At one time, the Honda Accord sedan was the go-to choice for performance, room, reliability and even a hint of luxury in a mid-sized car. Indeed, to make Car and Driver's annual 10-best list 29 times is no small feat. It's still a popular choice, but has to fight for sales with the Toyota Camry, Chevrolet Malibu and Hyundai Sonata.
But that's not because the Accord has slipped in quality, it's because the rest have upped their game. To keep it fresh, Honda has revised both the sedan and coupe versions for 2016 with sharper looks and a focus on technology and performance.
While never being a challenge to BMW, the Accord has a reputation for being a sportier drive, part of the reason why it retains a standard manual transmission. Changes include a lighter aluminum hood on the sedan, larger front brakes, a stiffer chassis and revised dampers and steering that all help to sharpen an edge that was getting dull.
But what Honda is really pushing is that this is the most technologically advanced Accord and, with an eye to the kids, it's the first Honda to offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Plug in an iPhone or Android smartphone with the right software and you can access many of its features. A button on the steering wheel calls up Apple's Siri and you can ask it (her?) to call up music, texts or navigation features.
Beyond the phone apps, the layout and operation of the infotainment system is confusing and difficult. An old-time knob for volume would be more convenient than having to maddeningly push-push-push the touch screen or steering-wheel controls.
But what is a welcome – and more important – change is that the Honda Sensing suite of electronic safety features (including active cruise control, precollision warning and automatic braking and lane-keep assist) can be optioned on the sedan's base LX and Sport and the coupe's EX trim levels for $1,000. It's standard on all other models, though not with a manual gearbox. Other auto makers often bundle these safety features into expensive technology packages that include features you may not want.
The mid-sized car segment may be dwindling, but it has a more competitive selection than ever before. The Accord's midlife refresh puts the ball squarely back in the competition's court.
You'll like this car if ... You think family sedans still haven't lost their cool.
TECH SPECS
- Base price: $24,150; as tested: $35,790
- Engine: 2.4-litre inline four-cylinder; 3.5-litre V-6
- Transmission: Six-speed manual, CVT, six-speed automatic
- Fuel economy (litres/100 km): Inline-four: 8.6 city, 6.4 highway; V-6: 11.3 city, 7.0 highway
- Alternatives: Toyota Camry, Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, Chevrolet Malibu, Nissan Altima, Subaru Legacy, Mazda6, Chrysler 200
RATINGS
- Looks: All models get neon-look LED rear lights, while the top-end Touring model gets LED headlamps for a bold, upscale look. The grilles sport a thicker chrome bar reminiscent of the company’s Acura luxury brand.
- Interior: The gauges have a new chronometer look, and seats get upgraded material and leatherette. Faux-wood and carbon-fibre trims are available and, for the first time, the Accord has 60:40 folding rear seats. But there’s still too much hard plastic inside, and the seats could use more knee bolstering.
- Performance: The ride is firm but comfortable, and the Accord lives up to its sporty nature with sharp steering and solid handling. It’s still no sports car, but it’s engaging.
- Technology: Besides the seven-inch infotainment display, the Accord retains its 7.7-inch screen on top of the dash, not just for its rear-view camera (standard on all models) but also a right-side camera that is handy when turning and checking for oncoming bikes.
- Cargo: Not only is the trunk a generous size, but its opening is wide and the floor is flat. Up front, there is ample though not class-leading storage, with bottle holders in the doors, a small box between the seats and two compartments in the dash for phones and wallets.
The Verdict
8.5
When your biggest issue is a confusing infotainment system, you're doing something right.
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