What engine is the 2018 Honda Accord?

The 2018 Honda Accord was offered with three engines: a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four, a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, and, in the Accord Hybrid, a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle inline-four paired with a two-motor hybrid system. Depending on the trim, these were matched to a CVT, a 10-speed automatic, or a 6-speed manual transmission.

The engine lineup at a glance

Honda redesigned the Accord for 2018 and replaced the previous V6 with smaller, more efficient turbocharged four-cylinders, plus a next-generation hybrid system. Here’s how the engines break down by power and typical transmission pairings.

• 1.5-liter VTEC Turbo inline-4: Approximately 192 hp and 192 lb-ft; paired with a CVT on most trims, with a 6-speed manual available on the Sport.
• 2.0-liter VTEC Turbo inline-4: Approximately 252 hp and 273 lb-ft; paired with a 10-speed automatic, with a 6-speed manual available on the Sport 2.0T.
• Accord Hybrid powertrain: 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle inline-4 with a two-motor hybrid system; combined output about 212 hp; uses an e-CVT (electronically controlled continuously variable transmission).

These options were designed to balance performance and efficiency, with the 1.5T as the volume engine, the 2.0T as the performance choice, and the Hybrid emphasizing fuel economy.

Which trims got which engines

Trim levels determined the available engine and transmission combinations. The lineup varied slightly by market and equipment, but the following guide reflects the standard U.S. offerings for the 2018 model year.

• LX and EX: 1.5-liter turbo with CVT.
• Sport: 1.5-liter turbo (CVT or 6-speed manual) or 2.0-liter turbo (10-speed automatic or 6-speed manual).
• EX-L: 1.5-liter turbo standard; 2.0-liter turbo available as an option (automatic transmissions).
• Touring: Typically equipped with the 2.0-liter turbo and 10-speed automatic.
• Accord Hybrid: Offered in Hybrid, EX, EX-L, and Touring hybrid-specific trims with the 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle hybrid system.

If you’re shopping used, verify the specific car’s window sticker or VIN report, as dealer inventory could include optional powertrains on mid-level trims.

Performance and efficiency notes

The 2018 Accord engines were tuned to deliver competitive acceleration with strong fuel economy. EPA ratings vary by trim, wheel size, and transmission.

• 1.5T with CVT: Commonly rated around 30 mpg city / 38 mpg highway / 33 mpg combined (varies slightly by trim).
• 1.5T with 6-speed manual (Sport): Usually slightly lower, around 26/35/30 mpg.
• 2.0T with 10-speed automatic: Typically around 23/34/27 mpg; manual Sport 2.0T is a bit lower.
• Accord Hybrid: Often rated near 47/47/47 mpg combined, with minor variations on higher trims due to equipment and wheel size.

Real-world results depend on driving style and conditions, but owners generally report the hybrid as the mileage leader, the 1.5T as the best balance, and the 2.0T as the performance pick.

How to confirm which engine your car has

If you’re unsure which engine is in a specific 2018 Accord, these quick checks can help you verify.

• Check the window sticker (Monroney) or build sheet: It lists the engine and transmission.
• Look under the hood: The 1.5T has “1.5T” badging on some engine covers; the 2.0T intake and turbo hardware differ in layout and size; hybrids have high-voltage cabling and hybrid-specific components.
• Use the VIN: A dealership or online VIN decoder can identify the exact powertrain.
• Transmission cues: 10-speed automatic and 6-speed manuals are paired with the 2.0T on Sport/upper trims; CVT usually indicates the 1.5T (non-hybrid) or the e-CVT on the Hybrid.

Cross-referencing at least two of these methods will provide a reliable confirmation of the engine and transmission.

Summary

The 2018 Honda Accord came with three powertrains: a 1.5-liter turbo four (most trims), a 2.0-liter turbo four (performance-oriented trims), and a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle hybrid (Accord Hybrid). Transmission choices included a CVT, a 10-speed automatic, or a 6-speed manual on select Sport models. Your exact engine depends on trim and options, so check the vehicle’s documentation or VIN for certainty.

Was 2018 a good year for the Honda Accord?

Overall, the redesigned 2018 Honda Accord significantly moves the needle forward in the midsize sedan segment. Its many strengths and lack of major drawbacks make it an easy recommendation for anyone looking for a spacious, comfortable and upscale four-door.

What kind of engine is in the 2018 Honda Accord?

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. 

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.