The Accord and the Civic are two names from the Japanese manufacturer that have been sonorous in the segment for quite a while now. The Civic did garner a lot more sales numbers than the Accord, but come to the midsize luxury sedan segment and there's no challenging the latter here. It has set a benchmark in the segment with its inevitable popularity. While the rival manufacturers are trying to decode this Japenese magic mantra, the 2020 Honda Accord remains proud of the mysterious ingredients tucked beneath its skin that set it apart from the segment.
One of the best midsize sedans that money can buy - The 2020 Honda Accord
Having said that, the Accord, with its undying reputation and utterly reliable character is one of the best midsize sedans on the market to date. In its third model year of the current generation, this Honda stands strong and continues to impress with its sharp looks, sleek body, an upscale interior, and peppy performance under the hood. However, with the fanbase for the Toyota Camry increasing slowly, should the Accord be worried? Let's find out.
Vehicle images are guides only and may not reflect the model's exact specifications/features– exact specifications/features should be confirmed with the seller.
The Accord gets an option of two turbocharged engines: 1.5L inline-4 and 2.0L inline-4, coupled to either CVT, 6-Speed Manual, or a 10-Speed Automatic gearbox. An extremely efficient hybrid model which is powered by a naturally aspirated, 2.0L engine, coupled to an E-CVT, is available as well. On the inside, there isn't any shiny glitter around the cabin desperately screaming for attention. It's humble characteristics impart a calm aura all around you, thus ensuring a relaxed and splendid ride quality.
The 2020 Honda Accord has always shown us the perfect blend of performance, driving dynamics, and comfort in one single package. This achievement has helped it become people’s favorite over the years. However, with competition growing fiercer every day, the undisputed titan is put to trial once more, going against the likes of Toyota Camry,Ford Fusion, and Nissan Altima. With a mouth-watering price tag starting from $23,780 for the base trim, is it going to be a win for the Accord yet again? Or do we have game-changers this time?
2020 Honda Accord Sedan Front View
2020 Honda Accord Sedan Rear View
8.0/10 Features
8.4/10 Engine and Performance
9.2/10 Fuel Economy
8.0/10 Interior
8.5/10 Exterior
9.0/10 Safety
8.5/10 Competition
2020 Honda Accord Features
8.0/10
Honda Accord is available in five extensive trims for the 2020 model year that are loaded with features up to the brim. Honda gives a choice of two engines and three transmissions with the Accord which is available in various combinations throughout the line-up. A hybrid setup is also available with emphasis given to fuel efficiency.
The 2020 Honda Accord presents an eloquent blend of lines all around
All the trims including, the LX, Sport, EX, and EX-L are available with a 1.5L turbocharged inline-four motor coupled with a CVT. However, the Sport trim has an option for a 6-Speed stick shifter - the only manual of the lot. There is also a 2.0L motor which is optional for Sport and EX-L trims. This 2.0L turbocharged engine is offered as standard only with the Touring trim which is coupled to a 10-Speed Automatic transmission.
To sum it up, Honda surely knows how to spoil its customers well. The Accord’s bandwidth is from $23870 to $30270, thus being a hotspot for a wide audience. With a variety of options to spice up the exterior, Honda has ensured that there is an Accord for everyone out there.
Trims
LX
Sport
EX
EX-L
Touring
MSRP (FWD)
$24,270
$26,980
$28,070
$30,570
$36,400
Key Features
Honda Sensing Safety and Driver Assistive Technology
All the features in Hybrid added/replaced and:
All the features in Sport added/replaced and:
All the features in EX added/replaced and:
All the features in EX-L added/replaced and:
17-inch painted alloy wheels
19-inch machined alloy wheels
17-inch machined alloy wheels
450-Watt Premium Audio System with 10-speakers
Adaptive Damper System
CVT with Sport Mode
6-Speed Manual
Smart Entry with Walk away Auto-Lock
HomeLink Remote System
10-Speed Automatic Transmission with paddle shifters
160-Watt Audio System with4 speakers
12-Way power driver seat
Sirius XM Radio
Automatic Dimming Rear View Mirror
LED Headlamps with Auto on/Off
7-inch infotainment screen
8-inch Infotainment Screen
Heated Power Side Mirrors
Leather-Trimmed Seats
Side mirrors with Reverse Gear Tilt Down
Bluetooth Handsfree and Audio Streaming
Body-Colored Decklid Spoiler
Remote Engine Start
4-way power-adjustable front passenger seat
Ventilated Front Seats
Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Moonroof
Wireless Phone Charger
Which trim should you opt for?
