The Honda Accord is an icon. Think about it – America’s best-selling car over the last 5 decades. The first Accord started here in 1976, and has continued to be a sensible family sedan (and coupe and wagon) that was long on reliability, quality, value, and economy.
And even though it has grown larger and more sophisticated over the years, it’s stayed true to form – it’s easy to believe that someone who started with one in 1976 still owns one today.
So now for 2023, we have the 11th generation Accord. Can Honda continue its winning streak? And just as important, in a world gone crazy for SUVs and crossovers, does a solid sedan still offer up what buyers want? Let’s find out.
Hello Gorgeous
You can debate which was the best-looking model Accord, but we’d have to say they’ve always been smart, modern, and clean. That said, we think the new model has a good deal of wow factor. This is one great looking sedan!
Honda likes to keep things in the family, so we’re not surprised that the Accord looks like a larger version of the recent all-new Civic, which is also quite handsome. But in the larger Accord, the new lines look even more attractive and cohesive.
Up front, there’s a large hexagonal grille that’s flanked by blacked-out LED headlights that create a sleek signature look. A lower grille with metallic-tone inlets gives the lower end a bit of bling and finishes out the design.
The profile has a very European vibe, and many thought we were in one of the new Audis – certainly a compliment. Like the previous model, the profile fools you into thinking it’s a hatchback (it isn’t). It’s also 2.7-inches longer, but we think the sleekness of the design makes it look even larger. It has a sense of power and gravitas to it, made even more so by the Touring’s silver and black exterior trim finished off by Berlina Black machined-face 19-inch alloy wheels that are just about perfect.
The rear really shows off the new design language, with a wide horizontal LED line that goes the width of the vehicle, and slender LED taillight at the corner. This helps to sell the slightly wider rear track and makes the overall design look elegant and modern. The perfect finishing touch was our tester’s Canyon River Blue paint, that was rich and deep.
Have we met before?
Inside looks very familiar – especially if you’ve been in the new Civic lately.
That’s a good thing, as both models score points for high quality materials and loads of space. The quality of materials says Audi more than it does Honda! The spacious feel is enhanced by the signature metal mesh trim that spans the dashboard and hides the vents – it looks modern and fresh, and visually makes the interior look wide and low.
Honda says the new front seats are designed to reduce fatigue, and we did notice a firmer lower cushion and good lower back support. Leather seats add to the upscale vibe. From the comfy throne you look over a thick leather-wrapped 3-spoke steering wheel, on to standard digital gauges that provide a load of information in a clean simple way.
In the center there’s Honda’s largest ever 12.3-inch touchscreen, offering a huge view – our WAZE has never looked better. It’s more than a pretty face, however, it’s a tech powerhouse. You’ve got Google built-in running the show, along with Google Maps and Google Assistant.
There’s also wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, and available Wi-Fi. The Google is just the beginning of this kind of advanced tech integration into vehicles, and it worked seamlessly in the Accord. The Touring’s 12-speaker Bose audio provided excellent sounds, as well.
Along with the smarts of the new system, Honda hasn’t forgotten that a volume knob is still the best and provides one – although it’s tiny – in front of the screen. They also added a 1-inch finger rest at the bottom of the touchscreen, so you can rest your hand as you point, push, pinch, etc.…very clever!
We love being in the driver’s seat – especially since the fronts are heated and ventilated in the Touring model – but we have to point out the Accord’s generous dimensions. Rhe rear seats are very comfy for adults with class leading rear seat legroom. With the rear seats up, we found the trunk to be cavernous – it’s also largest in class – and the rear seats fold down for longer items. You don’t get the full-on access of a hatchback, but for a sedan, the cargo space is impressive.
A change in priorities
We were disappointed when we heard that Honda had axed the 2.0-liter turbo engine in the new Accord. We loved the previous model’s oomphalicious 252 horsepower and 10-speed automatic – that was a rocket ship!
While the smaller 1.5-liter turbo continues with some nice improvements, the most powerful Accord now is the Hybrid model like our tester. Featuring a dual electric motor system, it’s an improvement over the previous hybrid, and puts out 202 horsepower, and more importantly 247 lb.-ft. of torque (up 15!)
The hybrid works with an all-new 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder engine that’s responsive and sweet. While it’s not as fast as the old 2.0-liter turbo, the hybrid is quick and with plenty of torque down low around town. Passing is quick and easy.
One note – we were especially pleased to see a real shift lever back in the new model – we never liked the pushbutton shifter, that you found in the previous model. We also liked the drive mode button, especially in Sport which gives some added oomph and even pipes in a little bit of added engine note for added fun.
More powertrain fun comes from six levels of deceleration available (a first for Honda) that’s served up through the paddle shifters. With max deceleration you can enjoy “one-pedal” driving like you do in many modern EV’s. fun!
Of course, you’ll be looking at the MPG’s if you’re a hybrid shopper, and here the Accord impresses. Our top of the line, loaded tester earning a 46-mpg city rating and 41 highway. Go for the lighter EX-L hybrid trim, and you’ll see 51 mpg city and 44 highway. That’s phenomenal.
Also phenomenal is you never feel like you’re missing out on the drive while you’re getting that great fuel economy. We found the handling excellent, with plenty of grip from those chunky 19-inch alloy wheels and tires, nice precise steering, and quick responses.
It’s an easy car to drive quickly. It’s even easier to drive sedately – the ride is supple and impressively quiet – often, the Accord is in EV mode and the big sedan just moves along in near silence, making it feel much more than it is.
How much for such a smooth ride?
Glad you asked! The Accord retains Honda’s good sense of value and starts at $27,295 for the LX. For a handsome, spacious, modern family sedan that’s excellent value. At the other end of the spectrum is the Touring Hybrid, starting at $37,890. Our tester had no options, so adding in $1,095 for Destination, we rang the bell at $38,985. Considering all you get, we think it’s also excellent value.
Competitors would include the Camry Hybrid, coming in at $38,530. It is starting to look a little long in the tooth compared to the all-new Accord. We’d also check out at the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid coming in at $37,515. It’s also stylish – but different – and you’ll have to decide which one speaks to you. We’re fond of the Honda’s elegance.
America’s best-selling sedan for 50 years, the all-new, stylish, and luxurious 2023 Accord Hybrid Touring shows no sign of slowing down!
Ben Lewis grew up in Chicago, and after spending his formative years driving sideways in the winter – often intentionally – moved to sunny Southern California. He now enjoys sunny weather year-round — whether it is autocross driving, aerobatics, and learning to surf.