2010 Honda Accord Engine Options: What’s Under the Hood

The 2010 Honda Accord came with either a 2.4-liter DOHC i-VTEC inline-four or a 3.5-liter SOHC i-VTEC V6, depending on trim and market. In the U.S., most trims used the 2.4-liter four-cylinder, while higher trims offered a 3.5-liter V6, with cylinder deactivation on most automatic V6 sedans for better fuel efficiency. Below is a detailed look at configurations, trims, and regional variations.

Engine lineup (U.S. market)

Honda offered two primary gasoline engines for the 2010 Accord sedan and coupe in the United States, each tuned for different performance and efficiency priorities. The four-cylinder covered volume trims, while the V6 targeted buyers seeking stronger acceleration and highway passing power.

• 2.4-liter inline-four (DOHC i-VTEC): Available in two tunes—about 177 hp and 161 lb-ft (LX/LX-P/SE) and about 190 hp and 162 lb-ft (EX/EX-L). Known for smoothness and efficiency.
• 3.5-liter V6 (SOHC i-VTEC): Approximately 271 hp and 251 lb-ft. Most automatic-transmission V6 sedans featured Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) that can deactivate cylinders under light load to save fuel; V6 coupe manuals did not use VCM.

Together, these engines gave the Accord a broad appeal: the four-cylinder prioritized economy and everyday drivability, while the V6 delivered notably stronger performance without sacrificing refinement.

Key technologies and characteristics

Beyond displacement and cylinder count, Honda differentiated the engines with valvetrain design and fuel-saving features aimed at balancing response and economy.

• i-VTEC variable valve timing and lift for both engines, optimizing power delivery across the rev range.
• VCM (on most automatic V6 sedans) enabling cylinder deactivation during cruising to improve fuel economy.
• Refined NVH tuning, with the four-cylinder favoring lightness and efficiency and the V6 emphasizing effortless power.

These technologies helped the Accord maintain a reputation for reliability and efficiency while offering a clear performance step-up path.

Which trims got which engine (U.S.)

The trim ladder aligned closely with engine availability, making it straightforward for buyers to match performance with equipment levels.

• LX, LX-P, SE (sedan): 2.4L inline-four, approximately 177 hp.
• EX, EX-L (sedan and coupe): 2.4L inline-four, approximately 190 hp; optional 3.5L V6 on EX/EX-L V6 variants.
• EX-L V6 (sedan): 3.5L V6 with VCM when paired with the automatic transmission.
• EX-L V6 (coupe): 3.5L V6; available 6-speed manual did not use VCM.

This structure meant most buyers encountered the responsive 2.4L four-cylinder, while enthusiasts and long-distance drivers could step up to the more powerful 3.5L V6.

What about the Accord Crosstour?

For 2010, Honda also sold the Accord Crosstour (later simply “Crosstour”), which was mechanically related but positioned as a hatchback-like crossover. It came exclusively with the 3.5-liter V6, including VCM on automatic models.

International notes

The Accord name covered different models globally in 2010, so engine offerings varied by region. Outside North America, some markets received smaller-displacement engines and a diesel option tied to local preferences and emissions standards.

• Europe (Accord/Acura TSX counterpart): 2.0L and 2.4L i-VTEC gasoline; 2.2L i-DTEC turbo-diesel in many countries.
• Asia-Pacific: 2.0L i-VTEC and 2.4L i-VTEC common; select markets offered a 3.5L V6 on higher trims.

These regional variations mean a 2010 Accord outside the U.S. may differ from U.S.-market specifications, especially regarding smaller gasoline engines and the availability of a diesel.

At-a-glance specs

Here are the core characteristics most shoppers and owners cite when identifying a 2010 Accord’s engine.

• 2.4L inline-four: DOHC i-VTEC; approximately 177–190 hp depending on trim; widely used across LX/SE/EX/EX-L.
• 3.5L V6: SOHC i-VTEC; approximately 271 hp; VCM on most automatic sedans; stronger performance, available on EX/EX-L V6 and standard on Crosstour.

These figures capture the primary distinctions buyers will notice in day-to-day driving: efficiency for the four-cylinder, effortless power for the V6.

Summary

The 2010 Honda Accord was offered with two main engines in the U.S.: a 2.4-liter DOHC i-VTEC inline-four (177–190 hp) and a 3.5-liter SOHC i-VTEC V6 (about 271 hp), with cylinder deactivation on most automatic V6 sedans. Trim level and body style determined which engine you got, while international markets offered additional variations such as 2.0L gasoline and 2.2L diesel options.

What year was a bad year for the Honda Accord?

Honda Accord years to potentially avoid include the 1998-2002 models due to significant issues with the sixth-generation design, as well as 2003-2004 (V6 transmission problems), 2008-2010 (oil consumption, brake wear), 2013 (CVT hesitation, infotainment), and 2018 (engine problems, infotainment, recalls). 
Specific Problematic Years and Their Issues

• 1998-2002: These models, part of the sixth generation, are known for a high number of problems, including transmission issues, steering malfunctions, and potential airbag faults. 
• 2003-2004: The V6 models from these years experienced automatic transmission failures and problems with slipping or jerky shifting. 
• 2008-2010: The four-cylinder models in these years faced issues like excessive oil consumption and premature brake wear. 
• 2013: This year saw problems with Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVTs) and early complaints about the infotainment system. 
• 2018: This model year suffered from numerous recalls and engine issues, as it was the first year for the turbo 4-cylinder engines. 

More Recent Model Year Considerations 

• 2018-2019: Early models in the tenth generation experienced HVAC and AC compressor problems and Bluetooth glitches, though these issues were often addressed in later production runs or software updates.
• 2018-2020: A fuel pump recall affected vehicles from these model years.

What to Look For

• Infotainment and Software: Issues like freezing screens or Bluetooth connectivity problems were reported in some earlier models and were often remedied in later model years or via updates. 
• Engine Issues: Some models, like the 2018, had significant engine-related problems. 
• Brake Wear: Excessive and premature brake wear was a noted problem in some 2008-2010 models. 
• Transmission Concerns: Transmission issues, including slipping, jerky shifting, or complete failure, were a significant concern for models like the 2003-2004 V6s. 
• CVT Hesitation: The 2013 model year was marked by CVT hesitation, a common problem with some vehicles equipped with CVTs. 

How long do 2010 Honda Accord engines last?

A Honda Accord should be able to last an average of about 250,000 miles, but this number can change dramatically depending on how well it is maintained over the course of many years.

What motor is in a 2010 Honda Accord?

A 2010 Honda Accord can have either a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder i-VTEC engine (found in LX, EX, and LX-S trims) or a 3.5-liter V6 i-VTEC engine (available in EX-L V6 trims), with specific performance and fuel economy figures varying depending on the engine and transmission chosen.
 
Here’s a breakdown of the engine options:
2.4-Liter 4-Cylinder Engine 

• Trims: LX, LX-P, EX, EX-L, LX-S, EX-L 
• Details: This engine is paired with a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission. It’s a reliable and fuel-efficient option for most Accord models. 
• Note: The LX-S trim comes with a more powerful 190 hp version of this engine. 

3.5-Liter V6 Engine 

• Trims: EX-L V-6 
• Details: This engine is paired with either a 5-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual transmission. It provides more power and is available on the higher-end EX-L models. 

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.