The answer in brief: Honda ended the Accord’s V6 option after the 2017 model year, shifting to turbocharged four-cylinder engines and a hybrid lineup to meet stricter fuel economy standards and its electrification goals.
In this article, we explore the timeline, the engineering and business reasons behind the move, and what it means for buyers and the market today.
Timeline: When the V6 disappeared
Key milestones illuminate how the V6 faded from the Accord lineup and what replaced it.
- 2017: The last U.S. Accord models to offer a 3.5-liter V6, concentrated on higher trims and specific configurations.
- 2018: The U.S. Accord lineup shifts to turbocharged four-cylinder engines (1.5L and 2.0L) and a hybrid option, with no V6 available.
- Beyond 2018: Honda emphasizes turbo four-cylinders and electrified variants across its mainstream lineup, including the Accord, as part of a broader efficiency strategy.
The takeaway from these milestones is that Honda retired the V6 in favor of modern, more efficient powertrains designed to meet fuel economy targets and support its electrification push.
Why Honda chose to downsize the engine
The decision to discontinue the V6 in the Accord reflects several strategic and technical factors.
- Fuel economy and emissions targets: The 3.5-liter V6 lagged behind newer efficiency standards, pushing Honda toward downsizing and boosting efficiency with turbocharged four-cylinders.
- Cost and platform efficiency: A single, more versatile engine family lowers production, parts, and warranty costs while simplifying engineering across models.
- Performance parity: The 2.0L turbo paired with a modern transmission delivers competitive acceleration and real-world performance, often with better overall efficiency than the older V6.
- Electrification trajectory: Honda’s broader push toward electrified powertrains makes the hybrid option a natural complement to the turbo four, aligning with industry trends toward greener sedans.
In short, the move away from the V6 was driven by a combination of tighter fuel economy regulations, cost considerations, and a strategic shift toward turbocharged and electrified powertrains.
Current status and market implications
Today, the Accord lineup is offered with turbocharged four-cylinder engines and a hybrid option, with no V6 available in new models. This aligns Honda with a broader market trend toward downsized, efficient powertrains and electrification, a shift seen across many mainstream midsize sedans.
What buyers should know
For customers seeking strong, refined performance with better fuel economy, the 2.0L turbo and the Hybrid variant provide compelling options. If a naturally aspirated V6 experience is essential, new Accord models no longer offer it, though older V6-equipped examples remain on the used market. Cross-shopping with rival models that still offer V6 options is possible, but the current trend favors turbo four-cylinders and electrification.
Summary
Honda discontinued the Accord’s V6 as part of a broad industry shift toward downsized, turbocharged engines and electrified powertrains. The move aimed to meet stricter fuel economy standards, reduce manufacturing and maintenance costs, and align with Honda’s long-term electrification strategy. The Accord today remains available with efficient turbo four-cylinders and a hybrid, continuing to compete on performance and efficiency without a V6 option.
Will Honda ever bring back the V6 Accord?
Saying that the new V-6 will be place inside Honda's larger models all but confirms that models like the Accord, Pilot, Passport, and Odyssey are likely to either rejoin the V-6 party or continue their love affair with six-cylinder power by adding an electric motor.
What year Honda Accord V6 to avoid?
Quick Answer: Avoid 1998-2005, 2008-2010, 2013, and 2014 Honda Accords. The turn of the century was not an easy time for Honda. The transmission in the new sixth-generation Accord had issues slipping or making thuds while shifting and often outright failing, while several engines stalled out while driving.
What billionaire drives a Honda Accord?
Jeff Bezos
Jeff Bezos was still driving a 1997 Honda Accord years after becoming a billionaire. Bezos's choice of car came to light in a “60 Minutes” interview with Bob Simon in 1999. At that time, Amazon was a 5-year-old company known mainly as an online bookstore.
How long do V6 Accords last?
With regular maintenance, a Honda Accord can last up to 200,000 – 300,000 miles.