The latest Accord is a solid choice for a family sedan. It's roomy, practical and easy to drive. It's also impressively fuel-efficient if you get the hybrid powertrain. But some of the Accord's newest tech and features are exclusively available on the top trim level, the Touring. Unless you're willing to shell out for a fully loaded model, the Accord just doesn't stand out in the class like it used to.
Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the Edmunds YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.
Pros
Pleasing power and fuel economy from hybrid powertrain
Generous rear legroom
Big trunk can hold plenty of stuff
Easy to see out of
Cons
Certain desirable features are restricted to the top trims
All-wheel drive isn't offered, nor is sport-oriented engine
What's new
Redesigned for 2023
Available 12.3-inch touchscreen with new Google-based features
Hybrid powertrain only for the top four Accord trim levels
2023 model kicks off the 11th Accord generation
Overview
The Honda Accord has been either at the top or near the top of the midsize family sedan class for decades. With its combination of space, satisfying performance and reputation for reliability, it's easy to see why. This year marks yet another milestone in the vehicle's long history, as the 2023 Honda Accord has been fully redesigned.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Honda Accord LX 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
This new Accord has a somewhat similar profile to the previous generation, with a long hood and distinctive sloping roofline that adds some sleek, sporty personality. Up front, the grille and headlights have been simplified for a more cohesive and clean look, while the taillights adopt a tidier European flavor. Overall, it's a pleasing design that doesn't try too hard to get noticed.
Shoppers have the choice of two powertrains. The lower-level LX and EX trims come with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that's largely a carryover from the previous generation Accord. All other trim levels come with a revised hybrid powertrain that Honda says can now sustain the Accord at higher speed so the engine won't cut in to assist as frequently. It also carries an impressive EPA estimate of 48 mpg in combined city and highway driving. Gone for 2023 is the Accord's previous top-line engine, the turbocharged 2.0-liter.
Inside, the new Accord's layout is nearly identical to what we've seen in the latest redesigns of the Civic, CR-V, HR-V and Pilot, but it's been elevated by nicer materials everywhere you look and touch. The controls are easy to reach and there's no guessing to do when you're trying to adjust the volume, change the temperature, or even fiddle with the drive modes. For 2023, Accords with the hybrid powertrain get a new 12.3-inch infotainment display that is crystal-clear and instantly responsive. As an added bonus, the Touring trim has Google Assistant built right in. Think of it as having the smart speaker sitting on your bookshelf at home integrated into your car too.
Overall, we like the new Accord's spacious, refined interior and new Google-based voice control system. The hybrid system's high fuel economy is another draw. Unfortunately, the Accord is held back by a few drawbacks. Check out our complete Expert Rating for the full report on what to expect and how the Accord stacks up against the likes of the Kia K5, Hyundai Sonata and Toyota Camry.
Edmunds Expert Rating
Our VerdictThe Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
Good
7.9
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
The latest Accord is a solid choice for a family sedan. It's roomy, practical and easy to drive. It's also impressively fuel-efficient if you get the hybrid powertrain. But some of the Accord's newest tech and features are exclusively available on the top trim level, the Touring. Unless you're willing to shell out for a fully loaded model, the Accord just doesn't stand out in the class like it used to.
How does the Accord drive? We tested the Accord Sport-L, which has the hybrid powertrain. It works great in everyday driving to maximize fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance. At Edmunds' test track, our Sport-L test car accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 7 seconds, which is about a second quicker than most rival midsize hybrid sedans as well as the last Accord we tested with the base turbocharged engine. This powertrain doesn't have a transmission in the traditional sense, but Honda has cleverly programmed it to adjust engine rpm to provide the familiar shifting experience of a traditional automatic transmission. As for handling and steering, the Accord is respectably grippy when cornering but lacks the natural athleticism that earlier Accords were known for.
Comfort
8.0/10
How comfortable is the Accord? The Accord does a good job of keeping unwanted noise out of the cabin. And when the car is driving in electric mode, things are even more serene. Like other Honda vehicles, the driver's seat in the Accord could use a bit more padding, but otherwise has enough adjustability for nearly everyone to get comfortable when behind the wheel. The climate system is more than adequate when heating or cooling the car. However, the lack of rear seat air vents on some trim levels is a major oversight.
