2020 Honda Accord

Honda Accord is available in five extensive trims that are feature-rich. Honda gives a choice of two engines and three transmissions which is available in various combinations throughout the line-up. A hybrid setup is also available with emphasis given to fuel efficiency.

The LX trim is available with a 1.5L turbocharged inline-four coupled with a CVT transmission. Sport, EX and EX-L trims come standard with 1.5L turbocharged Inline four coupled to a CVT gearbox. The Sport trim has an option for a 6-Speed manual, the only manual of the lot. The 2.0L pot is optional for Sport and EX-L. The hybrid engine also comes as an option for EX and EX-L. The 2.0L turbocharged engine is standard only for the Touring trim which is coupled to a 10-Speed Automatic transmission. The hybrid powertrain is optional for this too but we highly doubt it to be a choice over the torquey 2.0L. 

Honda surely knows to spoil its customers with all these good options. The Accord’s bandwidth is from $23870 to $30270, thus being a hotspot for a wider audience.

Trims	LX	Sport	EX	EX-L	Touring
MSRP	$23870	$26530	$27770	$30270	$36100
Engine	1.5L Turbo I4	1.5L Turbo I4	1.5L Turbo I4	1.5L Turbo I4	2.0L Turbo I4
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	19-inch machined alloy wheels	Adaptive Damper System
	CVT with Sport Mode	6-Speed Manual	CVT with Sport Mode	CVT with Sport Mode	10-Speed Automatic Transmission with paddle shifters
	160-Watt Audio System with4 speakers	Chrome Exhaust tips	Smart Entry with Walk away Auto-Lock	450-Watt Premium Audio System with 10-speakers	LED Headlamps with Auto on/Off
	7-inch infotainment screen	8-inch Infotainment Screen	Sirius XM Radio	HomeLink Remote System	Side mirrors with Reverse Gear Tilt Down
	Bluetooth Handsfree and Audio Streaming	Body-Colored Decklid Spoiler	Heated Power Side Mirrors	Automatic Dimming Rear View Mirror	Ventilated Front Seats
	Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control	Apple CarPlay and Android Auto	Remote Engine Start	Leather-Trimmed Seats	Wireless Phone Charger
	Push Button Start	12-Way power driver seat	Moonroof	4-way power-adjustable front passenger seat
	Cruise Control	Led Fog Lamps	Blind Spot Information System
	12-Volt front and center console power outlets
	Fold-Down rear seatback with center armrest

Which trim should you opt for?

Recommending the perfect Accord could be tough, primarily because every trim is attractive in a certain way. If fuel efficiency is your outright priority, then you can’t go wrong with the Accord Hybrid which would be reviewed indepth. 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! The EX trim would be the balanced one of the lot with an ample amount of interior space laden with features and additional safety features. You get the luxury of heated front seats with vents and USB ports for the rear seats. It is worth the extra premium as well.

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 performance is linear and not breathtaking but it is enough to keep you tucked to the seat. Also available are a hybrid and more powerful 2,0L turbo pot. The 2,0L engine 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. The Sport trim can be equipped with a six-speed manual transmission which is 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 mind-blowing 252 horses. The acceleration is mind-blowing for a family sedan. The 6-speed manual might give a more involving drive but its the CVT and 10-Speed Automatic that helps squeeze out maximum from the engines.

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 not that sporty and at high speeds tends to choke the engine. The CVT, on the other hand, is eager for the next gear for the sake of efficiency. 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	$23870	$24295	$23170	$24100
Engine	1.5L I4	2.5L I4	2.5L I4	2.5L I4
Transmission	CVT	8-Speed Automatic	6-Speed Automatic	CVT
Horsepower	192 hp @5500 rpm	203 hp @6600 rpm	173 hp @6000 rpm	188 hp @6000 rpm
Torque	192 lb-ft @1600 rpm	184 lb-ft @5000 rpm	174 lb-ft @4500 rpm	180 lb-ft @3600 rpm

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 from the CVT is moderate, taking 7.6 seconds to cross the 60 mark. The acceleration is not mind-blowing but the way it’s transferred to the front wheels makes the Honda propel seamlessly. It takes 15.9 seconds for the Honda to the cross-quarter mile which is commendable.

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.

