The completely redesigned 2023 Honda Accord has the appealing dimensions of the once-classic American family sedan. But not everybody will like how low it rides

Table of Contents

Hybrid Sedan Competition
Accord’s 47-Year History
2023 Honda Accord Pricing
Two-Motor Hybrid Powertrain
Safety Features and Technologies
Interior Function
Ride and Handling
Why Buy the 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid?
Specifications

BY MARK MAYNARD

If you drive a lot and are not reimbursed for fuel, the redesigned 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid can bring some payback. The most efficient Accord Hybrid EX-L model has fuel economy estimates of 51 mpg city, 44 highway, and 48 mpg combined. And today’s tester, the Accord Hybrid Touring, has mileage ratings of 46/41/44 mpg.

For the mileage conscious, that 3 to 5 mpg variance is the difference between 17-inch wheels on the EX-L and 19-inch wheels on the Hybrid Touring. And the Touring trim (3,532 pounds) is slightly heavier by just 64 pounds.

But the more fashionable Hybrid Touring tester still provides excellent fuel economy. I worked up to 48.7 mpg on extended highway driving, and it might have gone higher on a longer drive. Around town, I saw mileage of 44.9 mpg.

How can a commuter not like sitting on a range of more than 560 miles with a full tank? Well, for one, all 2023 Accord models have a recommendation for premium fuel to get higher fuel economy, but it is not a requirement.

Whether a parent in a carpool or a ride-share driver, there is much to like about the redesigned 11th-generation Honda Accord. But the low-riding Accord, like most midsized sedans, is why many American motorists have migrated to an SUV, like the Honda CR-V.

The Hybrid Sedan Competition

There are just three mainstream midsize hybrid sedans on sale in the U.S. today, including the Hyundai Sonata and Toyota Camry, the only choice offering all-wheel drive.

The Camry Hybrid LE ($29,750) nails the mileage points at 51/53/51 mpg with a total range of 686 miles. The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Blue ($29,365) is second with 50/54/51 mpg.

Even the 2022 Honda Accord Hybrid has mileage ratings of 48/47/47 mpg.

Accord’s 47-Year History

The Honda Accord was introduced to American car buyers in 1976. It debuted amid an ongoing oil embargo led by Saudi Arabia. At the time, people followed Honda car haulers to dealerships to get one of the most fuel-efficient cars.

And it was the Honda Accord’s early sales success that helped it establish the midsize sedan segment. Since then, the Accord has become a best-selling sedan over the last five decades, Honda says.

Honda hopes its completely redesigned 2023 Accord will re-energize the midsize sedan segment. And the Accord is off to a strong sales start. In May, Accord sales rose to 20,007 cars, 55 percent of which were the Accord Hybrid, or 11,100 units. Honda says the hybrid model has passed 10,000 units for the second straight month. Total 2023 Accord sales are up more than 80 percent compared to May 2022.

The 2023 Accord Redesign

The 2023 Honda Accord is longer and sleeker with a slightly broader stance, with tires and wheels pushed to the edge of the body line for aerodynamics.

New styling for the midsize sedan is familiar but with a decidedly upscale appearance, almost Audi-like with some Kia Stinger. Overall length has grown by 2.7 inches, with a 0.4-inch wider rear track for improved stability, particularly when making evasive maneuvers. Wide, horizontal LED straight-line “flush” taillights accentuate Accord’s wide stance.

The midsize four-door approaches the dimensions of the once-classic American family sedan. Without the moonroof, there is tall headroom of 39.5 inches, or 37.5 inches, with the power moonroof. Legroom of 42.3 inches is about as long as is possible in a car. Back seat legroom is also long at 40.8 inches. And the trunk is family-vacation large at 16.7 cubic feet, expandable by the 60/40 folding back seat.

Notable for the Accord Hybrid is that neither back seat nor trunk space is diminished by the battery pack. Mounted under the rear seat, the Intelligent Power Unit — containing the battery pack and its controlling hardware — is 9 percent smaller, Honda says. The smaller and lighter IPU allowed the cooling fan to be integrated into the unit rather than externally mounted.

