- Honda will sell the new Accord in China with a 1.5-liter and a 2.0-liter plug-in hybrid.
- Among the biggest changes are a new front grille and a distinctive front bumper.
- Like the global Accord, the cabin includes a large infotainment display and a digital cluster.
It’s been less than two years since Honda began selling the 11th-generation Accord in China, but it hasn’t wasted any time updating the sedan’s design. The refreshed 2026 model is now available, sporting some minor yet noticeable upgrades that give it a slightly more aggressive look, though, at its core, it’s still the same sedan sold in global markets.
A New Face
The Chinese-market Accord, manufactured in collaboration with local carmaker GAC, has only received updates to the front end, but they’re enough to make it look a little less “bland sedan” and a little more “mildly menacing.” The changes aren’t radical, though; the internal headlight units have been subtly tweaked, but the shape stays the same. The LED daytime running lights (DRLs) now stretch further toward the grille’s edges, and—praise be to the design gods—the obnoxious orange reflectors are finally gone.
A new grille has also been added, though it retains the same general shape and size as the outgoing model. This time, it’s made up of 19 silver horizontal slats, which sounds both oddly specific and extremely precise.
Read: China’s 2024 Honda Inspire Is An Accord With A Stormtrooper Face
A much sportier looking front bumper has also been fitted to the Accord. Compared to the global Accord, this one has more complex angles and gives the front end more personality. No obvious tweaks have been made to the rear of the Honda. That means it continues to rock the same familiar taillights, complete with an LED light bar.
Same Interior and Powertrains
Inside, everything looks familiar. A small circular screen/rotary dial is positioned below the air vents, while a large 15-inch infotainment display and a digital instrument cluster are among the highlights.
As for powertrains, Chinese media reports that the same two engines from the previous model will carry over. You’ve got a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine producing 189 hp (141 kW) and 192 lb-ft (260 Nm), and a 2.0-liter plug-in hybrid with 181 hp (135 kW) and 247 lb-ft (335 Nm), offering a solid 66 miles (106 km) of all-electric range.
What About the Global Accord?
There’s no word yet on whether these updates will make their way to the global Accord, or if they’re being kept strictly for the Chinese market. Honda’s keeping quiet on that front, but given the relatively modest changes, don’t hold your breath waiting for a major redesign.
Accord or Inspire?
Let’s not forget that in China, the Accord shares showroom space with the Inspire, which is essentially the same car but with different front and rear designs. It’s built by Honda’s other manufacturing partner, Dongfeng, and offers both conventional and plug-in hybrid variants. So, if you’re in China and the Accord isn’t quite your style, there’s always another option.
