Does a Honda Element have a K24?

Yes. In the United States, most Honda Elements built from 2003 through 2011 use a 2.4-liter K-series engine (the K24 family) as their standard gasoline powerplant. The exact engine code varies by year and market, but the K24 is the engine used in most Elements.

This article explains what the K24 engine is, how it powers the Element, how to identify the engine in your vehicle, and maintenance considerations to keep it running reliably.

What powers the Honda Element?

The Element shares its powerplant with other Honda models from the same era. The 2.4-liter inline-four with DOHC and i-VTEC is designed for a balance of everyday usability and efficiency, matching the Element’s practical, compact-SUV character. The K24 family is known for a broad torque range that suits both city driving and light off-road use.

Key characteristics of the K24 engine in the Element

Here are the essential attributes to recognize about the 2.4L K-series engine that powers most Elements.

• Displacement: 2.4 liters


• Valvetrain: DOHC with i-VTEC


• Configuration: Inline four-cylinder


• Platform sharing: Also used in Honda CR-V and related models of the era

Note: The exact engine code can vary depending on model year and market. Check the ID plate or under-hood label to confirm.

Variations by year and market

Across its 2003–2011 production window, the Element used several variants of the 2.4L K-series. The engines are all part of the K-series family, but specific codes may include K24A-related variants or other designations used in different markets. The key point is that the 2.4L K-series is the standard powerplant for the Element.

• Possible codes associated with the 2.4L K-series in Honda vehicles include K24A family variants and related designations, depending on year and region.


• Identification: engine code is typically stamped on the engine block identification tag and may appear on the under-hood compliance plate.

If you’re buying a used Element, verify the engine code on the label for precise identification and to ensure you source compatible maintenance parts.

How to identify the engine code in your Element

Locating the exact engine code helps you confirm compatibility for maintenance, parts, and potential upgrades. Common places to check include the engine block identification stamp and the under-hood plate near the radiator support.

In practice, the underlying 2.4L K-series architecture remains the same across most Elements, with the exact designation varying by year and market.

Maintenance and reliability considerations

Maintaining a K24-powered Element involves routine care typical of Honda’s K-series era. Important steps include regular oil changes with the manufacturer-recommended oil, a healthy cooling system, and inspections of common wear items as the vehicle ages.

• Follow Honda’s recommended oil type and change interval; synthetic oil is commonly used for longevity.


• Check the timing chain guides and tensioners as the engine ages, since this is a wear item in some K-series variants.


• Keep the cooling system in good condition to prevent overheating that can damage head gaskets and related components.


• Address valve cover gasket leaks and exhaust manifold bolt issues promptly to avoid bigger repairs.

With attentive maintenance and timely repairs, a K24-powered Element can remain a practical, capable vehicle for many miles.

Summary

The Honda Element is powered by a 2.4-liter K-series engine in most US-market examples from 2003 through 2011. The exact engine code varies by year and market, but the K24 family is the standard powerplant across the lineup. When evaluating a used Element, verify the engine code and maintenance history to gauge long-term reliability.

When did Honda start using the K24?

Since its start in 2002, many variations of the Honda K24 engine have appeared in myriad models. From the unassuming and family-friendly CR-V to the pulse-quickening Civic Si, the K24 has shown that aside from reliability, its most extraordinary ability might be adaptability.

Which Honda has a K24 engine?

Many Honda and Acura models have the K24 engine, including the Accord, CR-V, Civic Si, Element, and Acura TSX and ILX. The specific K24 variant and its performance vary across these models and different model years. 
Honda models with K24 engines

• Accord: From around 2003 to 2017, various K24 engines were used, including the K24A4, K24Z2, K24Z3, and K24W1. 
• CR-V: Many generations, from 2002 to 2019, featured the K24 engine, including the K24A1, K24Z1, K24Z4, K24Z6, and K24W1. 
• Civic Si: The performance-oriented Civic Si used the K24 engine in certain model years, primarily from 2002 to 2015, such as with the K24Z7. 
• Element: The K24 engine was the sole powerplant for the Element from 2003 to 2011, with variants like the K24A4 and K24A8. 
• Crosstour: The K24Y2 was used in the Honda Crosstour from 2012 to 2015. 
• Odyssey: Some international versions of the Odyssey have been equipped with the K24 engine, such as the K24A4 and K24W4. 

Acura models with K24 engines

• TSX: The K24 engine was a staple in the Acura TSX from 2004 to 2008, with variants like the K24A2 and K24Z3. 
• ILX: Some model years of the Acura ILX featured the K24 engine, including the K24Z7 and K24V7. 
• RDX: The RDX also used the K24 engine in certain models. 
• TLX: The K24W7 engine was used in the Acura TLX from 2015 to 2020. 

What's faster, a K20 or K24?

Neither is definitively faster; the answer depends on the application, as the K20 is a higher-revving engine for track performance, while the K24 offers more torque and is better for daily driving. The K24's larger displacement (2.42.42.4L vs. 2.02.02.0L) provides more low-end torque and higher power potential with modifications, but the K20's shorter stroke allows it to rev higher. 
This video compares the performance of the K20 and K24 engines: 58sGerb ProductionsYouTube · Dec 8, 2020
K20 (2.0L)

• Best for: Track use, high-revving performance. 
• Characteristics: Shorter stroke, higher redline (around 780078007800-8000+8000 plus8000+ RPM), quicker piston speed. 
• Advantages: Can be configured for very high horsepower, especially with factory turbo options on some variants, making it potent in a lightweight car. 

K24 (2.4L)

• Best for: Daily driving, street use. 
• Characteristics: Longer stroke, lower redline (around 680068006800-710071007100 RPM), more low-end torque. 
• Advantages: Feels stronger from a standstill, makes for a more effortless daily driver, and has higher power potential with modifications due to its larger displacement. 

Which is better?

• For most street cars, the K24 is often preferred for its superior low-end torque and a more usable powerband for everyday driving. 
• For a dedicated track car where consistent high-RPM power is crucial, the K20 is the preferred choice. 
• A common high-performance build combines the best of both by using the K20's higher-flowing cylinder head with the K24's larger block to get the torque of the larger engine with the high-revving nature of the K20 head, as explained in this YouTube video and this Reddit thread. 

This video explains which engine is better for performance: 53sDust Runners Automotive JournalYouTube · Apr 29, 2019

What engine is in a 2009 Honda Element?

2009 Honda Element Specs, Features & Options

Save 1 of 3 Element EX Sport Utility 4D	Save 2 of 3 Element LX Sport Utility 4D
See Pricing See Cars in Stock	See Pricing See Cars in Stock
169.9" L x 71.6" W x 70.4" H	169.9" L x 71.6" W x 70.4" H
Engine
4-Cyl, VTEC, 2.4 Liter	4-Cyl, VTEC, 2.4 Liter