Engine Compression Test Chart(For All Brands + Models)

An engine compression test is one of the most reliable methods to determine the health of your engine. It measures the pressure created by the combustion of fuel inside the cylinders. Low compression can indicate worn piston rings, leaking valves, or head gasket issues, while uneven compression across cylinders often points to more serious internal problems.

Below, we provide a comprehensive engine compression test chart with common gasoline and diesel engines to help you quickly reference acceptable compression ranges.

Engine Compression Test Chart

Honda

Model	Engine	Cylinder Count	Normal Compression (PSI)	Minimum Acceptable PSI	Common Issues if Low
Civic	1.8L (R18)	4	170–200	150	Worn piston rings, leaking valves
Accord	2.4L (K24)	4	175–205	155	Piston or valve damage
CR-V	2.4L	4	175–205	155	Ring wear, valve leaks
Fit	1.5L	4	165–195	145	Compression loss, worn rings
Odyssey	3.5L V6	6	180–220	160	Valve leakage, piston wear

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Toyota

Model	Engine	Cylinder Count	Normal Compression (PSI)	Minimum Acceptable PSI	Common Issues if Low
Corolla	1.8L (2ZR-FE)	4	175–210	155	Head gasket leaks, worn rings
Tacoma	3.5L V6	6	180–220	160	Ring wear, head gasket
Land Cruiser	4.0L V6	6	180–220	160	Valve or piston damage
Hilux	2.8L Diesel	4	300–350	280	Head gasket failure, ring wear
Camry	2.5L	4	175–205	155	Ring or valve wear
RAV4	2.5L	4	175–205	155	Ring or gasket issues
Prius	1.8L	4	170–200	150	Worn rings, valve leaks

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Ford

Model	Engine	Cylinder Count	Normal Compression (PSI)	Minimum Acceptable PSI	Common Issues if Low
F-150	3.5L EcoBoost	6	180–220	160	Valve leakage, timing issues
Mustang	5.0L V8	8	190–230	170	Ring wear, timing issues
Explorer	3.5L V6	6	180–220	160	Valve leaks, piston wear
Ranger	2.3L	4	170–200	150	Ring wear, valve leaks
Power Stroke	6.7L Diesel	6	360–410	330	Turbocharged engine ring wear

Chevrolet

Model	Engine	Cylinder Count	Normal Compression (PSI)	Minimum Acceptable PSI	Common Issues if Low
Silverado	5.3L V8	8	185–225	165	Worn rings, gasket failure
Camaro	6.2L V8	8	190–230	170	Cylinder wear, gasket failure
Colorado	3.6L V6	6	180–220	160	Valve or piston damage
Impala	3.6L V6	6	180–220	160	Ring wear, valve leakage
Malibu	2.0L Turbo	4	170–210	150	Worn rings, gasket leaks

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GMC

Model	Engine	Cylinder Count	Normal Compression (PSI)	Minimum Acceptable PSI	Common Issues if Low
Sierra	6.6L Duramax	8	340–390	310	Valve leakage, cylinder wear
Yukon	5.3L V8	8	185–225	165	Ring wear, valve leaks
Canyon	3.6L V6	6	180–220	160	Valve or piston wear

Dodge

Model	Engine	Cylinder Count	Normal Compression (PSI)	Minimum Acceptable PSI	Common Issues if Low
Ram	5.7L HEMI	8	190–230	170	Cylinder wear, valve leaks
Challenger	6.4L V8	8	195–235	175	Piston or valve issues
Durango	5.7L V8	8	190–230	170	Ring wear, gasket issues
Charger	6.2L V8	8	195–235	175	Piston or valve issues

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Nissan

Model	Engine	Cylinder Count	Normal Compression (PSI)	Minimum Acceptable PSI	Common Issues if Low
Altima	2.5L (QR25DE)	4	170–200	150	Compression loss due to valves
Titan	5.6L V8	8	190–230	170	Ring wear, gasket leaks
Frontier	3.8L V6	6	180–220	160	Ring wear, valve leaks
Rogue	2.5L	4	175–205	155	Valve or ring issues

