While the new Ridgeline, Pilot and Civic might be garnering the lion's share of attention at Honda dealerships across the country, buyers looking for a midsize sedan shouldn't ignore the Accord.
The big Honda offers enough interior and trunk space to challenge full-size sedans, is safe and reliable, yet maintains a reasonable asking price. While the Accord may not be as sleek as some of its midsize rivals like the new Malibu and Ford Fusion, its all-round visibility is excellent. A good level of handling and ride refinement also help this sedan appeal to commuters and driving enthusiasts alike.
The Accord was just overhauled last year with a brand new look and a whole host of technology updates. LED accents and available LED headlamps joined the range, as did sporty 19-inch wheels. All trims received a standard touchscreen infotainment display system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Most models gained Honda's nifty LaneWatch camera system, as well as the Honda Sensing suite of active safety features. Honda Sensing includes adaptive cruise control, emergency autonomous braking, lane-keeping assist, lane departure warning, and forward collision warning.
For 2017, the only real change to the lineup is the addition of the SE trim, which replaces the LX trim with Honda Sensing. This smartly packaged model provides consumers with all of modern life's necessities including proximity key with push-button start, LED fog lights, chrome door handles, a rear spoiler, leather-wrapped steering wheel, CVT automatic, and Honda Sensing. The Hybrid version of the Accord also returns to the range after a one-year hiatus; it's covered in detail in a separate report.
Excluding the Hybrid, the Accord Sedan is offered with a choice of two engines. The standard four-cylinder is a smooth 185-hp, 181 lb-ft of torque 2.4-litre. Sport four-cylinder models receive a performance-tuned exhaust that adds four horsepower and an additional pound-foot of torque. The four-cylinder Accord is one of the few remaining midsize models to be available with a six-speed manual transmission; a CVT is used in place of a conventional automatic.
The Accord is also offered with a V6 engine. A 3.5-litre naturally aspirated single-cam with cylinder deactivation is standard on the EX-L V6 and Touring V6 trims. It develops 278 horsepower and 252 lb-ft of torque and pairs exclusively to a six-speed automatic transmission. This smooth powertrain turns the Accord into a true near-luxury vehicle; all models equipped with this powertrain have leather-upholstered seats, power front seats, memory seats, and heated rear seats.
Pricing for the 2017 Honda Accord starts at $24,590 for the manual LX and tops out at $36,390 for the Touring with V6 engine.
This vehicle has not yet been reviewed
