2018 Honda Accord: What's It Like to Live With?
Read the latest updates in our long-term road test of the 2018 Honda Accord as our editors live with this car for a year.
What do you want to know about?
- Introduction
- Monthly Update for June 2018
- Monthly Update for July 2018
- Monthly Update for August 2018
- Monthly Update for September 2018
- Monthly Update for October 2018
- Monthly Update for November 2018
- Monthly Update for December 2018
- Monthly Update for January 2019
- Monthly Update for February 2019
- Monthly Update for March 2019
- Monthly Update for April 2019
- Wrap-Up
Introduction
What Did We Get?
The Honda Accord has been on sale in the United States for 42 years. Just let that sink in for a moment.
We're now in the 10th generation of what is, ostensibly, Honda's flagship model and one of the most significant cars sold in this country for four decades. And while not every generation of the Accord has been hugely impressive, game-changing or even award-winning, each one has helped define expectations of a midsize sedan.
This single model has given other manufacturers fits, left rival engineers scratching their heads, and simply driven competing models out of existence. But through all of that, Honda never really followed anyone else. It simply did its own thing at its own pace. That in and of itself is fairly remarkable.
But when this newest iteration dropped late last year, coffeemakers across the automotive industry fired up, energy drinks were opened and cigarettes lit because everyone knew they would spend the next few years playing catch up. Again.
Naturally, we had to add a 2018 Honda Accord to our long-term fleet.
What Options Does It Have?
For starters, ours doesn't have a V6 engine because, well, Honda doesn't offer one in the Accord anymore. You may have also noticed that it's not a coupe, and that's because the coupe is gone, too. The only engines available for 2018 are two turbocharged, direct-injected four-cylinder engines, one sized at 1.5 liters, the other at 2.0 liters.
The smaller of the two engines is only available with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), while the 2.0-liter offers the option of a 10-speed automatic or — wait for it — a six-speed manual. No, we didn't get the manual.
For 2018, the Accord comes in five trim levels: LX, Sport, EX, EX-L and Touring. The EX-L, the Sport and the Touring are available with either the 1.5- or the 2.0-liter engine. (Accord Hybrid models come in different trim levels.)
Our Accord for the next year is the 1.5T EX-L. That 1.5-liter makes 192 horsepower at 5,500 rpm, but thanks to the turbo it also makes a healthy 192 pound-feet of torque from 1,500 to 5,000 rpm. That power goes to the front wheels via a CVT automatic with three modes — D, S and L — which we'll undoubtedly explore more in the coming year.
Standard across the Accord range is Honda's safety suite known as Honda Sensing, which includes adaptive cruise control, an emergency braking system, lane keeping assist and road departure mitigation. The EX gives you a power moonroof, blind-spot monitoring, heated front seats (ventilated seats are only available on the Touring trim) and a sharp-looking 8-inch center-mounted touchscreen.
The EX-L adds leather-trimmed seats, steering wheel and gear lever; driver's seat memory settings; and a 450-watt, 10-speaker audio system. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are also standard on the EX and the EX-L.
Other features to note are a rear cross-traffic alert system, push-button ignition, a driver attention monitor and LED foglights. We didn't get Honda's optional navigation system ($1,000) or either of the two 19-inch wheel options. Our Accord will roll on the standard 17-inch wheels with sweet, sweet sidewalls, and we'll find our way with smartphone navigation.
This particular Accord 1.5T EX-L stickers at $29,970 ($30,865 after destination charges). That's $2,500 more than the EX but $3,830 less than the Touring.
Why We Got It
This car is kind of a big deal, and not just for Honda. It's absolutely the new benchmark for everyone (except Ford; RIP, Fusion). It's also a big deal for the midsize family sedan, a once-dominant class of car that's starting to swim upstream against the onslaught of compact and midsize crossover SUVs.
Can a 1.5-liter engine pull its weight in a midsize sedan? Will the CVT automatic drive us up the wall? How will Honda's infotainment system stack up against the one in our long-term Toyota Camry? Will GM even notice? Will we meet the EPA's fuel economy numbers?
Follow its progress during our long-term road test for our latest thoughts on this 2018 Honda Accord.
The manufacturer provided this vehicle for the purpose of evaluation.
Monthly Update for June 2018
Where Did We Drive It?
Our long-term 2018 Honda Accord saw its first full month in service in June, having entered our fleet at the tail end of May. It's just getting warmed up, but the reception to date has been positive aside from a misbehaving door lock feature. The Accord's demeanor, sense of style, size and comfort are already winning plaudits.
The Accord served duty primarily as local transport during June, save for a weekend road trip to Lake Arrowhead, California. There's a lot more to come, as the Accord has long legs and is likely to be tasked for farther-reaching road trips during its time with us.
What Kind of Fuel Economy Did It Get?
The Accord's not off to a great start, fuel economy-wise. Its 26.7 mpg result for June is far short of its 33 mpg combined score. In our experience, though, it's too early to say whether this is a harbinger of future fuel economy performance. Normally it takes a few months for the pattern to gel in earnest.
The Accord's turbocharged 1.5-liter engine and continuously variable automatic transmission are the same as what was in our long-term Civic, which performed admirably over its year in our hands. It's not "pitchfork o'clock" yet.
Average lifetime mpg: 26.7
EPA mpg rating: 33 combined (30 city/38 highway)
Best fill mpg: 30.9
Best range: 358.7 miles
Current odometer: 1,812 miles
Maintenance and Upkeep
None.
Logbook Highlights
Performance
"I just drove our new Accord up Route 18 from San Bernardino to Lake Arrowhead (elevation: 5,174 feet), and it was delightful. Turn-in was sharp, body roll was minimal, and even on all-season tires, the car felt so athletic and composed that it reminded me of my old 1993 and 2001 Preludes — only better. Yes, you read that right. I'm telling you that Honda's family sedan of today handles better than its top-line sport coupe of yesteryear. Think of it as a Prelude with an upgraded suspension, a humongous back seat and, oh yeah, torque.
"By the way, the brakes felt plenty powerful and never once complained on the way back down the mountain. Remember when Honda brakes used to fall apart during spirited use? Not anymore. From a vehicle dynamics perspective, this car is a home run. Wow." — Josh Sadlier, senior manager, content strategy
Interior
"One small issue: The placement of the emergency flasher button. If I rest my palm below the entertainment screen while using the system, there's a pretty good chance I'll inadvertently hit the button. It's easy to work around, but it caught me off guard. Anyone else have this problem?" — Carlos Lago, manager, feature content
"Why is the Accord's automatic shift lever about 4 inches taller than it needs to be? What is this, a tall-shifter kit from the factory? Calling the new Accord a Japanese Audi A7 is less hyperbolic than you might think but, man, this dorky shifter has got to go before I push that analogy any further. I think we can all agree that if the driver's arm is resting on the center armrest, the shift lever should fall readily to hand. In the Accord, I have to put my forearm at what feels like a 45-degree angle to reach the shift knob. How incongruous in such an urbane and sporty car." — Josh Sadlier
Maintenance
"Touching the keyless-entry sensor on either front door handle of our new Accord should auto-unlock all four doors. But it's only working on three. The driver-side rear remains locked until I press the inside door-panel-mounted unlock button." — Mike Schmidt, senior manager, vehicle testing operations
Miscellaneous
"All the praise for the new Accord means high expectations. And after spending a bit of time with the latest Mazda 6, I wasn't sure if the Accord could live up to the hype. It does. This car looks good inside, feels spacious and drives very well. Really having a hard time finding major faults with this family sedan. In fact, I'm going to start recommending it to everyone shopping in this segment." — Carlos Lago
Monthly Update for July 2018
Where Did We Drive It?
I had an opportunity to drive our 2018 Honda Accord up a mountain in July, and I saw that it was good. Very good. I'll let my logbook comment below give you the details, but in short, it's quite amazing how well this sizable, family-oriented sedan behaves when you show it some curves. Some people will tell you that the Mazda 6 is the sportiest family sedan on the market, but for me, it's no contest. If you care about the driving experience, there's the new Accord and then there's everything else.
