X2^ for the wifes ride. We use her car for most long trips and I have been satisfied with both economy and power for a daily driver.
Whe I feel the need for speed I drive the SS.

 

Love my 2.2 really good hi-way car, and great around town oodles of get-up-and-go...

 

Just a FYI....

The performance number between the 2.2/5speed and the 2.4/auto are almost dead even. So if you prefer the 2.2 for what ever reason and can drive a stick....

 

I bought the 2.2 for the mileage didn't want the 2.4. Highest average has been 37 mpg. Average has never droped below 30 since I had it.

 

I wound up with the 2.2, the fact that it only requires 87 octane fuel was a draw. I got mine with a five speed, and I can't complain about performance. Though it won't turn heads in a quarter mile run, it certainly has enough power. I have no regrets, and would buy one with the 2.2 again.

 

I purposely did NOT buy a 2.2. I rented several 2.2's before buying the HHR and found them to be lacking in power. While having two passengers and driving on a slightly rolling highway, it was constantly downshifting to get up long but very gradually rising hills. If it was downshifting so much to maintain speed, I couldn't see how you would save fuel. The extra HP in the 2.4 never needs to downshift unless you punch it.

 

Well mine was used so I didn't have much of a choice. But, I did kind of want the 2.2, it was a little better on gas...not sure if that's true in everyday driving or not, but I didn't think there was much difference. My mom's G6 has the 2.4, and it's no V8 either...

 

Bought mine when gas was at four bucks a gallon and the Denali only gets twelve to thirteen in town . Drove both the 2.2 & the 2.4 and did not feel that big of a difference.....Decided on the 2.2 Because I did not want to be saddled with Premium fuel . I'm having a great time in my little car & the fuel savings are making the payments Good luck with what ever you choose.........

 

I have the 2.4. (I wanted the 2LT model.) It has a little bit more power over the 2.2. I've increased my gas mileage by doing three things:

1) Installed a CGS/K&N air intake.


2) Installed a CGS muffler.


3)Re-set the ECM.

On level ground my HHR gets 41 MPG at 55 MPH.

According to the manual, you are suppose to use premium fuel with the 2.4 engine, so there is a cost increase there.

I rent HHRs when I travel and find the 2.2 engine to have plenty of power. I believe if you do the three things above you will also get a little more power and better gas mileage.

Both Ecotec engines are fine machinery and should last a long time as long as you take care of them.

 

When I started shopping I decided it would be either a 2LT or SS but decided to drive some 2.2L LS just to make sure I really wanted to go that far up the scale (HHR wise).

I thought the 2.2L ran pretty dang good and only after driving quite a few 2.2 and 2.4's did I see that the 2.4L was a bit stronger but nothing that cosmic. But back to back driving does show the 20HP difference.

If MPG was the top requirements, I would absolutely go with the 2.2L.