With 19-inch wheels, our test car displayed a wonderful ride quality. It soaked up major bumps and bruises without issue and kept its composure through our time with it. We'd wager that the EX-L trim, and its smaller wheels, would be even better.
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How’s the interior? The latest Honda Accord has a back-to-basics interior with a simple center stack and big, no-nonsense buttons and knobs. The learning curve is almost nonexistent, which is exactly what we like to see in a car for mass appeal. With its big door openings, getting in and out of the car is an easy task, though taller passengers need to watch their heads on the sloping roofline when entering the rear seat. Taller rear passengers might also graze the headliner but overall space in both rows is fantastic, including generous legroom.
The view from the driver's seat is unhampered by any big blind spots thanks to thin windshield pillars and a huge rear window. However, we found it difficult to see the full gauge cluster if we raised the driver's seat too high — this might be a problem for shorter drivers.
Technology
7.5/10
How’s the tech? Our test car had the 12.3-inch touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto also come along when you get this screen. Honda also offers Google voice assistant and services integration, but only on the top Touring trim. That feels like unnecessary gatekeeping, as it's a tech feature that could really improve the lower trims' overall experience. An options package to add the optional Bose system and Google Assistant would be a game changer for the Sport-L test car we had.
The Honda Sensing suite of driving aids is pretty well sorted. The lane keeping system can be overly intrusive at times, but when everything is working at once, things are great. We also appreciate how easy it is to activate the adaptive cruise control with just a simple button press on the steering wheel.
Storage
9.0/10
How’s the storage? With 16.7 cubic feet of space to offer, there is an abundance of room in the trunk for all of your things. Even long items like a golf bag will fit without any fuss at all. The center console area is on the generous side with enough surface area to swallow smaller items. There are cupholders everywhere that you want, and they fit larger water bottles with high sidewalls to keep them in place.
The rear seats are spacious enough to fit multiple car seats and the LATCH points are easy to see without anything covering them up. The only potential headache with installation is the low roofline.
Fuel Economy
8.0/10
How’s the fuel economy? The Accord ranges from an EPA-estimated 32 mpg combined for the base-engine model to 48 mpg combined for the hybrid with the smaller 17-inch wheels. We tested the Accord Sport-L, which has bigger 19-inch wheels and an estimated 44 mpg combined, and recorded 41.5 mpg on our real-world evaluation route. That's a bit short of the EPA figure as well as what we got from other midsize hybrids on the same route, but on the whole this is still a pretty efficient sedan.
Value
7.5/10
Is the Accord a good value? As a value proposition, the Accord is a tale of two competing truths. On one hand, the overall build quality is up there with the best of them. We found nothing to complain about with squeaks or rattles, panel gaps or cheap materials. This car feels like it will stand the test of time and endure the abuse of the average family without issue. On the other hand, our Sport-L test car seemed a bit light on features considering the cost. A comparable Hyundai Sonata Hybrid SEL, for example, brings more features for less money.
Wildcard
7.0/10
While the Accord is still Honda's flagship sedan, it no longer feels like the point of innovation for the company. Its best wow factor now is solid build quality and an efficient powertrain, though neither of those is truly exciting. A stronger dose of personality and more stand-alone options would go a long way toward making this car a standout favorite in the segment.
Which Accord does Edmunds recommend?
We recommend the midrange EX-L trim for most Accord shoppers. It's the only model in the lineup that comes with the hybrid powertrain and the smaller 17-inch wheels that provide a more comfortable ride quality. You also get the larger infotainment touchscreen and leather upholstery.
Honda Accord models
The 2023 Accord is available in six trim levels: LX, EX, Sport, EX-L, Sport-L and Touring. The LX and EX are powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 192 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) sends that power to the front wheels. The remaining trim levels all upgrade to hybrid powertrain with a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine. Total system output is 204 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque. It also is front-wheel-drive. Keep reading for our breakdown of the features that each Accord trim comes with.
