2018 Honda Accord Engine Specs: What You Need to Know

The 2018 Honda Accord offered three powertrains: a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 (192 hp, 192 lb-ft), a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 (252 hp, 273 lb-ft), and a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle hybrid system with a combined output of 212 hp. Below is a detailed breakdown of each engine’s key specifications and how they differ.

Gasoline Turbo Engines

1.5-liter Turbocharged Inline-4

Standard on most trims, this downsized turbo is tuned for broad low-end torque and efficiency, paired primarily with a CVT and available with a 6-speed manual on the Sport trim.

The following points outline the core technical specifications and pairing details for the 1.5T engine in the 2018 Accord.

• Configuration: 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve, VTEC with dual VTC
• Induction/Fuel: Single-scroll turbocharger with intercooler; direct fuel injection
• Output: 192 hp at 5,500 rpm; 192 lb-ft from 1,600–5,000 rpm
• Compression ratio: Approximately 10.3:1
• Recommended fuel: Regular unleaded (87 AKI)
• Transmissions: CVT (most trims); 6-speed manual available on Sport

Tuned for accessible torque and everyday drivability, the 1.5T balances performance with fuel efficiency and represents the volume engine for the lineup.

2.0-liter Turbocharged Inline-4

Borrowing architecture from Honda’s performance engines, the 2.0T is the enthusiast’s choice, offering stronger acceleration and paired to either a 10-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual on the Sport trim.

Below are the essential specifications that define the 2.0T’s performance character and operating requirements.

• Configuration: 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve, VTEC with dual VTC
• Induction/Fuel: Low-inertia turbocharger with intercooler; direct fuel injection
• Output: 252 hp at 6,500 rpm; 273 lb-ft from 1,500–4,000 rpm
• Compression ratio: Approximately 9.8:1
• Recommended fuel: Premium unleaded recommended (91+ AKI); runs on regular with potential performance reduction
• Transmissions: 10-speed automatic; 6-speed manual available on Sport

With robust midrange torque and higher peak power, the 2.0T provides the strongest performance in the non-hybrid Accord range, especially when paired with the 10-speed automatic.

Hybrid Powertrain

2.0-liter Atkinson-Cycle I-4 with Two-Motor Hybrid System

The Accord Hybrid pairs a high-efficiency 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle engine with Honda’s two-motor system, operating without a traditional stepped gearbox and emphasizing smoothness and fuel economy.

These points summarize how the hybrid system is configured and what its power figures mean in daily use.

• Engine: 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle inline-4, DOHC, i-VTEC
• Hybrid system: Two-motor setup with electronic continuously variable transmission (e-CVT)
• Engine-only output: 143 hp at 6,200 rpm; 129 lb-ft of torque
• Total system output: 212 hp combined
• Fuel: Regular unleaded (87 AKI)

The hybrid’s design prioritizes efficiency and seamless power delivery; its combined output reflects the system’s integrated performance rather than simply adding engine and motor figures.

Summary

The 2018 Honda Accord lineup spans three distinct powertrains: a balanced 1.5T (192 hp, 192 lb-ft), a performance-leaning 2.0T (252 hp, 273 lb-ft), and a fuel-sipping hybrid with 212 hp combined. Each delivers a different blend of power, efficiency, and driving character, with transmission choices and fuel recommendations tailored to their roles.

What kind of engine does a 2018 Honda Accord have?

The 2018 Honda Accord came with two turbocharged four-cylinder engine options: a standard 1.5-liter VTEC Turbo engine producing 192 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque, and an available 2.0-liter VTEC Turbo engine for higher trims, delivering 252 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. The 1.5-liter was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) or a six-speed manual, while the 2.0-liter was matched with a 10-speed automatic or a six-speed manual.
 
1.5-Liter VTEC Turbo Engine 

• Standard: on the LX, EX, EX-L, and Touring trims.
• Horsepower: 192 hp.
• Torque: 192 lb-ft.
• Transmission: Available with a CVT or a 6-speed manual transmission (in the Sport trim).

2.0-Liter VTEC Turbo Engine

• Available: on Sport, EX-L, and Touring trims. 
• Horsepower: 252 hp. 
• Torque: 273 lb-ft, the most ever for an Accord at the time of its release. 
• Transmission: Available with a new 10-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual transmission (in the Sport trim). 

Key Points

• The 2018 Accord marked the introduction of this generation and featured two new turbocharged engines, replacing the previous naturally aspirated and V-6 powerplants. 
• The 2.0-liter turbo engine, shared with the Civic Type R, provided the highest torque output for an Accord at the time. 
• The 1.5-liter engine offered good fuel economy and sufficient power for daily driving. 

What is the weakness of the Honda Accord?

One of the Honda Accord’s most talked-about issues revolves around its transmission. Owners have reported cases of slipping, abrupt shifting, and, in some unfortunate instances, complete failure.

Which engine is better, 1.5 or 2.0 Honda Accord?

While both engines impress with their own merits, the 1.5L turbocharged engine edges ahead in terms of both power and fuel efficiency. The turbocharger’s internal cooling system helps maintain optimal engine temperature, thereby enhancing performance while minimizing the risk of overheating.

What is the most common problem with the 2018 Honda Accord?

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

• In-car Electronics. Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.
• Climate System.
• Electrical Accessories.
• Exhaust.
• Fuel System/Emissions.
• Noises/Leaks.
• Brakes.
• Engine Major.