The short answer: Honda stopped offering a V6 option in the Accord after the 2017 model year, moving to turbocharged four-cylinder engines and a hybrid to boost fuel economy and align with its electrification plans.
In detail, the shift arrived with the 2018 redesign of the Accord (the 10th generation). Honda replaced the V6 with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, both paired with automatic transmissions, while a dedicated Accord Hybrid joined the lineup. The move reflected tighter emissions standards, growing consumer demand for better fuel economy, and a broader push toward electrification across Honda’s lineup.
Timeline and model changes
When the 10th-generation Accord arrived for the 2018 model year, Honda did not offer a V6 engine. The lineup centered on turbocharged four-cylinders and, later, a hybrid variant built around a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle engine and electric motors.
The factors behind the move
The decision was driven by several overlapping factors that shaped Honda's engineering and product strategy. The following list highlights the main considerations that influenced the shift away from the V6.
- Regulatory pressure and corporate fuel-economy targets: tighter CAFE standards and Emissions rules encouraged lighter, more efficient powertrains.
- Market demand and consumer preferences: buyers increasingly prioritized fuel economy and technology over the extra displacement of a V6, and turbo four-cylinders offered a similar balance of performance and efficiency.
- Strategic electrification and product coherence: Honda prioritized a hybrid and, later, plug-in options across its lineup, seeking to standardize powertrains and reduce engine diversity.
- Costs and packaging: a V6 engine is heavier and more expensive to produce and service; replacing it with a turbo-four simplified manufacturing and vehicle packaging.
- Competitive landscape: rivals like Toyota offered strong four-cylinder and hybrid options in their midsize sedans, reinforcing the appeal of efficient four-cylinders over V6s.
The decision ultimately aligned Honda's Accord with its broader strategy of improving efficiency, reducing weight, and accelerating electrification, rather than maintaining a traditional V6 option.
Current powertrain options in the Accord
Today’s Accord customers can choose among three main configurations:
- 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4: about 192 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque, typically paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
- 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4: about 252 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic in most trims.
- Accord Hybrid: a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle engine with electric motors, producing about 212 horsepower combined and EPA fuel economy around the high 40s mpg combined.
All configurations include Honda Sensing safety features as standard on many trims, and the hybrid uses Honda’s i-MMD drive system for seamless electric assistance and regenerative braking.
Pros and tradeoffs
Performance and efficiency
The V6’s traditional advantage was raw horsepower, but the 2.0T offers strong performance with better real-world efficiency. The 1.5T delivers adequate power with excellent fuel economy, while the hybrid prioritizes efficiency and smoothness over outright speed.
What buyers might miss
Some buyers who valued the depth of torque or the distinctive sound of a V6 may miss that engine’s character; however, many drivers find the turbo-four options and hybrid provide ample acceleration and real-world mpg gains without the higher maintenance costs of a V6.
Summary
Honda’s decision to discontinue the V6 in the Accord reflects a broader industry push toward downsized, turbocharged engines and electrification. With a 1.5T, a 2.0T, and a hybrid option, the Accord aims to deliver competitive performance alongside strong fuel economy and modern drivetrain technology, even as traditional V6 power fades from the lineup.