New-Look 2023 Honda Accord Focuses on Hybrid Power
Three days after the fully redesigned 2023 Pilot, Honda is introducing the 11th-generation Accord sedan, also for the 2023 model year. New looks, more tech, increased safety and significant changes under the hood are in store.
The new Accord will continue to be built in Ohio (the Marysville plant celebrated 40 years of Accord production on Nov. 1) and it will arrive in dealerships a few weeks from now.
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New Hybrid System
Honda expects hybrid models to eventually account for 50 percent of total Accord sales. Three trim levels are now part of the lineup including EX, Sport and Touring, with the last two being exclusively motivated by Honda’s fourth-generation hybrid system—the same one found in the 2023 CR-V Hybrid.
Combining an Atkinson-cycle, 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with a pair of electric motors, output is rated at 204 horsepower along with 247 pound-feet of torque. Fuel consumption will be announced later. For the record, the outgoing Accord Hybrid generated 212 horsepower and averaged 5.0-5.5 L/100 km depending on the trim level.
As for the base EX model, it returns with a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine that uses an upgraded direct-injection system, new cold-active catalyst, and high-rigidity crankshaft and oil pan designed to reduce engine noise. The 192 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque are unchanged, however.
Many will be disappointed by the elimination of the turbocharged 2.0-litre mill, not to mention the 10-speed automatic transmission. The Accord goes CVT-only now, and if it makes you feel any better the unit has been upgraded for reduced noise and includes Step-Shift programming that simulates gear changes at full throttle.
Sharper and Stronger
Standing about 9 cm longer and 4.5 cm wider than its predecessor, but with an identical wheelbase and height, the 2023 Accord looks sharper and more robust. The new hexagonal grille with triangular mesh design and the restyled LED headlights up front are arguably more attractive.
On the sides, where 17- and 19-inch wheels are available, the profile is similar and retains a character line that runs all the way to the rear. The new taillights are reminiscent of German sedans, while the exhaust tips are smartly hidden for a cleaner look.
The Sport model stands out with various black accents, and three of the six body colours are new including Meteorite Gray Metallic, Urban Gray Pearl and Canyon River Blue Metallic.
You should also know the new Accord is based on Honda's enhanced global architecture and offers increased chassis rigidity with stiffer body supports and new front brace bars, which bodes well for dynamic handling. The suspension and steering have been revised, as well.
Interior Takes a Page From Other Hondas
Unsurprisingly, the interior of the 2023 Accord is all-new and similar to that of Honda’s latest models (Civic, HR-V, CR-V, Pilot), including the horizontal mesh insert that effectively conceals the air vents. The company brags about class-leading interior volume (2,911 litres without a sunroof) and rear-seat legroom (1,037 mm). Let’s not forget the 473-litre trunk.
New front seats designed for superior comfort are part of the mix, with 8-way power adjustments for the driver as standard. The configurable 10.2-inch digital instrument panel is paired with a new centre touchscreen that measures 7 or 12.3 inches depending on the trim level. Look for a simplified menu structure and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
The Accord Touring not only gets leather seats, but also Honda's first integration of Google built-in, including Google Assistant, Google Maps and Google Play, plus a standard 6-inch head-up display and 12-speaker Bose audio system. What’s more, all Accords can now receive quick and easy OTA software updates to nearly all vehicle computer modules.
Enhanced Safety
Following the example set by the Civic, the new 2023 Accord gets driver and passenger front airbags designed to minimize the potential for severe brain trauma associated with angled frontal collisions. For the first time, the midsize sedan features standard knee and rear-passenger side impact airbags.
An updated Honda Sensing suite of safety and driver assistance technologies is enabled by a new camera with a wider 90-degree field of view and wide-angle radar with a 120-degree field of view. Aditionally, blind spot information has been expanded, now with 25 metres of radar range. Also new is Traffic Jam Assist, while Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow and Lane Keeping Assis have been updated to feature more natural responses.