Honda Accord (US) review

Ah, the Accord. Honda’s long-serving mid-size sedan is as inoffensive as a bran muffin, serving buyers of all types with its spacious cabin, easy driving dynamics, efficient powertrain, and reputation for apocalypse-surviving reliability. What this sedan lacks in excitement it makes up for with its all-around likability. Seriously, daily drivers don’t get much more well-rounded than this.

What’s so special about this Accord?

Well, it’s brand spankin’ new, for starters. The 11th-generation Accord is longer and wider than before, though it rides on the same wheelbase, hence the hideously elongated overhangs.

The biggest change for the new Accord is a revised hybrid drivetrain that’s standard on the Sport, EX-L, Sport-L, and Touring trims. This two-motor system pairs with a 2.0-liter inline-4 to deliver 204hp and 247lb ft of torque, and is estimated to return some pretty awesome fuel economy numbers: 51mpg city, 44mpg highway, and 48mpg combined. That’s super good.

What if I don’t want a hybrid?

That’s fine; Honda won’t force you into one. But you’ll be stuck buying one of the lower trim levels, since Honda only offers the base Accord LX and EX without electric assist.

In these more spartan trims, the Accord uses a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine – the same one you’ll find in the Civic. Matched with a continuously variable transmission and front-wheel drive, this powertrain delivers 192hp and 192lb ft of torque. Fuel economy with this engine is fine, but isn’t nearly as good as the hybrid, with the EPA estimating the Accord LX and EX should see 29mpg city, 37mpg highway, and 32mpg combined.

Wait, what happened to the 2.0T?

It’s gone, daddy, gone. Honda used to offer this engine on higher Accord trim levels, and for a time, you could even pair it with a slick six-speed manual transmission. But Honda decided to focus on refining its higher-volume powertrains for the 11th-generation Accord, hence the larger focus on electrification. Even the Accord Sport is a sport sedan in name only.

So is the Accord any good to drive?

Actually, yes. The chassis is well tuned for daily driving needs, able to filter out big pavement imperfections and deliver a smooth highway ride. The Accord doesn’t tumble all over itself if you push it into a turn, either, with relatively flat cornering characteristics and light, accurate steering.

Are there any good alternatives to the Accord?

Quite a few, in fact – though not as many as there used to be. Mid-size sedans aren’t quite the draw they once were, but this is still a hugely important segment in the North American automotive space.

The Accord’s closest foe is the Toyota Camry, which recently went to a hybrid-only structure, and offers optional all-wheel drive. The Nissan Altima is another boring-but-fine choice, but if you’d like a four-door with a bit more pizazz, the Hyundai Sonata or Kia K5 are worth considering. There’s also the Subaru Legacy, which we will mention because it exists.

How much does the Accord cost?

Anywhere from $28,990 to $39,635, including a mandatory $1,095 destination fee. If you want hybrid power, you’ll be spending at least $33,640 for the Sport. Considering all the car you get for the money, these prices aren’t too shabby at all.

Like sand through the hourglass, so is the Honda Accord. Honda’s stalwart sedan has been the benchmark for mid-size four-doors since its inception decades ago, and with each new generation, the Japanese automaker continues to tweak and refine this well-to-do package – even if the enthusiast spirit of some older models is now long gone.

The 11th-generation Accord impresses with its highly desirable hybrid drivetrain, offering a combined 48mpg and as much as 51mpg if you stick to city driving where the car runs most efficiently. Combine that with an absolute ton of space for passengers, a huge trunk, lots of standard tech, and generally comfortable and well-built surroundings, and the Accord is once again poised for success.