Four-door sedans have become largely abandoned by some automakers, but Honda, Toyota and Nissan remain committed to the sedan with the Camry, Altima and Accord. Honda still sees a healthy market for the Accord, so for the 2023 model year, the Accord has been revamped, but is it better?
The 11th generation Accord isn’t a huge departure from the last generation model, but there are quite a few upgrades and changes that Honda hopes will keep buyers interested. The 2023 Accord is based on the same platform as its predecessor, but its styling is new. Just like the new Civic, the Accord’s exterior styling is sleeker and more upscale looking. The 2023 Accord is 2.8-inches longer than the last one, but it has the same 111.4-inch wheelbase. Most of that extra length goes to the front, since there’s a longer hood that makes the Accord’s profile look sportier. There’s also a sharp crease along the Accord’s profile that highlights the Accord’s increased length.
At the front the Accord gets slim new headlights and a simpler grille, while the rear is highlighted by horizontal LED straight-line taillights. It’s profile also looks sleeker with a flowing fastback roofline that appeals to the four-door coupe trend. Overall the new Accord doesn’t really push the needle in the styling department, but it does look more mature and upscale.
Under the hood there are some big changes, starting with the deletion of the 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder and 10-speed automatic. The base engine is still the same 1.5-liter turbo that’s mated to a CVT. It generates 192 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque. The 1.5-liter powers several other Honda models, like the Civic and CR-V, which is a good engine, but not overly exciting.
The more powerful option is now the Accord Hybrid, which is powered by a new two-motor hybrid system that made its debut in the new CR-V Hybrid. The hybrid powertrain features a 2.0-liter Atkinson four-cylinder engine and two electric motors to give it a combined 204 hp and 247 lb-ft. Honda expects the Accord Hybrid to account for about 50 percent of all Accord sales, which is helped by the fact that the higher trim levels are only available as a hybrid.
The Accord’s cabin now feels more luxurious than ever with improved materials, a minimalistic design and updated tech features. The Accord comes standard with a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and a 7-inch touchscreen. Higher trim levels, including all the hybrid models, get a new 12.3-inch touchscreen, which is the largest screen ever available in a Honda. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come with the bigger screen, while the smaller screen still requires a wired connection.
The top spec Accord Touring also gets an infotainment system that includes Google Maps, Google Assistant and the Google Play Store, making Honda one of the first mainstream brands to offer Google’s tech. The Google system makes using the navigation system simple and easy, plus it also can show a map in the digital instrument cluster. The only downside is that the excellent Google system is only available on the most expensive Accord.
The overall design of the Accord’s cabin has is similar to the Civic with its mesh pattern that spans the whole dashboard and hides the air vents. Riders in the back seat won’t complain about legroom since the Accord has 40.8-inches of rear legroom, while the front seats are Honda’s new Body Stabilizing Seats, which are designed to reduce fatigue.
For now it appears that all of the changes to the 2023 Honda Accord will keep it competitive with its shrinking competition. We do wish that the more powerful 2.0-liter engine was still available , but we’ll have to wait until we get some time behind the wheel to see if it’s just as fun to drive as the last generation.
