The Pontiac G5 was equipped with two Ecotec inline-four engines: a 2.2-liter and a 2.4-liter. Both are gasoline engines, and most G5 models used one of these two options depending on year and trim.
Produced as a two-door variant of the Chevrolet Cobalt, the G5 shared its engine lineup with its GM sibling. Over its production run, buyers could choose between a smaller 2.2L engine for efficiency or a larger 2.4L for more power, with manual or automatic transmissions available depending on the model year.
Engine options
The following are the engine choices that appeared in the Pontiac G5 lineup. Each entry lists typical power and torque figures and common transmission pairings.
- 2.2-liter Ecotec inline-four (L61): about 140 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque; commonly paired with a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission.
- 2.4-liter Ecotec inline-four (LE5): about 172 horsepower and 160 lb-ft of torque; typically paired with a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission.
These engines reflect the two primary powertrain choices GM offered for the G5, with the 2.4-liter providing noticeably stronger acceleration and performance compared with the base 2.2-liter option. Availability varied by model year and trim, so the exact combination should be confirmed for a specific vehicle.
Summary
In brief, a Pontiac G5 could be powered by either a 2.2L Ecotec or a 2.4L Ecotec engine. The 2.2L prioritizes efficiency, while the 2.4L offers more horsepower and torque for brisker performance. Always verify the exact engine specification for a given car, as configurations varied by year and trim.


