The K24 is arguably one of the most versatile and durable four-cylinder engines ever built. It’s the spiritual successor to the legendary B-series engines of the 90s but with more displacement, better torque, and modern technology like i-VTEC. It’s the engine that powers everything from reliable daily commuters to 1,000-horsepower drag strip monsters.
But not all K24s are created equal. Honda made several variations of this engine, ranging from economy-focused versions to high-performance screamers.
Why the K24 Engine is a Legend
Before we list the cars, we need to understand the “why.” Why do people swap these engines into everything from Miatas to classic Minis?
It comes down to three things: reliability, potential, and availability.
- Reliability: These engines are known to run for 200,000 or even 300,000 miles with basic maintenance.
- Potential: The K24 responds incredibly well to modifications. With a few bolt-ons and a tune, you can see significant power gains. Add a turbocharger, and the numbers get scary fast.
- Availability: Honda put these engines in millions of cars. That means you can find them in junkyards everywhere for a fraction of the price of other performance engines.
So, if you are looking for a car with a K24, you are buying into a platform with massive aftermarket support and proven durability.
K24A2 and K24Z7
When enthusiasts ask “what car has the K24 engine,” they are usually looking for the high-performance versions. These are the engines with the “true” i-VTEC on both intake and exhaust cams (in the case of the A2) and higher compression ratios.
1. Acura TSX (2004–2008) – The K24A2
If there is a holy grail of stock K24 engines, it’s the K24A2 found in the first-generation Acura TSX. This is the engine everyone wants for swaps.
Why? It produces around 200 to 205 horsepower and 160-164 lb-ft of torque right out of the box. It features a better cylinder head, stronger connecting rods, and a more aggressive camshaft profile than the economy versions.
- 2004-2005 TSX: 200 hp @ 6,800 rpm.
- 2006-2008 TSX: 205 hp @ 7,000 rpm (features slightly larger intake valves and cam improvements).
If you are looking for a fun, reliable daily driver that has some serious pep, the first-gen TSX is arguably the best factory K24 experience you can get.
2. Honda Civic Si (2012–2015) – The K24Z7
The 9th generation Civic Si moved away from the high-revving 2.0L K20 engine and adopted the torquier 2.4L K24Z7. While some purists missed the 8,000 RPM redline of the old K20, the K24Z7 offered way more usable power for daily driving.
- Specs: 201 hp @ 7,000 rpm and 170 lb-ft of torque.
- The Drive: It doesn’t scream quite as loud as the older Si models, but the mid-range torque makes it much punchier in city traffic. Plus, it takes modifications very well.
3. Acura ILX (2013–2015) – The K24Z7
The early Acura ILX was essentially a more luxurious Civic Si. The 2.4L models came with the same K24Z7 engine and a 6-speed manual transmission. It’s a bit of a sleeper car—most people see it as a compact luxury sedan, not realizing it has the heart of an Si under the hood.
K24A1, K24A4, K24A8, K24Z
Not every K24 was built for speed. In fact, the vast majority were built for efficiency and reliability. These are the engines found in family sedans and SUVs. While they lack the high-performance cylinder heads of the TSX or Si, they are still incredibly robust and serve as great foundations for “Frankenstein” builds (where you put a performance head on an economy block).
1. Honda CR-V (2002–2009)
The Honda CR-V is one of the most common sources for K24 engines, specifically the K24A1.
- 2002-2006 CR-V: Uses the K24A1. It puts out about 160 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque.
- Why it matters: While 160 hp doesn’t sound exciting, the K24A1 flows very well and is often used as a cheap bottom end for engine swaps. If you just want a reliable family hauler, a CR-V with this engine is virtually bulletproof.
2. Honda Accord (2003–2012)
The Honda Accord is the bread and butter of the K24 lineup. Millions of these cars are on the road, making parts availability excellent.
- 2003-2007 Accord (LX/EX): Uses the K24A4 or K24A8. These produce roughly 160-166 hp. They are tuned for fuel economy and smoothness rather than raw performance.
- 2008-2012 Accord (LX/LX-P/SE): Uses the K24Z2 or K24Z3. Power bumped up slightly to around 177-190 hp depending on the trim level. The EX variants got better exhaust flow and tuning, pushing them closer to the 190 hp mark.
3. Honda Element (2003–2011)
The boxy, utilitarian Honda Element also sports the K24 engine—specifically the K24A4 and later the K24A8.
- Specs: Similar to the Accord and CR-V, outputting roughly 160-166 hp.
- Real World: The Element is heavy, so it won’t win any races. But the K24 provides enough torque to move it around town comfortably. The reliability of this engine is a big reason why used Elements still command such high prices today.
