Honda’s radical redesign isn’t just competing with sedans
In a world that’s seemingly crazy for utility vehicles, it would be natural to think that the midsize-sedan category would be taking a big hit. Some vehicles within it are, but with more than 1.3 million sales a year in North America, automakers such as Honda are cozying up to buyers like never before.
The Accord is a very big deal for Honda and is a car that’s consistently short-listed by practically every midsize-sedan purchaser. With each redesign, Honda puts its reputation as a builder of well-engineered, funto-drive vehicles squarely on the line.
The top-to-bottom changes for 2018 are obvious. The styling carries nothing over from the previous sedan, from the expressive grille and jewel-style headlamps, to the sweep of the fastback roof. The Accord’s new thoroughly modern look is a feast for the eyes.
The car might appear larger, but it’s mostly illusionary, although with 2.6 more inches of space between the front and rear wheels, back-seat riders will notice the additional legroom. The car is also slightly wider, but overall length and body height have been fractionally reduced.
The thinner windshield pillars and lower hood collectively provide a wider field of view. Honda also moved the front seats slightly inboard so the occupants feel less cramped. Those folks should also appreciate the tablet-style 8-inch touchscreen that has easy-to-use oversized knobs for the audio tuner and volume control.
The sporty leather-covered steering wheel complements the rest of the cabin that’s now a few decibels quieter. The shifter for the automatic transmission has been replaced by pushbuttons on the console.
The Accord’s body panels are pinned to a redesigned platform that’s lighter and less prone to bending and twisting. According to Honda, the new car weighs 110-176 pounds less, depending on the model.
Accord fans should brace themselves for this next bit of news; both available engines are of the turbocharged four- cylinder variety, starting with a 1.5- liter unit rated at 185 horsepower and 181 pound- feet of torque. Optional is a 252- horspower turbo 2.0- liter that’s a detuned version of the piece installed in the Civic Type R. It replaces the stellar- performing 3.5- liter V6 that has been an Accord staple for the past decade. Fans might bemoan the loss, but Honda points out that the 2.0 makes 21 pound- feet more torque than the V6 and consumes less fuel.
Also gone for 2018 is the slow-selling Accord coupe.
Some buyers will like that either powerplant can be mated with a sixspeed manual transmission, which is a rarity these days. Other than the Mazda6, no sedan in the Accord’s class offers one. A continuously variable transmission is optional with the 1.5, while a 10-speed automatic can be had with the 2.0.
The manual functions well with either engine, but the 1.5 seems most at home with it. The 2.0 is exceptionally lively and is an ideal replacement for the V6.
The 2018 Accord hybrid promises a more efficient gas-electric power system than before. It arrives in early 2018, which means, for now, the base turbo 1.5 wears the efficiency crown. It’s rated at 30 mpg in the city and 38 on the highway.
Accord pricing starts at $24,600 for the base LX, which comes with a full range of basic content plus a suite of active safety technology under the Honda Sensing banner.
From that point, the Sport, EX, EX-L and Touring trims layer on the luxury extras and assorted garnish.
The new Accord is indeed daring, proof that Honda is clearly intent on being the class standard. That’s exactly what it’s going to take to keep midsize-sedan buyers from defecting to utility vehicles.