LX Starts off the Accord lineup with:
Turbocharged 1.5-liter engine
17-inch wheels
LED headlights
Digital instrument cluster
7-inch center touchscreen display
Four-speaker audio system
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
Wi-Fi hotspot capability
Two front USB-C ports
Every Accord also comes with Honda Sensing, a collection of driver aids. These include:
Frontal collision warning with automatic braking (applies the brakes automatically to stop the vehicle to avoid or minimize a collision)
Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front)
Lane departure mitigation (warns you of a lane departure when a turn signal isn't used and can automatically steer to maintain lane position)
Lane keeping assistance (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
Automatic high-beam headlights
EX Builds on the LX by way of:
Heated front seats
Power-adjustable driver's seat
Dual-zone climate control
Eight-speaker sound system
Sunroof
Sport The Sport has a similar feature set as the EX but lacks its heated front seats. From there, it adds the hybrid powertrain along with:
19-inch wheels
12.3-inch center touchscreen
Wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
EX-L The next step up from the Sport by way of:
17-inch wheels
Front and rear parking sensors
Heated front seats
Leather seat surfaces
Two rear USB ports
Power-adjustable front passenger seat
Memory settings for driver's seat
Auto-dimming rearview mirror
Sport-L This trim takes everything from the EX-L, adds 19-inch wheels, but deletes the parking sensors and the auto-dimming rearview mirror.
2023 Honda Accord Sport Hybrid 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid EVT)
I traded in my 2020 Accord go the new 2023 Accord Hybrid Sport. It drives even better than the previous generation, and the powertrain is very powerful. Unfortunately, Honda has cut lots of corners to build these, and they didn’t even try to hide it. First off, there are a lot of new features that come standard (including the generous safety suite), however, they came at a cost. HD Radio … and Satelite radio are no longer included. Also, there aren’t any heated mirrors, which is a very important safety feature. The quality of fit and finish in the interior is highly questionable. For example, the Sports models no longer come with sport seats. They used to include a combination of leatherette and cloth for the seats. The rear seats no longer have separate headrests. The lighting also has some issues. You need extra effort in order to push those light buttons, otherwise they won’t stay on. When the lights are on, they get so bright that they obscure the occupants vision. Second, unlike the front doors which close solid and are hefty in terms of weight, the rear door interior panels are completely made out of cheap plastic. As if the rear occupants don’t deserve a comfortable ride. The rear doors are much less solid and lighter. Whenever they’re closed shut, you can hear the sound of hallow metal and the mechanisms inside the doors rattle. Third, only the highest end model include rear AC vents. I wasn’t very fortunate with my vehicle. There are several noises coming out of the engine bay. The noise from the inverter is highly noticeable. You can also hear several components in the engine compartment move around as if the engine mount or struts were worn out.
Solid but lacks some options
4 out of 5 stars
John S, 02/15/2023
2023 Honda Accord EX 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
I love the Accord EX even though I had my heart set on a hybrid but difficult to find and $5,000 more than the EX.The handling, MPG ( 34 combined city/highway driving); safety features galore and looks are all outstanding. I was disappointed that leather seats not an option unless purchasing hybrid; no wirelss charging or XM/Siriius, no universal garage opener- Honda definitely forcing … buyers into purchasing a hybrid. Passengers sitting in the front seat have no capabilities of raising the car seat, thus legitimate complaints about sitting on the ground! I had 300,000 miles on my 2009 Hionda Accord but had more options than the new one purchased.. Plus expect to pay MSRP with no negotiating and could not even get the all weather mats included in the deal- ended up paying $200 for these. Still quite happy with all of the car's features but ...
I have owned Accords from the 8th, 9th, 10th, and now 11th generation. With each generation the Accord has improved ride quality and technology to be my favorite Honda model. I bought a 2023 EX-L in order to do short and long term reviews on its performance that I will share with you before you buy or to assist you as you configure your Accord to your taste.
Stylewise, I agree that the … front end is a bit bland compared to the 10th gen, but I still like the front grille. I don't see a Taurus like some people, but more of a classic Accord. It's far better than the styles of the Accord from 2007 with parallelogram taillights or the jelly bean Taurus look of 2010.
