Did the Integra have a K20?
The early Honda Integras did not use the K20. Only later, market-specific variants within the DC5 generation brought Honda’s K-series powerplants into the Integra lineup in some regions.
To understand what that means, it helps to trace the model’s engine history. Across its first three generations (DA/DB/DC2), the Integra relied on B-series engines. In the early 2000s, with the DC5, Honda expanded the lineup to include K-series powerplants for certain markets—most notably the North American RSX (the US-market successor to the Integra) and some Japanese-market Integra variants. In short: K-series engines appeared in late-model, market-specific Integras, not in the original, widely sold DA/DB/DC2 cars.
A quick look at the engine history by generation
Before detailing the K-series adoption, here is a concise overview of which engines powered the main Integra generations.
- DA/DB (early 1990s): Predominantly B-series engines such as B16A and B18C in high-performance trims.
- DC2 (mid-to-late 1990s): Continued use of B-series, including the popular B18C1 in the Type R and related trims.
- DC5 (2001–2006): Introduced K-series powerplants in some markets, marking the first factory use of K-series technology in the Integra family. In North America, the related RSX lineup (the Integra’s spiritual successor) used K-series engines, notably the K20A2 in the RSX Type S.
The shift to K-series engines in the DC5 era reflected Honda’s broader move to the K-series family across several models, offering higher-revving performance and modern i-VTEC tech. For enthusiasts, this meant a different tuning landscape and power delivery compared with the traditional B-series-based Integras.
K-series adoption by market and model
Where and how the K-series appeared within the Integra lineage varied by region and trim level. The following points summarize the key scenarios.
- United States: The Acura RSX (the US-market successor to the Integra) offered a high-performance variant called the RSX Type S that used a K-series engine (commonly referred to as K20A2 in many references). This meant the late-model Integra’s successor line embraced K-series power, even though the earlier Integra lineup did not.
- Japan: The DC5 Integra carried K-series engines in its later iterations, aligning with Honda’s global adoption of K-series technology. The Japanese market offered varied trims, with K-series powerplants in many configurations.
- Other markets: Several regions reflected the same pattern—early Integras stuck to B-series, while the final DC5-aligned variants explored K-series options, though availability depended on local market specs and model year.
In practical terms, if you’re evaluating a specific Integra, the presence of a K-series engine will be tied to the DC5 era and the regional trim. The best way to confirm is to check the engine code stamped on the engine block (K-series codes like K20) or the vehicle’s documentation.
Summary
Yes, the Integra did use a K20 engine, but only in the late-model DC5 era and in certain markets. Early Integras (DA/DB/DC2) ran on B-series powertrains. In North America, the RSX Type S and related DC5 variants popularized the K-series in the Integra family’s successor cycle. For a specific car, verify the engine code to determine whether a K-series engine is present.
In the end, the Integra’s engine history reflects Honda’s broader shift from B-series to K-series technology as the brand moved into the new millennium, with the K20 eventually becoming a defining option in the late-era, market-specific Integra lineup.
Does the Integra have a K20?
It also had an entirely new engine, the K-series. The Integra came in two models in the United States - the RSX, which was powered by a 160 HP K20A3 (also used in the '02-'05 EP3 Honda Civic Si Hatchback), or, the RSX Type-S which boasted a 200 HP K20A2 2.0L DOHC i-VTEC inline 4-cylinder from 2002 to 2004.
What engine did the Integra have?
The Acura Integra has two main engine options: a 200-hp, 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder in standard models and a more powerful 320-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder for the high-performance Type S model. All current Integras use a front-wheel-drive configuration with both engine options being part of the DOHC VTEC family.
Standard Integra
- Engine: 1.5-liter turbocharged DOHC VTEC four-cylinder
- Horsepower: 200 hp
- Torque: 192 lb-ft
- Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive
Integra Type S
- Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged DOHC VTEC four-cylinder
- Horsepower: 320 hp
- Torque: 310 lb-ft
- Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive
What Acura has a K20?
K20A (i-VTEC)
| Engine | Application | Compression |
|---|---|---|
| K20A2 | 2002–2004 Acura RSX Type S | 11.0:1 |
| 2002–2004 Honda Integra Type R ( AUDM / NZDM ) | 11.0:1 | |
| K20A3 | 2002–2006 Acura RSX | 9.8:1 |
| 2002–2005 Honda Civic | 9.8:1 |
Which Hondas have a K20 engine?
Many Honda models use the K20 engine, including performance versions like the Civic Type R and Acura RSX Type S, as well as more common vehicles such as the Honda Civic Si and Accord. The K20 engine family includes various sub-variants like the K20A, K20A2, K20C1, and K20Z1, each found in different vehicles and often with different power outputs.
This video explains the specifications and versions of the Honda K20A engine: 1mUsed Car GuideYouTube · Mar 25, 2025
Performance models
- Honda Civic Type R: K20A in JDM models (2001-2006), K20C1 (turbocharged) in the FK2 generation (2015)
- Acura RSX Type S: K20A2 in the 2002-2006 model years
- Honda Integra Type R: K20A in JDM models (2001-2006)
Common models
- Honda Civic: Used in both standard and Si trims, depending on the generation and market. For example, the K20A3 was used in the 2002-2006 Civic Si.
- Honda Accord: Common in European and JDM models. The K20A was used in the Accord Euro R.
- Honda CR-V: K20A4 version was used in the 2002-2006 models.
- Honda Fr-v: K20A9 was a version used in this model.
- Honda Stream: K20A1 was found in the 2001-2006 Stream.
This video shows different K-Series engines used by Honda: 19smilanmastracciYouTube · Mar 21, 2020