In other news, our man Kavanagh got the Honda out on the open road and noticed some significant cabin noise at speed — an old Honda bugaboo that just won't go away, it seems. He also took issue with the adaptive cruise control system, which is another work in progress for Honda across multiple models. But like most of us, Jason's still high on the Accord overall. Honestly, whether you care about driving or not, it's hard to top this Honda.
What Kind of Fuel Economy Did It Get?
As noted in our last update, we shouldn't make too much of our Accord's early struggles on the fuel economy front. With the average holding at 26.7 mpg, it's safe to say the Accord isn't yet living up to its advance billing from the EPA, which claims that even city driving should give you a cool 30 mpg. Nonetheless, we have enough experience with this powertrain from our long-term Civic and CR-V to know that it's capable of big numbers over the long haul. Stay tuned as this test progresses; personally, my money's on a significantly higher average when all's said and done.
Average lifetime mpg: 26.7
EPA mpg rating: 33 combined (30 city/38 highway)
Best fill mpg: 30.9
Best range: 358.7 miles
Current odometer: 2,538 miles
Maintenance and Upkeep
None.
Logbook Highlights
Technology
"The adaptive cruise control is not very good. It's jerky, overly conservative and registers false positives — it reacts to cars in the adjacent lanes." — Jason Kavanagh, senior road test engineer
Comfort
"A very good car for long trips (aside from the adaptive cruise). It has a pleasant ride, plenty of space and is comfortable. One ding is that the road noise is excessive. Not awful, but out of step with the decidedly premium vibe this car otherwise conveys very well." — Jason Kavanagh
Performance
"I still don't love the Accord's continuously variable automatic transmission, even though it's one of the better ones on the market. I just don't dig CVT automatics. They're not responsive and they tend to elicit mooing and groaning noises from the engine. What's to love about that? But here's the thing. I've now sampled the new Honda/Acura corporate 10-speed automatic and my first impression is not favorable. Unlike, say, the ZF eight-speed automatic that's in everything these days, or the in-house nine-speed from Mercedes, the Honda 10-speed really draws attention to all the gears it has.
"Seems like there's always some shifting going on down there and you feel the shifts, too. Both upshifts and downshifts can be herky-jerky. Why am I telling you this? Because if you want the upmarket 2.0-liter turbo engine in your Accord, you can either have a traditional six-speed manual transmission or that 10-speed automatic but not the CVT automatic. I am usually all about the higher-performance engine, but in this case, our Accord's 1.5-liter turbo is so competent that I'd actually recommend downsizing and saving some coin. Unless, of course, you want to shift for yourself, in which case the 6MT/2.0T combo is bound to hit the spot." — Josh Sadlier
Monthly Update for August 2018
Where Did We Drive It?
The long-term 2018 Honda Accord got to stretch its legs this month thanks to Senior Consumer Advice Editor Ron Montoya, who logged a road trip to Palm Springs. Ron voices his displeasure with the Accord's throttle response in the comments below. And I'm right there with him, having registered similar complaints in both the Accord and our long-term Honda CR-V. Ron happens to prefer the CR-V's performance, while I favor the Accord's, but there's no question that Honda's zesty 1.5-liter turbocharged engine is dulled in both cars by the laggardly responses of the continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
At least the CVT automatic is good for fuel economy, right? More on that directly.
What Kind of Fuel Economy Did It Get?
It's getting harder to excuse the Accord's subpar showing at the pump. I figured we'd start to see an upward trend by now, especially with all of Ron's miles on the open road this month, but it's not happening. Ron did manage to set a new single-tank record at 31.5 mpg, but that's hardly good news given the EPA's projections of 33 mpg in mixed driving and 38 mpg on the highway. Overall, we actually lost a little ground in August, logging an average of 25.6 mpg that brought our lifetime figure down to 26.1 mpg.
Average lifetime mpg: 26.1
EPA mpg rating: 33 combined (30 city/38 highway)
Best fill mpg: 31.5
Best range: 358.7 miles
Current odometer: 3,497 miles
Maintenance and Upkeep
None.
Logbook Highlights
Technology
"Honda's new infotainment system is a massive improvement over its previous one. The dedicated hard buttons on the sides of the screen are useful, overall performance is faster and more responsive, and the CarPlay is more reliable (it wouldn't recognize my phone half the time on the prior system). I use CarPlay on many vehicles to bypass a subpar infotainment system, but the one in the Accord is so good I didn't really feel the need to plug in my phone as often. One cool feature is the shortcut buttons at the top of the screen. With one button press, you can be in the phone menu, FM radio, Bluetooth or XM. It would be nice to have a one-button shortcut to Apple CarPlay when your phone is connected. But even still, that's only two button presses away." — Ron Montoya, senior consumer advice editor
"It happened in our long-term 2016 Civic, and it's happening again in the Accord. I like music with a little bass behind it, and the rear decks in these cars simply cannot handle it. Turn up the volume even partway, and that deck gets to rattling something fierce. It's especially disappointing in the Accord because I can tell the sound quality is pretty good. The rear deck just isn't bolted in firmly enough to let those speakers shine. It's one of those seemingly minor annoyances that's actually a pretty big deal." — Josh Sadlier, senior manager of content strategy
Performance
"This might be an unpopular opinion around here, but I don't like the way this Accord drives. It feels slow to react to throttle inputs. And when you do step on the gas, it takes a few seconds for the engine to respond and give you passing power. Not only is this the same 1.5-liter that is in the CR-V, it actually makes 13 pound-feet more torque in the Accord. Yet somehow it feels less powerful. I'm not sure if it's the CVT automatic's fault, the throttle programming or my own bad memory." — Ron Montoya
Monthly Update for September 2018
Where Did We Drive It?
The 2018 Honda Accord headed north in September to spend quality time with Senior Editor Brent Romans, our man in Fresno. I'll let Brent do most of the talking in the Logbook Highlights below, but first, I have to tell you that our Accord's lifetime fuel economy has been almost scandalously low so far. I tried to give it the benefit of the doubt for a while, but the numbers don't lie: We've put about 4,000 miles on this car, and our average of 25.8 mpg falls woefully short of the EPA city estimate (30 mpg), let alone the combined figure (33 mpg).
So what's going on? It's hard to say. As I've noted previously, we saw in our long-term 2016 Honda Civic that Honda's turbocharged 1.5-liter-CVT automatic powertrain is capable of big mpg numbers on the highway, and it's not like the Accord is that much heavier. Bottom line, we need to take the Accord on a proper road trip and see if it can break out of its slump. Stay tuned for those results.
What Kind of Fuel Economy Did It Get?
The downward trend continued in September, with our average dropping from just over 26 mpg to 25.8 mpg. Also, I can't believe that our best tank ever is 31.5 mpg when the Accord is rated at 38 mpg highway. Did you know, for example, that our long-term 2018 BMW 540i xDrive — the one with all-wheel drive and 335 horsepower — recorded a best tank of 32.7 mpg? Something doesn't add up here. We'll keep investigating.
Average lifetime mpg: 25.8
EPA mpg rating: 33 combined (30 city/38 highway)
Best fill mpg: 31.5
Best range: 358.7 miles
Current odometer: 4,296 miles
Maintenance and Upkeep
None.
