Is the Honda Accord 2018 AWD?
The 2018 Honda Accord is not available with all-wheel drive. All 2018 Accord trims use front-wheel drive, including the hybrid model.
Overview of the 2018 Accord drivetrain
The ninth-generation Accord launched for the 2018 model year with a choice of front-wheel-drive powertrains designed for efficiency and performance. Buyers could choose between a turbocharged gasoline engine lineup and a hybrid setup, but none of these configurations offered an all-wheel-drive option. The transmissions varied by engine: a CVT paired with the 1.5-liter turbo and a 10-speed automatic paired with the 2.0-liter turbo, while the hybrid used a multi-motor system paired with an electric continuously variable transmission (eCVT) approach. Here is a concise look at the available configurations, all with FWD.
Drivetrain options by variant
Below are the primary drivetrain configurations available for the 2018 Accord. Each entry reflects the standard powertrain and front-wheel-drive setup you would find in U.S.-market models.
- 1.5-liter turbocharged engine with CVT; front-wheel drive; approximately 192 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque.
- 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with a 10-speed automatic; front-wheel drive; approximately 252 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque.
- Hybrid variant with a two-motor hybrid system; front-wheel drive; around 212 horsepower combined with roughly 232 lb-ft of system torque.
None of these configurations included an all-wheel-drive option from the factory.
Performance and efficiency notes
The 1.5T is favored for efficiency and daily driving, while the 2.0T emphasizes performance with stronger acceleration. The hybrid targets efficiency with a different power delivery profile. Regardless of the choice, the Accord 2018 lineup used front-wheel drive exclusively, aligning with Honda’s packaging and fuel-economy goals for that generation.
Why there was no AWD option
Honda’s 2018 Accord focused on balancing efficiency, price, and interior space, with the front-wheel-drive layout helping to keep weight down and packaging compact. All-wheel drive adds complexity, weight, and cost, and Honda positioned the Accord as a mid-size sedan optimized for ride quality and fuel economy rather than all-terrain traction. For buyers needing AWD from Honda, other models in the lineup—such as the CR-V, Pilot, or Passport—offer AWD options.
Alternatives for AWD-conscious buyers
If you specifically require all-wheel drive in a vehicle similar to the Accord, you may consider alternatives within Honda’s current lineup or look at used models from later years. Some buyers also choose snow-ready tire setups on FWD cars to improve traction in winter conditions, though that does not replace true AWD capability.
Summary
The 2018 Honda Accord does not offer all-wheel drive in any trim or configuration. It is available in front-wheel-drive variants across the gasoline turbocharged options and the hybrid, with no factory AWD option. For shoppers prioritizing AWD, exploring other Honda models or later model years with AWD is recommended. The 2018 Accord remains noted for its refined ride, strong turbocharged options, and efficient hybrid setup, all delivered through FWD.