Some upfront Pros and Cons from my point of view
Pros
- EX-L is the model to buy if you can afford a hybrid trim. The 17 inch wheels have low wind noise on the road and deliver the best MPG for the whole lineup. Touring is overpriced, and Sport models lack rear AC vents and connectivity.
- Performance is fantastic for a hybrid. I don't miss the 2.0 since I was not into the Accord for speed or high performance. I'm more of a nerd that gets more joy from high gas mileage
- Seats are more comfortable than previous gen. Have yet to test on long road trip, but feel they will be comfortable.
- Driver's dash UI is improved. You can configure both sides of the driver's info display to show current music input, powerflow, maintenance, trip odometer, miles to empty, etc. that is first rate. You can configure the look and feel of the dash interface mores than the last generation.
- Build quality is first rate. No squeaks, rattles, or noises that don't belong (so far).
Cons
- The tech/info display has a learning curve much steeper than previous generations. Car reviewers have largely skipped discussing actual setup of the UI for user preference. There are two default profiles, owner and guest, as well as the ability to create named profiles that are matched to specific drivers. I'm finding it takes much longer to mate with my iPhone when starting the car. Sometimes it's 30 -45 seconds, others I have to manually tell it to connect to the car and enable Apple Play again. This should be a simple, one-time setup, but is wasting time getting it configured to connect automatically, quickly with every drive.
- content services are now totally based on your phone apps that port to Apple Play or Android Auto. There is no longer built-in support Sirius XM. For any music, audio book, or maps app, you need to subscribe via your phone and use the app's Android or Apple interface to use. You can still get an XM 3-month trial, but you will need to negotiate that with Sirius XM directly. Sirius UI in Apple Play is inferior to previous built in app because you can't save station presets or have as much control over channel and category (at least, not that I have found).
- Built in subscription based apps of HondaLink, Alexa and ATT Wifi hotspot are the only apps built into the tech interface. ATT Wifi can be acquired for $20 month after 3-month trial. I will probably not keep it active, but testing built-in wifi to see if it helps. I have experienced some degradation when phone loses wifi and tries to revert to cell data and back again to wifi.
- Blind Spot Indicator (BSI) is not standard on every trim that it should be standard on. The supplier of the mirror-based sensors cannot keep up with Honda's production demand so many Sport, Sport-L's, EX-Ls and EX's don't have BSI sensors. You will have to ask about each specific car you test drive or order to know if it has BSI or not. No LX's have BSI. This shortage also affects CR-Vs.
- Return to column shifter. Most people seem to prefer the stick shifter over the flat buttons. but I disagree. The column shifter gets in the way of your phone and cup holders. The push button design was easy to get used to and more functional. This return to a shifter is purely a visceral change to please the people that like to grab something.
- placement of power button. This generation the Power button has been jammed in tight next to the steering column and the dash. I find it harder and less intuitive to reach. Why was it moved to such an awkward location?
Still on first tank of gas and getting 39.8 mpg. I expect this to go up as weather warms up and a fresh tank restarts the mpg calculation.
Update: Just took a road trip of 229 miles each way and got 48 mpg on mostly highway miles. Can't complain about that MPG! There were a lot of potholes in Ohio and Kentucky that haven't been patched so wear and tear on the tires/suspension could be a factor as those hard impacts add up. I'll also say the many people who drive huge pickups and SUVs that think speed limits are just guidelines while zigzagging through traffic make every road trip feel like a Mad Max movie. The Accord held it's own, but I don't want any run-ins with vehicles literally twice its size.
Overall, I'm still very happy with the new Accord despite the Cons I've listed above. It drives like a dream and is built rock solid.
Update June 2023: average mpg in summer weather is 50.5. Mileage actually seems better in Normal mode than Econ. Can't explain that one but try it for yourself.
