The 2018 Honda Accord Sport is a standout model in the Accord lineup, known for its blend of sporty styling, enhanced features, and engaging driving experience. A key aspect of its appeal lies in the engine options available, which provide a balance of performance and efficiency. Understanding these engine choices is crucial for anyone considering this vehicle. Let's dive into what makes the 2018 Accord Sport tick under the hood.

Engine Choices for the 2018 Accord Sport

The 2018 Accord Sport offers two primary engine options, each catering to different preferences in terms of power and fuel economy. These include a turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-4 and a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4. Both engines are designed to deliver a spirited driving experience, while also maintaining Honda's reputation for reliability and efficiency. Let's explore each option in detail.

1.5-Liter Turbocharged Inline-4 Engine

The standard engine for the 2018 Accord Sport is a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4, which is a significant departure from the naturally aspirated engines of previous generations. This engine is designed to provide a responsive and efficient driving experience, making it a great choice for daily commuting and city driving. It produces 192 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 192 lb-ft of torque from 1,600 to 5,000 rpm.

Performance and Fuel Economy: The 1.5-liter turbo engine offers a good balance of power and fuel efficiency. According to EPA estimates, the Accord Sport with the 1.5-liter engine achieves around 29 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway when paired with the CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). The manual transmission version has slightly different fuel economy ratings, typically around 26 mpg city and 35 mpg highway. The engine's turbocharger provides a boost in power, especially at lower RPMs, making the car feel peppy and responsive in everyday driving situations. The engine's broad torque curve means that power is readily available when you need it, whether you're accelerating from a stop or passing on the highway.

Driving Experience: The driving experience with the 1.5-liter turbo engine is generally positive. The engine is smooth and refined, and the turbocharger delivers a noticeable boost in power. The CVT transmission is well-tuned to the engine, providing smooth and seamless acceleration. For those who prefer a more engaging driving experience, the optional 6-speed manual transmission is a great choice. It allows you to take full control of the engine's power and adds a fun and sporty element to the driving experience.

Key Features: The 1.5-liter turbo engine includes direct injection, which helps to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions. It also features variable valve timing, which optimizes engine performance at different speeds. The turbocharger is a relatively small unit, which helps to minimize turbo lag and provide a more immediate response when you step on the accelerator.

2.0-Liter Turbocharged Inline-4 Engine

For those seeking more power, the 2018 Accord Sport offers an available 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine. This engine is borrowed from the Civic Type R (though detuned for the Accord) and delivers a significant boost in performance compared to the 1.5-liter engine. It produces 252 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 273 lb-ft of torque from 1,500 to 4,000 rpm.

Performance and Fuel Economy: The 2.0-liter turbo engine provides a noticeable increase in power and acceleration. The Accord Sport with this engine can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in around 6 seconds, making it one of the quickest cars in its class. Fuel economy is still respectable, with EPA estimates of around 22 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway when paired with the 10-speed automatic transmission. The engine's strong torque output makes it feel powerful and responsive in all driving situations. Whether you're merging onto the highway or climbing a steep hill, the 2.0-liter turbo engine has plenty of power to spare.

Driving Experience: The driving experience with the 2.0-liter turbo engine is exhilarating. The engine is smooth and responsive, and the turbocharger delivers a strong surge of power when you step on the accelerator. The 10-speed automatic transmission is well-matched to the engine, providing quick and seamless shifts. For those who prefer a more engaging driving experience, a 6-speed manual transmission was available on the Sport trim with the 2.0-liter engine for certain model years, which adds an extra layer of fun and excitement to the driving experience.

Key Features: The 2.0-liter turbo engine includes direct injection, variable valve timing, and a high-flow turbocharger. These features help to optimize engine performance and deliver a thrilling driving experience. The engine also features an active sound control system, which enhances the engine's sound inside the cabin.

Transmissions

The 2018 Accord Sport offers a choice of transmissions depending on the engine. The 1.5-liter engine is available with either a continuously variable transmission (CVT) or a 6-speed manual transmission. The 2.0-liter engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission or, in some model years, an optional 6-speed manual transmission.

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)

The CVT is designed to provide smooth and efficient performance. It uses a system of belts and pulleys to continuously vary the gear ratio, allowing the engine to operate at its most efficient speed. The CVT in the Accord Sport is well-tuned and provides a responsive driving experience. It also includes paddle shifters, which allow you to manually select different gear ratios.

6-Speed Manual Transmission

For those who prefer a more engaging driving experience, the 6-speed manual transmission is a great choice. It allows you to take full control of the engine's power and adds a fun and sporty element to the driving experience. The 6-speed manual transmission is available with both the 1.5-liter and 2.0-liter engines.

10-Speed Automatic Transmission

The 10-speed automatic transmission is designed to provide quick and seamless shifts. It has a wide gear ratio spread, which helps to improve fuel economy and acceleration. The 10-speed automatic transmission is only available with the 2.0-liter engine.

Which Engine is Right for You?

Choosing the right engine for your 2018 Accord Sport depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you're looking for a balance of performance and fuel economy, the 1.5-liter turbo engine is a great choice. It provides plenty of power for daily driving and delivers excellent fuel economy. If you're looking for more power and a more exhilarating driving experience, the 2.0-liter turbo engine is the way to go. It delivers strong acceleration and a thrilling driving experience.

Consider the following factors when making your decision:

• Your budget: The 2.0-liter turbo engine is more expensive than the 1.5-liter turbo engine.
• Your driving style: If you're a more aggressive driver, you'll likely prefer the 2.0-liter turbo engine. If you're a more conservative driver, the 1.5-liter turbo engine may be a better choice.
• Your driving conditions: If you do a lot of city driving, the 1.5-liter turbo engine may be a better choice due to its better fuel economy. If you do a lot of highway driving, the 2.0-liter turbo engine may be a better choice due to its stronger acceleration.

Additional Performance Features

Beyond the engine options, the 2018 Accord Sport includes several features that enhance its performance and driving dynamics:

• Sport-tuned suspension: The Accord Sport features a sport-tuned suspension that provides a firmer ride and improved handling.
• Paddle shifters: The CVT and 10-speed automatic transmissions include paddle shifters, which allow you to manually select different gear ratios.
• Active sound control: The 2.0-liter turbo engine features an active sound control system, which enhances the engine's sound inside the cabin.

Conclusion

The 2018 Honda Accord Sport offers two excellent engine options, each with its own unique strengths. Whether you prioritize fuel efficiency or outright performance, there's an engine that's right for you. The 1.5-liter turbo engine provides a great balance of power and efficiency, while the 2.0-liter turbo engine delivers a thrilling driving experience. By understanding the characteristics of each engine, you can make an informed decision and choose the 2018 Accord Sport that best meets your needs.