Logbook Highlights
Miscellaneous
"As good as the Accord is, there's one thing I'm not fond of: the styling. The car has kind of a droopy look in back. Generously, maybe I'd say it mimics the profile of some coupe-style European luxury sedans, such as the Audi A7. But it just doesn't work as well here. I prefer the more traditional design of the Camry, with its more muscular rear haunches." — Brent Romans, senior editor, written content
"I came away from Labor Day weekend pretty hot on the Toyota Camry. Thinking it'd be a good idea to double-check my feelings, I signed out the Accord for a few nights. While I still think the Camry is a solid choice, the difference between it and the Accord is immediately obvious. The Accord feels larger inside, its entertainment system works better, and its engine is punchier. There's also this lingering sense that the Accord is a nicer, more premium-feeling car. I can't quite point to one reason why, but that's the feeling I get from behind the wheel. I still won't fault anyone for choosing the Camry, but the Accord is the one to get." — Carlos Lago, manager, feature content
Interior
"I'm pretty comfortable when taking our Accord on long drives. When I first took the keys, I had to fiddle with the Accord's driver's seat and steering wheel positioning more than I thought I would. But once I got it dialed in, I was good for a five-hour drive, no problem. The car rides smoothly on the highway without being overly soft. It's kind of what you expect from a Honda, right? The only issue might be wind and tire noise, which seems to be a bit louder than on some other sedans." — Brent Romans
Cargo Space
"The Accord's trunk is huge. On the spec sheet, it's listed at 16.7 cubic feet. I recently went grocery shopping and lined up six bags inside the trunk without issue. There are a couple of negatives, though. The first one is that the trunklid's 'gooseneck' hinges impinge on the cargo area. Try to close the lid after you've totally loaded up on suitcases and you'll find yourself crushing your stuff. Most midsize sedans have a similar hinge design, but it's worth pointing out.
"Also, there's no interior grab handle to close the trunklid. The only way to close it is by grabbing the lid from the outside. Here in California (where Edmunds is located), that's not normally a problem. But if you live in a state that has real weather, the outside of your Accord's trunklid will probably be covered in dirt or muck during the winter months." — Brent Romans
Monthly Update for October 2018
Where Did We Drive It?
Fresh off a road trip up Highway 101 to Paso Robles in our 2018 Honda Accord, I can tell you that there are few better feelings than setting both a range record and a fuel-economy record with the same tank. On that glorious occasion, I rolled up 429 miles and pumped in 12.2 gallons, yielding an average of 35.2 mpg.
Now, that's not exactly breaking news, given that the Accord is EPA-rated at 38 mpg highway and those were pure highway miles. But over our first four months with the car, our range and efficiency records had been 359 miles and 31.5 mpg, respectively. I'm going to go ahead and call this progress, though frankly I'm still disappointed that I couldn't get closer to the EPA highway figure on the open road.
What Kind of Fuel Economy Did It Get?
Some positive news here, for a change: With our 33 mpg average for October, we reached the EPA combined rating for the first month ever. All of my highway miles certainly helped, but could our Accord also be loosening up after 5,000 miles and hitting its stride? Keep it locked on this channel.
Average lifetime mpg: 27.5
EPA mpg rating: 33 combined (30 city/38 highway)
Best fill mpg: 35.2
Best range: 429 miles
Current odometer: 5,751 miles
Maintenance and Upkeep
None.
Logbook Highlights
Miscellaneous
"Even though I just took the Accord to go home and come back, I appreciated its plethora of storage options. The center console has a deep well with a removable shelf, and it's also perfect for plugging in and tucking away a smartphone since there's a USB port in there. The doors have places to store two water bottles. The cubby forward of the shifter was mighty impressive for how deep it is — I could fit my sunglasses case longways in there and still be able to close the little door. And there was more than enough room left over for my smartphone, which, again, can be plugged in and tucked away thanks to that cubby's additional USB port. All the nooks and crannies make the Accord an ideal road-trip vehicle. Think of all the snacks, plugged-in devices, and thirst quenchers you can store readily at hand." — Caroline Pardilla, senior copy editor
"The Accord's TPMS system isn't great. When a tire is low, an alert pops up on the dash, but it doesn't tell you which tire needs air. Nowhere in the car can you see pressures for individual tires. So you pull up to a station, measure each tire, and top off as needed, just like how you'd do it five or 10 years ago. Problem is, once you resume driving, the Accord still displays the TPMS alert. It doesn't reset automatically. You have to stop, engage the parking brake, and dig into the infotainment system to reset the alert. Most cars in this price range do this automatically, so it's annoying that the Accord doesn't." — Carlos Lago, manager, feature content
Performance
"I agree with something Josh wrote a few months ago: Our Accord's handling is tight and controlled. Drive around a turn with a bit of enthusiasm and this big sedan responds willingly. Thinking about emergency-avoidance maneuvers, I'd have confidence in the Accord going where I want it to." — Brent Romans, senior editor
"The power coming from the Accord's 1.5-liter engine is admirable. When driving around town, it never seems underpowered. There is a slight delay if you boot the gas; the CVT automatic takes a little time to get the engine revved up. But after that, the Accord surges forward." — Brent Romans
Audio & Technology
"The Accord's rising beltline makes it hard to see out the back if you're looking over your shoulder. This can be a problem in, say, parking lots, when you're trying to reverse out of a space. Thankfully, our Accord has a crisp rearview-camera display and an effective rear cross-traffic alert system. The latter is bundled with the Accord's blind-spot monitor, which is standard on the EX trim level and above. Make sure you get it." — Brent Romans
Interior
"I had to drive my kids (ages 7 and 11) around quite a bit last week — school pickup and drop off, piano lessons, soccer practice, etc. My kids easily got in and out thanks to the wide rear door openings. They also had no issues with buckling the seat belts. (On some other cars, the booster seats can partially cover the buckle receivers.) These days, the crossover SUV is the family vehicle of choice for a lot of people, but roomy sedans such as the Accord can still work out well as a family taxi." — Brent Romans
Monthly Update for November 2018
Where Did We Drive It?
The Accord logged over 2,000 miles this month, thanks largely to a couple of road trips at the hands of editors Takahashi and Lago. The former drove to Napa for an automotive event and came back with compliments about the car's long-distance comfort, while the latter treated the Accord to an oil change before hitting the road for Thanksgiving.
Back at the office, meanwhile, your humble narrator and a certain editor Kaufman logged dueling comments about the Accord's continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). I think it's notably slower to respond than some rival units; he thinks it's peachy. You'll find all that and more in the Logbook Highlights below.
What Kind of Fuel Economy Did It Get?
Having averaged at least the EPA combined rating in October for the first month ever, the Accord couldn't keep it going this month, dropping to 30.7 mpg. That still seems respectable for a sizable sedan with decent punch, but the ongoing gap between our car's real-world fuel economy and the EPA's projections can't be ignored. At least our lifetime average keeps inching up, from 27.5 mpg last month to 28.2 at the end of November.
Average lifetime mpg: 28.2
EPA mpg rating: 33 combined (30 city/38 highway)
Best fill mpg: 35.2
Best range: 429 miles
Current odometer: 8,152 miles
Maintenance and Upkeep
"Right as we left to visit the family for Thanksgiving, the Accord flashed its 'Service Due' warning light. Service A1 is an oil change, tire rotation and a visual inspection. I found a local Honda dealer who was able to service the car on Black Friday, which provided a convenient excuse to avoid the shopping madness that day. The service adviser noted that our car was due for a software update, but he was unable to perform it, as the techs had misplaced the thumb drive needed to make the update. Instead of waiting another hour for a tech to get a new thumb drive and load it with the correct software, I opted to have the A1 service performed so I could be on my way. Total cost was just under $100." — Carlos Lago, manager, feature content
Logbook Highlights
Performance
"I continue to chug the CVT automatic haterade, but I will admit that not all CVT automatics are equally disappointing. Trouble is, the Accord's CVT automatic is on the wrong end of this spectrum in one key respect: When you stomp the gas from a stop for a quick getaway, there's a notable delay before anything happens. This is not the case, for example, in the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross that came through the garage recently. Subaru, too, has mastered the art of serving up quick CVT automatic throttle response from rest. But in the Accord — or the Civic or the CR-V — you have to wait that extra beat. And I don't like to wait." — Josh Sadlier, senior manager, content strategy
"As far as I'm concerned, this Accord is the benchmark for small-engine CVT automatic drivetrains. Honda's setup responds quickly and naturally, so I never feel like I'm stuck in the sucky part of the powerband and waiting for the system to catch up to driving conditions. It also doesn't have awkwardly artificial 'shift points' programmed in. The Accord embraces the CVT automatic and makes it work, and it's not just competent, it's good." — Will Kaufman, content strategist & news editor
Technology
"The adaptive cruise control in our Accord could use a retune. It takes just a bit too long to react to slowing traffic, resulting in an abrupt application of the brakes. In a lot of ways, it reacts like an inattentive driver who was caught off guard. In dense traffic, it feels as though it's brake-checking the driver behind you. Other systems, Subaru's in particular, do it much better." — Mark Takahashi, senior reviews editor
Comfort
"On my return trip from Napa, I got in the Accord and saw that my hosts had filled up the tank. A nice sentiment, but that killed my ability to track the fuel economy. On the plus side, it gave me enough range to cover the 400-plus miles back to L.A. without having to stop.
