Road test | Honda Accord: save my soul

It is 47 years old, 11 generations, nearly 1 million units sold in Canada and a common denominator: four doors. Few models can present such a complete summary while respecting their initial form as the Honda Accord. The midsize sedan has survived a lot of turmoil thanks to its pivotal role in the Japanese automaker’s North American conquest. To confirm its relevance, it has just been relaunched with a new generation with an evolving posture. We took the wheel to see if the flame still shines.

Design

Essentially, this Agreement, 11^e of the name, has the same dimensions as the one it replaces. It is mainly on its length that the new sedan stands out, with 70 mm more displayed on the measuring tape, which makes it barely 10 cm shorter than a Honda Pilot. It is therefore a fairly slender vehicle that Honda prepares, especially when observed from a side view. A discontinuous line drawn on the top of the belt line reminds us of this visually. The low hood and the receding rear roof line seeming inspired by “liftback” sedans add vitality to the rendering which can seem a little anonymous, especially at the front. The lowered and wide grille is much less assertive than before. This observation also applies to the rear lights. That said, the visual treatment of the diodes makes the presentation more refined than before.

On board

Inside, you can see that Honda hasn’t lost sight of the fundamentals of cabin design. The dashboard is made up of good quality components whose flexible materials and assembly inspire the greatest confidence. All the elements with which our hands interact – keys, wheels, arms – give an impression of solidity while offering impeccable ergonomics. The honeycomb band that camouflages the nozzles ensures in parallel an element of continuity and necessary differentiation. It is certainly the most accomplished work in the segment for all of his oeuvre. Moreover, note the interior space which, despite its slightly smaller volume than the 10^e generation, remain extremely generous wherever you find yourself. We would probably have liked a little more headroom in the rear, but this Accord is in the right range in this regard.

Under the hood

In an effort to standardize on the hybrid, the brand chose to abandon the optional 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder in favor of a hybrid group. Thus, the 1.5 L four-cylinder turbo (192 hp) welcomes us at the entrance while a 2 L four-cylinder hybrid advances as an option. This mechanism, also used by the CR-V, produces 204 hp and is very torquey with its 246 lb-ft in reserve thanks to a duo of electric motors. It is on this punch initial that it stands out, in addition to its overall refinement and progressiveness. The dialogue between the engines is transparent and the noise level of the heat engine is extremely low. Certainly, we will never be pressed against the backrest, but the accelerations are of a more than acceptable ardor. Consumption, you ask? Around 5.4 L/100 km during the test, which places it among the best in the segment.

Behind the wheel

Betting on a rather low driving position, this Accord gratifies us first of all with a well-designed steering wheel and a real gear lever for the introduction. The passage on the first asperities confirms a good attention paid to damping without this being excessive softness, an observation which can be partly attributed to the multiple improvements in relation to the rigidity of the chassis. Thin-sidewall tires in the Sport and Touring trims — the only hybrids — still cause the shocks to compress excessively when negotiating potholes. The direction supports the whole with the necessary verve. With a well-balanced firmness and almost impeccable precision in its horde, it nevertheless communicates very little about the behavior of the front axle. It was to be expected. Braking is easily adjustable and Honda offers an adjustable regenerative function using paddles on the steering wheel.

Embedded technologies

The 2023 Accord introduces the docking of various Google applications within the manufacturer’s multimedia system. This allows you to interact directly with Google Maps or Google Play. However, these functions are only offered on board the Touring version, which is the most expensive. Added to this are Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay as standard. There is also a better fluidity overall, compared to older vintages of Honda systems, both in the processing of commands and in animations. The positioning of the important tabs on the left is also very clever. As stated before, the Japanese brand has not overlooked the physical keys, which makes its use even more intuitive and undoubtedly gives the car better durability. There is also a concern for irreproachable ergonomics in their layout, especially on the steering wheel.

The verdict

The Honda Accord is still and always a serious option in a segment that is withering in the face of the large and heavy steamroller of SUVs. Without reaping the benefits of a fundamental change in form that could have incorporated all-wheel drive, it is betting on polishing its assets. Some might see this strategy as Honda’s gradual capitulation to the traditional car. In fact, it is not. The Accord remains a very complete and extremely well-made creation, while offering a more voluminous interior than that of many SUVs. Its hybrid mechanics remain the most refined among the intermediates, while approaching the Toyota Camry hybrid in consumption, without however depriving it of its crown. With a little extra soul in its behavior and a more affordable hybrid engine to complete its excellent job, this Accord could in short complete its excellent job.