On USB as a music source, you can copy m4a (AAC) or .mp3 to folders on a USB thumb drive with Type C connector. Playback is flaky at first as the radio needs to scan through all files in a folder to read them and identify the true music files from supporting files. It will initially report 'unsupported format' until it completes the scan. Then, it will play back music files in order or random based on setting. USB sometimes stops without warning and needs to be restarted with Play button. Accord has nice Music Library view to see folder names and artists that older USB players on Honda's do not have. Overall, convenient to have music on tiny USB tailored to your taste and saves on music subscription, but can have a few kinks in the playback process. Still loving car at 2500 miles.
Update December 2023: still love this car after 9 months, but the difficulty lowering myself into the driver seat is increasing. If you aren’t nimble and in shape, this car is low and awkward to enter. Once seated I love the drive, but getting in and out at age 59 is getting tougher. No wonder Honda can’t stock enough CR-Vs for its old Accord buyers. Gas mileage on EX-L still great. Winter numbers are around 38-43 mpg.
Sport Hybrid
5 out of 5 stars
Don Kleinfelder, 03/15/2023
2023 Honda Accord Sport Hybrid 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid EVT)
This is my first Accord, so I cannot compare it to previous models.
Pros:
1. Excellent road performance and control.
2. There is practically no learning curve involved with the car’s features. I’ve owned many vehicles in my lifetime and I would rate this vehicle among the easiest to learn (radio/climate controls ect.)
3. The trunk is huge.
4. I really like the options given for … what is displayed on the dash. Cycling through information is simple and logical.
Cons:
1. A compressor is provided in lieu of a spare tire. I suppose you’re more likely to need the compressor than the tire, but it has the potential to be very inconvenient.
Mixed: engine noise is almost nonexistent. However, there is road noise. Nothing I consider out of the ordinary, but I’ve read some reviews where people thought an Accord should have less road noise. I traded a Nissan Versa for the Honda Accord. The Accord has less road noise than a Versa, which is good enough for me.
Tested: All-New 2023 Honda Accord | Two Steps Forward, One Step Back | Full Review with Test Results
The Honda Accord is all-new for 2023, bringing fresh styling, new powertrains, and a redesigned interior with updated technology. But with the last-generation Accord being as excellent as it was, the redesigned 2023 model has a lot to live up to. In this video, Edmunds’ Clint Simone… takes you through a full review of the 2023 Honda in Sport L trim, including the test results from our track. Check it all out in the video above!
The Kia K5 is one of our favorites in the class, with a comfortable and quiet cabin, plenty of features for the money, and available all-wheel drive, which is a rarity among midsize family sedans. Fuel economy is essentially a tie with the base Accord, but Kia does not offer a hybrid variant.
The Sonata Hybrid is estimated to get 47 mpg in combined city/highway driving, making it almost as efficient as the Accord. Like the Accord, the level of road noise in the Sonata could use some quieting, but its ride quality is more comfortable regardless of wheel size, and you also get a very generous warranty. There are some lower-quality interior plastic elements, however.
The Camry Hybrid is the fuel economy champion in this group, with its base model attaining 52 mpg in combined driving — beating the Accord's combined estimate by 4 mpg. The Camry is also more affordable and delivers a more comfortable ride. But the Accord has a fresher design and a superior infotainment interface.
The Accord is one of Honda's longest-running nameplates, having come out way back in 1976. It's also consistently been one of Edmunds' most highly rated and recommended midsize sedans. As such, there's some anticipation surrounding the redesigned 2023 Honda Accord. It arrives with more mature-looking styling, a big interior technology upgrade, and a revised engine lineup. These are significant changes for the midsize sedan, which is now in its 11th generation and faces off against its longtime rival, the Toyota Camry, as well as the Hyundai Sonata and Kia K5.
As is often the case with a redesigned model, the Accord has grown in this redesign and adds 2.7 inches of length as it seems to stretch the boundaries of what "midsize" can cover. It also features a new profile that leans heavily into a fastback shape that hints for a moment that the Accord might feature a liftgate, but alas it has just a regular trunk opening. The most significant changes are instead saved for the under the hood and on the inside.
What's under the Accord's hood?
The 2023 Accord is now available with just two powertrains, whereas the last generation offered three. The base trims (LX and EX) are powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder that kicks out 192 horsepower and that same number in torque. This is pretty much a carryover engine from last year.
