Honda Accord vs Honda Accord Hybrid

The 2023 Honda Accord underwent a redesign that introduced a more technical and conservative appearance, moving away from the shiny chrome and exuberant character of its predecessor. The base LX and EX models retained a gas-only engine, while hybrid power became standard from the Sport trim upwards. The Accord EX, priced at $30,705 with destination, featured a Canyon River Blue paint that garnered compliments, and pewter-finished wheels that struck a balance between the LX's silver and the black wheels popular in other trims. Inside, the Accord EX offered durable cloth seats with contrast stitching and a stylish metal mesh dashboard trim, integrating air conditioning vents seamlessly. The digital instrumentation and touchscreen infotainment system reflected Honda's attention to detail and refinement, making the Accord EX a well-outfitted choice for its price and class.

The 2024 Honda Accord Hybrid, available in Sport, EX-L, Sport-L, and Touring trims, ranged from $32,895 to $38,890, excluding a $1,095 destination charge. The redesign carried over, with a clean and technical look that was complemented by machined-finish 19-inch wheels on the Sport and Touring trims. Our test car, a Touring model, featured Canyon River Blue metallic paint and a black leather interior, with an MSRP of $39,985. The interior was lightened with a gray headliner and contrast stitching, though the shiny plastic in the lower cabin was less impressive for a $40,000 car. Despite this, the Touring's 'Acura Lite' interior left a positive impression, offering a blend of luxury and technology.

The 2023 Honda Accord LX and EX were powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 192 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 192 pound-feet of torque between 1,700 rpm and 5,000 rpm. This engine, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), provided adequate power for the 3,280-pound EX model. The CVT, while adequate, mimicked the sound and feel of a traditional automatic under hard acceleration. The Accord's front-wheel-drive system, supported by a MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension, managed the car's 59:41 front-to-rear weight distribution effectively. The steering system offered good response and road feel, while the brakes, featuring 11.1-inch ventilated front discs, performed well even under duress. The EPA estimated a combined fuel economy of 32 mpg, though our test car returned 28.7 mpg due to extreme heat and continuous air conditioning use. The Accord's ride quality was communicative yet quiet, with nimble handling and excellent brake pedal modulation. However, the Michelin Energy tires were a weak link, squealing and feeling squishy during spirited driving.

The 2024 Honda Accord Hybrid featured a two-motor hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with two electric motors. This setup delivered 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque, with the latter available from zero to 2,000 rpm. The hybrid system provided enthusiastic acceleration from a stop, aided by the car's approximately 3,500-pound weight. In city driving, the Accord Hybrid was zippy and satisfying, though the gas engine's sound during acceleration was less pleasant. The EPA rated the EX-L trim at 48 mpg combined, while the Sport, Sport-L, and Touring trims, with larger wheels, were rated at 44 mpg. Our Touring test car achieved 43.1 mpg. Dynamically, the Accord Hybrid impressed with its blend of ride and handling characteristics, making it a responsive and enjoyable daily driver.

The 2023 Honda Accord EX added several features over the LX trim, including a darker wheel finish, heated exterior mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, and a 60/40-split folding rear seat. However, it lacked a height-adjustable front passenger seat, rear air conditioning vents, and rear USB charging ports. The driver's seat needed more seat-track travel, and the hard plastic lining the center console was uncomfortable. Despite these shortcomings, the Accord offered ample rear legroom and a high-mounted back seat for excellent leg support. The trunk, measuring 16.7 cubic feet, was spacious and easy to load, with a handle to prevent dirty fingertips.

The 2024 Honda Accord Hybrid prioritized comfort, though taller drivers might find the seat travel insufficient. All trims featured a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, with leather-upholstered versions offering heated front seats. The Touring trim added ventilated front seats and heated rear seats. The rear seats provided ample legroom and headroom, with supportive cushions and a perfect backrest angle. The Touring's air conditioning vents and USB ports enhanced rear passenger comfort. Interior storage was excellent, though the driver's seatback lacked a storage pocket. The trunk, at 16.7 cubic feet, was cavernous and easy to access with the remote keyless entry fob.

The 2023 Honda Accord LX and EX came with a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. While not large by modern standards, these screens were functional. The infotainment system included Bluetooth, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, text-messaging support, and HondaLink connected services. The EX trim featured an eight-speaker audio system, though SiriusXM satellite radio was absent. Physical controls for the stereo were a delight, despite a misleading function control knob. Overall, the Accord EX's tech was basic yet refreshing.

The 2024 Honda Accord Hybrid featured a 10.2-inch digital instrumentation display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa Built-in, and HondaLink subscription services. The Touring trim added a 12-speaker Bose sound system, wireless smartphone charger, and a 6-inch head-up display. Google Built-in was exclusive to the Touring, though voice recognition issues led us to rely on Apple CarPlay and Siri. The digital instrumentation was practical, clearly indicating the car's light and signal status.

The 2023 Honda Accord included Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) with features like adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The EX trim offered an optional safety package with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Honda Sensing performed with accuracy and refinement, though lane-centering could waver near freeway off-ramps. The Accord earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2024 Honda Accord Hybrid also received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, thanks to its Honda Sensing suite. This included features like automatic high-beam headlights, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The EX-L trim added parking sensors, while the Touring gained low-speed automatic braking. During testing, bright sunlight affected lane assist features, and adaptive cruise control left gaps for other drivers to cut in. Despite these issues, the Accord Hybrid's safety features were generally effective.