2023 Honda Accord Pricing

The 2023 Honda Accord is available in six front-wheel drive trim levels, two of which are gasoline powered.

LX and EX gas models have a 192-hp turbocharged and direct-injected 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. It has fuel-economy ratings of 29/27/32 mpg city/highway/combined.

Pricing starts at $28,390 for the LX and $30,155 for the EX. All manufacturer retail pricing includes the $1,095 freight charge from Marysville, Ohio.

The four gasoline-electric hybrid trim levels — Sport, EX-L, Sport-L, Touring — have starting prices that range from $32,440 to $38,435 for the top-line Accord Hybrid Touring.

Standard Accord Hybrid Touring features include:

• Walk Away Auto Lock, a driver-configured convenience through the infotainment system;
• Smart-key locking and push-button ignition;
• One-touch power moonroof;
• Leather-trimmed upholstery;
• 10-way power driver’s seat;
• 4-way manual front passenger seat;
• Heated and ventilated front seats;
• Heated rear (window) seats;
• 60/40 folding back seat;
• 12-speaker Bose audio system;
• Head-up display;
• Wireless phone charger;
• 19-inch alloy wheels with black inserts and grand-touring tires.

Check here for current Honda Accord pricing and offers.

Accord Hybrid Warranty Coverage

Honda’s new-vehicle warranty covers just 3 years or 36,000 miles with 2 years of free maintenance, but there is significant coverage for the hybrid elements.

For states that have adopted California emissions standards, hybrid components have a warranty of 15 years and 150,000 miles. The hybrid battery has coverage for 10 years and 150,000 miles.

Included in the warranty coverage are the following:

• Hybrid Battery module and internal components
• Drive and Motor Generator stators and rotors;
• Drive motor control module, including software;
• Battery control module, including internal components and software updates;
• High-voltage and bypass contactors, resistor, and fuse;
• High-voltage power cables;
• Battery current sensor.

Two-Motor Hybrid Powertrain

Since 2014, Honda has used a two-motor gasoline-electric hybrid system. One motor is for driving, and the other is for generating power for the hybrid battery.

The two electric motors are now side-by-side rather than in-line. The new positioning has multiple benefits, Honda says. Among them is a larger, more powerful propulsion motor. Total combined horsepower is 204 with 247 foot-pounds of peak torque from 0 to 2,000 rpm, an additional 15 lb.-ft. more than before. And more torque gives a stronger launch from a stop.

For pedestrian awareness, the hybrid system emits an Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System when idling and at low speed on battery power. The tone sounds like a machined angel chorus, but it is effective.

Atkinson Cycle Engine

The 2023 Honda Accord hybrid system runs through an Atkinson-cycle 2.0-liter four-cylinder, revised with direct- and multistage injection. The two-part system improves cleaner combustion for reduced carbon buildup over time.

This engine idles silently with no vibration.

CVT Drive Modes

I don’t like most continuously variable automatic transmissions because of their rev-and-wail performance as the belt catches up with engine power. However, Honda’s e-CVT has Step Shift programming that simulates gear changes and gives downshifts during braking. Acceleration has absolute launch force without lag or obnoxious engine sounds.

A new “B” transmission setting amplifies regenerative and engine braking to put power back into the battery for more electric driving. B mode also allows “one pedal” driving (common among battery-electric vehicles) for deceleration. Paddles at the steering wheel can increase the level of slowdown.

There are four drive modes of CVT performance, but I spent most of my week in Normal.

Normal: Balances fuel efficiency and driving performance;

ECON: Fuel efficiency is prioritized by reducing accelerator responsiveness, and air conditioning is set to a more efficient cycle. (I found the ECON performance maddingly resistant to acceleration and not worth its incremental benefit.)

Sport: This Hybrid-only mode sharpens throttle response, and the Active Sound Control opens the muffler for a sporty tone, though I did not notice a tone difference. Sport mode is my quickness tool in heavy traffic to guard against other drivers trying to sneak in.