The higher trim levels (Sport, EX-L, Sport-L and Touring) all use a revised version of Honda's hybrid system. It pairs a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine with two electric motors. As before, the engine is primarily used to power an electric motor-generator that charges the car's hybrid battery. The battery then supplies electricity to a larger motor that primarily drives the front wheels.
This reworked hybrid system can now sustain the Accord at higher speed so the engine won't cut in to assist as frequently. All told, the system puts out 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. This is down 8 hp but up 15 lb-ft of torque over last year's Accord Hybrid, but Honda says the new figures are based on a new measurement standard and applying that standard to the prior system would result in a similar horsepower output.
The new system is more fuel-efficient than before, and you can read more about the 2023 Accord's fuel economy down below. Interestingly, Honda isn't marketing this system as the Accord Hybrid anymore. It's just part of the lineup.
Missing from the 2023 Accord is the previous 252-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Honda says the purchase rate for the bigger engine wasn't high enough to justify bringing it back for the 11th generation. The engine lineup change is also part of the company's plan to encourage buyers toward the higher-spec hybridized cars as part of Honda's plan for reduced carbon emissions. If you want a Honda with a powerful 2.0-liter, the new Civic Type R is your sole option.
How does the Accord drive?
Honda says its goal in developing this new, more grown-up Accord was to create a car that's both engaging and relaxing. Or, put another way, fun when you want it to be and out of your way when you need it to be. But our first drive of the 2023 Accord in the top-spec Touring trim left us thinking that there's still work to be done.
The first head scratcher is the ride. The Accord handles well (more on that later) but the trade-off for the buttoned-down suspension is a choppy ride. This is most apparent in the Touring and Sport models, which have large 19-inch wheels with a slender amount of tire sidewall to soak up impacts. As a result, it's crashy over rough pavement, and thumps and bumps from big potholes and expansion joints make their way through the suspension and directly into your spine. Road noise is also a problem. The Accord's sleek new shape and sound-reducing windshield on the Touring trim help to keep wind noise at a minimum, but tire roar abounds.
Another part of the Accord experience we didn't get on with is the brake pedal. While the stoppers themselves deliver a surprising amount of bite, the pedal is dead and its travel is confounding. The initial pedal travel delivers almost no stopping power, but dig in just a little bit further and you're immediately met with too much braking force. Honda hasn't managed to blend regenerative braking well enough with friction braking here, and though there are paddles on the wheel that add regenerative braking force (with the max regen setting almost mimicking one-pedal driving found in EVs), it doesn't change the fact that using the brake pedal itself leads to abrupt stops.
Thankfully, that's largely the end of the new Accord's woes. The hybrid system, which can feel underpowered in the CR-V, feels just right in the new Accord. It's nowhere near as potent as the previous 2.0-liter, and enthusiasts will definitely miss that engine, but this latest version is a more refined powertrain than the one that came before it. New programming for Honda's Linear Shift Control system mimics traditional transmission shifts instead of raging against its rev limiter like the old car did when you demand full power. The whole system does a good job of delivering enough pep when you need it and excellent fuel economy when you tone things back down.
Although a stiff ride does present compromises on the day-to-day, the new Accord handles every bit as well as its predecessor. It's accurate, and though the steering isn't weighted as naturally as in the previous car, it responds well to inputs and is engaging when the mood for some more spirited driving takes hold of you. The stern nature of the brakes start to make a bit more sense, too, because when you want to stop it stops — it's just difficult to do so comfortably.
To be fair, the new Accord doesn't feel any stiffer or louder than the last one. Honda brought along a 10th-generation Touring Hybrid for the sake of comparison, and whether you're on the highway or puttering around town, they're tough to tell apart. But the brakes are night and day. The last car was more progressive and easier to modulate when slowing down, and in this respect, the new Accord is a step backward. If Honda wanted something truly more comfortable, it should have made concessions in the handling, smoothed out the braking performance, and found a way to quiet the new car's cabin.
How's the Accord's interior?
