IT’S A BEST BUY BECAUSE:
The redesigned Honda Accord offers a fine mix of cutting-edge technology features, ample acceleration from its turbo 2.0-liter engine, outstanding rear legroom, and class-leading all-around refinement.
BUT…
A coupe body style and a V6 engine are no longer available, and not all drivers like the push-button gear selector on the Hybrid and 2.0-engine models.
WORTH NOTING:
The Accord is one of just two mainstream midsize sedans in the U.S. market to offer an available manual transmission; the other is the Mazda 6.
WHAT IS IT?
The Accord is Honda’s long-running midsize sedan; the Accord nameplate dates back to 1976, and the redesigned 2018 model inaugurates the car’s tenth generation. The new Accord’s exterior dimensions shrink slightly from the previous model, but the wheelbase grows by two inches, which benefits rear-seat legroom. The Accord coupe body style has been discontinued, as has the available V6 engine. The model lineup ascends through LX, Sport, EX, EX-L, and Touring models with turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder base engine, and Sport, EX-L, and Touring models with a step-up turbo 2.0-liter 4-cylinder. The 1.5-liter engine is paired with a CVT automatic transmission, and the 2.0-liter engine is teamed with a 10-speed automatic. Sport models with either engine can be equipped with a 6-speed-manual transmission.
The Accord Hybrid is offered in base, EX, EX-L, and Touring trim; it is powered by a non-turbo version of the 2.0 engine paired with two electric motors and a CVT automatic. Newly available features include a head-up display, rear cross-traffic alert, 4G LTE Wi-Fi connectivity, remote engine start, and ventilated front seats (in addition to the previous heated front seats). The Honda Sensing suite of safety features is now standard on all Accords—it includes forward collision warning and mitigation, lane-departure warning and mitigation, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control and—new-for-2018—road-sign recognition.
WHAT’S NEW?
The Accord is redesigned for 2018.
FUEL ECONOMY
As of this writing, EPA figures were not available for the 2.0-liter engine or the hybrid powertrain. With the CVT transmission, the base 1.5-liter engine is rated at 30 mpg city/38 mpg highway in LX, EX, and EX-L form, and 29/35 in Sport and Touring models. The EPA rating with the 6-speed manual, which is available only on Sport models, is 26/35.
VALUE IN CLASS
A small subset of Accord shoppers might be disappointed that the 2018 lineup no longer offers a V6 engine or a coupe body style, but it’s undeniable that the new Accord is better than its predecessor in every way. Acceleration with the 252-hp 2.0-liter four and 10-speed transmission is smooth and robust, and interior ambiance in the top-line Touring models is genuinely luxurious. All Accords offer excellent passenger space, engaging road manners, and a fine selection of available features.
| BASE PRICE RANGE | $23,570 – $35,800 |
| BODY STYLES | 4-Door Sedan |
| AVAILABLE ENGINES | 192-HP, Turbo 1.5-Liter 4-Cyl.; 252-HP, turbo 2.0-Liter 4-Cyl.; 212-HP, 2.0-Liter 4-Cyl./Electric |
| DRIVE WHEELS | Front-Wheel Drive |
| BUILT IN | USA |
| EPA FUEL-ECONOMY RANGE | 26-38 MPG |
Other Best Buys in this Class
