5 Cool Things About the 2023 Honda Accord

2023 Honda Accord Sport Hybrid w/BSI

Class: Midsize sedan

Color: Radiant Red Metallic

Miles driven: 139

CG Report Card

Room and Comfort	A
Power and Performance	A-
Fit and Finish	B+
Fuel Economy	A
Value	A

Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus other vehicles in the same class. Value grade is for specific trim level evaluated, and may not reflect Consumer Guide's impressions of the entire model lineup.

Big & Tall Comfort

Big Guy	A-
Tall Guy	A-

Big & Tall comfort ratings are for front seats only. "Big" rating based on male tester weighing approximately 350 pounds, "Tall" rating based on 6'6"-tall male tester.

Drivetrain
Engine Specs	204-horsepower 2.0-liter
Engine Type	4-cylinder hybrid
Transmission	CVT automatic
Drive Wheels	Front-wheel drive

Observed fuel economy: 44.0 mpg

EPA-estimated fuel economy: 46/41/44 (mpg city/highway/combined)

Snow Performance: N/A

Base price: $31,895 (not including $1095 destination charge)

Options on test vehicle: Special paint ($455)

Price as tested: $33,445

Quick Hits

The great: Premium-feeling drive experience, roomy cabin

The good: Excellent fuel economy, value pricing

The not so good: Mainstream cabin materials, no available AWD

5 Cool Things About the 2023 Honda Accord

Once one of the best-selling non-pickup vehicles in the United States, the Honda Accord is now only the second-best selling model in Honda’s American lineup. The CR-V, the brand’s compact crossover, now holds the Honda sales title in this market, though the Accord still sells in meaningful volume.

We lament the relative lack of interest in the Accord, as the midsize sedan may well be the best Honda ever sold Stateside.

The Accord story is historically rich, as the popular sedan was the first-ever Japanese-brand vehicle produced in the United States. And in the Nineties, at a time when American-brand vehicles were regularly sold with cash incentives, shoppers were happily paying over list price for the privilege of Accord ownership. Such was the Accord reputation.

First Spin: 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid

Yet, though shopper interest has shifted away from sedans, Honda has seen fit to keep the Accord up-to-date. Freshened for 2023, the updated Accord retains its solid, sporty character, but enjoys a higher level of refinement than ever before. Indeed, the updated sedan feels every bit as athletic and polished as German sedans costing tens of thousands of dollars more.

Car Shopping Tips: Test Drive Checklist

Consumer Guide recently spent a week with a 2023 Honda Accord Sport Hybrid in extra-cost Radiant Red Metallic. While the updates for 2023 are on the modest side, they do make the Accord an even better vehicle, and one well worth considering if you aren’t already committed to purchasing a crossover. Here we’d like to share our five favorite things about the 2023 Accord:

It’s Sophisticated

While the Accord cabin is more-or-less price appropriate, the midsize sedan feels convincingly high end underway. Ride and handling impress, as do cabin quietness levels and powertrain smoothness. Indeed, as noted above, the Accord feels like a car that costs tens of thousands of dollars more than it actually does. Even the audio system sounds upscale.

It’s High Quality

From the solid-sounding latch when the doors are closed to the interior fit and finish, the 2023 Accord presents well. The tidy cabin—though not opulent—exudes a quality feel, and the on-road experience is entirely rattle and squeak free. It’s worth noting the Sport Hybrid is among the least-expensive Accords, and the most-affordable trim level to come equipped with the hybrid powertrain.

It’s Efficient

In routine testing that slightly favored city driving, out test Accord returned a reported 44.0 mpg, matching the EPA combined fuel-economy estimate. In addition to being stingy with fuel, the Accord Hybrid runs on affordable regular-grade gasoline.

It’s Fun to Drive

If you still enjoy your commute, you’ll find the 2023 Accord a willing traffic-carving partner. The Accord chassis is very well sorted, balancing sharp cornering response with firm and accurate steering with European-style ride control. The Accord has always been known as a responsive handler, and the latest edition of the car is no exception.

It’s Affordable

While Accord transaction prices are currently dictated by supply-chain issues—which are moderating—it’s hard to argue that the factory prices on these outstanding sedans aren’t exceptional values. Our test car came to just $33,445, including extra-cost paint, and Honda’s Blind Sport Information System (BSI). With the average transaction price of a new vehicle closing on $50,000, it’s good to know that a roomy, comfortable, and sporty midsize sedan can be had for less than $35,000.

Note that 2023 Accord is available in six trim levels, beginning with the $29,000 LX, and ascending through EX, Sport Hybrid, EX-L Hybrid, Sport-L Hybrid, and Touring Hybrid versions. All but the entry-level LX and EX are powered by a 2.0-liter hybrid powertrain. Other Accords feature a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine. All Accords feature front-wheel drive and a CVT automatic transmission.

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