"Over the next six hours, I realized that the seats are well-shaped for long stints like this. In some other cars, I'll periodically adjust the seat to shift contact points, but in the Accord, I never felt the need." — Mark Takahashi
Monthly Update for December 2018
Where Did We Drive It?
It was a slow month for the Accord when an exciting one was needed. With seven full months in the books, we're not even halfway to our 20,000-mile target for the year, and the December tally was just 937 miles. That's largely because your humble narrator, who had the car to himself through the holidays, couldn't be bothered to venture outside the greater Los Angeles area.
But should the Accord shoulder some of the blame? Perhaps. Although this car commands the road like none other in its class, there's no question in my mind that the continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is a killjoy (see Editor Montoya's counterpoint below). If we had the 2.0-liter engine with the 10-speed automatic, or of course the six-speed manual that's available with either engine, I'd have been more likely to squeeze in a significant road trip over the holiday break. With the CVT automatic, the little 1.5-liter turbo drones and surges and generally seems unhappy, but Honda's Corporate Average Fuel Economy gets a boost. So it goes.
What Kind of Fuel Economy Did It Get?
After a few months of incremental improvement, the Accord's fuel economy regressed in December. We poured in 34.36 gallons over those 937 miles, which comes out to 27.3 mpg for the month. Even if that was mostly urban driving, we were still far off the EPA's estimate of 30 mpg city, and I know I put in some quality freeway time at 70 mph. At this point in the test, I'd wager that the Accord's real-world equilibrium is around 26 city/35 highway, but we'll see how things turn out.
Average lifetime mpg: 28.2
EPA mpg rating: 33 combined (30 city/38 highway)
Best fill mpg: 35.2
Best range: 429 miles
Current odometer: 9,089 miles
Maintenance and Upkeep
None.
Logbook Highlights
Performance
"The Accord's power delivery has a bit of a learning curve. It has the power, but you can't expect it to jump off the line from a stop. With time, you'll learn how to work around the CVT automatic. And it's worth learning because the Accord is one of the best non-luxury midsize sedans out there. Don't just take my word for it, Edmunds has it ranked No. 1 in the midsize category." — Ron Montoya, senior consumer advice editor
Miscellaneous
"It's when you drive other midsize sedans that you appreciate the Accord more. Sure, most sedans serve most family needs, but the Accord just does everything better. Its interior is roomier and has more storage space (and it doesn't look like a spaceship). Its heated seats work quickly and hard. It has ample passing and merging power, and the acceleration response is great considering it's from a CVT automatic. It gets great fuel economy — I saw 35 mpg during a long freeway stint over the holidays. It's pretty quiet, and it rides well, too. Whatever's on your shopping list, cross it off and write 'Accord.'" — Carlos Lago, manager, feature content
"I was looking at Accord prices recently and was surprised to see that there are some great deals to be had on a new Accord. While browsing EX-Ls with either the base 1.5 or the optional 2.0-liter turbo engine, I ran a few ZIP codes from around the country and saw savings between $3,000 to $4,800 off the sticker price. The latter number was for a Radiant Red, EX-L, 2.0 turbo. It had a starting price of about $32,000 and was on sale for just over $28,000. That's a lot of car for the money!" — Ron Montoya
Monthly Update for January 2019
Where Did We Drive It?
January was another quiet month for the Accord, which means we are now well off our desired 20,000-mile pace for the year. The poor Honda barely managed 600 miles in the first frame of 2019. Eight months into our yearlong test of the Accord, we've yet to hit the 10,000-mile mark. With the rainy season mostly behind us, we plainly need to schedule some road trips and make up for lost time.
All wasn't lost in January, however, as the Accord spent part of the month in the capable hands of Editor Frio, who added a number of thoughtful comments to the logbook. It's well worth scrolling down to read them all. The Accord may not be getting the miles it needs, but it continues to generate plenty of conversation, as befits the current king of our midsize sedan rankings.
What Kind of Fuel Economy Did It Get?
By the numbers, the Accord turned in another subpar effort at the pump. Our two fills in January covered 669.5 miles and totaled 25.518 gallons of 87 octane, which comes out to 26.2 mpg. As a result, our lifetime average dipped a couple of tenths to an even 28 mpg, which, you'll note, is a full 2 mpg below the EPA's city estimate. Like I said, this car needs some road trips.
Average lifetime mpg: 28.0
EPA mpg rating: 33 combined (30 city/38 highway)
Best fill mpg: 35.2
Best range: 429 miles
Current odometer: 9,759 miles
Maintenance and Upkeep
None.
Logbook Highlights
Interior
"I used to rail against fake wood inlays. Automakers should either pony up the cheddar for real wood and charge accordingly, I thought, or skip the pretense altogether and just use shiny black plastic or cheap fabric-wrapped inlay. Even some kinds of cheap mahogany or poplar with a nice stain, even bamboo, would look better than plastic made to look like wood grain.
"But I've changed my mind since sitting in the Accord. Its printed wood-look plastic is pretty convincing. It's got a nice (fake) grain and reminds me of an ebony guitar fretboard. It also does a good job of visually separating the instrument panel. I've come around to the idea too, especially when you see how convincing the printed textures on laminate home flooring have become. Sign of the times.
"Anyway, this is an Accord, not a Bentley. Wood in a car seems strange when you think about it, but when it's done right, it's one of those fine details that make you smile. Even though it's not wood, the Accord's trim is a small detail that classes up the cabin a bit." — Dan Frio, reviews editor
Technology
"Our EX-L has what Honda calls a '450-watt premium audio system with 10 speakers.' Although 10 speakers and 450 watts it may have, calling it premium is generous. It's not bad or anything. It can get loud enough while remaining clean and free of distortion as you crank the volume, and it seems to reproduce frequencies pretty accurately. There's not quite enough bass, for my taste anyway, even though there is a subwoofer level control. An additional 100 watts would go a long way here.
"As I was sitting in the back listening to some music, I noticed I couldn't hear the vocals from the rear speakers. I could hear them present in the front speakers, but not loud enough to discern the lyrics, for example. And while I couldn't hear the vocals, I could hear other instruments. Surely the Accord didn't have a surround system, did it? Turns out the Accord has a neural surround function, which is just a fancy way of digitally processing a two-channel stereo signal to approximate a five-channel feature (i.e., 5.1 surround).
"I disabled it and the sound improved. More bass, more definition, more focus. It's a decent enough effect for listening to podcasts and spoken-word material since it can sound more like a room with slight reverberation rather than an enclosed cage of steel and glass. But turn it off when you want to strike up some tunes." — Dan Frio
"Still not crazy about this touchscreen. They've done a nice job using a matte display and angling it up and away from the driver to minimize glare. Likewise, it doesn't show heavy fingerprinting. But Honda seems to like wasting space on these screens with a load of buttons, and this one's no different. The hard buttons are long, about the width of a fat finger, and just seem unnecessarily large. Useful if you're wearing gloves perhaps, but not very practical otherwise. Shrink down those buttons and I bet you gain a half-inch to one inch of screen real estate. With our smartphones increasingly going bezel-less, I imagine touchscreens will follow as the costs come down.
