2023 Honda Accord Overview: Among the many Better of What’s Left

Grabbing headlines is the Accord’s newly obtainable 12.3-inch touchscreen show and the inclusion of Google Constructed-In expertise for the Touring. Excluding Google Constructed-In, the brand new system performs nicely with fast responses and crisp, clear graphics. Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included with this show, and my use of wi-fi CarPlay labored flawlessly as soon as related. A bunch of automotive journalists utilizing Bluetooth to connect with certainly one of a line of vehicles generally is a nightmare, it seems, however connectivity labored nice aside from this uncommon state of affairs. Surprisingly, regardless of a number of trims having wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, solely the range-topping Touring comes with wi-fi system charging. It’s a complicated alternative.

A extra comprehensible choice — although additionally extra irritating — is the inclusion of Google Constructed-In for the Touring’s touchscreen. Most of the capabilities require a knowledge connection to correctly function, that means you might be out of luck if you happen to’re someplace with out dependable mobile service. We’ve additionally had frequent points getting the Google system to carry out easy duties, although I didn’t encounter them throughout this testing. Utilizing voice instructions for primary duties like adjusting the in-car temperature labored nice, however within the time it took to say “Hey Google, change the temperature to 69 levels,” have the command acknowledged after which executed, I may’ve simply performed it myself; it appears like an answer for an issue that doesn’t actually exist. With my cellphone related to CarPlay, voice instructions to put calls by way of Google Assistant have been denied due to the CarPlay connection; I had the selection of disconnecting the cellphone from CarPlay or utilizing Siri to put a name by way of voice command.

There’s a bodily quantity knob in entrance of the dashboard touchscreen, however not like different, older Honda touchscreens, monitor and tuning changes are touchscreen-exclusive; older techniques a minimum of have buttons for these capabilities. Local weather controls are, blessedly, bodily buttons and knobs, and so they really feel high-quality to the contact. Yet one more welcome bodily management is the standard gear selector lever as an alternative of the push-button gear selector in prior fashions; the latter was pretty intuitive but additionally annoying, and it occupied roughly the identical quantity of house on the middle console.

All 2023 Accords have a normal 10.2-inch digital instrument panel, which I’ve skilled and loved within the 2023 Pilot SUV. My private favourite function is that the digital illustration of the Accord within the heart of the show exhibits when the taillights and switch indicators are activated — useful if you happen to’re anxious in regards to the regenerative brakes illuminating the brakelights.

LX and EX trims get a 7-inch touchscreen together with quantity and tuning knobs, however its small measurement relative to the bigger display left me a bit dissatisfied. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are commonplace with this show, too, however require a wired connection. These wired connections — at each trim stage — are completely USB-C ports, with one for knowledge connections and one for charging. (Greater trims add two extra USB-C charging ports for rear passengers.) The Accord EX’s inside can also be missing by way of supplies high quality compared with larger trims, nevertheless it nonetheless felt nicely constructed.

As with different newer Hondas, the Accord’s ahead visibility is improved as a result of its entrance roof pillars have been moved rearward as a part of its exterior replace. Entrance-seat consolation is appropriate and improved, however I discovered my proper knee bumping into the middle console typically, which wore on me throughout a day of driving. The taller dashboard, nonetheless, gave me extra vertical knee room than the earlier mannequin.

Honda says the brand new Accord has gained lower than a half inch of rear legroom. I’ve by no means discovered the backseat in earlier Accords missing in that respect, however extra is welcome. My greatest challenge is that the sloping roof of the fastback-adjacent styling cuts into rear headroom. I’m 6-foot-1, and whereas I can sit upright within the backseat, my head will contact the ceiling. Trunk house seems ample, however there aren’t any helpful tips past the widespread 60/40-split, folding backseat; underfloor storage is taken up by instruments and the tire restore package.

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Security

The 2023 Accord comes commonplace with the Honda Sensing suite of active-safety options. As of this writing, the automotive had not but been examined by both the Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security or the Nationwide Freeway Visitors Security Administration. New for 2023 is Visitors Jam Help, which might function at speeds as much as 45 mph and hold the Accord centered in its lane at a prescribed following distance from a previous automobile.

Ought to You Purchase an Accord?

Selfishly, my reply is sure, if solely to make sure that bigger sedans stay on sale for years. Forgetting my nefarious objectives, if you happen to’re out there for a mid-size sedan there are few higher selections than the Accord. It’s very businesslike and no-nonsense in its method, and hybrid variations are impressively environment friendly. For a extra aggressive (and probably extra fun-to-drive) sedan on this class, you may wish to think about a Toyota Camry as an alternative. Whereas the Accord isn’t essentially the most cost effective of the bunch, it’s very nicely rounded and felt price its sticker value — whether or not it was the just-over-$30,000 EX, the almost-$34,000 Sport or the almost-$39,000 Touring. The sedan isn’t lifeless simply but, and the Accord is a strong alternative in a dwindling discipline.

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