Which Honda Accord is the fastest?
The fastest Honda Accord you can buy today is the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder model, delivering about 252 horsepower and sprinting from 0 to 60 mph in roughly 5.7 seconds with a 10-speed automatic. This sets the speed benchmark for the current lineup.
The question is nuanced: speed can be measured by straight-line acceleration, peak horsepower, or track performance, and it depends on the generation, engine choice, and whether you count stock factory figures or modified cars. This article breaks down the fastest stock Accords across generations and explains how these figures are achieved in real-world driving.
Current fastest Honda Accord
In the current tenth-generation lineup, the top speed and quickest acceleration come from the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine paired with Honda’s 10-speed automatic transmission. Here are the key specifications that define this model's speed profile:
- Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
- Power: 252 horsepower
- Torque: 273 lb-ft
- Transmission: 10-speed automatic
- 0-60 mph: around 5.7 seconds (according to independent tests)
- Available trims: EX-L and Touring
These specifications place the 2.0T Accord at the top of the current lineup for straight-line speed, with the V6 option having been retired after the 2017 model year in the United States.
How the speed is measured
Speed numbers are typically derived from independent automotive tests and manufacturer data. 0-60 times can vary slightly based on testing conditions such as fuel, tires, elevation, and transmission mode. In everyday driving, the real-world acceleration may differ from the published figures.
Historical fastest Honda Accords
Looking back across generations, Honda offered higher-displacement V6 engines that produced more horsepower on paper, which affected peak performance metrics. The fastest Hondas Accord in its history by horsepower was the 3.5-liter V6 from the 2013-2017 lineup, while earlier V6 versions carried similar power in the low 270s, with varying acceleration times depending on transmission and weight.
For context, the 2013-2017 Accord with the 3.5L V6 produced about 278 horsepower and was paired with a 6-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual in different trims, providing brisk acceleration and strong mid-range torque, often cited in reviews as the fastest Accord in the modern era before the turbo four was introduced.
- 3.5L V6 option (2013-2017): about 278 horsepower, strong mid-range torque
- Earlier 3.5L V6 options (2008-2012 era): around 271 horsepower, depending on year and trim
In practice, these V6-equipped Accords were quick, but heavier platforms with similar gearing meant the current 2.0T can match or exceed their 0-60 times in real-world driving, and often deliver better overall efficiency and tractability in varied conditions.
V6 era performance notes
While the V6 offered higher horsepower in several years, weight and transmission choices varied by model year, affecting how quickly the car could accelerate. Reviews from the period highlight strong mid-range torque, but real-world acceleration depended on the specific configuration and drivetrain.
What to consider if speed is important
Choosing the fastest Accord for your needs isn’t only about peak horsepower. Here are factors that influence real-world speed and enjoyment:
- Powertrain choice: The 2.0T offers modern turbo torque and a smoother gearbox; the V6 offered higher horsepower in earlier generations but with heavier weight and older tech.
- Transmission: A 10-speed automatic in the 2.0T helps optimize acceleration and response; older V6 configurations used manuals or 6-speed automatics.
- Weight and chassis: Newer models balance power with reduced weight and refined suspension for quicker quarter-mile times and better handling.
- Real-world performance: 0-60 times, track performance, and daily drivability depend on tires, weather, and driving mode selection.
- Cost and practicality: The faster option is typically the 2.0T Touring or EX-L, which carries premium features that affect overall value.
In practice, if speed is your priority, the modern 2.0-liter turbocharged Accord—particularly in the Touring trim with the 10-speed automatic—will deliver the quickest straight-line acceleration among stock Accords today.
Summary
The latest generation’s fastest Honda Accord is the 2.0-liter turbocharged model with 252 horsepower, offering an official-leaning 0-60 time in the mid-5-second range, aided by a quick-shifting 10-speed automatic. Historically, the fastest on horsepower was the 3.5-liter V6 version from 2013-2017, which produced around 278 horsepower but weighed more and often delivered similar or slower 0-60 times in practical tests. For speed, modern turbo power and refined gearing make the 2.0T the most capable option in current production.
