2018 Honda Accord

Pros: Spacious interior; acceleration with 2.0-liter turbo engine; cutting-edge technology features

Cons: Small trunk pass-through; some controls are hard to reach

CG Says: Honda’s long-running midsize sedan is redesigned for 2018. The Accord lineup loses its available V6 engine and 2-door coupe body style, but gains two new 4-cylinder engines and a host of new comfort and technology features. The new car is roughly the same size overall as the car it replaces, but the wheelbase has been stretched more than two inches for better rear-seat legroom. The base engine is a 192-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder, and the step-up choice is a 252-hp turbo 2.0-liter four. The Accord Hybrid model returns with a non-turbo 2.0-liter four combined with two electric motors that produce a total of 212 hp. The 1.5 turbo and Hybrid are paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while the 2.0 turbo gets a new 10-speed automatic. Both gas engines are also available with a 6-speed manual transmission—an unusual option for the midsize-car class. Available safety features include forward-collision warning and mitigation, lane-departure warning and mitigation, driver-attention monitor, lane-keep assist, blind-spot alert, and cross-traffic alert. Other available features include head-up instrument display, adaptive cruise control, automatic brake-hold, automatic high-beam headlights, and heated/ventilated front seats. The Accord is roomy, comfortable, and has a comprehensive list of safety features. It is also quite engaging to drive for a mainstream midsize sedan. The 2.0 turbo’s satisfying acceleration and the truly luxurious feel of the top-line Touring model also deserve special mention. The previous-generation Accord was among the best in the class, and the new design is better than its predecessor in every way.