What Engine Is in the 2012 Honda Accord?

The 2012 Honda Accord was offered with two gasoline, naturally aspirated engines: a 2.4-liter DOHC i-VTEC inline-four (177–190 hp) and a 3.5-liter SOHC i-VTEC V6 (about 271 hp, most with Variable Cylinder Management). These engines vary by trim and body style, with the four-cylinder as the volume choice and the V6 available on higher trims.

The Engine Lineup at a Glance

Honda built the 2012 Accord around two well-known engine families, prioritizing reliability and smooth power delivery. Below is a quick breakdown of the core specifications and technologies for each engine option found in U.S.-market models.

• 2.4-liter inline-four (K24Z-series): DOHC i-VTEC; 177 hp and ~161 lb-ft (LX, LX-P, SE trims) or 190 hp and ~162 lb-ft (EX/EX-L and I4 coupes); regular unleaded; aluminum construction; front-wheel drive.
• 3.5-liter V6 (J35Z-series): SOHC i-VTEC; about 271 hp and ~251 lb-ft; Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) on most automatic-equipped models; available 6-speed manual on certain coupe trims; regular unleaded; aluminum construction; front-wheel drive.

Together, these engines balance efficiency and performance: the 2.4L caters to daily commuting with lower running costs, while the 3.5L V6 delivers stronger acceleration and highway passing power.

Which Trims Get Which Engine

Engine availability depends on whether you choose the sedan or coupe and the specific trim level. The following guide outlines how the 2012 Accord’s engines were packaged across popular U.S. trims.

• Sedan
  

  • LX, LX-P, SE: 2.4L I4 (177 hp)
  • EX, EX-L (I4): 2.4L I4 (190 hp)
  • EX V6, EX-L V6: 3.5L V6 (≈271 hp), typically with VCM and 5-speed automatic

• Coupe
  

  • LX-S, EX, EX-L (I4): 2.4L I4 (190 hp)
  • EX-L V6: 3.5L V6 (≈271 hp); 5-speed automatic standard, 6-speed manual available (manual variants generally without VCM)

This configuration allowed buyers to tailor the Accord to their priorities: maximizing fuel economy with the four-cylinder or stepping up to V6 power—especially appealing in the coupe with the available 6-speed manual.

Key Technical Features

i-VTEC and Efficiency

Both engines use Honda’s i-VTEC system to optimize valve timing (and lift on the I4), improving low-end responsiveness while preserving high-rpm power and efficiency. The I4 is a DOHC design, while the V6 uses a SOHC layout tuned for smooth torque.

Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) on V6

On most V6 models equipped with the automatic transmission, Honda’s VCM can deactivate cylinders under light loads to enhance fuel economy without compromising performance when full power is needed.

Transmissions and Fuel

The 2.4L pairs with either a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic (varies by trim), while the V6 sedan typically comes with a 5-speed automatic and the V6 coupe offers a 6-speed manual option. All engines are designed for regular unleaded gasoline.

Bottom Line

If you’re asking “what kind of engine is in the 2012 Honda Accord,” the answer is: either a 2.4-liter DOHC i-VTEC inline-four (177–190 hp) or a 3.5-liter SOHC i-VTEC V6 (around 271 hp, most with cylinder deactivation), depending on the trim and body style. Both are proven, durable Honda designs known for balanced performance and reliability.

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 engine does a 2012 Honda Accord have?

Four engine variations are available, starting with a 177-horsepower, 2.4-liter, i‑VTEC 4-cylinder engine in the Accord LX, LX-P and SE Sedans. Next is the 190-horsepower, 2.4-liter, 16-valve DOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine that’s standard in the Accord EX and EX-L Sedan models and all 4-cylinder coupe models.

Does the 2012 Accord have a K24?

K24Z3: 2008-2012 Honda Accord LX-S/EX/EX-L, 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2008-2012 Honda Accord.

How long does a Honda 2.4 engine last?

Engine Longevity
With proper care, Honda Accord engines can last well over 200,000 miles. Regular oil changes, using high-quality oil, and addressing any engine issues promptly are key to maintaining engine health.