"The other thing that bugs me about this touchscreen is that it just looks tacked on. It's not recessed into the dash and doesn't look like part of the instrument panel. I've seen worse — Mercedes comes to mind — but it seems like Honda could have notched out a housing within the larger dash panel to fit the display. I do like this screen's simplicity, with its large icons and especially the volume and tuning dials, given that terrible and rightly maligned volume-slider trick Honda tried to pull a few years ago." — Dan Frio
Safety
"This Accord seems less prone to the false driver safety alerts that plagued our old Civic long-termer and continue to haunt our current CR-V to some degree. The Accord seems to allow a bit more assertive driving and more margin in closing speeds and braking distance before it sounds the alarms. I experienced a couple of instances when the Civic just panicked when I still had plenty of room for safe braking, deciding on its own to apply a hard stop. It was unsettling.
"Haven't noticed that at all yet in the Accord. It's flashed a few BRAKE! warnings at me in the driver display, but hasn't intervened like its predecessors did. I've also noticed that the adaptive cruise is more forgiving of cars that slip in front of you. Perhaps Honda is using improved cameras, sensors or radar, or maybe the calibrations have improved. Whatever it is seems to have worked." — Dan Frio
Comfort
"Pretty impressed with the Accord's climate control. Not all climate control systems are created equal, and the Accord's is one of the better ones I've experienced. We've had a run of chilly weather recently and the first thing I noticed when stepping into the Accord on a 40-degree morning was how quickly the seats light up. The heat isn't distributed very evenly — it's more back than bottom — but it is strong.
"Cabin heat, too, comes on quickly and effectively, even with a cold engine. There's also this great detail where a translucent ring around the temp dial glows red or blue, depending which way you turn the dial. Very small but very cool detail that makes you appreciate other small details within the car." — Dan Frio
Performance
"I recently drove the Accord Sport 2.0 variant with the 10-speed automatic transmission and it has spoiled our long-term Accord for me. The standard 1.5-liter four-cylinder with the CVT is no match for the Sport's refinement or driving experience. As CVTs go, I think our Accord's is pretty good, especially when you drop it into S mode; it seems to hook up a lot quicker, there's more power down low and less acceleration delay.
"That said, the CVT just has too many of those moments where it winds out horribly and engine speed just climbs, and climbs, and climbs some more before initiating a 'shift.' You can learn to drive it in a way that minimizes such episodes, but why bother? The Accord costs more with the 10-speed auto, but it would really be the only version I'd consider." — Dan Frio
Utility
"My wife and child do an extended stay in the wife's home country every year, and the wife is an expert at knowing just how much baggage and weight she can get away with taking on the plane. And it's a lot. When it comes to airport taxi service, I always try to borrow the largest SUV or truck in our fleet. No luck this time though, and the Accord was the only thing available. I was skeptical, but in the end, I couldn't believe it all fit. Mind you, this luggage haul consumed the trunk and one rear passenger seat, so it was a three-passenger ride. Pretty impressive nonetheless." — Dan Frio
Monthly Update for February 2019
Where Did We Drive It?
February was a notable chapter in Edmunds' long-term 2018 Honda Accord chronicles, thanks primarily to Editor Romans, our man in Fresno. He drove the car seemingly all over California during his extended time with the keys, setting a new single-tank mpg record in the process.
That's the good news. The bad news is that even our best tank still falls well short of the EPA's highway estimate. But, hey, things are moving in the right direction. Read on for all the details on that front, as well as for Mr. Romans' in-depth impressions of Honda's finest Accord yet.
What Kind of Fuel Economy Did It Get?
If you're just tuning in, our Accord has had a tough go at the pump. Against an EPA combined rating of 33 mpg, we've averaged only 28 mpg (and change) in our specimen, and we haven't hit the 38 mpg highway rating even once. But we've never come closer than this month's record-setting 35.8 mpg tank, and our monthly average of 33 mpg was a record-tying result — over a healthy 1,121 miles, no less.
Have we finally figured out how to drive this thing efficiently? I'll believe it when I see a 38 mpg tank, but it's nice to note some progress.
Average lifetime mpg: 28.4
EPA mpg rating: 33 combined (30 city/38 highway)
Best fill mpg: 35.8
Best range: 429 miles
Current odometer: 11,270 miles
Maintenance and Upkeep
None.
Logbook Highlights
Technology-Audio
"Considering the Accord is a recently redesigned family sedan, I'd hope to see extra USB charging ports for rear passengers. Alas, our Accord EX-L has just two USB ports for the cabin — one in the front console and one inside the center console bin. I suppose you could always make do by using an extra charger and connect it to the center console's 12-volt power outlet. All the same, it's a little disappointing. For what it's worth, Honda does equip the higher levels of the CR-V with extra rear-seat USB ports." — Brent Romans, senior editor, written content
Performance
"I logged our Accord's best fuel economy fill so far: 35.8 mpg. It's a small victory — our previous record was 35.2 mpg — but I'll take it. The result came during a round-trip drive from Fresno to Los Angeles. My cruising speed was typically 70-plus mph, so I think there's an opportunity to get closer to the EPA's estimate of 38 mpg if I did it again at a lower speed. But as Josh noted a couple of months ago, it seems like 35 mpg is our Accord's upper limit for fuel economy for the way we typically drive." — Brent Romans
Comfort
"I'm still enjoying our Accord for long-distance drives. In our September update, I wrote that I was comfortable 'for a five-hour drive, no problem,' and that it 'rides smoothly on the highway without being overly soft.' Well, I doubled that [seat] time this month and the commentary still holds up." — Brent Romans
Miscellaneous
"While driving around town yesterday, our Accord suddenly triggered its automatic emergency braking system. There wasn't anything ahead of me, so it was definitely an error. The system emitted an audible alert and engaged the brakes but just for a brief moment. I was more surprised than anything else. It was raining at the time, so I would guess that the system registered something to be a stationary object that really wasn't. It hasn't happened since." — Brent Romans
"If I were shopping for a midsize sedan, the Accord would be very high on my list. There's just so much that's good here. I like the way our long-termer drives, even if the CVT automatic is a little sluggish to get the engine going. (If you don't like it, you can get the more powerful 2.0T engine with a 10-speed automatic or a six-speed manual!)
"It's also roomy, comfortable, packed with features and, if you believe the government and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, plenty safe. The topper would be the Accord's reputation for reliability and strong resale value. Certain other sedans might be more appealing in one particular area. But on the whole, the Accord deservedly earns its spot as our Editors' Choice for a 2019 sedan." — Brent Romans
Monthly Update for March 2019
Where Did We Drive It?
The short answer is: not much of anywhere. There's only a single fill-up in the Accord's fuel log for March, which means we didn't exactly help the cause of getting to 20,000 miles for the yearlong test.
Our Accord did, however, spark an interesting exchange between your humble narrator and a friend who's been looking for a well-rounded family sedan. I wanted him to buy a lightly used Genesis G80 5.0 because you can get one for Accord Touring money, and any family would benefit from rear-wheel drive and a 420-horsepower V8.
But his heart was set on an Accord, so the key question became which Accord was right for him? Keep reading — the answer is coming.
What Kind of Fuel Economy Did It Get?
I'm going to suspend my usual routine of bashing the Accord's real-world fuel economy until next month because there's only a single new tank to talk about. We poured in 11.867 gallons in March and covered 315.6 miles, which comes out to 26.6 mpg. I'll let you draw your own conclusions about how that stacks up against the EPA's projections.
Average lifetime mpg: 28.4
EPA mpg rating: 33 combined (30 city/38 highway)
Best fill mpg: 35.8
Best range: 429 miles
Current odometer: 11,586 miles
Maintenance and Upkeep
None.
Logbook Highlights
Miscellaneous
"My friend's been considering all sorts of cars for his next purchase, but he's ended up somewhere eminently sensible: On Honda's website, configuring new Accords. Naturally, he texts me and asks me which one he should get. I reply that a man such as himself with enthusiast leanings should spring for the Sport 2.0T with the manual, but he says his wife demands an automatic and leather upholstery — so he's leaning toward the EX-L.
"As it happens, that's exactly what we have here at Edmunds. I tell him my misgivings about the mandatory gearless CVT automatic, which in my opinion takes too long to get fully engaged when you ask for acceleration. I also pass along that we've fallen far short of the EPA's fuel economy projections.
