For 2023, Honda presents the completely redesigned Accord- a superior iteration of its predecessor. It is a noteworthy option in the competitive mid-size sedan class, even if the improvements are not groundbreaking. This Honda stands out, making it an excellent professional choice.

The Honda Accord continues to prove its worth as one of the best mid-size sedans available, despite more and more of its competitors being discontinued. While its performance may not match the Toyota Camry’s aggressive specs, the Accord remains a reliable and trusted choice. Its dependability and quality construction have been widely recognized, setting it apart from other models.

As we wrapped up photography and videography of the all-new Honda Accord, a vulture flying overhead embodies the current situation in the mid-size sedan market. Popular models like the Volkswagen Passat and Mazda6 have been discontinued, and other sedans are faced with uncertain futures as shoppers gravitate towards SUVs. But Honda still believes in the sedan, and the breathtaking 11th-generation Accord will prove that. Showcasing the latest design and powertrain technology, this sedan is a long-awaited reminder that not all is lost in the mid-size class.

The new 2023 Honda Accord gets a fresh look, designed to complement other Hondas in the company’s lineup. It resembles a bigger version of the attractive current-generation Honda Civic. Powertrain choices now include a hybrid powertrain comprising a 2.0-litre four-cylinder with two electric motors and an updated 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo engine with a CVT. All Accords, including the Sport models, come with the new hybrid powertrain, while front-wheel drive remains the only option. In contrast to its competitors, the Accord does not offer all-wheel drive.

Recently, We experienced the Sport and Touring hybrid models and the gas-only EX version. By houstondirectauto.com’s ethics policy, we paid for this event’s associated travel and lodging costs.

The verdict? The 2023 Accord is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a sedan. It’s an improved version of its predecessor and easily one of the best in the market. And if you already had the previous-gen model, there’s no need to worry – the changes are mostly subtle and incremental.

Interior

The all-new Accord features a 12.3-inch touchscreen display and the inclusion of Google Built-In technology for the Touring trim. With quick responses and crisp, clear graphics, the new system performs exceedingly well and is further enhanced by the inclusion of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Connectivity worked with few issues, except in rare cases where many automotive journalists connected their devices via Bluetooth. Interestingly, despite having support for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, only the Touring trim of the Accord has wireless device charging. This is a confusing decision.

Including Google Built-In on the Touring’s touchscreen is more understandable, though also more frustrating, decision. Unfortunately, since many features require a data connection, you may need help travelling to areas with unreliable cellular service. We have had numerous issues with the Google system, although none surfaced in this most recent testing. Utilizing vocal instructions for basic activities, such as modifying professionally, can effectively and conveniently complete your tasks. The car’s temperature worked properly; however, the time it took to issue and execute the command meant that performing the task manually would have been much more efficient. The functionality feels like a solution to a problem that doesn’t exist. Furthermore, when the phone was connected to CarPlay, even the activation of Google Assistant for placing calls could have been more feasible. In conclusion, drivers can disconnect their phones from CarPlay or use Siri to place calls via voice commands.

The physical volume knob in front of the dashboard touchscreen makes adjusting the audio tracks and tuning simpler and more intuitive than ever on a Honda vehicle. Unlike other touchscreens, way and tuning adjustments are only available via the touchscreen – something older models don’t allow. Climate controls, however, use physical buttons and knobs with an excellent, high-quality feel. The traditional gear selector lever also replaces the much less convenient push-button gear selector of prior models and takes up roughly the same amount of space on the centre console – an added benefit that users will appreciate.

The All-New 2023 Accord includes a class-leading 10.2-inch digital instrument panel, which I’ve tested first-hand with the 2023 Pilot SUV. With its incredibly useful feature, the Accord’s digital representation in the centre of the display indicates when the taillights and turn signals are activated – providing extra peace of mind that the regenerative braking will not affect the brake lights. A great addition to an already impressive list of features included in the Accord.

The Honda Accord’s LX and EX trims come equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen and volume and tuning knobs, though the display’s relatively small size left us feeling underwhelmed. This display features both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, accessible via a wired connection. Fortunately, all trim levels feature USB-C ports for data and charging, with higher trims offering two USB-C charging ports for rear passengers. While the interior of the Accord EX may not be of the same quality as the higher trims, it is still well constructed.

Safety

The 2023 Accord comes equipped with the Honda Sensing suite of active-safety features, providing complete peace of mind while driving. 

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have yet to conduct tests on this system. Professional. However, a new addition to the suite for 2023 is Traffic Jam Assist, offering optimal safety at speeds up to 45 mph to keep your Accord centred in its lane and a prescribed following distance from the preceding vehicle. Investing in the Accord provides you with high-level professional-grade safety technology.

Pricing

As a professional automotive commentator, We can confidently say yes to whether you should buy the Honda Accord. It delivers in every area – it’s businesslike and no-nonsense in its approach, offers efficient hybrid versions and provides an enjoyable driving experience. Whilst not the cheapest option in its class, the Accord certainly feels worth the sticker price – whether you choose the just-over-$30,000 EX, the almost-$34,000 Sport or the almost-$39,000 Touring. Ultimately, the Accord is a great choice in a dwindling field of mid-sized sedans; the Toyota Camry may be the better option for those seeking an even bolder driving experience.