How Do You Determine a Vehicle’s Engine Size?

To determine the engine size of a vehicle, check the etching on the engine bay, the EPA sticker or the manual of the vehicle. Alternatively, access the website of NADA Guides. Also, note the vehicle’s VIN number, and decode it to find the engine size.

To check the engine bay of the vehicle, switch the engine off, allow it to cool, and then open the vehicle’s hood. Look for some raised marks on the engine bay that indicate the engine size. Some cars also have an EPA sticker beneath the hood that contains information pertaining to the vehicle’s engine size and average gas consumption. The owner’s manual of the vehicle may also specify the engine size in the Mechanical Information, Specifications or other similarly titled section.

When accessing the NADA Guides website, click on New & Used Car Prices, and choose the car’s make under the Research by Make tab. Now, select the year and body style of the vehicle from the drop-down menu, and click on See Model History to view information about the vehicle, including its engine size.

The 17-digit VIN of the car is usually given in the owner’s manual, driver’s-side dashboard, registration papers and purchase contract. The fourth to eighth digits make up the Vehicle Descriptor Section and describe certain car parts. Contact the dealership or the manufacturer to decode the VIN and determine the car’s engine size.