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- Highs Practical yet fun to drive, Sport model available with manual transmission, much improved infotainment system.
- Lows Interior storage is limited, new design results in some rear blind spots, lower trims can be a bit noisy.
- Verdict Styling, driving dynamics, practicality, and affordability keep the Accord at the top of our list of recommended mid-size sedans.
Overview
Brand new for 2018, the Honda Accord continues to build on three decades of consistent excellence and 21 consecutive years on our 10Best Cars list. When something you love changes, it’s natural to be a little nervous. Would we miss that trusty V-6? What if Honda nixed our cherished manual transmission? But we had no cause for fear. The new Accord is once again the best mid-size family sedan on the market. The model lineup is lighter this year, the coupe variant having gone to that Great Showroom in the Sky, and there are three shiny new engines, a trio of satisfying transmissions (yes, the manual is still among them), and a bold exterior design to usher in a new era of greatness for this most established sedan. The Accord’s hallmarks remain graceful handling, a spacious interior, and reasonable pricing, and after all these years, it’s still earning our love and admiration.
What's New for 2018?
Short answer: pretty much everything. The powertrains are all new, the car has been completely redesigned, the infotainment system is brand new, and there is a mountain of new standard active safety technology. Two turbocharged four-cylinder engines now make up the Accord’s non-hybrid powertrain lineup, replacing a naturally aspirated four-cylinder and a V-6.
Pricing
Original MSRP:
- LX: $24,465
- Sport: $26,675
- EX: $28,365
- EX-L: $30,865
- Touring: $34,695
- Hybrid: $25,995
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Honda engine options consist of two direct-injected turbocharged four-cylinders, a base 1.5-liter and a 2.0-liter upgrade to replace the outgoing V-6. The 1.5-liter makes 192 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque, while the 2.0-liter is good for 252 horsepower and 273 pound-feet. While we’re most excited about the manual, which is available only on Sport models, the majority of Accords surely will be sold with automatic transmissions—specifically, a continuously variable type for the 1.5-liter and a 10-speed torque-converter unit with the larger engine. The Accord’s 2.0-liter turbo is smooth, quiet, and refined. With either transmission, it pulls strongly enough to help you forget about the defunct V-6. The 10-speed automatic is a willing partner for this flexible engine, with quick and unobtrusive shifts. When paired with the sweet-shifting manual in the Accord Sport, the engine’s isolation is less of a positive, as it lacks some of the thrill and character that the V-6 returned in spades. The Accord Hybrid employs two electric motors and an Atkinson-cycle, port-injected 2.0-liter inline-four making a combined output of 212 horsepower. The Accord’s chassis is well sorted and encourages the driver to push the car hard through corners, where it stays flat and composed. The ride is firmly controlled but never sharp, which helps it strike a winning balance between a sports sedan and a practical family car.
Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest numbers on current and older vehicles, visit the EPA’s website and select Find & Compare Cars.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The new Accord's well-equipped interior is more contemporary and upscale than the previous model. The optional 12-way power driver’s seat adds four-way-adjustable lumbar support to its list of tricks, and cooling is now available for the front seats as well as heating. Rear-seat space is luxury-car massive, and legroom and shoulder room are abundant, even for six-foot-tall adults. Standard features on the base LX include dual-zone automatic climate control and keyless entry, while moving up the trim-level hierarchy allows buyers to add such niceties as a power driver’s seat, sunroof, leather upholstery, rain-sensing wipers, heated rear seats, and adaptive dampers. The Touring model includes nearly every available major option and about a dozen additional minor features. The Accord has the largest and most capable cargo hold in its class. But its interior storage spaces aren’t as large as those in some competitors, and we miss the clever modular center console that’s so useful in the Honda Civic.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The last-generation Accord was seriously let down by its infotainment system, but the new setup is quicker, more attractive, and much easier to use. We’re rejoicing over the new physical volume and tuning knobs and the redundant buttons for menu functions. They replace the frustrating touch controls in the previous model. Response times have improved, too, making the system that much better. Plus, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard on all but the base Accord. The LX trim gets four-speaker, 160-watt audio, Bluetooth connectivity, and a USB interface; Sport and EX models upgrade to an eight-speaker, 180-watt audio system; and EX-L and Touring trims enjoy a 10-speaker, 450-watt audio environment. Other features on the higher trims include HondaLink telematics, wireless device charging, 4G LTE in-car Wi-Fi, over-the-air system updates, and a 6.0-inch head-up display.
Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings
Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)
For more information about the Honda Accord’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Warranty
Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.