Recommending the perfect Accord could be tough, primarily because every trim is attractive in its own way. If “fun to drive” is your main concern, then we are on the same page. The Sport trim with the optional 2.0L engine and the 6-speed manual gearbox will surely bring a wide grin on your face! For family-focussed sedan buyers, the EX trim should suffice as it covers a wide band of features under its umbrella and surely makes a worthy proposition over the others.
The Accord is powered by a humble 1.5L turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine and coupled to a continuously variable transmission. The CVT helps to extract the maximum efficiency from the engine. The Accord's performance is linear and not breathtaking but it is enough to keep you tucked to the seat. Also available is a hybrid avatar and a more powerful 2.0L turbo 4-pot motor. The 2.0L engine, restricted to the top trim Touring, produces an impressive 252 horses and 273 pound-feet of torque.
What's under the hood of Honda Accord?
The 1.5L, turbocharged inline four-pot chunks out 192 horses and 192 pound-feet of torque which is healthy for a midsize sedan. It is one of the most powerful base engines in this segment. The CVT helps to extract the maximum fuel efficiency without compromising much on the performance. Only the Sport trim can be equipped with a six-speed manual transmission which is quite fun to drive and still returns a good fuel economy. The most impressive of the lot is the 2.0L, turbocharged engine which pumps out a respectable 252 horses. The acceleration is brisk for a family sedan. The 6-speed manual might offer a more involving drive but it's the CVT and 10-Speed Automatic that helps squeeze out maximum from the engines.
The 2020 Accord is powered by this 1.5L, turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine
Honda’s transmissions are becoming a phenomenon in the mid-size sedan segment. The two transmission options are paired to the new turbocharged Inline-4 engine lineup which is an improvement this year. However, the 6-speed manual is a bit notchy and but still fun nonetheless. The CVT, on the other hand, is eager to churn out maximum efficiency and won't really give you the kick-in-the-pants feel. The slick 10-speed automatic is by far the sportiest option and our pick for your Accord this year.
Models
Honda Accord LX
Toyota Camry L
Ford Fusion S
Nissan Altima 2.5 S
MSRP
$24,270
$24,295
$23,170
$24,100
Engine
1.5L Inline-4
2.5L Inline-4
2.5L Inline-4
2.5L Inline-4
Drivetrain
FWD
FWD
FWD
FWD
Transmission
CVT
8-Speed Automatic
6-Speed Automatic
CVT
Power
192hp@5,500rpm
203hp@6,600rpm
173hp@6,000rpm
188hp@6,000rpm
Torque
192lb-ft@1,600rpm
184lb-ft@5,000rpm
174lb-ft@4,500rpm
180lb-ft@3,600rpm
The Accord stays on top of the performance curve with its impressive balanced figures. Ford Fusion comes in last with the least impressive. Toyota Camry stays close to the Honda with a marginal overall decrease.
How quick is the Honda off the line?
The acceleration is not mind-blowing but the way it’s transferred to the front wheels makes the Honda propel seamlessly. The usual rubber band effect of the CVT is quite noticeable the moment the throttle meets the metal which makes the engine rev constantly. It pulls cleanly without much fuss.
The acceleration from the CVT is moderate, taking 7.6 seconds to cross the 60 mark
The acceleration is linear which helps to keep occupants from feeling the jerk when propelling itself and city drives are a breeze without any roadblocks. Its arch-rival, the Toyota Camry, packs a lot more punch under the hood with its standard powertrain.
Models
Honda Accord LX
Toyota Camry L
Ford Fusion S
Nissan Altima 2.5 S
0-60 MPH
7.3 sec
7.6 sec
8.9 sec
7.7 sec
Quarter Mile
15.5 sec
15.7 sec
15.2 sec
16.0 sec
Top Speed
115 MPH
135 MPH
N/A
140 MPH
Engine
1.5L Inline-4
2.5L Inline-4
2.5L Inline-4
2.5L Inine-4
Toyota Camry tops the lot with an exceptional sub sic seconds run to the 60 moh mark which is quite respectable as this is not the TRD trim. Honda comes in at second. The Ford Fusion ends the list for the 60 mph mark after the Nissan Altima. In real-time, all of these sedans come close to each other and boy it would be fun to watch.
How does the Accord handle?
Honda has managed to build a masterpiece with the Accord, well, almost. The major drawback is the electronic power steering which is precise and accurate, however, it is electrically assisted, it doesn’t feel natural and the minimal feedback feels like a setback. The Touring trim comes with adaptive dampers that help differentiate its driving dynamics from the rest. It helps the Accord be more precise and fun to drive.
