The Honda Accord currently offers three main powertrains: a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with a CVT, a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine paired with a 10-speed automatic, and a hybrid system that uses a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle engine with electric motors for a combined output.
This article explains how each motor works, where it appears in the lineup, and what buyers can expect in terms of performance and efficiency across recent model years.
Gasoline powertrains
Two gasoline engines have been offered in the Accord lineup in recent years. Here are the key details you should know about each option.
1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 (1.5L VTEC Turbo) with CVT: About 192 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel drive is standard, and the engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) for smooth acceleration and strong fuel economy. This setup is available across most trims.
2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 (2.0L VTEC Turbo) with a 10-speed automatic: About 252 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. Typically paired with a 10-speed automatic and offered on higher trims for enhanced performance, with somewhat lower fuel economy than the 1.5L version.
In short, gas-only Accords give buyers a choice between efficiency (1.5L) and sportier performance (2.0L), with availability varying by model year and trim level.
1.5-liter turbocharged engine
The 1.5L turbo is tuned to deliver strong mid-range torque for everyday driving, excellent highway comfort, and better fuel economy. It is commonly paired with the CVT to provide seamless, quiet operation in most commuting scenarios.
2.0-liter turbocharged engine
The 2.0L turbo focuses on higher performance, delivering quicker acceleration and confident passing power, especially on higher trims equipped with the 10-speed automatic. This setup trades some efficiency for extra horsepower and torque.
Hybrid powertrain
The Accord Hybrid combines a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle engine with two electric motors and an electronic continuously variable transmission (e-CVT). This system provides smooth power delivery and notably higher efficiency compared with the gasoline-only options, with a combined output around 212 horsepower in recent years.
- The hybrid powertrain uses regenerative braking and electric assist to maximize efficiency, particularly in urban and mixed driving.
Note: The Accord Hybrid is not a plug-in hybrid in the U.S. market; charging is not required, and there is no external charging option for this setup.
What to expect by powertrain
Different buyers will experience the Accord differently depending on the motor chosen. Gasoline engines emphasize either efficiency (1.5L) or outright performance (2.0L), while the Hybrid prioritizes fuel economy and smooth, quiet operation without requiring plug-in charging. Transmission pairing is aligned with each motor: CVT for the 1.5L, 10-speed automatic for the 2.0L, and e-CVT for the Hybrid.
Summary
In summary, the Honda Accord offers three main powertrains: a 1.5L turbo with a CVT for efficiency, a 2.0L turbo with a 10-speed automatic for enhanced performance, and a Hybrid that combines a 2.0L Atkinson-cycle engine with electric motors for improved fuel economy. Availability varies by model year and trim, so check the specific year and trim you’re considering to confirm which motor is offered.