The 2014 Honda Accord is available with two capable engines: A 2.4-liter inline-four or a 3.5-liter V6. Both engines are reliable and only the inline-four has a recall issued for it.
Key Points
- The 2014 Honda Accord‘s base engine offers a good balance of performance and fuel economy with 26 mpg city and 33 highway. It is also offered with a three-hp boost on the Sport trim.
- The best performance available with the 2014 Accord comes with the 278-hp 3.5L V6, which is only available with the EX-L, EX-L with Navigation, and Touring trims.
- Despite solid reliability, a recall was issued for the base engine due to an issue with improperly torqued connecting rod bolts. Thankfully, less than 200 units were affected in total.
- At the end of the day, the 2.4L inline-four is the best value and our recommended choice, but the 3.5L V6 is still a great option if you’re okay with the $3,500 price increase.
2014 Accords Base 2.4L Inline-four Engine Offers Solid Performance, 185 Horsepower, and 0 to 60 mph in 7.8 Seconds
The base engine of the 2014 Honda Accord is a 2.4L inline-four-cylinder making 185 horsepower and 181 lb.-ft. of torque. It comes with an optional three-horsepower increase when upgrading to the Sport trim. The 2.4L engine propels the 2014 Accord from zero to 60 mph in a modest 7.8 seconds.
Edmunds praised the 2.4L engine and its performance, saying “it revs willingly and delivers its power in a smooth and satisfying manner.”
As for fuel economy, the 2.4L inline-four does well. A 2014 Accord sedan paired with the CVT gets 26 mpg in the city and 33 on the highway. When equipped with the six-speed manual transmission it gets 24 mpg in the city and 34 on the highway. Fuel economy for the 2014 Accord Coupe with both the CVT and manual are the same at 24 mpg city and 35 mpg highway.
Honda recommends premium grade 0w-20 motor oil be used for optimal performance.
2014 Accords 278-hp 3.5L i-VTEC V6 Brings the Best Performance at Marginal Expense of Fuel Economy
The 3.5L V6 engine is the ideal choice for those who want the maximum performance out of the 2014 Honda Accord. Sporting 278 horsepower and 252 lb.-ft. of torque, this engine is considerably more powerful and capable than the four-cylinder base engine. In fact, it moves the 2014 Accord from zero to 60 mph 1.7 seconds faster than the 2.4L inline-four.
With that extra horsepower, fuel economy does take a hit, but not by as much as one would think. With the six-speed automatic transmission, the 2014 Honda Accord V6 sedan gets a very decent 21 mpg city and 34 mpg highway. The Accord V6 Coupe with the automatic gets 21 mpg city and 32 highway respectively. Lastly, the 2014 Accord V6 with the manual transmission (which is only available in coupe form) gets 18 mpg city and 28 on the highway.
Replacing this engine is not cheap. A replacement block for the 3.5L V6 costs a hefty $5,399.99 per Autozone, not including labor.
Both 2014 Honda Accord Engines are Reliable, but the 2.4L Inline-four has an Issue with Unsecured Connecting Rods
Honda’s reputation for very reliable engines has preceded them with the 2014 Accord. Both the inline-four and the V6 are durable, and with regular maintenance can last to 200,000 miles with little to no issues. On top of that, the annual maintenance cost for the 2014 Honda Accord is just $426 according to Repair Pal, one of the best in its class.
Despite good reliability ratings, the 2.4L inline-four does have a recall. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued a recall because affected vehicles could’ve been built with connecting rods that weren’t secured properly. This problem is serious and can cause engine stalling and oil leaks. However, it is pretty rare, only affecting 137 units.
2.4L Inline-four is Best Overall Value, but 3.5L V6 is Great if You Don’t Mind Paying More for the Extra Performance
When directly comparing these two engines, both make strong cases as the best option. The 2.4L inline-four is capable, reliable, and gets great fuel economy with only a small recall to worry about. Meanwhile, the 3.5L V6 makes the 2014 Honda Accord genuinely fast with acceptable fuel economy and no recalls.
While they both have their merits, we have to recommend getting the 2.4L engine. The Kelley Blue Book typical listing price for an inline-four powered 2014 Honda Accord LX Sedan is $14,632. That is $3,535 less than the V6-powered 2014 Honda Accord EX-L, which has a typical listing price of $18,167.
While the thrilling performance from the 3.5L V6 is impressive, it is not worth paying an extra $3,500, unless that performance is really wanted. The inline-four still delivers a satisfying experience, but with better fuel economy and for considerably less money.
That being said, for buyers who want that extra performance, the V6 is still a great choice and worth the extra money for those who want a sedan with a bit more oomph.
Photos: Honda
