The 2023 Honda Accord starts its 11th generation with a complete redesign. A less powerful but more fuel-efficient hybrid has replaced last year’s midrange 2.0-liter engine. The top-of-the-line Touring trim also introduces a Google-based infotainment system.
Shoppers may be flocking to SUVs as family haulers, but that doesn’t mean traditional midsize family sedans have lost their relevance. Sedans might not have the elevated ride height or cargo capacity of an SUV, but they typically make up for it with a lower purchase price, better fuel economy, and improved handling. Honda’s Accord has dominated this class for decades, and this year marks the arrival of a new generation.
The 2023 Honda Accord has been completely redesigned with fresh styling inside and out, new features, and the choice of a conventional gas or a hybrid powertrain. Both are competitive with rivals in power and efficiency, and Honda now offers a pre-paid maintenance plan for the first two years. Otherwise, the Accord returns with an adequately spacious interior and pleasant driving characteristics.
Of course, the Accord isn’t the only sedan worth considering. The Kia K5 is a strong rival that benefits from sporty styling and a lot of features for the money. It’s also offered with all-wheel drive, which should interest those who live in regions with inclement weather. The related Hyundai Sonata is front-wheel drive only but benefits from a high-performance N model and the same lengthy warranty as the Kia. The Toyota Camry is a popular choice valued for its reliability, but its age is showing, and its driving dynamics and interior are disappointing compared to other sedans.
The 2023 Honda Accord is offered in six trim levels: LX, EX, Hybrid Sport, Hybrid EX-L, Hybrid Sport-L, and Hybrid Touring.
The 2023 Accord LX and EX models come with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 192 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque. It’s the same engine that powered the previous generation Accord and is paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that drives the front wheels. We expect these models to accelerate to 60 mph in 8 seconds, which is average for base engines in this class. The Sport trim and higher receive a 2.0-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine with two electric motors. Output is 204 hp and 247 lb-ft, which should get to 60 mph in 7.6 seconds.
The standard Toyota Camry makes between 203 and 206 horsepower but trails the Accord slightly in acceleration. The sporty TRD model comes with a 301-hp V6, though. The base Hyundai Sonata and related Kia K5 produce 180 hp and return similar acceleration, but they offer a 290-hp upgrade on top trims.
The Environmental Protection Agency estimates the base 2023 Honda Accord with the 1.5-liter four-cylinder will return 29 mpg in city driving and 37 mpg on the highway, and 32 mpg in combined driving. The 2.0-liter hybrid is estimated at 46 mpg city, 44 mpg highway, and 44 mpg combined, but if you upgrade to the EX-L trim, that increases to 51 mpg city, 44 highway, and 48 mpg combined.
By comparison, the Toyota Camry’s four-cylinder engine is estimated at 32 mpg combined and drops to 28 or 29 mpg if you opt for all-wheel drive. The higher-performance V6 engine drops efficiency to 25 or 26 mpg. The Camry Hybrid beats the Accord’s hybrid with an estimate between 46 and 52 mpg.
Both the Hyundai Sonata and Kia K5 with the base 2.5-liter engines should return 31 mpg in combined driving while the larger 2.5-liter is estimated at 27 mpg. The Sonata hybrid also beats the Accord with an estimate between 47 and 52 mpg combined.
The all-new 2023 Honda Accord has the potential to lead the midsize family sedan class with its optimal blend of value, efficiency, and capabilities.
