2008 Honda Accord Fuel Tank Capacity: How Much Gas Could You Really Pull on a Cross-Country Trip?

At 14.8 gallons, the fuel tank capacity of the 2008 Honda Accord stands as a quietly strategic element in one of Honda’s most balanced midsize sedans. Initially overshadowed by more flashy performance stats or interior refinements, this 60.7-liter (16.0-gallon) fuel reservoir (depending on trim and configuration) plays a pivotal role in enabling efficient, long-range driving—especially in an era where fuel economy and range anxiety remain key consumer concerns. With a mix of practicality and thoughtful engineering, the Accord’s tank size reflects Honda’s commitment to real-world usability without unnecessary bulk.

The Numbers: What Exactly Does the Fuel Tank Hold?

The 2008 Honda Accord’s fuel tank capacity is officially rated at 14.8 gallons in trim configurations—consistent across most LO (long highway) and THL (total Mittelhebel, turbocharged) models. This capacity aligns closely with industry norms for vehicles of its class, placing it side by side with contemporaries like the Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima. While not the largest on offer, 14.8 gallons delivered a respectable combined fuel economy of approximately 28–31 mpg in combined city/highway driving, depending on engine type.

Two key engine variants shaped how tank size translated into range: - The crawling-common 3.5L V6 (198 hp) offered strong torque but modest peaks; this engine paired exceptionally well with the full fuel tank, extending typical cross-country trips beyond 500 miles. - The refined 3.2L V6 (240 hp) delivered smoother performance with slightly better fuel efficiency—25.8 mpg combined—making the 14.8-gallon tank feel exceptionally generous. Notably, hatchback and estate (if available in select markets) offered similar volume, though roof rack interference often reduced useful carrying space; drivers planning extended uses should account for real-world consumption, which averages 10–12 mpg in stop-and-go or hilly terrain.

Why 14.8 Gallons? Balancing Performance, Weight, and Practicality

Honda’s choice of a 14.8-gallon tank reflects a deliberate engineering balance. Larger tanks add weight, increase manufacturing complexity, and raise production costs—factors that directly affect vehicle dynamics and sticker price.

For the 2008 Accord, a 16-gallon tank would have andered against claims of midsize sedan efficiency, potentially compromising fuel economy and drivability without delivering meaningful value. “Every drop counts,” says automotive analyst Mark Thompson, author of *American Sedanwege*. “The Accord’s fuel tank sits in that sweet spot—ample enough for proposed travel needs without becoming a drag on performance or budget.” His assessment aligns with the driver’s perspective: practical weight distribution, reduced curb weight, and cost-effective production all support retaining the 14.8-gallon standard.

This capacity also complements the Accord’s honed 11.5:1 compression ratio and optimized exhaust system, allowing the engine to extract maximum efficiency from each gallon. The result? A vehicle capable of reliable daily commuting as well as ambitious road trips, without the premium fuel tank costs of luxury ICEs.

Real-World Range: How Much Traveler Can the Tank Deliver?

The 14.8-gallon tank, when paired with standard V6 engines, enables realistic driving ranges that keep up with modern expectations. In ideal conditions—steady highway speeds above 50 mph with moderate ambient temperatures—fuel economy hovers near 29 mpg combined, projecting: - 460 miles on a full tank with the 3.5L V6 - Up to 500 miles using the more efficient 3.2L V6 variant These figures represent real-world advantages: a single Midwest cross-state leg from Chicago to Kansas City (250 miles each way) would consume roughly 8.5 gallons, leaving ample surplus for unexpected detours, toll roads, or scenic byways. Urban patterns average more frequent stops and lower efficiency—typically 10–12 mpg—but the tank’s volume still supports 150+ mile solo runs between fills, reducing anxiety and greenway gaps.

In contrast, smaller tanks (under 12 gallons) often cap usable range below 350 miles, forcing planners into tighter itineraries. Larger tanks (above 18 gallons) risk weight penalties and unnecessary cost, with diminishing returns after 16 gallons. Honda’s decision mirrors strategic nuance—prioritizing value over volume.

Fuel Economy Claims: Separating Myths from Meter Readings

Manufacturer-stated combined mpg for the 2008 Accord is consistently listed at 28 mpg city / 38 mpg highway / 28 total, translating to 45 MPG overall—ambitious for a midsize sedan in 2008. Actual results vary but anchor to these benchmarks. The fuel tank’s role in sustaining this efficiency is indirect but crucial: consistent fuel volume supports stable engine load, minimizes frequent stops, and reduces “fuel fade” common in fan-shaped tank designs where tendency to abandon lower levels.

Comparative data from Consumer Reports and EPA tests show ACCs achieving: - 27 mpg combined with a filled 14.8-gallon tank at highway speeds - Up to 30 mpg in mixed driving with the 3.2L V6 - Slight struggles in heavy traffic, where stop-and-go cycles drop efficiency to 22–25 mpg despite full tanks “Kinetic drag exists,” admits one ACC owner from Phoenix, “but the 14.8-gallon tank gives flexibility—planning around half the tank prevents curiosity-driven sips and reduces range stress.” This pragmatic approach underscores the tank’s value not in sheer size, but in enabling intentional scheduling rather than reactive decisions.

The Tank’s Role in Modern Driving Expectations

For today’s fuel-conscious consumer, the Accord’s 14.8-gallon tank fills a growing niche: balancing reasonable fuel capacity with environmental and economic goals. As fuel prices fluctuated between $2.50 and $4.00 per gallon from 2005–2008, this size demonstrated resilience—offering enough range for standard commutes and weekend getaways without penalizing efficiency.

Moreover, the tank’s integration with Honda’s EFEG (Electronic Fuel Economy Guidance) system helps maintain driver confidence, predicting fuel needs accurately so popups avoid sudden “low fuel” warnings. This control factor turns fuel volume from a passive reserve into an active driver aid. h2>Final Thoughts: The Unassuming Power Behind the Mileage In a segment crowded with flashy tech and exaggerated fuel claims, the 2008 Honda Accord’s 14.8-gallon fuel tank stands as a quietly effective design choice.

It neither overtakes nor underwhelms—instead, it delivers a consistent, reliable foundation for travel and daily use. Paired with efficient engines and smart packaging, this tank capacity transforms the Accord from a competent sedan into a dependable long-range companion. For road-trippers and commuters alike, it’s proof that sometimes the most impactful engineering lies in what remains out of sight—until the journey begins, and the miles flow smoothly, one full tank at a time.