2023 Honda Accord | The Art of Normal Cars

Summary

The new Honda Accord is praised for its refined interior, comfortable seating, and spacious back seat, making it a practical choice for daily commutes. The hybrid model, in particular, offers impressive fuel economy and a smooth driving experience, though it lacks the sporty character of previous generations. The updated infotainment system is a significant improvement, offering quick and seamless integration with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Despite its bland exterior and the absence of all-wheel drive options, the Accord remains a reliable and efficient sedan with a focus on user-friendly features.

Takeaways

• 🚗 The new Honda Accord has a more refined and upscale interior, considered Honda's best generation yet.
• 🛋️ The seats have been updated for increased comfort, especially suitable for long-term driving.
• 📺 The infotainment system has been improved, offering a fast and user-friendly experience with Android Automotive and Apple CarPlay.
• 🔍 The rear view camera quality is a downside, appearing outdated compared to modern standards.
• 🚘 The Accord is front-wheel drive only and offers two drivetrain options: a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine or a dual-motor hybrid system.
• 🌿 The hybrid system prioritizes efficiency, often running in EV mode, and provides high fuel economy in the 30s and low 40s.
• 🔧 The Accord retains traditional features like easy access for maintenance and jack points, making it user-friendly.
• 📉 The sedan market is shrinking, but the Accord stands out with its high-quality mechanical and interior features.
• 🏆 Despite losing some of its sporty character, the Accord has become a luxury sedan at a more affordable price point.
• 🔊 The car is quieter and more comfortable than its predecessors, with improved ride quality and reduced road noise.
• 🌟 The Accord's exterior styling is criticized for being bland and generic, lacking the distinctiveness of previous models.

Q & A

What were the initial mixed feelings about the new Honda Accord?

The mixed feelings were related to the drive route, styling, and the mentality behind the car, which was not designed to overstyle or target the widest audience but rather a specific segment of the sedan market.

How does the interior space of the Honda Accord compare to previous models?

The interior space is considered Honda's best generation, with improvements in dashboard size, visibility, physical controls, and storage, making it user-friendly and not requiring an instruction manual.

What are the key features of the updated infotainment system in the Honda Accord?

The updated infotainment system is fast, responsive, and includes Android Automotive. It supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay almost flawlessly and retains necessary physical controls.

What are the two drivetrain options available for the Honda Accord?

The two drivetrain options are a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a CVT for the lower trims, and a dual-motor hybrid setup for the higher trims, which includes an Atkinson cycle engine primarily used as a generator.

How does the new Honda Accord's fuel economy compare to its predecessors?

The fuel economy is significantly improved, with the hybrid model offering high fuel efficiency in the 30s to low 40s, making it a major selling point.

What are the main differences between the new Honda Accord and the previous generation in terms of driving experience?

The new Accord is more refined, quieter, and offers a smoother ride. It has lost some of its sporty character, becoming more of a luxury sedan with a focus on comfort and efficiency.

What is the reviewer's opinion on the rear view camera in the Honda Accord?

The reviewer criticizes the rear view camera for its outdated image quality, comparing it to something from the 1990s, which is a noticeable downside when compared to modern vehicles with advanced camera systems.

How does the seating comfort in the new Honda Accord compare to other cars in its class?

The seats in the new Honda Accord are ultra-comfortable, with an updated seat architecture that feels more upscale and provides better long-term comfort than previous models.

What are the reviewer's thoughts on the base audio system in the Honda Accord?

The reviewer finds the base audio system to be average at best, but notes that the optional Bose system is superior and provides a much better audio experience.

What is the reviewer's final verdict on the new Honda Accord?

The reviewer appreciates the new Accord for its high level of mechanical and interior quality, drivability, and fuel economy. However, they feel it has lost some character and soul, becoming more generic and less engaging to drive.