The electric power steering is precise and accurate
The Accord stays put around corners and sudden inputs don’t jitter the vehicle. Despite the large size, Honda tackles the city traffic with ease and is more livable when compared to its competition. The added stress points on the chassis not just enhance the safety factor but also help in minimizing body roll. This is one point where the Honda overshadows the Toyota Camry altogether. Simply put, if you're planning on spending a considerable amount of time behind the steering wheel as opposed to the rear seats, it's the Honda Accord that takes the pie, hands down.
How is the braking on the Accord?
The Accord's braking is progressive and linear with ample feedback to the driver. The pedal is composed and ergonomic with a strong bite to it. The CVT might alter the braking dynamics due to its characteristics but it's still impressive for a sedan.
The front brakes are 11.5 inches and 11.1 inches at the rear
In the city, the braking is predictable and easy to modulate. Under heavy braking, the Accord manages to maintain its composure and balance and exudes confidence to the driver. The ABS is superbly calibrated as well and it not too intrusive.
Models
Honda Accord LX
Toyota Camry L
Ford Fusion S
Nissan Altima 2.5 S
Brake Rotors Front
11.5"
12"
11.8"
11.7"
Brake Rotors Rear
11.1"
11.1"
11.9"
11"
Curb Weight
3131 lbs
3241 lbs
3472 lbs
3212 lbs
60-0 MPH
116 ft
123 ft
122 ft
116 ft
Nissan Altima impresses us with the minimum time taken to come to a standstill. The remaining three offer similar figures, hence fall in line with each other. Overall, all the sedans give similar figures in braking performance.
The 1.5L turbo-4 motor under the 2020 Honda Accord manages to churn out 30 MPG in the city and 38 MPG on the highway along with the efficiency-centric CVT gearbox. The 2.0L motor on the top trims of the Accord that come with a 10-speed automatic transmission shed a few numbers due to its performance-oriented setup. As a result, the numbers shrink a bit more, giving 23 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway.
The Accord's 7.0-inch infotainment also displays a plethora of fuel economy data as shown
Having said that, the 2020 Honda Accord has never upset its fanbase on the fuel efficiency front. That said, if you want to let your spirited driver out, the 10-speed transmission lends the extra support a bit more than the CVT. However, the fuel consumption numbers drop down enormously as if you were driving a V6 super-sedan!
Models
Honda Accord LX
Toyota Camry L
Ford Fusion S
Nissan Altima 2.5 S
MPG (City)
30
29
21
28
MPG (Highway)
38
41
31
39
MPG (Combined)
33
34
25
32
Fuel Capacity
14.8 gallons
14.5 gallons
16.5 gallons
16.2 gallons
Range (City/Hwy/Combined)
444/562/488 miles
442/595/505 miles
347/512/412 miles
454/632/518 miles
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15k mi/yr)
5.3
5.2
7.3
5.5
Toyota and Honda are neck and neck with similar numbers. Ford Fusion is the gas guzzler of the lot with the Altima tucks itself in between the two. All of these sedans are family cars that are designed to run efficiently in the city as well as on the highway.
Honda has offered a fine blend of modern design, soft-touch materials, an abundance of room and an easy to use infotainment system with a clean dashboard layout with the 2020 Accord. The driver's seat would have to be set on maximum for taller drivers for their knees might scrape some plastic trims.
How comfortable is the Accord on the inside?
The seats in the Accord are comfortable and well-bolstered. With a contemporary design, lots of soft-touch materials and upmarket elements, we dare say it, provides the best interior package in the class. The dashboard has a clean layout of buttons which are inclined towards the driver, devoid of any puzzling features and complicated menu. The door sills are higher with a wider front and rear door opening for comfortable ingress and egress.
2020 Honda Accord Sedan Rear Seats
The driver also gets a ton of adjustments for the seat and steering wheel which makes it easy to find the perfect driving position. The front seats are large and comforting with lots of head and knee room. Passengers over 6 ft. will suffer from a limited legroom space resulting in their knees banging on some hard plastic panels. The rear cabin is superb in terms of legroom, however, the headroom is limited for taller boarders.
Models
Honda Accord LX
Toyota Camry L
Ford Fusion S
Nissan Altima 2.5 S
Seating Capacity
5
5
5
5
Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)
39.5/58.3/42.3
38.3/57.7/42.1
39.2/57.8/44.3
39.2/58.2/43.8
Rear Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)
37.3/56.5/40.4
38.0/55.7/38.0
37.8/56.9/38.3
36.9/57.1/35.2
The Accord provides the most comfortable front seats but the rear seats are not as spacious as the Camry. But this doesn’t make it any less reliable as the seats are one of the most comfortable of the lot which easily makes up for the less room.
