Yes. Honda continues to build engines that use VTEC technology today, largely under the i-VTEC branding and as part of its Earth Dreams Technology portfolio. These engines span turbocharged, naturally aspirated, and hybrid powertrains across multiple models.
VTEC has evolved beyond its original form into a family of technologies that coordinate valve timing, lift, and, in some cases, hybrid integration. This article explains how Honda is using VTEC now, which engines and models feature it, and what that means for buyers and enthusiasts in 2024–2026.
Where VTEC lives in Honda's current engine lineup
These are the main engine families today that include VTEC or its evolved i-VTEC variant.
- 1.5-liter VTEC Turbo engines (Earth Dreams Technology) with i-VTEC, used in many models such as the Civic, CR-V, and HR-V. They combine variable valve timing with turbocharging for a balance of efficiency and responsive performance.
- 2.0-liter i-VTEC engines (found in sportier variants and some non-hybrid models) used in performance-focused models like the Civic Type R and select Accord variants, delivering higher output with VTEC’s variable lift characteristics.
- Hybrid powertrains with i-VTEC in the gasoline portion, such as the 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle i-VTEC used in Accord Hybrid, CR-V Hybrid, and some Civic Hybrids, pairing with electric motors for improved efficiency.
- Older or legacy VTEC engines (less common in new product lines) from J-series and K-series families that remain in use in some models, but are largely phased out in favor of newer Earth Dreams platforms for new purchases.
In short, Honda’s current engine strategy continues to rely on VTEC-derived technology across turbocharged, hybrid, and select performance-oriented powertrains, while also expanding electrification.
Which models today feature VTEC-powered engines
Below are examples of models and drivetrains where VTEC or i-VTEC appears in current sales, illustrating how the technology is woven into Honda’s fresh lineup.
- Civic (most trims with a 1.5L VTEC Turbo i-VTEC; high-performance variants like the Civic Type R use a 2.0L turbo with VTEC lift)
- CR-V (1.5L VTEC Turbo in many markets, with hybrid powertrains that include i-VTEC in the gasoline portion)
- HR-V (1.5L VTEC Turbo in markets that still offer non-hybrid gasoline powertrains)
- Accord (offers both 1.5L and 2.0L turbo i-VTEC options, plus hybrid variants that pair i-VTEC with an electric powertrain)
- Insight (hybrid with a gasoline i-VTEC-based engine paired to electric motors)
Current Honda and Acura lineups showcase how VTEC remains part of new vehicles, especially in turbocharged gas engines and hybrids. The broader push toward electrification means the share of VTEC-only gasoline engines may decline relative to total sales, but the technology continues to power many of Honda’s ICE offerings today.
What this means for buyers and enthusiasts
For buyers, VTEC today typically translates to two concrete advantages: improved high-end performance through variable valve timing and lift, and competitive efficiency through advanced engine management. In turbocharged models, VTEC helps optimize boost response and torque delivery, while in hybrids, the i-VTEC system cooperates with electric propulsion for smoother operation and better fuel economy.
Enthusiasts can still expect a distinct engine character from VTEC-assisted powertrains—especially in performance-oriented variants like the Civic Type R or the high-output Accord/CR-V configurations—where the combination of timing, lift, and turbocharging yields a spirited driving experience without sacrificing everyday usability.
Summary
Honda continues to manufacture VTEC-enabled engines across a wide range of its current lineup, reinforcing the technology’s role in performance, efficiency, and hybrid integration. While electrification is reshaping Honda’s overall strategy, VTEC remains a core feature in many new gasoline engines and hybrids, ensuring that enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike can still encounter Honda’s distinctive valve-timing technology in 2024–2026 and beyond.