The new interior layout is nearly identical to what we've seen in the latest redesigns of the Civic, CR-V, HR-V and Pilot but it's been elevated by nicer materials everywhere you look and touch. There's a long, flat dashboard that's topped by a touchscreen with metal accents on the climate control dials and mesh over the vents. The controls are easy to reach and there's no guessing to do when you're trying to adjust the volume, change the temperature, or even fiddle with the drive modes.
Up front, a new seat design is said to reduce fatigue on longer drives, and though the lumbar adjustment only goes fore and aft, the seats were perfectly pleasant over the course of three hours on the road. Similarly comfortable is the back seat, which possesses a gargantuan 40.8 inches of rear legroom. In that regard it feels like the back seat of a full-size sedan, but in headroom it does not. The Accord's sloping rear profile cuts down into the cabin, and if you're on the taller side, you'll have to slouch down a bit to keep your head from bouncing into the headliner when the car is in motion.
How's the Accord's tech?
For 2023, Accords with the hybrid powertrain get a new 12.3-inch infotainment display that is crystal-clear and instantly responsive. As an added bonus, the Touring trim has a Google Assistant built right in. Think of it as having the smart speaker sitting on your bookshelf at home integrated into your car, too. That might sound like the start of a dystopian nightmare for some, but you don't have to use it if you don't want to.
Those who do find the feature appealing will find that it can handle navigation requests and can manage functions like the climate controls via voice command. It understands natural speech brilliantly, and it's a big step up for voice-activated in-car assistants. Not even Mercedes and its clever MBUX voice assistant compares to just letting a tech company do what it does best. It can also answer those burning questions you might be pondering on longer journeys. Want to know what the capital of Germany is? No problem. The current weather in Tokyo? You got it. The Google Play store is also there, with the ability to download apps that have been specifically built for use in-car.
This 12.3-inch display is the largest screen that Honda has ever put in a vehicle, and it does a much better job of filling the dashboard and making it feel more modern than the smaller 9-inch screens found in the Civic, CR-V and Pilot (among others). The larger screen also adds standard wireless connectivity for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration. One more thing we like about this screen: It's placed perfectly. Sometimes the larger screens can be hard to reach for the driver, but I was able to easily reach the far edge of the screen from my driving position. There's also a small ledge below the screen for you to stabilize your hand when using the screen, another touch that just makes it all much easier to use.
LX and EX models make do with only a 7-inch touchscreen, but all Accords now have the ability to receive over-the-air software updates that can upgrade the car's functionality.
Driver assist features have also been upgraded. The forward-facing camera and radar that power the automatic emergency braking now have a wider field of view and offer better object detection at intersections, Honda says. The blind-spot warning system can detect other vehicles farther away than before, and the adaptive cruise control system now features Traffic Jam Assist, which allows the system to work in traffic down to a stop.
How economical is the Accord?
The EPA says the new Accord should get 44 mpg combined (46 city/41 highway) in Sport, Sport-L and Touring trim, while the EX-L will get 48 mpg combined (51 city/44 highway). Non-hybrid Accords are estimated to get 32 mpg combined (29 city/37 highway).
With fuel prices endlessly rising and falling, the reassurance that you'll be able to eke out more than 500 miles from a single tank is a huge boon for potential buyers, and the most fuel-efficient Accord finally matches up with the competition from Toyota and Hyundai.
What are the Accord's trim levels?
The 2023 Accord is available in six different trim levels: LX, EX, Sport, EX-L, Sport-L and Touring. Here's what you can expect from each:
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
Wi-Fi hotspot capability
Two front USB-C ports
Every Accord also comes with Honda Sensing, a collection of driver aids. These include:
Frontal collision warning with automatic braking (applies the brakes automatically to stop the vehicle to avoid or minimize a collision)
Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front)
Lane departure mitigation (warns you of a lane departure when a turn signal isn't used and can automatically steer to maintain lane position)
Lane keeping assistance (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
Automatic high-beam headlights
EX Builds on the LX by way of:
Heated front seats
Power-adjustable driver's seat
Dual-zone climate control
Eight-speaker sound system
Sunroof
Sport The Sport has a similar feature set as the EX but lacks its heated front seats. From there, it adds:
2.0-liter engine and hybrid system powertrain (204 hp, 247 lb-ft of torque)
19-inch wheels
12.3-inch center touchscreen
Wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
EX-L The next step up from the Sport by way of:
17-inch wheels
Front and rear parking sensors
Heated front seats
Leather seat surfaces
Two rear USB ports
Power-adjustable front passenger seat
Memory settings for driver's seat
Auto-dimming rearview mirror
Sport-L This trim takes everything from the EX-L, adds 19-inch wheels but deletes the parking sensors and the auto-dimming rearview mirror.
