Honda Makes its Case With the Accord

Sedans may be losing popularity due to the ever-increasing demand for crossovers, yet Honda continues to update and improve its core models. While Honda has a strong presence in the utility vehicle market, its midsize Accord sedan, along with the compact Civic, continues to play a crucial role in the company’s future strategy. The 2024 Honda Accord is based on the 2023 update, delivering a roomy and comfortable sedan for consumers.

2024 Honda Accord Overview

The 2024 Honda Accord is available in six grades. Starting in 2023, Honda stopped offering the hybrid model as a separate option. Now, out of the six grades, four are hybrid models, each with its specific features.

The lineup begins with the gas-only LX model priced at $27,895, followed by the EX at $29,910. The hybrid range starts with the Sport Hybrid at $32,545, then the EX-L Hybrid at $34,190, the Sport-L Hybrid at $34,525, and the top-tier Touring Hybrid at $38,540. Each model incurs an additional destination charge of $1,095. Honda provided the high-end Touring Hybrid for review, which surpasses $41,000 when fully equipped.

Designed to accommodate five passengers, the Accord is categorized as a midsize sedan. The gasoline models feature a turbocharged engine, whereas the hybrid variants are powered by a naturally aspirated engine paired with two electric motors – one for starting the vehicle and the other for acceleration. All 2024 Accord models use a continuously variable transmission to deliver power to the front wheels.

Highlights of the 2024 Honda Accord

Modern Design

The Accord’s design is a blend of sophistication and modernity, marked by a bold front fascia with a trapezoidal grille, coupled with striking LED lighting. This design, along with a long hood and a sleek, coupe-like roofline, gives the Accord a distinctive and contemporary appearance.

Elegant Rear Lighting

The rear design of the Accord is characterized by its LED lights, linked by an elegant light bar. This feature replaces the more striking lighting elements of the previous generation, offering a more refined and subdued look that enhances the car’s overall aesthetic appeal.

Spacious Cargo Area

Despite its sleek design, the Accord does not compromise on practicality, offering a generous cargo space of 16.7 cubic feet. This is quite ample for a sedan and adds to the vehicle’s versatility by delivering superior space for lengthy road trips.

Roomy Interior

The Accord’s interior is spacious, comfortably accommodating five adults. This makes it one of the most roomy options in the midsize sedan category, a significant advantage in a market where full-size sedans are no longer offered for mainstream shoppers.

Interior Design

The cabin’s design is both elegant and user-friendly, featuring a clean layout with a touchscreen that rises seamlessly from the dashboard. The presence of traditional controls, like buttons and switches, ensures ease of use, complemented by a crystal-clear instrument cluster.

Seating Variations

The Accord offers diverse seating options. The standard cloth seats in the initial trims provide comfort, while the higher trims boast luxurious leather. Additional conveniences like heated front seats and a power-controlled driver’s seat enhance comfort in most models.

Advanced Technology

The standard technology package in the Accord includes a 4-speaker sound system and a 7-inch touchscreen, with essentials like Bluetooth and smartphone integration. The higher trims elevate the experience with superior sound systems and additional features like wireless charging and a larger touchscreen.

Honda Sensing Safety Package

This comprehensive suite of safety features, standard across all Accord models, includes advanced technologies like collision and road departure mitigation, lane keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. These features enhance safety and driver confidence.

Efficient Powertrains

The Accord offers efficient powertrain options. The LX and EX grades feature a turbocharged engine, balancing power and efficiency, while the hybrid variants combine a gasoline engine with electric motors for enhanced fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.

Fuel Efficiency

The Accord excels in fuel efficiency, particularly in its hybrid models. The base models achieve impressive city mileage, and the hybrid variants maintain high efficiency levels, making the Accord an economical choice for long-term use.

Suspension System

The Accord’s suspension system, featuring MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link setup at the rear, ensures a balanced and smooth ride. The sport models receive slightly different tuning for an enhanced grip and better driver feedback, catering to those who prefer a more dynamic driving experience.

Transmission Types

The transmission systems in the Accord are tailored to each model type. The gasoline-powered versions use a CVT that includes both a belt and chain, while the hybrid models benefit from an electric CVT, which mimics a conventional geared transmission, reducing noise and enhancing driving comfort.

Performance Dynamics

The hybrid Accord models impress with their quick acceleration and comfortable ride, making them suitable for both city driving and long trips. The balance of efficiency and performance in these models is a notable highlight.

Absence of AWD and V6

The Accord does not offer all-wheel drive, a feature available in some of its competitors. Additionally, the V6 engine, last available in 2017, was known for its robust performance, and its absence is felt by enthusiasts who favored its power.

Competitive Context

While the Accord stands out in many aspects, it faces stiff competition in terms of raw power. For example, models like the Hyundai Sonata N-Line offer more horsepower, showcasing that performance remains a key factor in the midsize sedan category. Other models in this category include the Toyota Camry, Subaru Legacy, Kia K5, Chevrolet Malibu, Volkswagen Arteon, and Nissan’s Altima.

Driving Experience

Honda lent us a Hybrid Touring model, the top trim in its lineup. This model offers many premium touches and comes with the hybrid powertrain. We averaged just over 43 mpg over the course of a week-long drive, nearly matching the EPA estimate. Some versions, however, are rated as high as 47 mpg combined. Both numbers are fantastic for a car this size.

Our Touring model delivered quiet step-off acceleration, with the electric motor offering initial power. However, under full throttle the gas engine kicks in, ensuring sufficient power moving forward. Indeed, under strong acceleration, the hybrid capably overtakes on the highway.

The Accord delivers direct steering and decent handling, although this is no sports sedan. In any case, the available sport tuning delivers a satisfactory driving experience. The lack of an all-wheel-drive option may be a difference maker for some, particularly since Toyota, Nissan, and Kia offer it, while it is standard with the Subaru. Firm brakes and a comfortable ride are two additional attributes of note.

Honda Accord Takeaway

Now in its eleventh generation, the Honda Accord remains a top choice in a shrinking segment. Competitors such as Ford, Dodge, Mazda, and Mitsubishi are no longer participating in this category, but the remaining players (except for the Chevrolet) are modern, updated, and equipped with the latest technologies.

Pricing for the Accord rises remarkably, especially with the Touring edition. As equipped our test model topped $41,000 and that’s quite high for a midsize sedan. With that said, we believe the EX model offers much of what customers want, the best equipped gas model. Another option is the Sport Hybrid, which comes better equipped and costs $2,600 more. However, it also has a 10 mpg advantage over the EX, therefore the cost difference would be made up in just a few years.

2024 Honda Accord Specifications

See Also — Honda Buying Guide

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