"'Wait a minute,' I tell him. 'What about the Accord Hybrid? The EPA says 48 mpg all day every day, so even if you come up a little short, you're still in the mid-40s. And it's got 212 horsepower versus the 1.5T's 192 hp! And it doesn't even really have a transmission at all!'
"Truth be told, I've never driven an Accord Hybrid, but my friend promptly heads to a Honda dealer and drives one himself. 'It's the one,' he tells me afterward. 'It drives great, and the powertrain feels more responsive. Plus I'm getting twice the mpg on the same commute. What's not to like?'
"I think that's some chewy food for thought if you're considering an Accord like my friend. Honestly, why buy a regular Accord 1.5T CVT automatic if you can have the hybrid instead?" — Josh Sadlier
"I know that sedans are seemingly going the way of the dodo, so it's not a great time to be asking Honda for a major product modification. But I can't help but think that the Accord would be an even better package if it weren't quite so long. At 192.2 inches, the current Accord is virtually the same length as the Camry, but it looks longer due to its low-slung styling. And I'm pretty sure no one needs as much rear legroom as you get in this Honda. At 6-foot-1, I can slide the driver's seat all the way back to accommodate my legs and still have more than enough space to plop down in the second row.
"I'd love to try an Accord in the 188-inch range, which is where it used to be from the late '90s to 2007. I bet there'd still be plenty of passenger space all around. And not only would it look tauter and more purposeful, but it'd also handle even better — without the sense you get now that you're pulling a whole lot of car behind you. File this one under 'Seemingly Sensible Ideas That'll Never Happen,' alongside the return of the truly compact pickup truck and other such strokes of genius." — Josh Sadlier
Monthly Update for April 2019
Where Did We Drive It?
Our long-term Accord continued to make the SoCal rounds in April, rolling up nearly 1,000 miles as the winter rains subsided and the wildflowers bloomed. Perhaps the highest compliment we can pay the Accord at this point is that its excellence makes it difficult for us to come up with meaningful complaints.
Hondas used to be this way — so competent and so cleverly engineered that they routinely rendered snarky critics speechless. It's safe to say the brand is back, and as our Accord approaches a full year in our care, it just keeps on making the case that all other midsize sedans are playing for second place.
What Kind of Fuel Economy Did It Get?
We fed the Accord 32.857 gallons of regular unleaded in April and got 977.1 miles in return. That comes out to 29.7 mpg, which is still a few tenths shy of the EPA's city figure. But it's also our fourth-best monthly average out of 11 months so far.
Average lifetime mpg: 28.5
EPA mpg rating: 33 combined (30 city/38 highway)
Best fill mpg: 35.8
Best range: 429 miles
Current odometer: 13,302 miles
Maintenance and Upkeep
None.
Logbook Highlights
Technology
"I feel warm and fuzzy about the Accord's infotainment interface every time I use it. It's notable because Honda was behind the curve for years with its central screens. The graphics were subpar and the interfaces were clunky; shoot, you'll still find them in multiple Acura products. Not what you'd expect from a company with such a long history of innovation.
"But all's well that ends well, and the current Accord's screen is a great outcome. The graphics are sharp, the colors pop, and the menus make sense and respond quickly. There's even a pair of handy knobs for volume and tuning. Nice to see Honda finally getting its act together in this regard." — Josh Sadlier
Miscellaneous
"I drove the new Nissan Altima recently, and I liked it. The Altima had fallen well behind the leaders in this segment prior to its 2019 redesign, but now I'd say it's right back in the mix. Is it as good as the Accord? Interesting question.
"My sense is that the Accord would beat it in a comparison test, but the Altima's deficiencies were not immediately apparent during my spin around town. One thing I prefer about the Altima is the responsiveness of its continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Nissan has been putting CVT automatics in its mainstream cars for many years, remember, whereas Honda's just getting started. Anyway, I only drove the Altima home and back, but color me intrigued. If you could get one at a significant savings versus a comparable Accord, a back-to-back test drive would definitely be in order." — Josh Sadlier
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
"For decades, cars like the Accord have been referred to as family sedans. But now that SUVs have taken over the world and become the default family choice, does it even make sense to talk about family sedans anymore? I see the current Accord as a step away from the traditional, practical 'three-box' sedan profile and toward a future in which sedans will be more about expressions of personal style.
"The family sedan's lack of a tall hatchback cargo area was always a practicality compromise anyway; it was only the irrational American aversion to hatchbacks and wagons that put sedans in so many families' driveways. Now that the SUV has emerged as a hatchback that Americans can tolerate, dynamic fastback designs such as the Accord look set to become the mainstream-sedan norm. Witness the rakish new Volkswagen Arteon, for example, or the upcoming 2020 Hyundai Sonata. Fashion is shaping the humble sedan like never before. It's a feather in Honda's cap that the Accord was one of the first in its class to define this trend." — Josh Sadlier
Wrap-Up
What We Got
The Honda Accord has been a stalwart of the midsize sedan class for over 40 years, during which time it often led the segment in terms of innovation and driving dynamics. That's why, even as customer preferences have shifted to crossovers, the launch of a new Accord is a major event.
An argument for adding an Accord to our long-term fleet could have been made on its significance alone, but the Accord earned a spot the old-fashioned way — by its merits. In short, we drove it, loved it, and rated it an 8.3 out of 10, making it the highest-ranked car in its class. We reached out to Honda to secure a loaner.
We based our rating on a Touring model with the 1.5-liter turbo engine but worried that its specific equipment — namely, the larger wheels and adaptive dampers — would color aspects of the car that would make our test irrelevant to shoppers not considering this trim. We also felt its asking price of around $35,000, including destination charges, was out of reach for many buyers. At the same time, we wanted a few luxuries to give the car a fair shake.
With all this in mind, we settled on an Accord EX-L. While the EX trim is undoubtedly more popular, we thought the $2,230 upgrade for leather seats, a premium audio system and other odds and ends was worth it. We skipped the optional navigation system, bringing our Accord's retail price to $30,865.
Fast forward to today. While our editors all found things to like and dislike, our overall impression is that the Accord is still at the top of its game. Read on to learn what our editors thought after 12 months with Honda's flagship sedan.
Performance
"As far as I'm concerned, this Accord is the benchmark for small-engine CVT automatic drivetrains. Honda's setup responds quickly and naturally, so I never feel like I'm stuck in the sucky part of the powerband and waiting for the system to catch up to driving conditions. It also doesn't have awkwardly artificial 'shift points' programmed in. The Accord embraces the CVT automatic and makes it work, and it's not just competent, it's good." — Will Kaufman, content strategist & news editor
"I continue to chug the CVT automatic haterade, but I will admit that not all CVT automatics are equally disappointing. Trouble is, the Accord's CVT automatic is on the wrong end of this spectrum in one key respect: When you stomp the gas from a stop for a quick getaway, there's a noticeable delay before anything happens. This is not the case, for example, in the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross that came through the garage recently. Subaru, too, has mastered the art of serving up quick CVT automatic throttle response from rest. But in the Accord — or the Civic or the CR-V — you have to wait that extra beat. And I don't like to wait." — Josh Sadlier, director, content strategy
"I recently drove the Accord Sport 2.0 variant with the 10-speed automatic transmission and it has spoiled our long-term Accord for me. The standard 1.5-liter four-cylinder with the CVT is no match for the Sport's refinement or driving experience. As CVTs go, I think our Accord's is pretty good, especially when you drop it into S mode; it seems to hook up a lot quicker, there's more power down low and less acceleration delay.
