Since it's introduction in 1976, the Honda Accord has become an icon of the Honda brand. Slotted above the Honda Civic, the Accord has always been the shining image of a family sedan, even when it was only available as a hatchback.
Here, we're going to take a look at the next generation of Accord, specifically the 11th generation of this beloved mid-size car. The Accord has grown in size, grown in features, and is now made right here in the USA. Can it stay relevant in a world that is currently enamored with shiny new electric family cars?
2023 Honda Accord
- Complete 2023 redesign
- All new two-motor hybrid system
- Standard 10.2" digital dash
- Model: Accord
- Engine/Motor: 1.5-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder/ 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder Atkinson and two-motor hybrid system
- Horsepower: 192 hp/ 204 hp
- Torque: 192 lb.-ft./ 247 lb.-ft.
- Drivetrain: Front engine, FWD
- Transmission: CVT/ Two-motor hybrid system
- Base model 1.5t engine with nearly 200hp
- Honda's first vehicle with built in Google tech
- Sleek interior design is minimal, without looking cheap
- No more 2.0t Sport model
- Outside styling is a little bland, but may grow on us in person.
Turbocharged Engine Still Offered, But The Focus Turns To Hybrid
While the 11th generation Accord update shares many of the underpinnings of the outgoing 10th generation model, there are a few key differences between the two. Firstly, in a move that will surprise almost no one, Honda has decided that its decision to kill off the manual transmission Accord in 2022 will carry over to the new 11th generation car. Also missing is the 252hp 2.0t engine found in the Sport trim level cars. For 2023, Honda has decided to omit the two-liter turbocharged 4cyl engine, focusing their effort toward the hybrid models.
While the result is ultimately less power than the outgoing car, Honda is sure that the new hybrid Sport trim level will be powerful enough for its buyers. Base model Accords (LX, EX) have a carryover from the previous generation car, the 1.5-liter turbocharged 4cyl with 192hp and 192 lb-ft. of torque. The mighty 1.5 pairs up with a newly revised continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that offers new "Step-Shift" programming to simulate full throttle gear changes.
As for that previously mentioned hybrid powertrain, Honda plans for the rest of the lineup (Sport, EX-L, Sport-L, Touring) to get the all new 4th generation hybrid as the only option. Coming in at a combined rating of 204hp and 247 lb.-ft. of torque, Honda says that this dual motor design is both better refined and more responsive than the outgoing hybrid system. Paired up with the electric motors is an all new 2.0-liter Atkinson cycle, direct injected, 4-cylinder engine.
Chassis And Suspension Tweaks Take The 2023 Accord To New Levels
As with most auto manufacturers, Honda is out to maximize on its existing winning formula. The 2023 Accord features some relatively minor tweaks to the chassis that help it retain all the good from the previous car, while making marked improvement that new buyers demand. Honda has made improvements to it's enhanced global architecture, stiffening the Accord chassis in places that it had previously lacked.
The Accord engineers have also taken special care to keep the Accord as sporty as possible with its re-tuned four wheel independent suspension. They've even gone as far as addressing improvements to front suspension mount bearings and ball joints in an effort to reduce friction, therefore improving the overall feel of the steering. The 2023 Accord also sports a .4" wider track than last year's car, further improving the stability and handling as well as helping the car achieve a more muscular stance.
The All-New Accord Gets A Fully Updated Suite Of Driver Safety Technology
If it looks like Honda didn't change that much underneath the Accord, you'll be happy to know that they've spent a considerable amount of time updating both the interior design and adding in a heap of new technology. The class-leading interior space is sleek and modern, with just enough luxury trim. The design is very similar to both the newest Civic, and it's stablemate, the Acura Integra. A simple, uncluttered dash with a full width HVAC vent takes center stage, while the infotainment screen sits perched above the physical buttons of the climate controls.
A 7" touchscreen radio comes standard on LX and EX Accords, while the higher trim levels receive a larger, 12.3" touchscreen. This is the largest screen that Honda has offered in their vehicles to date. An often overlooked feature that many buyers should be glad to see, the 2023 Accord still has an easily accessible physical volume knob. All Accords, no matter screen size, offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. Although, only the cars with the larger screen allow for wireless connection of this feature.
Honda has an entirely updated suite of driver safety technology available on the new Accord for 2023. Dubbed "Honda Sensing," the system comes updated with a new wide angle camera and radar sensor. Honda says that these updates allow the system to more easily recognize potential hazards in the road. Also upgraded is the blind spot monitoring system, BSI, which has an impressive 82 feet of radar range. New to the 2023 Accord is Traffic Jam Assist (TJA), a sort of low speed adaptive cruise control combined with active lane assist that will help drivers safely navigate stop and go traffic without stressing out over making the proper move.
The 2023 Accord Will Still Provide High Value At An Affordable MSRP
Honda has yet to release any pricing on the new 2023 Accord, an educated guess tells us that it should cost a little more than the outgoing Accord, which has a starting MSRP of $26,520. Quick internet research shows that most agree that the 2023 model will start around $28,000, for a base model 1.5t car. The Hybrid models will likely start a little higher, around the $30,000 mark. Although, with the push to sell more hybrid than gas, Honda may price the base hybrid powered Accord aggressively enough to help keep it a top contender in the space.
As far as release date, Honda has not released an exact date. Rumors initially showed a January 2023 launch, and Honda itself says to expect cars to be at the dealerships in January. Although, as of writing in the end of 2022, there's no clear indication that the Accord will be available for purchase quite yet.