interpret brochures and online listings accurately and compare options on your shortlist.

Summary

A “2.4 motor” almost always means a 2.4‑liter four‑cylinder internal combustion engine. It denotes displacement—not power—with real‑world performance shaped by design features like turbocharging and hybridization. You’ll find 2.4‑liter engines in many current Toyota/Lexus and Subaru models and widely across used inventories from Honda, GM, Hyundai/Kia, Nissan, Mitsubishi, and Stellantis. If you encounter “2.4” outside car context, it may refer to kilowatts, gigahertz, or torque rather than liters. For buyers, focus on engine code, maintenance records, and model‑specific service history to judge reliability and fit for your needs.

What is the difference between 2.4 L and 3.0 L?

3.0 has a higher compression ratio than the 2.4L. 3.0 piston can travel further into the cylinder, thereby injecting more air than the 2.4. More air-mix with fuel more velocity.

Is a 2.4 engine a 4 cylinder or 6 cylinder?

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. 

What vehicles have a 2.4 L engine?

Vehicles using 2.4-liter engines include the Chevrolet Equinox and Malibu, GMC Terrain, and Buick Verano (using the GM Ecotec engine); the Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger (using the World Gasoline Engine); the Honda CR-V and Accord (using Honda’s K-series engine); and the Mitsubishi Lancer and Outlander (using the 4B12 engine). Other vehicles that have used the 2.4L engine include the Jeep Compass and Patriot, Dodge Journey, and various Hyundai models.
 
Here are some examples of vehicles equipped with 2.4L engines:
General Motors (GM) Ecotec: Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Malibu, GMC Terrain, and Buick Verano. 
World Gasoline Engine (DaimlerChrysler): Chrysler Sebring, Chrysler 200, Dodge Avenger, Jeep Compass, and Jeep Patriot. 
Honda K-series: Honda CR-V, Honda Accord, and Honda Element. 
Mitsubishi engines (e.g., 4B12, 4G64): Mitsubishi Lancer, Mitsubishi Outlander, and Dodge Caliber R/T. 
Other vehicles: Dodge Journey, Hyundai models (using Mitsubishi-based engines), and Acura TSX (using the K-series engine).

Is a 2.4 L 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.