The 252-horsepower variant of the Honda Accord comes from the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, available on higher trims such as Sport 2.0T, EX-L 2.0T, and Touring 2.0T.
To understand this question, it helps to know how Honda differentiates the Accord’s powertrains. The base model typically uses a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine rated around 192 hp, while the robust 2.0-liter turbocharged engine delivers 252 hp. The 2.0T powerplant is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and is not offered on the hybrid or base trims. Availability can vary slightly by model year and market, so buyers should confirm the exact trim lineup for the year they’re considering.
Trims that offer the 2.0L turbo (252 hp)
Below are the trims that have typically paired the Accord with the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine producing 252 horsepower. Exact naming can shift by year, but these are the common configurations where you’ll find the 252 hp figure.
- Sport 2.0T
- EX-L 2.0T
- Touring 2.0T
In practice, selecting the 2.0L turbo engine in these trims also yields stronger acceleration thanks to 273 lb-ft of torque, with most configurations matched to a 10-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive.
Engine specifics and performance
Power output
The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine delivers 252 horsepower, typically cited at higher revs (around 5,500–6,500 rpm) and 273 lb-ft of torque available from roughly 1,600–4,000 rpm, depending on model year and calibration.
Transmission and drive
Most 2.0T Accords pair the 252 hp engine with a 10-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. A manual transmission option is not offered with the 2.0L turbo in current Honda Accords, and the hybrid variant uses a different powertrain altogether.
Context and recent changes
For buyers comparing power options, the 252 hp figure is exclusive to the 2.0L turbocharged variant. The base 1.5L turbo engine produces about 192 hp, while the Accord’s hybrid variants produce significantly less horsepower but focus on efficiency and total system output rather than raw engine horsepower. Model-year variations may adjust minor calibration or torque figures, but the 2.0L turbo’s 252 hp remains the sticking point for the most powerful petrol-powered Accord in recent years.
Practical considerations for buyers
If your priority is peak horsepower, target a 2.0L turbo model in one of the higher trims listed above. Be mindful that the 2.0T configurations are typically the more performance-focused versions, with acceleration and torque advantages over the 1.5T and hybrid variants. Confirm current availability with your local dealer, as equipment and trim names can shift slightly between model years.
Conclusion
The Honda Accord that delivers about 252 horsepower is the 2.0-liter turbocharged variant found in higher trims such as Sport 2.0T, EX-L 2.0T, and Touring 2.0T. If you’re seeking that level of power, look for one of these trims in the latest model year you’re considering, and verify that it includes the 2.0L turbo engine with the 10-speed automatic transmission.
Summary
Bottom line: The 252-hp Honda Accord comes from the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, available in the Sport 2.0T, EX-L 2.0T, and Touring 2.0T trims. The base 1.5T and hybrid versions do not reach 252 hp. For buyers, this means focusing on the higher-end trims to access the most powerful petrol-powered Accord option available in recent years.