Honda Accord: Engine, Transmission, and Performance Explained

by Joost Nusselder | Updated on:  October 2, 2022
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What is the Honda Accord? It’s one of the best mid-size sedans on the market, and for good reason.
Phew, that was a long sentence. I don’t know about you, but I’m exhausted just reading it. So, let’s break it down. The Honda Accord is a mid-size sedan. It’s one of the best on the market, and for good reason.

So, what is a mid-size sedan? And why is the Honda Accord one of the best? Let’s find out.

Why the Honda Accord is the Best Midsize Sedan

The Honda Accord is known for its superior design and features, making it a rarity in the midsize sedan market. The latest models released by Honda offer plenty of features combined with a sleek and fresh design. The base model starts at an affordable price, making it accessible to a certain level of buyers. The hybrid models are also available, offering even more fuel economy and efficiency.

Comfort and Ride

The Honda Accord delivers a quiet and comfortable ride, beating out its competitors like the Sonata, Camry, and Kia. The generous interior space means plenty of room for the whole family, regardless of which model is selected. The road noise is essentially non-existent, making it a favorite for long road trips. The wheel and plastic quality are also superior to other midsize sedans, attaining a level of quality that is hard to compare.

Performance and Efficiency

The Honda Accord is a champion when it comes to driving performance and fuel efficiency. The estimated MPG for the base model is impressive, and the hybrid model delivers even more efficient results. The infotainment system is fresher and more intuitive than ever before, making it easy to compare features and change settings on the go.

Rankings and Awards

The Honda Accord has been selected as one of the best midsize sedans by various automobile rankings and awards. Its combination of comfort, features, and performance make it a top pick for those in the market for a new vehicle. The Honda Accord also inspires confidence on the road, regardless of the driving conditions.

In summary, the Honda Accord is the best midsize sedan available in the market. Its superior design, comfort, and performance make it a vehicle that is hard to beat. Whether you’re looking for an affordable base model or a hybrid, the Honda Accord delivers the best features and quality for the price.

Under the Hood: The Honda Accord’s Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The Honda Accord offers a range of engine and transmission options to suit different driving needs. Here are the available powertrain options:

  • Standard 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 192 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) or a six-speed manual transmission (Sport trim only)
  • Available 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 252 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission (Touring trim only)
  • Hybrid powertrain consisting of a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor, producing a combined 212 horsepower, paired with an electronic continuously variable transmission (eCVT)

Performance and Handling

The Honda Accord’s performance and handling have always been a prominent feature of the car, and the latest generation is no exception. Here are some of the performance features that make the Accord stand out:

  • Active Noise Control and Active Sound Control, which use microphones and signal processing to cancel out unwanted noise and enhance the engine sound
  • Available Adaptive Damper System, which adjusts the suspension to provide a smoother ride and better handling
  • Available Sport mode, which adjusts the throttle response, steering, and transmission shift points for a more engaging driving experience
  • Available paddle shifters, which allow for manual control of the transmission
  • Standard Eco Assist System, which helps improve fuel efficiency by optimizing the engine and transmission output
  • Standard Electric Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS), which provides a more responsive and efficient steering feel

Hybrid Powertrain

The Honda Accord Hybrid takes the impressive performance of the standard Accord and adds an advanced hybrid powertrain for even greater fuel efficiency. Here are some of the features of the Accord Hybrid:

  • A two-motor hybrid system that uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor to produce a combined 212 horsepower
  • An electronic continuously variable transmission (eCVT) that provides smooth and efficient power delivery
  • A lithium-ion battery pack that is designed to be carried entirely within the body of the car, keeping the interior spacious and comfortable
  • An impressive EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of up to 48 mpg city/48 mpg highway/48 mpg combined (Hybrid trim)

Turbocharged Engine

For those who need a little more power, the Honda Accord offers an available 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Here are some of the features of the turbocharged engine:

  • A DOHC (dual overhead cam) design that allows for greater power output and refinement
  • A combination of direct injection and port injection for optimal fuel delivery and efficiency
  • An increase in horsepower and torque over the previous generation Accord’s V6 engine, while still maintaining decent fuel economy
  • A 10-speed automatic transmission that provides smooth and precise gear changes
  • Available paddle shifters for manual control of the transmission

Which Trim Level to Choose?

With so many engine and transmission options, it can be tough to decide which Honda Accord trim level is right for you. Here are some things to consider when choosing your Accord:

  • The 1.5-liter turbocharged engine is standard on all trims except the Touring, which comes with the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine
  • The Hybrid trim is a great choice for those who want the best fuel economy, but still want a car with impressive performance
  • The Sport trim offers a more engaging driving experience with its six-speed manual transmission and sport-tuned suspension
  • The Touring trim comes fully equipped with advanced features like the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, adaptive damper system, and head-up display

Step Inside the Honda Accord: A Comprehensive Look at the Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The Honda Accord’s interior is carefully designed to offer a comfortable and practical ride. The standard cloth seats are decently supportive, and the LX and Sport trims come with a 7-inch touchscreen display. The higher trims like the EX and Touring offer a larger 8-inch touchscreen display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The steering wheel wears a sleek and sporty design borrowed from other Hondas, tying in the familial look. The redesigned HVAC air vents are shaped like honeycomb, adding a clever touch to the cabin’s design.

The Comfort Level and Supportive Seats

The Honda Accord’s seats are designed to support torsos firmly and hold the driver in place during sporty driving. The cabin is spacious and wide, offering plenty of legroom and headroom for all passengers. The LX and Sport trims come with a decent number of standard features, while the higher trims like the EX and Touring offer a more comprehensive list of amenities. The Touring trim even includes an electric rear window sunshade to help maintain a comfortable cabin temperature.

The Cargo Space and Practicality

The Honda Accord’s trunk is larger than the average sedan, offering 16.7 cubic feet of cargo space. The rear seats can also fold down in a 60/40 split, providing additional storage space when needed. The center console is easy to use and offers a drop-in storage tray, making it easy to store small items like your phone or wallet. The glove box is wide and deep, and the door pockets are large enough to store a water bottle. The Accord also gets a prominent gauge cluster that tells you everything you need to know about the car’s powertrain.

In conclusion, the Honda Accord’s interior, comfort, and cargo elements are carefully designed to improve the initial quality level of the car. The cabin is spacious and wide, offering plenty of legroom and headroom for all passengers. The seats are supportive and comfortable, and the trunk is larger than the average sedan, making it practical for everyday use. Whether you’re looking for a standard or hybrid powertrain, the Honda Accord offers a comfortable and practical ride that will help you get where you need to go.

Conclusion

So, that’s the Honda Accord for you. It’s a great midsize sedan with plenty of features, comfort, and performance, and it’s one of the best cars you can buy right now. Plus, it’s made by Honda, so you know it’s reliable. So, if you’re looking for a new car, you can’t go wrong with a Honda Accord. You won’t regret it!

Also read: these are the best trash cans for the Honda Accord model

I'm Joost Nusselder, the founder of Tools Doctor, content marketer, and dad. I love trying out new equipment, and together with my team I've been creating in-depth blog articles since 2016 to help loyal readers with tools & crafting tips.