2013 Honda Accord Engine: Options, Specs, and What They Mean for Drivers

The 2013 Honda Accord was offered with two gasoline engines: a 2.4-liter direct-injected i-VTEC inline-four (standard) and a 3.5-liter i-VTEC V6 (optional), paired with either a continuously variable transmission (CVT) or six-speed manual for the four-cylinder, and a six-speed automatic or six-speed manual (coupe only) for the V6. In practice, that means buyers could choose between efficiency-focused four-cylinder trims and more powerful V6 variants, depending on body style and transmission preference. Notably, a conventional hybrid was not part of the 2013 U.S. model-year lineup; Honda’s Accord Plug-In Hybrid arrived as a 2014 model sold starting early 2013.

Engine Options by Trim and Body Style

Honda split the 2013 Accord’s powertrains between the mainstream 2.4L inline-four and a higher-output 3.5L V6, with availability varying by sedan and coupe, and by transmission. Below are the core specifications and where you’re likely to find each engine.

• 2.4-liter inline-four (K24W, “Earth Dreams”): 185 hp and 181 lb-ft in most trims; Sport trim rated at 189 hp and 182 lb-ft. Features direct injection and i-VTEC variable valve timing. Transmissions: CVT (most trims) or 6-speed manual (Sedan Sport; Coupe LX-S/EX).
• 3.5-liter V6 (J35Y): 278 hp and 252 lb-ft with i-VTEC and Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) for improved efficiency. Transmissions: 6-speed automatic (Sedan and Coupe) or 6-speed manual (Coupe V6 only).

Both engines run on regular unleaded gasoline and were tuned to balance performance with efficiency, giving the 2013 Accord a broad appeal across commuter and enthusiast buyers alike.

Technical Highlights

Beyond displacement and output, the 2013 Accord’s engines introduced meaningful upgrades aimed at refinement, fuel economy, and lower emissions. These are the notable engineering features that matter for ownership and maintenance.

• Direct injection (2.4L): Improves combustion efficiency and low-end torque, contributing to stronger response and better mpg.
• i-VTEC across both engines: Variable valve timing optimizes breathing across the rev range for power and efficiency.
• CVT pairing (2.4L): Widely used on four-cylinder trims to keep the engine in its most efficient range; manuals remained available for driving engagement.
• Variable Cylinder Management (V6): Seamlessly deactivates cylinders under light loads to save fuel on highways.
• Timing components: 2.4L uses a timing chain (no routine replacement interval); 3.5L V6 uses a timing belt (periodic replacement per maintenance schedule).
• Fuel recommendation: 87 AKI (regular) gasoline is recommended; premium is not required.

Taken together, these technologies made the ninth-generation Accord notably more efficient and refined than its predecessor without sacrificing everyday drivability.

Fuel Economy and Real-World Notes

Official EPA ratings vary by body style, trim, wheels, and transmission. The figures below reflect typical ranges published for the 2013 model year in the U.S.

• 2.4L Sedan with CVT: around 27 mpg city / 36 mpg highway / 30 mpg combined (Sport CVT typically 26/35/29).
• 2.4L Sedan with 6-speed manual: around 24/34/28.
• 2.4L Coupe (CVT or 6MT): commonly 26–27 city / 34–35 highway / 28–29 combined.
• 3.5L V6 Sedan with 6-speed automatic: around 21/34/25.
• 3.5L V6 Coupe with 6-speed manual: around 18/28/22; with 6-speed automatic: about 21/32/25.

In mixed driving, owners typically report results close to these EPA estimates, with the four-cylinder CVT trims leading in efficiency and the V6 delivering stronger acceleration with only modestly lower highway figures thanks to tall gearing and VCM.

What About Hybrids?

Some shoppers confuse calendar-year sales with model-year designation. The Accord Plug-In Hybrid launched as a 2014 model (sales began in early 2013) and used a 2.0L Atkinson-cycle engine with an electric drive system. It was not part of the 2013 model-year lineup in the U.S. The mainstream Accord Hybrid (non-plug-in) also arrived for 2014.

How to Identify Which Engine Your 2013 Accord Has

If you’re unsure which engine is under your hood, there are several quick ways to confirm without guesswork.

• Check the under-hood emissions label: It lists engine family/displacement and is affixed near the radiator support or underside of the hood.
• Look at the engine cover: “2.4” or “i-VTEC V6” is typically molded or printed on top.
• Consult the owner’s manual or window sticker (Monroney): Both list the engine and transmission.
• Use your VIN at a Honda dealer or parts site: They can decode the exact engine and build configuration.

These methods avoid visual cues that can be misleading across trims (for example, dual exhaust tips appear on some four-cylinder Sport models as well as V6 versions).

Summary

The 2013 Honda Accord came with two gasoline engines: a 2.4L direct-injected i-VTEC four-cylinder (most trims) and an optional 3.5L i-VTEC V6 with cylinder deactivation. The four-cylinder pairs with a CVT or six-speed manual, while the V6 uses a six-speed automatic or a six-speed manual in the coupe. Both run on regular fuel, with the four-cylinder emphasizing efficiency and the V6 delivering stronger performance without a major highway mpg penalty.

Which engine is better, 1.5 or 2.0 accord?

Honda Accord 1.5t and 2.0t engine comparison discussion
Most people prefer the 2.0t for tuning and power, plus head gasket issues are minimal compared to the 1.5t. I’m happy with my 1.5 and it I had extra money at the time I would have bought the 2.0, but the gas mileage is definitely better with the 1.5.

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. 

Is my 2013 Honda Accord a 4 or 6 cylinder?

Your 2013 Honda Accord is either a 4-cylinder or a V6, depending on the specific trim and engine option you have. The base engine for most sedan trims is a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder, while higher trims like the Touring and EX-L V6 feature a more powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine.
 
To determine which engine you have:

1. Check the trim level: The 4-cylinder was standard on base models (LX, EX, EX-L) and the Sport trim, while the V6 was reserved for higher trims like the Touring and EX-L V6. 
2. Look under the hood: If you have a V6, you’ll see the engine has six cylinders. A 4-cylinder engine will have four cylinders. 
3. Consult your owner’s manual: It will specify the exact engine configuration for your vehicle. 

What engine does a 2013 Honda Accord LX have?

The 2013 Honda Accord LX is powered by a 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder i-VTEC engine, also known as the K24W, as part of Honda’s “Earth Dreams Technology” lineup. This engine produces 185 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, delivering improved performance and fuel efficiency through its direct injection technology.
 
Key Engine Features: 

• Type: 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder, DOHC i-VTEC.
• Horsepower: 185 hp.
• Torque: 181 lb-ft.
• Technology: Direct injection, a feature of Honda’s Earth Dreams Technology.

Performance:

• This engine was introduced with Honda’s ninth-generation Accord, featuring next-generation advancements for greater fuel efficiency and driving performance. 
• The LX trim, along with the EX and EX-L models, received this engine and was often paired with a Continuously Variable Ratio (CVT) transmission.