Is the Accord 2.4 a V6?
No. The Honda Accord “2.4” refers to a 2.4‑liter four‑cylinder (inline‑four) engine, not a V6. Accords that came with V6 engines used larger displacements—most commonly 3.0 liters or 3.5 liters—depending on the model year and market. Here’s how the naming works and how to tell exactly what’s under the hood.
Contents
What “2.4” Means on a Honda Accord
On the Accord, “2.4” designates the engine’s displacement—2.4 liters—and it’s paired with a four‑cylinder layout. Honda’s well‑known 2.4‑liter engines include the K24 series and later “Earth Dreams” 2.4 DI engines. They’re inline‑four powerplants featuring i‑VTEC variable valve timing, not six‑cylinder V engines.
Accords That Used the 2.4‑Liter Inline‑Four
Honda offered 2.4‑liter four‑cylinder Accords in multiple generations and regions. The specifics—power output, transmission choices, and trims—varied by market and year, but the core fact remains: these are inline‑four engines.
- 7th generation (2003–2007, many markets): 2.4L K24 i‑VTEC, typically ~160–200 hp depending on tuning and emissions.
- 8th generation (2008–2012, many markets): 2.4L K24 updates; in North America sedans often rated ~177–190 hp.
- 9th generation (2013–2017, North America and select markets): 2.4L “Earth Dreams” direct‑injected I4, ~185–189 hp (higher in some trims/markets); CVT or manual in certain years.
- Asia/Oceania/Europe variants (2000s–mid‑2010s): Numerous 2.4L I4 i‑VTEC trims (names like VTi, VTi‑L, EX, etc.), all four‑cylinder.
While performance and features evolved, none of the 2.4‑liter Accords were V6 models. In later years, the 2.4 was phased out in favor of smaller turbo fours and hybrids.
Accords That Used V6 Engines
When the Accord did feature a V6, it used larger V6 engines—never a 2.4. Availability depended on generation and region, with some markets offering only four‑cylinders.
- 5th generation (1995–1997, North America): 2.7L V6 (C27A) in select trims.
- 6th generation (1998–2002, North America and others): 3.0L V6 (J30A), automatic transmission only in many markets.
- 7th generation (2003–2007): 3.0L V6 (J30 variants), higher‑trim sedans and coupes.
- 8th generation (2008–2012): 3.5L V6 (J35Z), up to ~271 hp; manual offered on some coupes.
- 9th generation (2013–2017): 3.5L V6 (J35Y), up to ~278 hp; six‑speed manual on V6 coupe in North America.
From the 10th generation onward (2018–present), the Accord dropped the V6 entirely in favor of turbocharged four‑cylinders and, later, hybrid powertrains.
How to Confirm Which Engine Your Accord Has
If you’re unsure whether an Accord is a 2.4 I4 or a V6, a few quick checks will settle it.
- VIN decoding: The 8th character in the VIN often identifies the engine; a dealer or online VIN decoder will specify I4 vs V6.
- Cylinder count: A V6 has three cylinders per bank (two banks), whereas the 2.4 has four cylinders in a single row. The V6 intake manifold sits between two cylinder banks.
- Badging and under‑hood labels: Emissions labels and engine covers typically state “2.4 i‑VTEC” (I4) or “3.5 V6 i‑VTEC.”
- Exhaust tips: Many V6 Accords have dual exhaust outlets; most 2.4 I4 models have a single outlet (varies by trim/market).
- Transmission pairing: Certain manual V6 coupes existed in 2008–2017; CVT pairings were common with the 2.4 I4 in 2013–2017 sedans.
These cues, especially the VIN and under‑hood label, provide definitive identification across trims and markets.
Common Misconceptions Behind “2.4 V6”
The phrase “2.4 V6” appears because several naming conventions get mixed up. Here’s what typically causes the confusion.
- Displacement vs. cylinder count: “2.4” is liters of displacement, not the number of cylinders.
- Valve count mix‑ups: Some V6s are “24‑valve,” which sounds like “2.4” but refers to valves, not liters.
- Trim names: Labels like VTi, VTi‑L, or EX/LX denote equipment levels, not engine layout.
- i‑VTEC branding: This is Honda’s valve timing system used on both I4 and V6 engines; it doesn’t indicate cylinder configuration.
Keeping displacement, cylinder count, trim levels, and technologies distinct helps avoid the “2.4 V6” mix‑up.
Performance and Ownership Differences: 2.4 I4 vs V6
Choosing between the 2.4 I4 and a V6 Accord has practical implications for performance, economy, and maintenance.
- Power/torque: 2.4 I4s typically range ~160–206 hp (varies by year/market), while V6s span ~200–278 hp with stronger mid‑range torque.
- Fuel economy: The 2.4 I4 generally delivers better mpg than the V6, especially in city driving.
- Maintenance: Many 2.4s use timing chains; several older V6s use timing belts with scheduled replacement. V6s have more spark plugs and sometimes pricier ancillary parts.
- Known issues: Some 3.5L V6s with cylinder deactivation (VCM) have had reported oil consumption or vibration concerns if maintenance lapses; the 2.4 DI (2013–2017) benefits from regular oil changes to reduce intake valve deposits.
- Driving feel: V6 models are typically quieter and quicker; 2.4 models feel lighter at the nose and can handle a bit more nimbly.
For daily commuting and cost control, the 2.4 I4 is a strong choice; for effortless acceleration and refinement, the V6 trims stand out in pre‑2018 models.
Where the Accord Stands Today (2018–Present)
Modern Accords no longer offer a V6. The 2018–2022 models used 1.5‑liter and 2.0‑liter turbocharged four‑cylinders, and the 2023–present generation emphasizes a 2.0‑liter hybrid system paired with a four‑cylinder engine. The classic 2.4 I4 was discontinued in favor of these newer powertrains, depending on market.
Summary
The “Accord 2.4” is not a V6—it’s a 2.4‑liter inline‑four. Accords equipped with V6 engines used larger 2.7L, 3.0L, or 3.5L units in earlier generations, and no Accord has offered a V6 since 2017. If you need to confirm an individual car’s engine, check the VIN, under‑hood labels, and exhaust layout to be sure.
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.
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.
Which Accord has a V6 engine?
Engines
Model | Years | Type/code |
---|---|---|
Accord V6 | 2003–2005 | 2,997 cc (2.997 L; 182.9 cu in) SOHC VTEC V6 (J30A4) |
2006–2007 | 2,997 cc (2.997 L; 182.9 cu in) SOHC VTEC V6 (J30A5) | |
Accord Hybrid | 2005 | 2,997 cc (2.997 L; 182.9 cu in) SOHC i-VTEC VCM V6 (JNA1) |
144V electric motor |
Which is better, a Honda 4-cylinder or a 6 cylinder?
A more powerful, torquey six will usually be under less stress than a four-cylinder engine, especially in larger SUVs or trucks where the weight of the vehicle is a significant factor. Sixes usually rev lower than fours, which means they typically feel smoother even when producing full power.