What kind of motor is in a Chevy HHR?
The Chevy HHR uses two GM Ecotec inline-4 engines: a 2.2-liter and a 2.4-liter.
These are gasoline engines from General Motors’ Ecotec family. The HHR was built from 2006 to 2011, and engine choice varied by model year and trim. Below is a detailed look at each engine, including displacement, output, and typical transmission pairing.
Engine options and specs
The following sections outline the two engine choices offered in the HHR, with core specifications for each.
2.2-liter Ecotec I4 (L61)
Engine specifications and usage:
- Displacement: 2.2 L
- Configuration: inline-4, double overhead cam (DOHC) Ecotec
- Power (horsepower): approximately 140–150 hp, depending on year and tune
- Torque: around 150 lb-ft
- Transmission options: 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic
- Typical model/years: most early HHRs (roughly 2006–2010/2011)
In short, the 2.2-liter engine served as the base powerplant for the HHR, delivering modest performance suitable for urban and highway driving, with straightforward maintenance and broad availability of parts.
2.4-liter Ecotec I4 (LLT)
Engine specifications and usage:
- Displacement: 2.4 L
- Configuration: inline-4, DOHC with variable valve timing (Ecotec LLT)
- Power (horsepower): typically around 172–174 hp
- Torque: roughly 160–165 lb-ft
- Transmission options: 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic
- Typical model/years: introduced in later model years (roughly 2009–2011) as an available upgrade
The 2.4-liter option offered a notable improvement in acceleration and highway performance compared with the base 2.2-liter engine, thanks to higher output and modern features like variable valve timing in the LLT variant.
What changed over the years
During its production life, the HHR’s engine lineup shifted to broaden performance and efficiency. While the 2.2-liter Ecotec remained the standard powerplant for most earlier models, the 2.4-liter EcoTec option appeared in later years to give buyers a stronger all-around performance. Both engines are gasoline-powered four-cylinders designed for practical city driving and everyday reliability, with typical maintenance needs similar to other Ecotec family engines.
Summary
In summary, the Chevy HHR was powered by GM’s Ecotec family of four-cylinder engines: a base 2.2-liter and an optional 2.4-liter. Neither engine is a V6 or diesel, and both variants pair with a manual or automatic transmission depending on the model year and trim. This setup reflects the HHR’s focus on compact practicality and straightforward ownership.