Touring Tops off the Accord lineup with:
19-inch wheels
Parking sensors
Google built-in voice assistance system
Wireless smartphone charging pad
Ventilated front seats
Heated rear seats
12-speaker Bose audio system
Head-up display
Auto-dimming rearview mirror
Rain sensing wipers
Edmunds says
What to make of all this? That's easy. Avoid Accords with the bigger wheels and you'll be just fine. The EX-L will likely be a favorite among buyers. It's the only hybrid to feature the smaller 17-inch wheels while including leather seats and the new 12.3-inch infotainment display. It'll be the most serene Accord of the lot and get the best fuel economy, too. It's the best of both worlds, and that's exactly what Honda wanted in the first place.
Honda's long-running Accord has been one our favorite midsize sedans since, well, it was introduced way back in 1976. Now midway through its 10th generation, the Accord continues to impress us with its spacious and premium interior, comfortable ride and fuel-efficient engines. Those engines include 1.5-liter and 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engines as well as a hybrid powertrain, which we cover in a separate review.
After the Accord's mild face-lift in 2021, we can't imagine Honda would change much beyond minor tweaks to feature availability. Certainly we expect nothing drastic for the 2023 model, but we might wager a few bucks on a new special-edition trim level making its way into the lineup. Also because this current-generation Accord is nearly the end of its run, we wouldn't be surprised to learn that a new Accord is under development but we wouldn't expect to see it until the 2024 model year. If you're in the market for a midsize sedan, we'd recommend also taking a closer look at a couple of the Accord's closest competitors. The value-packed and well-rounded Kia K5 is a staff favorite as is the stylish and premium-feeling Mazda 6. Stay tuned to this space for all the details about the upcoming 2023 Honda Accord.
FAQ
Is the Honda Accord a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2023 Accord both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.9 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2023 Accord gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 63 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Accord has 16.7 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Honda Accord. Learn more
What's new in the 2023 Honda Accord?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2023 Honda Accord:
Redesigned for 2023
Available 12.3-inch touchscreen with new Google-based features
Hybrid powertrain only for the top four Accord trim levels
To determine whether the Honda Accord is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Accord. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Accord's 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2023 Honda Accord a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2023 Honda Accord is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2023 Accord and gave it a 7.9 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2023 Accord gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 63 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2023 Accord is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2023 Honda Accord?
The least-expensive 2023 Honda Accord is the 2023 Honda Accord LX 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $27,295.
Other versions include:
LX 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT) which starts at $27,295
EX 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT) which starts at $29,060
EX 4dr Sedan w/Blind Spot Information (BSI) (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT) which starts at $29,610
Sport Hybrid 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid EVT) which starts at $31,345
Sport Hybrid 4dr Sedan w/Blind Spot Information (BSI) (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid EVT) which starts at $31,895
EX-L Hybrid 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid EVT) which starts at $32,990
Sport-L Hybrid 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid EVT) which starts at $33,325
EX-L Hybrid 4dr Sedan w/Blind Spot Information (BSI) (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid EVT) which starts at $33,540
Sport-L Hybrid 4dr Sedan w/Blind Spot Information (BSI) (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid EVT) which starts at $33,875
Touring Hybrid 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid EVT) which starts at $37,340
Touring Hybrid 4dr Sedan w/Blind Spot Information (BSI) (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid EVT) which starts at $37,890
If you're interested in the Honda Accord, the next question is, which Accord model is right for you? Accord variants include LX 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT), EX 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT), EX 4dr Sedan w/Blind Spot Information (BSI) (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT), and Sport Hybrid 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid EVT). For a full list of Accord models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more