Fuel-sipping sedan: the all-new 2023 Honda Accord

The Honda Accord has been around for more than 45 years now, and in that time, we have seen ten different generations of the iconic car. Well for 2023, there is now an eleventh generation of the Accord, and with it comes an interesting change.

The all-new 2023 Accord follows the previous generation trend as being available solely as a four-door sedan. Coming in slightly longer than the car it replaces, the new Accord shares a similar profile to last year’s car with a long hood and distinctive sloping roofline that adds some sleek, sporty touches. Up front, the grille and headlights have been simplified for a cleaner look, while at the rear, the taillights look somewhat European. As Accords of the past have done, the new one is pleasing to the eye, but doesn’t stand out in a crowd.

Continuing from the previous generation is the hybrid powertrain, but it now becomes a more significant part of the Accord lineup for this new generation. Standard on all but the two lower trim levels (the LX and EX), this new powertrain consists of a 204-hp four-cylinder hybrid system and CVT transmission borrowed from the CR-V. Since Honda expects this hybrid variant to account for 50 percent of the Accord’s sales, they are not marketing it as an “Accord Hybrid” anymore, as many Accords will simply be hybrids. The engine used the LX and EX is the familiar 192-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine carried over from the outgoing model. The Accord’s previous top-of-the-line engine, the turbocharged 2.0-liter, is no more.

The cabin in the new Accord is nicely done, borrowing heavily from other Honda models. The honeycomb-pattern dash trim that hides the air vents and a freestanding rectangular infotainment display sprouting from the top of the instrument panel are both like what is found in the Civic and CR-V, and work well in the new Accord. And it’s great to see Honda has gone back to the basics: the pushbutton gear selector is gone, while the traditional gear shifter has returned. Yet on the flip side, the new Accord does feature some updated tech items, including a new standard digital gauge display and an available 12.3-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Comfort and convenience have always been a priority to Accord owners and the new one doesn’t disappoint. Large door openings making it easy to get in and out of, although taller passengers will have to watch their head when entering the backseat – the costs of the Accords sloping roofing. Once inside, there isn’t a bad seat to be found with generous legroom for everyone. There is also an abundance of room in the trunk – 16.7 cubic feet to be exact.

The 2023 Accord is available in six trim levels: LX, EX, Sport, EX-L, Sport-L and Touring. LX is the base yet still is nicely done with LED headlights a digital instrument cluster and a 7-inch center touchscreen display. The EX adds to it with heated seats. dual-zone climate control, power driver’s seat and a sunroof. The Sport, which is how the tester arrived, gets the new hybrid engine along with 19-inch wheels and a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen. The EX-L gets smaller wheels (17-inch) but does get leather seating. The Sport-L gets back the 19-inch wheels along with everything from the EX-L. Lastly, the Touring gets everything mentioned along with a wireless smartphone charging pad and vented front seats.

The new Accord with the hybrid engine and the smaller 17-inch tires (like the EX-L) receives an EPA-estimated 48 mpg combined rating. Models with larger wheels get lower figures – as the Sport receives an EPA-estimated 44 mpg. The base-engine model is rated at an estimated 32 mpg combined.

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. While this year marks yet another milestone in the vehicle’s long history, there is no doubt that it will continue to be at the top of its class.

— Christopher A. Randazzo
By The Numbers:

2023 Honda Accord Hybrid Sport

Base Price: $31,895.00
Price as Tested: $33,445.00
Layout: front-engine / front-wheel drive
Engine: 2.0 liter 4-cylinder with electric motor
Transmission: CVT automatic
Horsepower: 204 hp
Torque: 247 lb-ft
EPA Fuel Economy: 46 city / 41 highway mpg

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