2023 Honda Accord: the hybrid at the forefront.. 2023 Honda Accord: the hybrid at the forefront. New hybrid system.
Honda expects hybrid models to eventually account for 50% of Accord sales. So of the three trims on the Canadian menu — EX, Sport and Touring — the top two employ a new fourth-generation hybrid system, the same as in the 2023 CR-V Hybrid .
Combining a 2.0-liter four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle engine with two electric motors, power rises to 204 horsepower and torque to 247 lb-ft. However, fuel consumption ratings will be announced at a later date. Recall that the outgoing model provided 212 horsepower and burned an average of 5 to 5.5 L/100 km depending on the version.
As for the base EX version, it returns with the turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, but this one has an improved direct injection system, a new active cold catalytic converter as well as a crankshaft and a high stiffness oil pan to reduce engine noise. However, it continues to generate 192 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque.
Disappointment for many, the 2-litre turbo engine is not back, nor the 10-speed automatic transmission. The only transmission is a continuously variable type which, thankfully, has been revised for smoother operation. It also includes Step-Shift programming that simulates gear changes when accelerating.
More robust, and not just in appearance.
Longer by 9cm and wider by around 4.5cm, but with the same wheelbase and height, the 2023 Accord adopts a new posture and a more robust style. Its hexagonal grille and redesigned headlights at the front give it a more attractive appearance. On the sides, where 17 or 19 inch rims appear, the profile is rather similar and retains a line of relief stretching to the rear. Here, the new lights are reminiscent of German sedans, and the tailpipes are cleverly concealed.
The Sport version stands out with a few black accents and three of the six available exterior colors are new: Meteorite Gray Metallic, Urban Pearl Gray and Canyon River Blue Metallic.
Note also that the Accord now benefits from a stronger chassis with stiffer body mounts and new front reinforcement bars, which are sure to improve driving dynamics. The suspension and steering have also been reworked.
Interior similar to other Hondas.
Unsurprisingly, the interior of the 2023 Accord changes completely to adopt a decor similar to that found in the brand’s most recent products (Civic, HR-V, CR-V, Pilot), in particular with this horizontal grid which at the same time hides the air vents. Honda speaks of class-leading interior volume (2,911 liters without sunroof) and rear-seat legroom (1,037 mm). Let’s not forget the 473-litre trunk.
There are new front seats designed for better comfort with, as standard, eight electric adjustments for the driver. The digital and customizable 10.2-inch dashboard is accompanied by a central touch screen of 7 or 12.3 inches depending on the version. The latter has a simplified interface with fewer menus as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wireless compatibility.
The Accord Touring not only stands out with leather upholstery, but also the integration of Google features (a first for Honda), including the Google Assistant, Google Maps and Google Play, as well as a head-up display 6-inch speakers and a 12-speaker Bose sound system. In addition, all Accords can now receive remote software updates.
00:00 Honda Accord the hybrid at the forefront.
01:33 More robust, and not just in appearance.
02:35 Interior similar to other Hondas.
03:56 Enhanced Security.