"That said, the CVT just has too many of those moments where it winds out horribly and engine speed just climbs, and climbs, and climbs some more before initiating a 'shift.' You can learn to drive it in a way that minimizes such episodes, but why bother? The Accord costs more with the 10-speed auto, but it would really be the only version I'd consider." — Dan Frio, reviews editor
"I just drove our new Accord up Route 18 from San Bernardino to Lake Arrowhead (elevation: 5,174 feet), and it was delightful. Turn-in was sharp, body roll was minimal, and even on all-season tires, the car felt so athletic and composed that it reminded me of my old 1993 and 2001 Preludes — only better. Yes, you read that right. I'm telling you that Honda's family sedan of today handles better than its top-line sport coupe of yesteryear. Think of it as a Prelude with an upgraded suspension, a humongous back seat and, oh yeah, torque.
"By the way, the brakes felt plenty powerful and never once complained on the way back down the mountain. Remember when Honda brakes used to fall apart during spirited use? Not anymore. From a vehicle dynamics perspective, this car is a home run. Wow." —Josh Sadlier
MPG
"I logged our Accord's best fuel economy fill so far: 35.8 mpg [Editor's note: This ended up being the Accord's best single-tank fuel economy of the yearlong test]. It's a small victory — our previous record was 35.2 mpg — but I'll take it. The result came during a round-trip drive from Fresno to Los Angeles. My cruising speed was typically 70-plus mph, so I think there's an opportunity to get closer to the EPA's estimate of 38 mpg if I did it again at a lower speed. But as Josh noted a couple of months ago, it seems like 35 mpg is our Accord's upper limit for fuel economy for the way we typically drive." — Brent Romans, senior editor, written content
Comfort
"I'm still enjoying our Accord for long-distance drives. In our September update, I wrote that I was comfortable 'for a five-hour drive, no problem,' and that it 'rides smoothly on the highway without being overly soft.' Well, I doubled that [seat] time this month and the commentary still holds up." — Brent Romans
"A very good car for long trips (aside from the adaptive cruise). It has a pleasant ride [and] plenty of space and is comfortable. One ding is that the road noise is excessive. Not awful, but out of step with the decidedly premium vibe this car otherwise conveys very well." — Jason Kavanagh, senior vehicle test engineer
"I'm pretty impressed with the Accord's climate control. Not all climate control systems are created equal, and the Accord's is one of the better ones I've experienced. We've had a run of chilly weather recently and the first thing I noticed when stepping into the Accord on a 40-degree morning was how quickly the seats light up. The heat isn't distributed very evenly — it's more back than bottom — but it is strong.
"Cabin heat, too, comes on quickly and effectively, even with a cold engine. There's also this great detail where a translucent ring around the temp dial glows red or blue, depending which way you turn the dial. Very small but very cool detail that makes you appreciate other small details within the car." — Dan Frio
Cargo Space
"The Accord's trunk is huge. On the spec sheet, it's listed at 16.7 cubic feet. I recently went grocery shopping and lined up six bags inside the trunk without issue. There are a couple of negatives, though. The first one is that the trunklid's 'gooseneck' hinges impinge on the cargo area. Try to close the lid after you've totally loaded up on suitcases and you'll find yourself crushing your stuff. Most midsize sedans have a similar hinge design, but it's worth pointing out.
"Also, there's no interior grab handle to close the trunklid. The only way to close it is by grabbing the lid from the outside. Here in California (where Edmunds is located), that's not normally a problem. But if you live in a state that has real weather, the outside of your Accord's trunklid will probably be covered in dirt or muck during the winter months." — Brent Romans
"My wife and child do an extended stay in the wife's home country every year, and the wife is an expert at knowing just how much baggage and weight she can get away with taking on the plane. And it's a lot. When it comes to airport taxi service, I always try to borrow the largest SUV or truck in our fleet. No luck this time though, and the Accord was the only thing available. I was skeptical, but in the end, I couldn't believe it all fit. Mind you, this luggage haul consumed the trunk and one rear passenger seat, so it was a three-passenger ride. Pretty impressive nonetheless." — Dan Frio
"Even though I just took the Accord to go home and come back, I appreciated its plethora of storage options. The center console has a deep well with a removable shelf, and it's also perfect for plugging in and tucking away a smartphone since there's a USB port in there. The doors have places to store two water bottles. The cubby forward of the shifter was mighty impressive for how deep it is — I could fit my sunglasses case longways in there and still be able to close the little door. And there was more than enough room left over for my smartphone, which, again, can be plugged in and tucked away thanks to that cubby's additional USB port. All the nooks and crannies make the Accord an ideal road-trip vehicle. Think of all the snacks, plugged-in devices, and thirst quenchers you can store readily at hand." — Caroline Pardilla, senior copy editor
Interior
"I used to rail against fake wood inlays. Automakers should either pony up the cheddar for real wood and charge accordingly, I thought, or skip the pretense altogether and just use shiny black plastic or cheap fabric-wrapped inlay. Even some kinds of cheap mahogany or poplar with a nice stain, even bamboo, would look better than plastic made to look like wood grain.
"But I've changed my mind since sitting in the Accord. Its printed wood-look plastic is pretty convincing. It's got a nice (fake) grain and reminds me of an ebony guitar fretboard. It also does a good job of visually separating the instrument panel. I've come around to the idea too, especially when you see how convincing the printed textures on laminate home flooring have become. Sign of the times.
"Anyway, this is an Accord, not a Bentley. Wood in a car seems strange when you think about it, but when it's done right, it's one of those fine details that make you smile. Even though it's not wood, the Accord's trim is a small detail that classes up the cabin a bit." — Dan Frio
"Why is the Accord's automatic shift lever about 4 inches taller than it needs to be? What is this, a tall-shifter kit from the factory? Calling the new Accord a Japanese Audi A7 is less hyperbolic than you might think but, man, this dorky shifter has got to go before I push that analogy any further. I think we can all agree that if the driver's arm is resting on the center armrest, the shift lever should fall readily to hand. In the Accord, I have to put my forearm at what feels like a 45-degree angle to reach the shift knob. How incongruous in such an urbane and sporty car." — Josh Sadlier
"I'm pretty comfortable when taking our Accord on long drives. When I first took the keys, I had to fiddle with the Accord's driver's seat and steering wheel positioning more than I thought I would. But once I got it dialed in, I was good for a five-hour drive, no problem. The car rides smoothly on the highway without being overly soft. It's kind of what you expect from a Honda, right? The only issue might be wind and tire noise, which seems to be a bit louder than on some other sedans." — Brent Romans
Audio and Technology
"Honda's new infotainment system is a massive improvement over its previous one. The dedicated hard buttons on the sides of the screen are useful, overall performance is faster and more responsive, and [Apple] CarPlay is more reliable (it wouldn't recognize my phone half the time on the prior system). I use CarPlay on many vehicles to bypass a subpar infotainment system, but the one in the Accord is so good I didn't really feel the need to plug in my phone as often. One cool feature is the shortcut buttons at the top of the screen. With one button press, you can be in the phone menu, FM radio, Bluetooth or XM. It would be nice to have a one-button shortcut to Apple CarPlay when your phone is connected. But even still, that's only two button presses away." — Ron Montoya, senior consumer advice editor
"It happened in our long-term 2016 Civic, and it's happening again in the Accord. I like music with a little bass behind it, and the rear decks in these cars simply cannot handle it. Turn up the volume even partway, and that deck gets to rattling something fierce. It's especially disappointing in the Accord because I can tell the sound quality is pretty good. The rear deck just isn't bolted in firmly enough to let those speakers shine. It's one of those seemingly minor annoyances that's actually a pretty big deal." — Josh Sadlier
"Our EX-L has what Honda calls a '450-watt premium audio system with 10 speakers.' Although 10 speakers and 450 watts it may have, calling it premium is generous. It's not bad or anything. It can get loud enough while remaining clean and free of distortion as you crank the volume, and it seems to reproduce frequencies pretty accurately. There's not quite enough bass, for my taste anyway, even though there is a subwoofer level control. An additional 100 watts would go a long way here.
"As I was sitting in the back listening to some music, I noticed I couldn't hear the vocals from the rear speakers. I could hear them present in the front speakers, but not loud enough to discern the lyrics, for example. And while I couldn't hear the vocals, I could hear other instruments. Surely the Accord didn't have a surround system, did it? Turns out the Accord has a neural surround function, which is just a fancy way of digitally processing a two-channel stereo signal to approximate a five-channel feature (i.e., 5.1 surround).