The Oddballs and Less Common Variants
You might be surprised to find the K24 in a few other places, too. Honda maximized this engine platform across their entire lineup.
1. Acura TSX (2009–2014) – K24Z3
The second-generation TSX continued with the K-series, moving to the K24Z3. It produced 201 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque. While still a great engine, the integrated exhaust manifold on the Z-series heads makes them slightly harder to modify for huge horsepower compared to the earlier A2 series. However, for a stock daily driver, it is refined and potent.
2. Honda Crosstour (2012–2015)
Remember the Crosstour? It was essentially an Accord wagon on stilts. The 4-cylinder versions came equipped with the K24Y2 engine, putting out 192 hp. It’s a capable engine for a heavy car, though most buyers opted for the V6.
Which K24 Engine Should You Choose?
So, you know the list. But which one do you actually want? That depends entirely on your goals.
If you want a fun daily driver out of the box
Look for a 2004-2008 Acura TSX or a 2012-2015 Civic Si. These cars have the sportiest versions of the K24. They come with better suspension tuning, better transmissions (often with Limited Slip Differentials in the Si), and engines that like to rev. The TSX offers a bit more luxury, while the Si offers a rawer driving experience.
If you want a reliable commuter for cheap
A 2003-2007 Honda Accord or a 2002-2006 Honda CR-V is the answer. These cars are often available for under $5,000. With basic maintenance like oil changes and valve adjustments every 100k miles, they will run almost indefinitely.
If you are planning an engine swap
You generally want the K24A2 from the first-gen TSX. It has the best flowing head and the strongest internals. However, if you are on a budget, many builders take the block (bottom end) from a CR-V (K24A1) or Accord (K24A4) and mate it with a high-performance head from a Civic Type R (K20) or RSX Type S. This is known as a “K24/K20 Frank” build.
Keeping the K24 Alive
Even though the K24 is legendary for reliability, it’s not invincible. If you are buying a used car with a K24 engine, here are a few specific things to watch out for.
1. Timing Chain Tensioner
Unlike the older Hondas that used timing belts, the K24 uses a timing chain. In theory, this should last the life of the engine. However, the timing chain tensioner can fail, especially on high-mileage engines or those that have been driven hard. If you hear a rattling noise on cold starts, get it checked immediately. A jumped timing chain can destroy the engine.
2. Oil Consumption
Some K24 engines, particularly the early Z-series found in 2008-2011 Accords and CR-Vs, had issues with piston rings causing excessive oil consumption. Honda actually issued a warranty extension for some of these models. It’s always smart to check the oil level regularly on any K24 with over 100,000 miles.
3. VTC Actuator Rattle
This is a very common, albeit mostly annoying, issue. The Variable Timing Control (VTC) actuator can make a loud grinding noise for a second or two when you start the car cold. It’s caused by oil draining out of the actuator when the car sits. While it sounds terrible, it rarely causes catastrophic failure, but replacing it is the only fix.
The K24 in the Aftermarket
Just how popular is this engine? A quick look at online marketplaces and forums tells the story. In the world of engine swaps, the K-swap has overtaken the classic Chevy LS swap in many import circles.
- Cost: You can find a decent running K24A4 (Accord engine) for as low as $300-$500 at a junkyard. A high-performance K24A2 (TSX engine) typically commands $800-$1,200.
- Power Gains: With simple bolt-ons (intake, header, exhaust) and a tune (using software like K-Pro), a K24A2 can easily jump from 205 crank hp to 230+ whp (wheel horsepower). That is a massive gain for a naturally aspirated 4-cylinder.
Final Thoughts
The K24 engine is a masterpiece of automotive engineering. Knowing exactly what car has the K24 engine helps you make smarter buying decisions. It helps you understand why that 200,000-mile Accord is still running smooth, or why that Civic Si holds its value so well. It’s not just an engine; it’s a benchmark for what a 4-cylinder should be.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which K24 is the best?
For pure performance, the K24A2 found in the 2004-2008 Acura TSX is widely considered the best due to its high-flowing cylinder head and strong internals.
Does the Honda Civic have a K24?
Only the Civic Si models from 2012 to 2015 (9th Gen) came with the K24 (specifically the K24Z7). Regular Civics from that era typically used the 1.8L R18 engine.
Is the K24 reliable?
Yes, extremely. It is common to see K24 engines surpass 200,000 or 300,000 miles with just regular oil changes and basic maintenance.
Can I put a turbo on a K24?
Absolutely. The K24 handles boost very well. Stock blocks can often handle 300-400 horsepower reliably, and built engines can push well past 700 or even 1000 horsepower.