Volkswagen

Model	Engine	Cylinder Count	Normal Compression (PSI)	Minimum Acceptable PSI	Common Issues if Low
Jetta	1.4T	4	160–200	140	Turbo engines prone to ring wear
Passat	2.0T	4	170–210	150	Worn rings, valve leaks
Tiguan	2.0T	4	170–210	150	Turbo engine ring wear
Golf	1.4T	4	160–200	140	Ring wear, valve leaks
Audi A4	2.0L Turbo	4	170–210	150	Worn piston rings, gasket leaks
Audi A6	3.0L V6	6	180–220	160	Valve or piston damage
Audi Q5	2.0T	4	170–210	150	Ring wear, gasket leaks

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BMW

Model	Engine	Cylinder Count	Normal Compression (PSI)	Minimum Acceptable PSI	Common Issues if Low
3 Series	2.0L Turbo	4	170–210	150	Worn piston rings, gasket leaks
5 Series	3.0L I6	6	180–220	160	Valve leaks, piston wear
X5	3.0L I6	6	180–220	160	Cylinder wear, valve issues
7 Series	4.4L V8	8	190–230	170	Piston or valve damage
X3	2.0L Turbo	4	170–210	150	Ring or valve wear

Jeep

Model	Engine	Cylinder Count	Normal Compression (PSI)	Minimum Acceptable PSI	Common Issues if Low
Wrangler	3.6L V6	6	180–220	160	Valve leaks, piston wear
Grand Cherokee	5.7L V8	8	190–230	170	Cylinder wear, gasket leaks

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Subaru

Model	Engine	Cylinder Count	Normal Compression (PSI)	Minimum Acceptable PSI	Common Issues if Low
Impreza	2.0L	4	170–200	150	Valve or piston wear
Outback	2.5L	4	175–205	155	Ring wear, valve leaks
Forester	2.5L	4	175–205	155	Cylinder wear, gasket leaks

Hyundai

Model	Engine	Cylinder Count	Normal Compression (PSI)	Minimum Acceptable PSI	Common Issues if Low
Elantra	2.0L	4	170–200	150	Ring wear, valve leaks
Santa Fe	3.5L V6	6	180–220	160	Cylinder wear, gasket leaks

Kia

Model	Engine	Cylinder Count	Normal Compression (PSI)	Minimum Acceptable PSI	Common Issues if Low
Optima	2.4L	4	175–205	155	Worn rings, valve leaks
Sorento	3.5L V6	6	180–220	160	Ring or valve wear

Mazda

Model	Engine	Cylinder Count	Normal Compression (PSI)	Minimum Acceptable PSI	Common Issues if Low
Mazda3	2.0L	4	170–200	150	Compression loss due to valves
CX-5	2.5L	4	175–205	155	Piston ring wear, gasket issues

Audi

Model	Engine	Cylinder Count	Normal Compression (PSI)	Minimum Acceptable PSI	Common Issues if Low
A4	2.0L Turbo	4	170–210	150	Worn piston rings, gasket leaks
A6	3.0L V6	6	180–220	160	Valve or piston damage

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How to Perform a Compression Test

Before using the chart, here’s a brief guide on how to conduct a compression test:

1. Warm up the engine – Compression readings are most accurate when the engine is at operating temperature.
2. Disable fuel and ignition systems – Prevent the engine from starting during the test.
3. Remove spark plugs or injectors – Depending on engine type.
4. Insert compression gauge – Screw the gauge into the cylinder spark plug hole.
5. Crank the engine – Turn the engine several revolutions (usually 4-5 seconds).
6. Record the reading – Repeat for all cylinders and compare against the chart.

Understanding Compression Test Results

• Normal Compression: All cylinders within the manufacturer’s range.
• Low Compression: Cylinder reading significantly below the recommended PSI (often 10-15% lower than others).
• Uneven Compression: One cylinder differs substantially from the others. It can indicate leaks in valves, piston rings, or head gasket failure.
• Zero or Near-Zero Compression: Often caused by a broken valve or piston damage.

Tips for Accurate Results

1. Test multiple times – Repeating the test ensures accurate readings.
2. Use a quality gauge – Cheap or worn-out gauges can give false readings.
3. Compare all cylinders – Even if one cylinder is low, it can affect engine performance.
4. Check for leaks – After testing, you can apply a small amount of oil in the cylinder. If compression improves, it usually indicates worn piston rings.

Final words

An engine compression test is a simple but effective diagnostic tool to assess your engine’s internal health. Using the compression test chart, you can quickly compare your readings against standard values for popular engines. Regular testing helps catch issues early, prevents costly repairs, and keeps your engine running efficiently.