The 2.0-liter Honda K20C turbo engine (Earth Dreams VTEC Turbo) has been produced since 2015. It debuted in the Civic Type R FK2 and also powers the Accord 2.0T, the Acura RDX and TLX, the Chinese Avancier and the Acura Integra Type S.
It is an aluminum DOHC four with direct injection, a single turbocharger, a timing chain and variable timing on both camshafts; the VTEC lift mechanism works only on the exhaust valves. In the K20C1 for the Type R the crankshaft is offset from the cylinder axis by 8 mm, and the engine delivers 306-320 hp and 400-420 Nm. Civilian versions K20C3-K20C7 make 252-272 hp. The naturally aspirated K20C2 and K20C9 for the North American Civic share the name and dimensions but are a separate engine with 150-158 hp.
K-series family: K20A, K23A, K20C, K24Z, K24A, K24W.
Specifications
| Production years | since 2015 |
| Displacement, cc | 1996 |
| Fuel system | direct injection |
| Power output, hp | 252 – 320 |
| Torque output, Nm | 370 – 420 |
| Cylinder block | aluminum R4 |
| Block head | aluminum 16v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 86 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 85.9 |
| Compression ratio | 9.8 |
| Features | DOHC |
| Hydraulic lifters | no |
| Timing drive | chain |
| Phase regulator | VTC + VTEC |
| Turbocharging | yes |
| Recommended engine oil | 0W-20 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 5.4 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Honda Accord 2020) — city — highway — combined |
10.7 7.3 9.0 |
| Weight, kg | 135 |
The engine was installed on:
- Honda Civic 9 (FK2) in 2015 – 2017 (Type R), Civic 10 (FC) in 2015 – 2021 (K20C2, North America), Civic 10 (FK8) in 2017 – 2021 (Type R), Civic 11 (FE) since 2021 (K20C2, K20C9, North America), Civic 11 (FL5) since 2022 (Type R);
- Honda Accord 10 (CV) in 2017 – 2022 (2.0T);
- Honda Avancier 2 (TG) since 2016 (China);
- Acura RDX 3 (TC1) since 2018;
- Acura TLX 2 (UB5) in 2020 – 2025;
- Acura Integra 5 (DE) since 2023 (Type S).
Disadvantages of the Honda K20C engine
- Like other direct-injection engines, it builds up carbon deposits on the intake valves;
- Type R versions tend to overheat during prolonged track use;
- The turbocharger and the timing chain are sensitive to oil quality and change intervals.
Frequently asked questions about the Honda K20C
How much power does the Honda K20C make?
The Honda K20C develops 252 - 320 hp and 370 - 420 Nm of torque.
How much oil does the Honda K20C take and which one?
Engine oil capacity: 5.4 liters. Recommended oil: 0W-20.
Does the Honda K20C have a timing belt or chain?
The Honda K20C uses a timing chain.
Is the Honda K20C turbocharged?
Yes, the Honda K20C is turbocharged.
Does the Honda K20C need valve clearance adjustment?
Yes, there are no hydraulic lifters, so the valve clearances have to be checked and adjusted periodically.
What is the fuel consumption of the Honda K20C?
Honda Accord 2020: city 10.7, highway 7.3, combined 9.0 L/100 km.
What cars was the Honda K20C installed on?
Honda Civic 9 (FK2) in 2015 - 2017 (Type R), Civic 10 (FC) in 2015 - 2021 (K20C2, North America), Civic 10 (FK8) in 2017 - 2021 (Type R), Civic 11 (FE) since 2021 (K20C2, K20C9, North America), Civic 11 (FL5) since 2022 (Type R); Honda Accord 10 (CV) in 2017 - 2022 (2.0T); Honda Avancier 2 (TG) since 2016 (China); Acura RDX 3 (TC1) since 2018; Acura TLX 2 (UB5) in 2020 - 2025; Acura Integra 5 (DE) since 2023 (Type S).
What are the common problems of the Honda K20C?
Like other direct-injection engines, it builds up carbon deposits on the intake valves. Type R versions tend to overheat during prolonged track use. All known problems.
