Complete Oil Specifications
Honda’s owner’s manual for the 2020 Accord calls for Genuine Honda Motor Oil 0W-20 or an API Premium-grade 0W-20 detergent oil that carries the API Certification Seal. For the 1.5L turbo engine, engine oil change capacity is 3.7 US qt (3.5 L) including the filter, or 3.4 US qt (3.2 L) without it.
Is Synthetic Oil Required?
No. The manual permits synthetic motor oil if it carries the API Certification Seal and is the specified 0W-20 viscosity grade, but doesn’t require it.
Changing the Oil
Install the drain bolt with a new washer and tighten it to 30 lbf·ft (40 N·m), as specified in the manual. Don’t use the 2.0L figure by mistake: the 2.0L turbo takes 5.0 US qt including the filter.
When to Change the Oil
The Accord uses Honda’s Maintenance Minder, which calculates remaining engine oil life. Maintenance code A means replace the engine oil; code B means replace the engine oil and oil filter. If Maintenance Due Now hasn’t appeared more than 12 months after the display was reset, Honda says to change the oil every year anyway.
What We Couldn’t Confirm
- OEM oil filter part number. The owner’s manual doesn’t print one.
- Engine block code. The manual identifies the engine by displacement (1,498 cm3), not by a factory code.
- API/ILSAC performance category (e.g. SP, GF-6A). The manual specifies API Premium-grade oil with the API Certification Seal rather than naming a category.
FAQs
What oil does a 2020 Honda Accord 1.5T take? Genuine Honda Motor Oil 0W-20, or an API Premium-grade 0W-20 detergent oil with the API Certification Seal.
How much oil does the 2020 Accord 1.5T hold? 3.7 US qt (3.5 L) including the filter; 3.4 US qt (3.2 L) without it.
What is the drain bolt torque? 30 lbf·ft (40 N·m), with a new washer.
How often should I change the oil? When the Maintenance Minder calls for it (code A or B), and at least once a year if the Due Now message hasn’t appeared within 12 months.