The Honda Stepwgn III 2.4 i 16V, produced between 2005 and 2009, represents a significant iteration in Honda’s popular minivan line. Positioned as a mid-range offering within the third-generation Stepwgn (RN1/RN2/RN3/RN4/RN5) series, this variant combined a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter inline-four engine with a five-speed automatic transmission. The Stepwgn, meaning “step wagon” in English, was primarily designed for the Japanese domestic market (JDM) as a practical and spacious family vehicle, offering a unique blend of functionality and comfort. Its distinctive styling and versatile interior layout quickly made it a popular choice for families needing ample space and convenience.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Honda |
| Model | Stepwgn |
| Generation | Stepwgn III |
| Type (Engine) | 2.4 i 16V (162 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2005 year |
| End of production | 2009 year |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Minivan |
| Seats | 8 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 8.9 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 26.4 US mpg |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 31.7 UK mpg |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 11.2 km/l |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.7 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 103.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.1 kg/Nm |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 140.1 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 162 Hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Power per litre | 68.8 Hp/l |
| Torque | 220 Nm @ 4500 rpm |
| Torque | 162.26 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | K24A |
| Engine displacement | 2354 cm3 |
| Engine displacement | 143.65 cu. in. |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 87 mm |
| Cylinder Bore | 3.43 in. |
| Piston Stroke | 99 mm |
| Piston Stroke | 3.9 in. |
| Compression ratio | 9.7:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.2 l |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.44 US qt |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.7 UK qt |
| Kerb Weight | 1570 kg |
| Kerb Weight | 3461.26 lbs |
| Fuel tank capacity | 60 l |
| Fuel tank capacity | 15.85 US gal |
| Fuel tank capacity | 13.2 UK gal |
| Length | 4670 mm |
| Length | 183.86 in. |
| Width | 1695 mm |
| Width | 66.73 in. |
| Height | 1845 mm |
| Height | 72.64 in. |
| Wheelbase | 2805 mm |
| Wheelbase | 110.43 in. |
| Front track | 1485 mm |
| Front track | 58.46 in. |
| Rear (Back) track | 1480 mm |
| Rear (Back) track | 58.27 in. |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Wishbone |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 195/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 6J x 15 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Stepwgn III 2.4 i 16V is the Honda K24A engine, a 2.4-liter (2354 cc) inline-four cylinder powerplant. This engine is a naturally aspirated design, utilizing multi-point fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. The K24A is known for its reliability and relatively smooth power delivery. The 9.7:1 compression ratio contributes to a balance between efficiency and performance. Paired with this engine is a five-speed automatic transmission, designed to provide convenient and comfortable shifting for everyday driving. This transmission wasn’t particularly known for sporty responsiveness, prioritizing smooth operation and fuel economy over aggressive gear changes. The K24A engine code is a hallmark of Honda’s engineering during this period, known for its durability and relatively simple maintenance requirements.
Driving Characteristics
The 162 horsepower and 220 Nm (162 lb-ft) of torque produced by the 2.4-liter engine provided adequate, though not exhilarating, performance for the Stepwgn III. Acceleration was sufficient for merging onto highways and navigating city streets, but the vehicle’s weight (1570 kg / 3461 lbs) meant it wasn’t a particularly quick vehicle. Compared to the available manual transmission options or the higher-output engine variants, the automatic version felt somewhat less responsive. The five-speed automatic transmission featured relatively tall gear ratios, prioritizing fuel efficiency over rapid acceleration. In real-world driving, the Stepwgn 2.4 i 16V offered a comfortable and predictable driving experience, well-suited for family transportation.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 2.4 i 16V trim typically included features such as power windows, power locks, air conditioning, and an audio system. Higher trim levels, often denoted with suffixes like “G” or “S,” added features like alloy wheels, upgraded interior upholstery, and optional extras such as a navigation system and rear entertainment system. Interior materials were generally durable and practical, reflecting the vehicle’s focus on functionality. The Stepwgn’s defining feature was its spacious and configurable interior, with seating for up to eight passengers and a variety of seating arrangements to accommodate different cargo needs. The second-row seats often featured a tumble-forward design for easy access to the third row.
Chassis & Braking
The Stepwgn III utilized a front-wheel-drive layout with a MacPherson strut suspension in the front and a multi-link wishbone suspension in the rear. This suspension setup aimed to provide a comfortable ride while maintaining reasonable handling characteristics. Braking duties were handled by ventilated discs in the front and solid discs in the rear. An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was standard equipment, enhancing safety during emergency braking situations. The steering system employed a rack-and-pinion setup, providing predictable and relatively light steering feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Honda Stepwgn III 2.4 i 16V was generally well-received in the Japanese market for its practicality, spaciousness, and reliability. Critics praised its versatile interior and comfortable ride. Compared to other minivan options available at the time, such as the Toyota Alphard and Nissan Serena, the Stepwgn offered a more compact footprint and a slightly more affordable price point. Fuel economy was respectable for a vehicle of its size, averaging around 8.9 l/100 km (26.4 US mpg). However, some reviewers noted that the automatic transmission could feel sluggish at times, and the overall driving experience wasn’t as engaging as some of its competitors.
Legacy
The Honda Stepwgn III 2.4 i 16V, and the K24A engine in particular, has proven to be a durable and reliable powertrain. Used examples are still relatively common on the Japanese used car market, and are increasingly being imported to other countries. The K24A engine is known for its longevity and relatively low maintenance costs, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious buyers. While not a performance icon, the Stepwgn III 2.4 i 16V remains a practical and versatile family vehicle, representing a significant chapter in Honda’s minivan history.
