Following its 2023 overhaul launching its eleventh generation, the 2024 Honda Accord returns with no major changes. What has changed is customer demand for the hybrid variant, now accounting for just over half of all sales.
The Accord remains a strong seller in a shrinking segment, riding on its stellar history, strong build quality, and roomy interior to attract consumers.
2024 Honda Accord Review
Honda offers the 2024 Accord in six grades. Beginning in 2023, Honda quit marketing the hybrid variant separately. Instead, four of the six Accord grades are hybrids and are equipped accordingly.
The two gas-only models are the LX ($27,895) and the EX ($29,910).
They’re followed by the Sport Hybrid ($32,545), EX-L Hybrid ($34,190), Sport-L Hybrid ($34,525), and the Touring Hybrid ($38,540). Add $1,095 for the destination charge.
Honda supplied us with the top-trim Touring Hybrid, a model that costs more than $41,000 with all packages included.
The Accord seats five and is classified as a midsize sedan. The gas models come with a turbocharged engine, while the hybrids come with a naturally aspirated engine and two electric motors. One motor starts the car; the second supplies acceleration.
All 2024 Accords utilize a continuously variable transmission to route power to the front wheels.
See Also – 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid Review
Exterior Highlights
Honda continues to deliver a premium touch with the Accord’s design. Gone from the last generation are some of the striking lighting elements, replaced with more subdued yet elegant lighting such as the rear crossbar light.
This design effort is particularly noteworthy as competitors such as the Chrysler 200 and Ford Fusion are no more, while rivals such as the Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima remain competitive.
The Honda Accord features a bold front fascia with a trapezoidal grille and LED lighting, a long hood, and a coupe-like roofline. The rear design includes a notchback trunk and LED lights linked by a light bar.
Despite not being a liftback, the Accord offers an ample 16.7 cubic feet of cargo space. Overall, the current expression confidently advances a modern look.
Interior Highlights
Midsize sedans remain the roomiest car models available today. No mainstream manufacturer offers a full-size sedan these days as crossovers have replaced them. For the Accord and its competitors, these models offer ample room for five adults.
The Accord’s sloping roofline, though, makes entering and leaving the rear cabin a bit of a challenge, but interior headroom remains good for average-sized adults, nonetheless.
The Accord’s cabin is clean and uncluttered, with the touchscreen rising prominently from the dashboard. Lots of traditional controls (buttons and switches) are at the ready with a crystal-clear instrument cluster included.
Cloth seats come standard on the first three trims with the remaining three wrapped in leather. All but the base LX model have heated front seats, a power-controlled driver’s seat, dual-zone climate control, and a moonroof.
You can see where this is going – we recommend shoppers start their search with the next-level EX grade.
Technology and Safety
The standard Honda Accord includes a 4-speaker sound system, 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, two USB ports, and smartphone integration. Higher trims feature a minimum of an 8-speaker audio system, with the Hybrid Touring boasting a 12-speaker Bose system.
Optional features include wireless charging, wireless phone connectivity, rear USB ports, a head-up display, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen. The system interface is user-friendly with clear, easily accessible controls.
The Honda Sensing package, standard on all models, offers a range of safety features such as collision and road departure mitigation, lane keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control, along with traffic sign recognition.
Except for the base model, all trims come with a blind spot information system and rear cross-traffic alert. Certain models also include a multi-angle rearview camera, which is especially helpful for reversing into tight spaces.
Performance
Powering the LX and EX grades is a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This engine makes an even 192 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque. Power routes to the front wheels utilizing a continuously variable transmission. This model delivers an EPA-estimated 29 mpg city and 37 mpg highway for a respectable 32 mpg combined.
Every hybrid variant of this model is equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, paired with an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission that powers the front wheels.
Honda rates the hybrid’s performance at 204 horsepower, achieved when the gasoline engine and electric motor work together at full throttle. Additionally, it offers 247 pound-feet of torque, providing notable power during highway overtaking.
The base models are the most fuel-efficient, with an EPA rating of 51 mpg in the city and 44 mpg on the highway, averaging 48 mpg combined. The higher-end models achieve a combined 44 mpg, with 46 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway.
During a week of testing, an impressive average of 43.2 mpg was recorded, a notable feat for a driver inclined towards a heavier throttle.
Driving Highlights
We miss the days when a V6 was available with the Accord. Last offered in 2017, the V6 delivered an impressive 278 horsepower. It was replaced by a pair of turbocharged four-cylinder engines, including one that delivered 252 horsepower and was linked to a 10-speed automatic transmission.
My, how things have changed. The base engine remains, the larger turbo is gone, and now the hybrid is the performance and efficiency leader for the model line. Keep this in mind if your expectations skew toward power, because the change is worth noting.
Our test Touring Hybrid showcases the best of what the Accord offers. All grades, though, come with MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension. Tuning is slightly modified on sport models to supply enhanced grip and driver feedback.
In any case, the Accord stays centered and supplies enough engagement to avoid boredom.
The gasoline-powered Accords use a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that incorporates both a belt and chain. In contrast, the hybrid models use an electric motor for power transmission.
This distinction is significant as traditional CVTs tend to increase engine RPMs, leading to more noise. However, the Accord’s electric CVT operates similarly to a conventional geared transmission, keeping the RPMs steady, even under full throttle.
What surprised us most about the hybrid was its ability to zip from a dead stop to highway speed quickly, just under seven seconds as estimated by some. The sedan rides quietly and comfortably, so much so that long trips are a desirable option. This model offers firm braking supported by a suite of safety features.
Accord enthusiasts, however, might want more. For instance, all-wheel drive is not available, which is standard with the Subaru Legacy and offered with the Kia K5, Toyota Camry, and Nissan Altima.
The Accord is also outperformed by the Hyundai Sonata N-Line making 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, demonstrating that performance isn’t dead in this category.
Honda Accord Considerations
Honda is unlikely to discontinue its car lines, particularly the Civic and Accord, which have been staples since its U.S. introduction in the 1970s. Both models continue to see strong demand, and Honda responds with exceptional offerings.
For value, the EX gas or Sport Hybrid trims are recommended, though prices now exceed $30,000, reflecting the worrying impact of relentless inflation.
See Also – 2023 Honda HR-V Hybrid Review
Photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine. All rights reserved.
Matt is a member of the Washington Automotive Press Association and is a contributor to various print and online media sources including NAPA, CarsDirect, CapitalOne, and Driven Autos.
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