The Chevy HHR was offered with three gasoline engines: a 2.2L Ecotec inline-four, a 2.4L Ecotec inline-four, and in the HHR SS, a 2.0L turbocharged inline-four.
As the model lineup evolved, base and mid-range trims used the 2.2L or 2.4L engines, while the high-performance SS variant used the turbocharged 2.0L. The exact engine and output varied by year and trim, but these were the core options.
Engine lineup and specs
Here is a quick guide to the engines that powered the HHR, including typical horsepower and torque figures.
- 2.2-liter Ecotec inline-four — approximately 140–143 horsepower and about 150 lb-ft of torque; used on base models from 2006 to around 2010, with options for a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic.
- 2.4-liter Ecotec inline-four — about 172 horsepower and around 162 lb-ft of torque; offered on mid-range models roughly from 2006/07 through 2011, often paired with a 4-speed automatic or a 5-speed manual.
- 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four (HHR SS) — 260 horsepower and about 260 lb-ft of torque; available in the later years (2009–2011), typically with a 5-speed manual transmission, with limited automatic options in some markets.
In summary, the HHR’s engine lineup ranged from efficient 2.2L and 2.4L Ecotec four-cylinders to a high-performance turbocharged 2.0L in the HHR SS, offering a broad spectrum of power and driving experiences.
HHR SS: Turbocharged performance option
For buyers seeking sportier acceleration, the HHR SS delivered a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with substantially more power than the standard models. This variant also featured handling and styling upgrades to match its enhanced performance.
- Turbocharged 2.0L I4 — 260 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque; typically paired with a 5-speed manual transmission, with occasional automatic options in certain markets.
- Production years for the SS spanned the late 2000s to early 2010s, culminating in the 2009–2011 window for most markets.
The HHR SS thus represents the peak of the model’s powertrain offerings, contrasting with the more economical base and mid-range engines.
Summary
The Chevy HHR offered three main gasoline engines during its 2006–2011 run: a 2.2L Ecotec for efficiency, a 2.4L Ecotec for a balance of power and practicality, and the 2.0L turbocharged I4 found in the HHR SS for performance enthusiasts. Engine availability and outputs varied by year and trim, but these core options defined the HHR’s propulsion lineup.