Individual: A Hybrid-only mode to make individual settings, such as engine responsiveness, gauges, and steering assist.

Safety Features and Technologies

The 2023 Honda Accord has earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s highest rating of Top Safety Pick+. The new Accord earned the institute’s highest possible ratings in six of seven categories. Among the categories is Accord’s standard front crash prevention system. It got a “Superior” rating from IIHS in the daytime and an “Advanced” rating in the nighttime vehicle-to-pedestrian avoidance tests.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has yet to rate the 2023 Accord. Check here for updates.

In addition to 10 air bags and a rear cross-traffic monitor, the 2023 Accord has the Honda Sensing system of advanced driver assistance system.

Its new features include a front sensor camera and radar, Traffic Jam Assist (in stop-and-go cruise control), and Traffic Sign Recognition. With TSR, the front camera reads traffic signs and displays them through the instrument cluster, infotainment screen, or head-up display. It is a ticket-saver when speed signs are so far and few between.

Other driver-assist features include:

• Low-Speed Braking Control;
• Updated Adaptive Cruise Control;
• Lane Keeping Assist;
• And a new blind spot information system.

Driver-Assistance Tech

The elements in Honda Sensing combine to provide Level 2 semi-autonomous driving. The system will steer, accelerate, and stop when activated with advanced cruise control. In my experience, Honda’s system gave precise control in highway cornering and never let the Accord drift wide across the lines or Botts dots. Not all such systems are as accurate.

Traffic Jam Assist will be of value for commuters in high-stress traffic. When activated, the system will keep pace with traffic, slow and accelerate as needed, or stop, then start again.

Honda Accord Interior Function

Honda has long focused on creating interiors with find-it-in-the-dark simplicity. The new Accord is another champion of clean design and ergonomics — mostly. The materials are of a refined and pleasing appearance, and, of course, with meticulous panel alignment.

Vacation trips will be more comfortable with the new Body Stabilizing Seats. The design treatment helps reduce fatigue and improve posture, Honda says. Among the seat innovations is a resin mat that supports the area from the pelvis to the lumbar spine for a more stable seating feel. The seat bottom has a new curve to reduce forward and lateral pelvic tilt. And the seat also centers the upper body over the pelvis, Honda says, helping stabilize the upper arms and the driver’s eyesight.

However, the seating position is low in the hole and has an almost drop-in for the driver. And, worse for the passenger because even this top Hybrid Touring model only provides four-way power adjustment and no height lift. The girlfriend-wife was not happy going for a ride.

I suppose for a Sport model, it is essential to include an actual gearshift lever, but it is unnecessary in the hybrid model. The narrow shifter of spindly proportions gets in the way of easy access to the wireless charging pad and cup holders. Honda could have instead used its low and flat strip of electronic gear switches, such as in the Honda Pilot SUV.

I like the Accord’s spray-arm wipers because they don’t scrape dry glass. But the driver-side wiper leaves a 3-inch margin of unswiped glass on driver’s left. The sightline blockage is wider with uncleared droplets and streaks next to the windshield pillar.

Infotainment Finesse

Accord hybrid models have Honda’s largest touchscreen to date. The dashboard-top 12.3-inch color display screen has an actual physical volume knob. A 1-inch finger rest at the bottom of the touchscreen makes it steadier to use.

The system also has fewer embedded menus. And for at-a-glance efficiency, the system has three programmable shortcuts on the left side of the screen.

LX and EX models have a 7-inch color touchscreen audio system. And both infotainment systems have wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Wi-Fi hotspot capability, and Alexa Built-In.

All trim levels have two illuminated 3.0-amp USB-C ports. The EX-L and Touring add two illuminated 3.0-amp USB-C charging ports in the back seat console. Qi-compatible 15-watt wireless smartphone charging is standard on Touring.

Google Built-In

The top-line Hybrid Touring features Honda’s first integration of Google built-in. A 3-year unlimited data plan is included to use Google Assistant, Google Maps, and Google Play.