"I disabled it and the sound improved. More bass, more definition, more focus. It's a decent enough effect for listening to podcasts and spoken-word material since it can sound more like a room with slight reverberation rather than an enclosed cage of steel and glass. But turn it off when you want to strike up some tunes." — Dan Frio
"The adaptive cruise control in our Accord could use a retune. It takes just a bit too long to react to slowing traffic, resulting in an abrupt application of the brakes. In a lot of ways, it reacts like an inattentive driver who was caught off guard. In dense traffic, it feels as though it's brake-checking the driver behind you. Other systems, Subaru's in particular, do it much better." — Mark Takahashi, senior reviews editor
"This Accord seems less prone to the false driver safety alerts that plagued our old Civic long-termer and continue to haunt our current CR-V to some degree. The Accord seems to allow a bit more assertive driving and more margin in closing speeds and braking distance before it sounds the alarms. I experienced a couple of instances when the Civic just panicked when I still had plenty of room for safe braking, deciding on its own to apply a hard stop. It was unsettling.
"Haven't noticed that at all yet in the Accord. It's flashed a few BRAKE! warnings at me in the driver display, but hasn't intervened like its predecessors did. I've also noticed that the adaptive cruise is more forgiving of cars that slip in front of you. Perhaps Honda is using improved cameras, sensors or radar, or maybe the calibrations have improved. Whatever it is seems to have worked." — Dan Frio
Maintenance
"Touching the keyless-entry sensor on either front door handle of our new Accord should auto-unlock all four doors. But it's only working on three. The driver-side rear remains locked until I press the inside door-panel-mounted unlock button." — Mike Schmidt, senior manager, vehicle testing operations
"Right as we left to visit the family for Thanksgiving, the Accord flashed its 'Service Due' warning light. Service A1 is an oil change, tire rotation and a visual inspection. I found a local Honda dealer who was able to service the car on Black Friday, which provided a convenient excuse to avoid the shopping madness that day. The service adviser noted that our car was due for a software update, but he was unable to perform it, as the techs had misplaced the thumb drive needed to make the update. Instead of waiting another hour for a tech to get a new thumb drive and load it with the correct software, I opted to have the A1 service performed so I could be on my way. Total cost was just under $100." — Carlos Lago, manager, feature content
Miscellaneous
"I came away from Labor Day weekend pretty hot on the Toyota Camry. Thinking it'd be a good idea to double-check my feelings, I signed out the Accord for a few nights. While I still think the Camry is a solid choice, the difference between it and the Accord is immediately obvious. The Accord feels larger inside, its entertainment system works better, and its engine is punchier. There's also this lingering sense that the Accord is a nicer, more premium-feeling car. I can't quite point to one reason why, but that's the feeling I get from behind the wheel. I still won't fault anyone for choosing the Camry, but the Accord is the one to get." — Carlos Lago
"The Accord's TPMS system isn't great. When a tire is low, an alert pops up on the dash, but it doesn't tell you which tire needs air. Nowhere in the car can you see pressures for individual tires. So you pull up to a station, measure each tire, and top off as needed, just like how you'd do it five or 10 years ago. Problem is, once you resume driving, the Accord still displays the TPMS alert. It doesn't reset automatically. You have to stop, engage the parking brake, and dig into the infotainment system to reset the alert. Most cars in this price range do this automatically, so it's annoying that the Accord doesn't." — Carlos Lago
"I know that sedans are seemingly going the way of the dodo, so it's not a great time to be asking Honda for a major product modification. But I can't help but think that the Accord would be an even better package if it weren't quite so long. At 192.2 inches, the current Accord is virtually the same length as the Camry, but it looks longer due to its low-slung styling. And I'm pretty sure no one needs as much rear legroom as you get in this Honda. At 6-foot-1, I can slide the driver's seat all the way back to accommodate my legs and still have more than enough space to plop down in the second row.
"I'd love to try an Accord in the 188-inch range, which is where it used to be from the late '90s to 2007. I bet there'd still be plenty of passenger space all around. And not only would it look tauter and more purposeful, but it'd also handle even better — without the sense you get now that you're pulling a whole lot of car behind you. File this one under 'Seemingly Sensible Ideas That'll Never Happen,' alongside the return of the truly compact pickup truck and other such strokes of genius." — Josh Sadlier
Maintenance & Repairs
Regular Maintenance:
Regular service intervals for the 2018 Honda Accord are every 7,500 miles. Although we put only 13,302 miles on our long-termer, we took it in for service a second time before we handed the keys back to Honda.
The first was an A1 service, consisting of an oil change (A) and a tire rotation (1). Carlos Lago was visiting family up north when the maintenance minder flashed in the instrument panel, so he stopped by AutoNation Honda Roseville to have the service performed. Total cost for this first service was $96.39.
Shortly before we sent the Accord back to Honda, resident south-OCer Dan Frio took the sedan to his nearby dealer, Rancho Santa Margarita Honda, for its B1 service, which consists of an oil change and visual inspection (B) along with a tire rotation. There was also an outstanding bulletin for an infotainment system update. Our B1 service set us back $100.68.
The total for both services was $197.07.
Service Campaigns:
We were informed of the infotainment system update at the first service, but the dealership was unable to locate the USB drive containing the update within a reasonable amount of time. We saved the update for our second service a few months later.
Fuel Economy and Resale Value
Observed Fuel Economy:
The EPA rates the Honda Accord at 33 mpg combined (30 city/38 highway). We found these estimates difficult to achieve in real-world driving, but we averaged 35.8 mpg on our best fill, which isn't too far off the highway estimate.
Still, our overall average of 28.5 mpg was disappointing. There's no doubt that a few more road trips would have boosted the average to the city estimate, but the takeaway is that the Accord just isn't as efficient in day-to-day driving as you might think.
For the record, our long-term CR-V is also shy of its city estimate (though only by 0.5 mpg), while our long-term Civic's overall mpg landed between the city and combined ratings. Both of these Hondas were equipped with the same engine as the Accord.
Resale and Depreciation
Our 2018 Honda Accord EX-L stickered for $30,865, including destination. Over the course of a year, we added 13,302 miles to our odometer. In this condition, the Edmunds TMV Calculator valued the Accord at $23,815 based on a private-party sale.
That works out to 22.8% depreciation, which is slightly worse than the fleet average of 22% average. The depreciation level is even worse when you consider that the majority of our cars pass the 20,000-mile mark.
Summing Up
Pros:
The new Accord's larger cabin means that four adults will have no problem stretching out. We also like the new infotainment system, composed ride and spacious trunk.
Cons:
While we generally like the combo of the turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder and CVT automatic in our Civic, the powertrain drew mixed reviews in the Accord. Real-world fuel economy fell short of estimates, and, as in other Hondas, the driver aids aren't fully baked.
Bottom Line:
Despite some of our editors' protestations about the powertrain, we think the Accord is the best midsize money can buy. It's the highest-ranked sedan in its class, and many of our editors have recommended the Accord to their friends.
| Total Body Repair Costs: | None |
| Total Routine Maintenance Costs: | $197.07 (over 12 months) |
| Additional Maintenance Costs: | None |
| Warranty Repairs: | 0 |
| Non-Warranty Repairs: | 0 |
| Scheduled Dealer Visits: | 2 |
| Unscheduled Dealer Visits: | 0 |
| Days Out of Service: | 0 |
| Breakdowns Stranding Driver: | 0 |
| Best Fuel Economy: | 35.8 mpg |
| Worst Fuel Economy: | 16.2 mpg |
| Average Fuel Economy: | 28.5 mpg |
| Best Range: | 429 miles |
| True Market Value at Service End: | $23,815 (private-party sale) |
| Depreciation: | $7,050 (22.8% of paid price or original MSRP) |
| Final Odometer Reading: | 13,302 miles |
The manufacturer provided Edmunds this vehicle for the purposes of evaluation.