What are the infotainment features on the offer?
Honda offers a 7-inch infotainment screen as standard on the Accord. The LCD infotainment screen nicely blends in with the gauge cluster and heads up display on the higher trims. However, you don’t get Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard features on the base trim.
2020 Honda offers a 7-inch infotainment screen as standard on the Accord
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay can be availed from the Sport trim and above. The touchscreen is responsive and the transitions perform without any delay. All the menus are simplified with clean graphics and no baffling features.
Infotainment Features
160-Watt Audio System
4-Speaker set
7-inch infotainment screen
Bluetooth Handsfree
Bluetooth Audio Streaming
Radio Data System (RDS)
1.0 A USB Audio Interface
How much cargo can the Honda take?
The generous trunk makes the Accord class-leading in terms of cargo volume. It doesn’t compromise on the interior space for providing this cavernous trunk. The interior is also laden with lots of cubby holes but still lags behind the competition in interior storage.
2020 Honda Accord Sedan Cargo Volume is 16.7 cu-ft
The Cargo volume is one factor that adds up for the practicality factor of the car. Talking about convenience, the tailgate of the trunk lifts high enough to facilitate large-sized bags comfortably. The lift height is also pretty much convenient - thanks to the low-set height of the lip.
Model
Honda Accord LX
Toyota Camry L
Ford Fusion S
Nissan Altima 2.5 S
Cargo Capacity
16.7 cu.ft.
14.1 cu.ft.
16.0 cu.ft.
15.4 cu.ft.
Interior Features
Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control System
Power windows with Auto Up/Down feature for front row
Push Button Start
Center Console with Armrest and Storage Compartment
Front and rear bottle holders
12-Volt Power Outlets
Floor Mats
Illuminated Steering Wheel Mounted Controls
Rear Window Defroster
Driver and front passenger illuminated vanity mirrors
The Accord is possibly the most handsome midsize sedan. It is built with a more sporty ideology and stands out when compared to its fellow counterparts. But with the coupe-like design, Honda has been careful enough to ensure that practicality has not taken a back seat.
How well does the 2020 Honda Accord carry its grace?
The slanting roofline of the Accord makes it stand out of the crowd and it differentiates it from its competition. Various trims have different highlighting features on the inside as well as on the outside. The Sport trim takes things up a notch with some sporty bits such as the chrome exhaust tips.
2020 Honda Accord Sedan Side View
The hybrid trim has grille shutters to bump up the aerodynamics. 17-inch alloys are standard on the LX trim with more attractive 19-inch ones available on the top trims.
Models
Honda Accord LX
Toyota Camry L
Ford Fusion S
Nissan Altima 2.5 S
Curb Weight
3131 lbs
3241 lbs
3472 lbs
3212 lbs
Length
192.2"
192.1"
191.8"
192.9"
Width
73.3"
72.4"
72.9"
72.9"
Height
57.1"
56.9"
58.2"
56.7"
Ground Clearance
N/A
5.7
N/A
4.9
Wheelbase
111.4"
111.2"
112.2"
111.2"
At 192.2 inches, the Accord might not be the longest of the lot. However, with a wheelbase of 111.4 inches, it surely is one of the most spacious contenders of the lot. This also helps in maneuvering the large vehicle across town. Nissan Altima is the longest of the lot and Ford Fusion is the shortest. But that's only on paper, as in-person all four competitors showcase similar dimensional properties.
Honda has not compromised on safety for the Accord. The NHTSA awarded the Accord with an all-star rating, the IIHS also agreed on the robust build quality of the Honda Accord and gave it a “Good” rating in every aspect. The standard safety features include forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and other features that are rarely found in base trims.
Being a fellow Japanese and the Accord’s archenemy, the Toyota Camry matches every bid the Accord makes and raises the bar with its 200-plus horsepower. The bigger engine is possibly its biggest point of the market as every other brand is focusing on practicality and features. However, the base level Camry can be a little overpriced if you consider Accord. The buyer of midsize sedans will look for something more than a barebones. Considering that Toyota is a better choice.
2020 Toyota Camry
Honda Accord vs Ford Fusion
Ford has been long known for its heavy-duty commercial vehicles but that doesn’t mean they don’t have a threshold on the sedan market. The Ford Fusion is a blend of the upmarket interior, composed ride quality, and a geeky feature list. On the other hand, Accord delivers an amplified version of the same. There is not much difference in price but a big one in the power output. The Accord can muster 17 more ponies more than the fusion. on top of that, the Accord is more efficient as well.
