2023 Honda Accord
Back in 1976, Honda introduced us to a larger vehicle that would become the standard bearer for the brand – the Accord. From its early years as a hatchback two-door coupe-like car to today’s sophisticated sedan, this popular nameplate has spanned ten generations providing millions of owners to enjoy comfortable and reliable transportation.
For 2023, the eleventh generation Accord was introduced. Based on the previous model, the new Accord was lengthened to accommodate a new hybrid driveline and to elevate the overall package. Sales have been very good, with volumes up from the last model in the double-digits.
We finally got our hands on the new Accord – one with the hybrid driveline. We want to know whether this is now a better Honda than before.
The lengthened Accord elevates the previous generation model by cleaning up plenty of the details. The front end is more in line with Honda’s design language, with a larger, more conventional front grille. That, combined with a new set of LED headlamp units, create a cleaner look that does not look anonymous. The silhouette is sleek, as it appears that the roofline is lower. It is not, because overall height has not changed from the last model.
The rear end has a new horizontal LED taillight set-up with an extended trunk area. The Accord appears to be a larger vehicle because of its extended length.
Our tester is the Sport-L Hybrid model. That adds a mix of chrome and black badges and a set of 19-inch matte black finished alloy wheels. It adds a sporty flair to a very handsome sedan.
Honda’s design themes continue inside with a fully digital instrument cluster that has multiple readings inside each “dial.” On top of the dashboard is a 10.2-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system. Everything should be familiar to current Honda owners with tactile controls on the steering wheel and throughout the dashboard. And, yes, there is an actual knob for the audio system below the touchscreen.
Selecting the Sport-L trim adds perforated leather upholstery to the cabin. Front seats offer support and has a power lumbar to help with the lower back. Rear seat room is actually good, with space for passengers up to about six-foot-three tall before touching the roof. The trunk is large for its class, offering 16.7 cubic feet of space that loads from the bumper. The rear seatbacks fold down for longer items.
Underneath our Accord Sport-L is Honda’s new Hybrid driveline. It consists of a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, two electric motors and a high-torque traction motor. Combined, it puts out 204 net horsepower. The drive system is connected to an electronic continuously variable transmission sending power to the front wheels.
The Hybrid system has plenty of power for highway cruising and in-town driving. The gasoline engine comes on seamlessly when you need to pass. For fuel economy, we observed an average of 41.4 MPG.
A longer, sleeker Honda Accord deserves a higher level of the driving experience. That translated into a smooth ride overall. It handled any road surface without complaint. Cornering was equally smooth exhibiting minimal lean and roll. Evasive maneuvers were executed without hesitation from the vehicle.
The steering system is fine. On-center feel was solid. The system exhibited tight and precise turns with a bit of effort. The turning radius was fine overall. Brake pedal feel was solid, as was response to the wheels. We experienced equally solid stops in normal and panic situations.
The 2023 Honda Accord comes in six trim levels, including four Hybrid models. Pricing starts from $27,895 for an LX with the turbocharged 1.5-liter engine. Our Sport-L Hybrid came with a sticker price of $35,425.
Just when the soothsayers were pronouncing the sedan as redundant, Honda continues to produce the Accord for those who still love them. They are not the only one left in the market. The other competitors currently include the Toyota Camry, Hyundai Sonata, Nissan Altima, Subaru Legacy, Kia K5, and Chevrolet Malibu.
The 2023 Honda Accord is the sedan is far from dead. This car is alive and well – and feels exactly like it! Now with more Hybrid models, you cannot go wrong with owning one. It is time to join the growing legions of new Accord owners!
Credits: CarSoup Editors
