2023 Honda Accord Debuts With New Looks And Techy Interior, But Drops 2.0 Turbo

Honda is giving the carpocalypse the middle finger as they’ve unveiled the 11th generation Accord, which promises to be the most advanced one yet.

Looking more conservative than its predecessor, the 2023 Accord features a more traditional black mesh grille flanked by LED headlights. They’re joined by a more curvaceous front bumper that features a wide intake, which helps to emphasize the car’s width.

Moving down the sides, we can see a longer hood and streamlined bodywork with a relatively subtle character line. While the greenhouse appears to largely carryover, designers cleaned up the third-quarter glass area and made it look more traditional.

Speaking of cleaner design, the rear end is a significant departure from its predecessor as the lobster claw taillights have been replaced by slimmer LED units that extend toward the center of the car. Elsewhere, there’s a sizable trunk with an integrated rear spoiler.

Full details will be released closer to launch, but the model comes standard with body-color side mirrors and 17-inch alloy wheels. Sport trims are distinguished by black mirrors, a black rear spoiler, and black 19-inch alloy wheels, while the Sport-L adds a unique black diffuser. The range-topping Touring also has black accents and black 19-inch wheels, but they’re joined by silver flourishes for a “sharp, high-contrast look.”

In terms of size, the 2023 Accord measures 195.7 inches (4,971 mm) long, 73.3 inches (1,862 mm) wide, and 57.1 inches (1,450 mm) tall with a wheelbase that spans 111.4 inches (2,830 mm). That makes the new model 2.7 inches (69 mm) longer than its predecessor.

An Upscale Interior With Available Google Integration

The outgoing Accord’s interior was a bright spot, so we’re a little conflicted about the changes for 2023. That being said, the sedan adopts a Civic-like cabin with a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and a 7-inch infotainment system with wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. However, higher-end trims – including the Sport, Sport-L, EX-L, and Touring – get a larger 12.3-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Speaking of infotainment systems, over-the-air updates are now supported and the range-topping Touring has built-in Google integration. As a result, customers can access Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play to download apps as well as music, podcasts, and audiobooks.

Putting the screens aside, the 2023 Accord features an evolutionary dashboard with a stylish metal mesh pattern that conceals air vents. Customers will also find piano black trim, updated switchgear, and new “body stabilizing” front seats that promise less fatigue on longer drives.

Honda also noted customers will find premium materials at key touchpoints and 40.8 inches (1,036 mm) of rear seat legroom, which is 0.4 inches (10 mm) more than before. Speaking of space, the Accord promises to have the most cargo room in its class as the trunk continues to hold 16.7 cubic feet (473 liters) of luggage.

While the entry-level Accord LX is sparsely equipped, the EX adds an 8-way power driver’s seat, heated front seats, a dual-zone climate control system, and a moonroof. The Accord Sport adds unique black upholstery, aluminum pedals, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Buyers looking for more luxury can opt for the EX-L or Sport-L, which come with leather as well as a four-way power front passenger seat. The range-topping Touring goes even further as it adds heated and ventilated leather front seats as well as heated rear seats. Drivers will also find a head-up display, a wireless smartphone charger, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system.

The 2.0 Turbo Is Gone, Leaving Sport Variants With 204 HP

Under the hood, the Accord LX and EX have a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that features updated VTEC variable valve lift technology, an upgraded direct-injection system, a new cold-active catalyst, a high-rigidity crankshaft, and a revised oil pan to reduce engine noise. Despite the changes, the engine continues to produce 192 hp (143 kW / 195 PS) and 192 lb-ft (260 Nm) of torque.

The engine is connected to an improved continuously variable transmission, which promises to be quieter and better performing. Speaking of the latter, there’s “step-shift programming that simulates gear changes at full throttle.”

That brings us to the bad news, the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine has been dropped. It will be sadly missed as it produced 252 hp (188 kW / 256 PS) and 273 lb-ft (370 Nm) of torque.

As a result, customers seeking more performance will have to opt for the Sport, Sport-L, EX-L, or Touring trims equipped with a fourth-generation two-motor hybrid system. It consists of an all-new 2.0-liter Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine and a pair of electric motors that are now mounted side-by-side. This configuration allowed for the use of a larger propulsion motor with an increased torque output of 247 lb-ft (335 Nm).

While more torque is good, the horsepower rating falls from 212 hp (158 kW / 215 PS) to 204 hp (152 kW / 207 PS). That’s disappointing, but Honda said the hybrid powertrain is more responsive and refined at highway speeds.

An Enhanced Platform And New Driver Assistance Tech

Honda didn’t go into specifics, but said the Accord rides on the company’s enhanced global architecture. The automaker went on to say the model benefits from increased chassis rigidity, stiffer body supports, and new front brace bars that support “improvements in ride, handling and overall refinement.”

Elsewhere, there’s a retuned four-wheel independent suspension with new front damper mount bearings and ball joints. Honda says this will deliver a “more engaging driving experience.” The model also benefits from “steering updates,” which promise to make the Accord more fun to drive.

On the safety front, the Accord gains new driver and passenger front airbags that have been designed to minimize the potential for severe brain trauma associated with angled frontal collisions. Buyers will also find knee and rear-passenger side airbags as well as an updated Honda Sensing suite of driver assistance systems that benefits from a new camera with a wider 90-degree field of view.

Other updates include an improved blind spot information system that can now detect objects up to 82 feet (25 meters) away. Furthermore, the Adaptive Cruise Control system and Lane Keeping Assist system have been updated to provide more natural responses. More importantly, there’s an all-new Traffic Jam Assist system, which helps the “driver maintain lane position when traveling at slower speeds, such as might be experienced in congested traffic conditions.”

The 2023 Accord will be built in Marysville, Ohio and pricing will be announced in the coming months.