Is the 2.4 L Honda Accord Engine a 4-Cylinder or a 6-Cylinder?
The 2.4-liter Honda Accord engine is a 4-cylinder, not a V6. In Honda Accords, the 2.4 L designation refers to an inline-four (I4) engine from the K24 family (and later the Earth Dreams K24W variants), while V6 Accords use larger 3.0 L or 3.5 L engines from the J-series.
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What the 2.4-Liter Designation Means
Engine size in liters measures total displacement, not cylinder count. For the Accord, Honda’s 2.4 L engines have consistently been inline-four configurations with dual overhead cams and i-VTEC (and later direct injection). When Honda offered a six-cylinder Accord, it was paired with a larger-displacement J-series V6 (3.0 L or 3.5 L), not 2.4 L.
Where the 2.4 L Shows Up in Accord History
Honda used 2.4 L four-cylinder engines in multiple Accord generations. Here’s where you’ll find them across model years and platforms.
- 2003–2007 (7th generation, North America): 2.4 L K24 I4 (e.g., K24A4/K24A8) with DOHC i-VTEC, widely used across LX/EX trims.
- 2008–2012 (8th generation): 2.4 L K24Z-series I4 (e.g., K24Z2, K24Z3), with power variations by trim and transmission.
- 2013–2017 (9th generation): 2.4 L “Earth Dreams” K24W I4 with direct injection (e.g., K24W1/K24W4), paired with manuals or CVTs depending on trim.
- Markets outside North America also used 2.4 L I4 Accords extensively during these eras, sometimes beyond these dates.
- 2018 onward (10th generation, North America): Accord moved to turbocharged 1.5 L and 2.0 L I4s; no 2.4 L option.
Across these generations, the 2.4 L remained a four-cylinder choice for efficiency and balance, while the V6 was reserved for higher-output trims with larger displacement.
How to Confirm on Your Specific Accord
If you want to verify the engine in your car, you can identify it using several straightforward checks.
- Under-hood emissions/engine label: Look for the engine family code on the sticker near the radiator support or underside of the hood. Codes starting with “K24” or “K24W” indicate a 2.4 L I4; “J30/J35” indicates a V6.
- VIN and documentation: The VIN, registration, or build sheet can be decoded to the engine family. Your owner’s manual and window sticker (Monroney) also list engine details.
- Visual cues: A 2.4 L I4 will have four ignition coils (one per cylinder) in a single row; the V6 will have two cylinder banks and six coils.
- Trim history: Trims like LX, EX, and Sport commonly came with the 2.4 L I4 in the 2003–2017 span; V6 availability was typically EX-L V6 or Touring in relevant years.
These steps will quickly confirm whether your Accord carries the 2.4 L inline-four or one of the larger J-series V6 engines.
Related: Honda Accord V6 Options
To avoid confusion, here’s how Honda labeled the V6 Accords during the same eras.
- 2003–2007: 3.0 L J30 V6 (EX V6 and some special trims).
- 2008–2017: 3.5 L J35 V6 (EX-L V6, Touring, and Coupe V6 variants, depending on year and market).
If you see “3.0 L” or “3.5 L” on materials or badges, you’re looking at a V6 Accord—not the 2.4 L.
Summary
The Honda Accord’s 2.4 L engine is a four-cylinder inline-four (K24/K24W), not a six-cylinder. V6 Accords used larger-displacement 3.0 L or 3.5 L engines. If in doubt, check the under-hood label, VIN documentation, or ignition coil count to confirm your engine type.
Is a 2.4 L engine a 4-cylinder or 6 cylinder?
A 2.4-liter (2.4L) engine can be either a 4-cylinder or a 6-cylinder, as “liter” refers to the engine’s displacement (total volume of air it can displace), not the number of cylinders it contains. For example, a typical 2.4L engine with four cylinders would have each cylinder displacing roughly 0.6 liters, while an engine with a 2.4L displacement and six cylinders would have a smaller displacement per cylinder.
Here’s why:
- Displacement vs. Cylinder Count: Engine liters (or cubic centimeters/cc) measure the total volume of the cylinders. An engine’s total displacement is calculated by multiplying the volume of a single cylinder by the number of cylinders.
- Examples:
- A 2.4L 4-cylinder engine means there are four cylinders, each approximately 0.6L in size, that combine to create the total 2.4L displacement.
- A 2.4L 6-cylinder engine is also possible, where the 2.4L displacement is achieved by dividing the volume into six smaller cylinders. An early Datsun (Nissan) 240Z, for instance, was a 2.4L inline-6 engine.
- Variations Exist: You’ll find 2.4L engines in many vehicles, and the cylinder count varies depending on the specific make and model.
How many cylinders is a 2.4 Honda Accord?
It is available with either a 2.4 L 129 kW (173 hp) four-cylinder or 3.5 L 206 kW (276 hp) V6 engine.
How do I know if my Honda Accord is a 4 or 6 cylinder?
To tell if a Honda Accord is 4 or 6 cylinder, check the sticker under the hood for the engine type, look at the engine bay for a label, count the spark plugs (4 for an I4, 6 for a V6), check the owner’s manual, or use the VIN to find the engine specifications online.
Visual Inspection (Under the Hood)
- Engine Label: Look for a sticker or plate on top of the engine that specifies the engine model, such as “2.0L V6” or “2.4L I4”.
- Spark Plugs: A 4-cylinder engine has four spark plugs, while a 6-cylinder will have six.
- Engine Layout: A V6 engine will have a more compact, V-shaped arrangement, while a 4-cylinder (Inline 4) will be a longer, straighter engine.
- Exhaust Manifolds: V6 engines often have two exhaust manifolds, one for each bank of cylinders, whereas an I4 engine typically has one.
Documentary Checks
- Owner’s Manual: This is the most direct and reliable way to confirm your engine type.
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): The VIN contains codes that identify the engine type. You can enter the VIN into online lookup tools or check the owner’s manual.
Performance Characteristics
- Power Output: A 6-cylinder engine generally provides more horsepower and torque than a 4-cylinder engine.
- Driving Feel: The V6 typically offers a sportier and smoother acceleration feel, while a 4-cylinder will feel more engaging due to its lighter weight.
Other Indicators
- Exterior Trim (Some Models): On certain older models, such as the 2010 Accord, a V6 model may have chrome door handles, while a 4-cylinder would have basic, color-coordinated handles.
- Tachometer Redline: V6 engines often have a higher redline (the RPM at which the engine’s red warning light comes on) compared to a 4-cylinder engine.
Is a 2.4 Honda Accord a V6?
The North American Accord uses the CP2 chassis code for the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder sedan and CS1 for the 4-cylinder coupe. CP3 is for the V6 sedan and CS2 is for the V6 coupe. CP1 is for the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder sedan in the Chinese and Brazilian markets.