Honda says Google Cloud’s Speech-to-Text service has incredibly accurate automatic speech recognition. The voice control works for such functions as climate control. Users can say “Hey, Google” or press the voice control button on the steering wheel to get started. Voice assistant also lets users set their destination in Google Maps without taking their eyes off the road. The route map can be displayed in the instrument cluster.

Google Assistant includes the voice operation of media apps and vehicle functions such as the air-conditioning system. It also is used for texting and making calls. Google Play is to download third-party apps for music, podcasts, and audiobooks.

Accord Hybrid Ride and Handling

Honda does excellent steel-spring suspensions, and the 2023 Accord has sport-sedan attitude and flat handling. But the Accord’s ride quality is inelegant and somewhat coarse. I could feel every expansion seam in the road, though some of that texture could be from the tires. The tester’s Michelin Primacy MXM4 Green X grand-touring tires (235/40) have a 500 treadwear rating, which is hard enough for a warranty of 55,000 miles.

Honda also uses its wheel resonators for noise-reducing wheels. The resonator is a narrow strap-like device that wraps around the inner wheel hub. The idea is to cancel noise from resonance generated by the rotating wheel and tire.

Honda says, “noise-reducing wheels are an ingenious technology that reduces noise and contributes to better fuel efficiency and vehicle performance.”

Why Buy the 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid?

With the potential for nearly 50 mpg, the 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid does more for fuel economy and vehicle emissions than fleets of electric or plug-in electric vehicles.

But the new Accord is aerodynamically low to the ground. That strains the knees and backs of the more mature drivers who can afford an almost $40,000 new car. And in heavy traffic, the driver’s sightline is aimed at the taillights of the vehicle ahead.

That view will turn buyers’ eyes to the very carlike Honda CR-V compact SUV crossover. Here’s my review of the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid.

2023 Honda Accord Hybrid Touring Specifications

Body style: midsize, 5-seat, front-drive sedan

Engine: 146-hp, direct-injected 2.0-liter Atkinson cycle 4-cylinder; 134 lb.-ft. torque at 4,500 rpm

2-motor hybrid assist system: 181-hp, AC synchronous permanent magnet; torque 247 lb.-ft. torque from 0-2,000 rpm; 1.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack

Total system power: 204 hp

Transmission: CVT

Fuel economy: 46/41/44 mpg city/hwy/combined; 87 octane recommended

0-60 mph acceleration: 6.6-seconds *per Car and Driver

BY THE NUMBERS

Fuel tank: 12.8 gallons

Trunk space: 16.7 cubic feet

Front head/leg room: 37.5/42.3 inches

Rear head/leg room: 37.3/40.8 inches

Front shoulder/hip room: 57.9/55.4 inches

Rear shoulder/hip room: 56.5/55.4 inches

Length/wheelbase: 195.7/111.4 inches

Width/height: 73.3/57.1 inches

Track, front/rear: 63.6/62.6 inches

Curb weight: 3,532 pounds

Turning circle: 38.4 feet

FEATURES

Standard Hybrid Touring equipment includes: Walk Away Auto Lock, Smart-key locking and push-button ignition, one-touch power moonroof, leather-trimmed upholstery, 10-way power driver’s seat, 4-way manual front passenger seat, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear (window) seats, 60/40 folding back seat, 12-speaker Bose audio system, head-up display, wireless phone charger, 19-inch alloy wheels with black inserts and Michelin grand-touring tires;

Safety features include: 10 air bags, rear cross-traffic monitor, stability and traction controls, brake assist, blind-spot monitoring, front and rear parking sensors;

Safety technologies: Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Collision Mitigation Braking, Road Departure Mitigation, Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System;

Driver-Assist technologies: Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow, Lane Keeping Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, Auto High-Beam Headlights, Blind Spot Information with Cross Traffic Monitor, Low-Speed Braking Control, Parking Sensors front and rear.

PRICING

Accord Hybrid Touring base price: $38,435, including $1,095 freight charge;

Options on test vehicle: None

Where assembled: Marysville Auto Plant, Ohio

Warranties: 3-years/36,000-miles bumper to bumper, includes 2-year free maintenance; 5-years/60,000-miles powertrain