2020 Ford Fusion
Honda Accord vs Nissan Altima
Nissan Altima is the least productive Japanese cousin of the lot. It has similar dimensions to the Accord. It is down on power and weighs more than the Honda. Nissan doesn’t have the flexibility to provide the array of powertrain and engine options which gives an edge to the Honda. It is a better choice than Ford Fusion but doesn’t cut above the Toyota Camry in terms of overall performance and comfort. The Accord is the better pick of the lot, PERIOD.
2020 Nissan Altima
2020 Honda Accord Final Verdict
The Accord has sufficient power, decent ergonomics, and uninterrupted comfort. All of this under $25k is a deal that cannot be unseen. This is the reason for the Accord being on the bucket list of shoppers in spite of the increased demand for crossovers. So, Honda has managed to dominate the midsize sedan segment and for good reasons too.
Honda spoils its customers for choice, with two engines and three transmissions on offer. This helps Honda expand its spectrum and cater to a wider audience with its competitive pricing. So, if you are in the market for an utterly reliable midsize sedan that is high on comfort and provides decent performance without burning a hole in your pocket, Honda Accord is the way to go.
2020 Honda Accord FAQs:
Is Honda Accord a reliable car?
The 2020 Honda Accord comes backed by stupendous reliability and the past owners have been very happy with it. Its 2.4L motor has been tested and proven for ages now and the car's build quality has been up to the mark as well.
What year Honda Accord had transmission problems?
According to the reports, all the Accords manufactured between 1st July 2004 to 3rd September 2010 were recalled for a faulty transmission setup. The issue was a faulty secondary shaft bearing that was due to be replaced for the 2005-2010 model year Honda Accords. So if you have your eyes set on a used Accord falling in this time period, we'd suggest you pass and look for any other model post the year 2013.
Is the Honda Accord expensive to repair and maintain?
Actually it is the other way round. Where the segment average for the midsize sedans is $526, the Honda Accord's annual maintenance cost stands at a meager $400. It's a win-win situation here. You get the best of luxury and build quality which is pocket friendly as well.
What's the replacement cost of the Honda Accord's transmission?
Any Honda Accord in the present date asks for a labor cost that falls within the range of $480 - $699 to rebuild the whole transmission setup, and the parts alone cost anywhere between $1167 - $1749. Though they are reliable, the low set ground clearance and the exposed oil sump of the Accord's CVT exposes it to the risks of scratching the surface. At considerable speeds, this could result in permanent damage, bringing you to this question.
When was the last Honda Accord redesigned completely?
The 2020 Honda Accord is just a revised version of the all-new design of the Accord that was introduced in 2018 bringing the badge to its 10th generation. Before that, the 9th generation Honda Accord made the debut in 2013 and had been on sale until the 2017 model year.
Robert M. McIntosh 2020 Honda AccordSport 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 10A)
9
User Overall Rating
Posted On: June 14, 2020
Great for steep terrains.
Overall Review -
9
Overview Rating
Got the smoothest transmission and great gas mileage. Not best for suburb traffic because of the lack of precise handling but does pretty good on highways. Visibility also isn't great and one needs to get used to it when hopping in for the first time
Thomas D. Johnson 2020 Honda AccordSport 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
7
User Overall Rating
Posted On: July 7, 2020
Honda Accord Sport seats aren't upto the name
Overall Review -
7
Overview Rating
Glad I chose the one with manual transmission for of sorts old school driving along with more engaging and commanding experience. Love the power when in right gear and the only thing it will come up is seats which aren't great for comfort
It’s better on the engine performance and the mileage. To maintain a decent mileage, I would drove this one mostly on the eco-mode.
by Erik C. Fisher
9
User Overall Rating
"Great for steep terrains."
Got the smoothest transmission and great gas mileage. Not best for suburb traffic because of the lack of precise handling but does pretty good on highways. Visibility also isn't great and one needs to get used to it when hopping in for the first time
by Robert M. McIntosh
7
User Overall Rating
"Honda Accord Sport seats aren't upto the name"
Glad I chose the one with manual transmission for of sorts old school driving along with more engaging and commanding experience. Love the power when in right gear and the only thing it will come up is seats which aren't great for comfort
by Thomas D. Johnson
9
User Overall Rating
"Different driving modes"
Got different driving modes for different set of experiences.
by Richard A. Hernandez
10
User Overall Rating
"Reliable"
I'd call the driving of my new Honda sheer practicality. Appreciate how they have made it keeping in mind ones needs in daily driving
