2018 Honda Accord Sport: What Engines Are Available?

Hey guys, let's dive into the engine options for the 2018 Honda Accord Sport. This was a big year for the Accord, marking a significant redesign, and the engine choices definitely played a crucial role in how the Sport trim felt on the road. When you're looking at the 2018 Accord Sport, you're essentially choosing between two fantastic turbocharged powerplants that offer a great blend of pep and efficiency. Honda really nailed it with these engines, providing a driving experience that felt both engaging and practical for everyday commutes. Whether you were looking for something to zip around town or cruise comfortably on the highway, the 2018 Accord Sport had an engine that could deliver. We'll break down what makes each one tick, so you can get a clear picture of what powers this popular sedan.

The Standard Heart: The 1.5L Turbocharged Inline-4

For the 2018 Accord Sport, the standard engine is a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 cylinder engine. Now, don't let the smaller displacement fool you, guys. This engine is an absolute workhorse, producing a respectable 192 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque. What's really impressive here is the torque delivery; you get a significant chunk of that pulling power available lower in the RPM range. This means that when you hit the gas pedal, especially from a stop or when you need to merge onto the highway, the Accord Sport feels responsive and eager. It’s a powerplant that’s designed to deliver a smooth and refined driving experience, making it perfect for those who prioritize comfort and fuel efficiency without sacrificing too much in the way of performance. The turbocharger really helps to give it that extra kick when you need it, making spirited driving quite enjoyable. Honda's engineering prowess shines through in how this engine balances power delivery with its fuel-sipping capabilities. It's a testament to modern engine design, where you can get strong performance from a smaller, more efficient package. This engine is paired with either a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) or, for those who love to row their own gears, a 6-speed manual transmission. The CVT is tuned for smoothness and efficiency, providing seamless acceleration, while the manual offers a more engaging and direct connection to the car’s performance. For the Sport trim, Honda often tunes the CVT slightly differently to offer a bit more responsiveness, mimicking traditional gear shifts under acceleration, which adds to the sporty feel without needing a physical gearbox. This 1.5T engine is the backbone of the Accord lineup for a reason – it’s a well-rounded performer that satisfies a wide range of drivers. Its quiet operation at idle and cruising speeds contributes to the overall premium feel of the 2018 Accord Sport, making long journeys less fatiguing. Even under harder acceleration, the engine noise is well-managed, never becoming intrusive. The integration of the turbocharger is seamless, with minimal lag noticeable during normal driving conditions. This makes the Accord Sport feel quick and agile in city driving and confident when overtaking.

The More Potent Option: The 2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4

If you were looking for a bit more oomph in your 2018 Accord Sport, Honda offered a more potent option: the 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 cylinder engine. This upgrade was available on higher trims, but it's definitely worth talking about in the context of the Sport model's potential. This powerhouse pumps out a stout 252 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. Yeah, you heard that right! That's a significant jump in power and torque compared to the 1.5-liter. This engine transforms the Accord Sport into a much more performance-oriented machine. The surge of acceleration is more pronounced, making highway passing a breeze and giving you a genuine thrill when you put your foot down. This 2.0T engine was also available with either a refined 10-speed automatic transmission or a 6-speed manual gearbox. The 10-speed automatic is particularly noteworthy, offering incredibly smooth shifts and keeping the engine in its power band effectively, further enhancing the sporty feel. For enthusiasts, the availability of a manual transmission with this more powerful engine was a huge win, providing that direct driver engagement that many crave. The larger displacement and higher output mean this engine has more authority at all speeds. You'll feel it when accelerating from a standstill, during mid-range acceleration for overtakes, and even when cruising at higher speeds, the engine has plenty of reserve power. This engine also benefits from Honda's focus on refinement; despite its increased performance, it remains relatively quiet and smooth, contributing to the overall upscale feel of the Accord. The torque curve is broad and flat, meaning you don't have to wait long for power to arrive, making it incredibly user-friendly. It’s the kind of engine that makes you want to drive, turning mundane commutes into more enjoyable journeys. The added grunt from the 2.0T engine really elevates the driving dynamics of the 2018 Accord Sport, making it feel significantly more potent than its standard counterpart. It's the choice for those who appreciate a bit of a performance edge and want their sedan to feel genuinely quick. The responsiveness of the 2.0T, combined with the chassis tuning of the Sport trim, creates a compelling package for anyone seeking a sporty yet practical daily driver. The exhaust note, while not overly aggressive, is also more noticeable with the 2.0T, adding a subtle auditory cue to the enhanced performance.

Transmission Choices: CVT vs. Manual

When you're talking about the 2018 Accord Sport engine options, you absolutely have to talk about the transmissions, guys. Honda, in its infinite wisdom, offered buyers a choice, which is always a win in my book! For the 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, you primarily got Honda's Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). Now, I know some people have their reservations about CVTs, but Honda's CVT in this generation of Accord is really good. It's designed to be smooth, efficient, and, importantly for the Sport trim, it's often tuned to feel more responsive. It simulates gear shifts under acceleration, which helps alleviate that