2022 Honda Accord US 2.0L Atkinson (204 HP)

Vehicle Overview

In late 2022, Honda revealed the eleventh generation of the Accord, making it one of the longest-lasting nameplates on U.S. soil, and the well-known mid-size sedan came with a few surprises, unfortunately not all good.

Ever since 1976, the Accord has been the number one option for many families. While it started as a humble three-door hatchback, it evolved into a sedan and a coupe for decades. Then, the tenth generation came without the two-door version but was powered by a punchy two-liter turbocharged engine that made many people consider that the Accord was on its way to becoming a sports sedan. However, the Japanese brand had different plans, and the eleventh generation showed up without that Type R-derived powerplant but with many other upgrades that could fit a family vehicle like a glove.

The 2023 Honda Accord came with a new approach in terms of design. At the front, it featured a flat vertical grille adorned by a black mesh pattern. In the middle, it sported a black badge for the brand instead of the usual chromed one. In addition, depending on the grade, the mid-size sedan also featured a dark background for the standard LED headlights across the range, with eyebrow-like daytime running lights. Lower, in the apron, the automaker added a broad air intake flanked by oblique side scoops.

Honda developed the 2023 Accord based on a new platform and stretched the wheelbase and the length of the car. However, the greenhouse’s shape remained similar to that of the tenth generation. It featured a curved roofline and a sloped rear window followed by a short deck. For the Sport and Sport-L grades, the automaker also added a rear lip spoiler, while the latter version also came with a diffuser under the bumper. Besides the LX, EX, and EX-L grades, which came with 17-inch alloy wheels, the rest of the range, including the Touring, had 19-inch sets. Also, the lowest levels were fitted with body-colored door mirrors, while the rest of the range sported black ones.

Inside, customers were surprised by a new dashboard design that included a standard digital information display fronting the driver and a touchscreen for the infotainment. The lowest grades received smaller screens, 10.2 and 7 inches, respectively. In contrast, the top grades boasted 12.3 and 8-inch displays for the instrument panel and the infotainment system, respectively. All versions supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but only higher versions got wireless connectivity with smartphones. Depending on the grade, the 2023 Honda Accord came with bolstered front seats and a split-folding (60/40) bench seat in the back. Standard upholstery was cloth, while a leather-clad interior was available for selected grades.

Under the hood, the LX and the EX were powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine carried over from the Civic and paired with a CVT, while the other were available with a 2.0-liter hybrid system. With the two-liter turbocharged version unavailable at the car’s launch, the brand’s fans could only hope for another sporty version of the 2023 Honda Accord. On the other hand, families could enjoy the new electrified drivetrain that rewarded them with amazing fuel efficiency.