While several manufacturers have abandoned the segment, Honda continues to innovate in the midsize sedan category and has even achieved a lot of success. That’s why the Japanese automaker is offering us an 11th generation of its Accord for 2023. In fact, I had the chance to test drive this new car in its ultimate iteration, and here’s what I thought of it.
In my opinion, Honda has done its homework well, as always. The new 2023 Accord comes with a more mature and serious design, similar to the Civic and other recently renewed models from the brand. There are significant similarities with other models in terms of the interior and technologies, but that’s what makes Honda strong, so it’s a good thing. Finally, Honda has greatly simplified the range of powertrains for this new generation of Accord. In fact, the vast majority of versions of the Japanese sedan are now electrified, which makes it an equally interesting car.
Range and Powertrain
In Canada, there are only 3 available versions for the 2023 Accord. First, there’s the EX model, which serves as the base version with its 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine producing 192 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque. Then we move on to the Sport and Touring versions, both offered with the new hybrid powertrain. The hybrid powertrain consists of a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, providing a total power output of 204 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque.
So, there are no longer any true base versions, and that’s a good thing since it’s an improvement one looks for when transitioning to a midsize sedan without necessarily wanting to go for a luxury model. It’s interesting because the 2023 Accord is also the largest car offered by the Japanese automaker, allowing it to go even further with the Hybrid Touring version in terms of luxury and technology.
EX – $38,945
Hybrid Sport – $42,945
Hybrid Touring – $46,445
The Tested Version
It was actually the Hybrid Touring version that was given to me for the test drive, and I can tell you that Honda didn’t leave anything to chance with this new Accord. First, there’s its new design, which is of great elegance and even offers a prestigious touch with a German flavor. This is even more true with the Hybrid Touring version, equipped with 19-inch wheels, a more aggressive grille, and LED headlights. Moreover, know that the new generation Honda Accord has gained 70 mm in length, which makes all the difference in terms of style and interior space.
Speaking of the interior, it’s completely different from the previous generation. Honda went all out with a dashboard that’s more modern than ever and better integration of technologies. In fact, the only thing that may have bothered me a little in terms of the interior of the Japanese sedan is the lack of physical buttons. The volume button is poorly positioned and too small. Additionally, the absence of a phone button on the steering wheel simply astounds me. It’s the kind of thing I don’t like searching for and should be on the steering wheel. Fortunately, the automaker makes up for it in terms of finish and interior space. The 12.3-inch touchscreen is also very pleasant to use, but some controls remain difficult to find.
On the mechanical side, the tested version was equipped with the hybrid powertrain, as the name suggests. Honda claims an average fuel consumption rating of 5.3 L/100 km for this model. In my case, I achieved an average fuel consumption of 5.6 L/100 km during my week of testing. Therefore, I believe that the manufacturer’s figures are fairly accurate, as the car is more fuel-hungry on highways where I spent most of my driving time.
First Impression
I must tell you in advance that my opinion is somewhat biased when it comes to cars, as I much prefer sedans over SUVs and trucks. Therefore, I won’t hide the fact that I greatly enjoyed my week behind the wheel of the 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid Touring.
In terms of style, it is a total success, and I really like the direction Honda has been taking in recent years with the new designs of its cars. The 2023 Accord is elegant and serious. It has all the attributes of a luxury car, even though it is not one. As for the interior, what surprised me the most was the quality of the finishing and the car’s soundproofing. Honda has done an excellent job in both cases. There is plenty of space in the front and rear, especially for young children. The trunk of the Japanese automaker’s sedan is also very spacious. The heads-up display is quite clear, and the overall technology experience is quite good.
Driving Experience
During my test drive of the 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid Touring, I was able to take the car on three different types of roads, and here’s what I thought of the car for each of them.
- Highway: The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid Touring is a car that effortlessly covers long distances. It remains comfortable even after several hours of driving, and its excellent soundproofing makes it particularly pleasant on this type of road.
- Country roads: Despite its size and dimensions, the 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid Touring is a very agile and enjoyable car to drive. Let me tell you that I had a lot of fun traveling on small country roads with it.
- City: Like the majority of hybrid cars, the Honda Accord is very pleasant to drive in the city. The acceleration is responsive, and it is a car that moves easily in dense traffic.
Recommendations
SUVs may be in demand at the moment, but the day will come when sedans will regain the place they deserve. The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid Touring is proof of that, as it comes close to perfection and has everything to offer, even though it is a car and not an SUV.
Jean-Sébastien Poudrier