Models	Honda Accord LX	Toyota Camry L	Ford Fusion S	Nissan Altima 2.5 S
0-60 MPH	7.6 s	5.8 s	8.9 s	7.7 s
Quarter mile	15.9 s	14.3 s	15.2 s	16.0 s
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15k mi/yr)	5.3	5.2	7.3	5.5

Toyota Camry tops the lot with an impressive 5.8 seconds to the 60 mark and 14.3 seconds for a quarter-mile. Honda comes in at second. The Ford ends the list with 8.9 seconds for the 60 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. The electric power steering is precise and accurate. But being electrically assisted, it doesn’t feel natural and the minimal feedback feels like a setback. The Touring trim comes with adaptive dampers which helps differentiate its driving dynamics from the rest. It helps the Accord be more precise and fun to drive.

The Accord stays put around corners and sudden inputs don’t jitter the vehicle. Despite the large size, Honda manages city traffic with ease and is more livable when compared to its competition. The added stress points on the chassis helps to minimize body roll.

How is the braking on the Accord?

The 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.

In the city, the braking is predictable and easy to modulate. The front brakes are 11.5 inches and 11.1 inches at the rear. With a stopping distance of 120 feet from 60 to standstill, it will surely stop safely.

Models	Honda Accord LX	Toyota Camry L	Ford Fusion S	Nissan Altima 2.5 S
Brake Front (in.)	11.5	12	11.8	11.7
Brake Rear (in.)	11.1	11.1	11.9	11
60-0 MPH (ft)	120	123	122	116

Nissan Altima impresses us with the minimum time taken to come to a standstill. The remaining three give similar figures. Overall, all the sedans give similar figures in braking performance.

All of the engines available on the Accord are high on efficiency. The 1.5L turbo-4 gives 30 miles to a gallon in the city and 38 miles to a gallon on the highway with the efficiency centric CVT gearbox.

The touring trim which comes with a 10-speed automatic transmission sheds a few numbers due to its performance-oriented setup but still returns a formidable output; 23 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway.

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

Toyota and Honda are neck in neck with similar numbers. Ford Fusion is the gas guzzler of the lot with the Altima tucks itself in between the two.

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. 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 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 and is devoid of any puzzling features and complicated menu. The door sills are higher with a wider front and rear door opening for comfortable entry and exit. The driver also gets a lot of adjustments for the seat and steering which helps in setting it to the exact right spot for comfortable driving. The front seats are large and comforting with 39.5 inches of headroom and 42.3 inches of legroom space. Passengers over 6 ft. will suffer from a limited legroom space resulting in their knees banging on some hard plastic. The rear cabin is superb in terms of legroom as it’s a fair 40.4 inches, however, the headroom is limited for taller boarders.

Models	Honda Accord LX	Toyota Camry L	Ford Fusion S	Nissan Altima 2.5 S
Front (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
Second (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. The screen is responsive without any delay and all the menus and simplified with clean graphics and no baffling features.

Android Auto and Apple CarPlay can be availed from the Sport trim and above.

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 volume. The interior is also laden with lots of cubby holes but still lags behind the competition in interior storage.

The Cargo volume is one factor that adds up for the practicality of the car. 

Model	Honda Accord LX	Toyota Camry L	Ford Fusion S	Nissan Altima 2.5 S
Cargo Volume (cu.-ft)	16.7	14.1	16.0	15.4

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
• Tilt and Telescopic Steering Column

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, practicality has not taken a back seat. 

How well does the 2020 Honda Accord carry its grace?

The slanting roofline of the Accord gives it a completely different and attractive look which differentiates it from the competition. Various trims have different highlighting features. The sport trim flaunts chrome exhaust tips.   

The hybrid trim has grille shutters to bump up the aerodynamics. 17-inch alloys are standard on the LX trim with a 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
Length (in)	192.2	192.1	191.8	192.9
Width (in)	73.3	72.4	72.9	72.9
Height (in)	57.1	56.9	58.2	56.7
Ground clearance (in)	N/A	5.7	N/A	4.9
Wheelbase (in)	111.4	111.2	112.2	111.2
Track width (in) F/R	63.0/63.4	63/63.2	62.7/62.4	63.6/63.6
Curb weight (lbs)	3131	3241	3472	3212

At 192.2 inches, the Accord might not be the longest of the lot. But with a wheelbase of 111.4 inches, it surely is the spacious 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.

Exterior Features

• Aluminium Hood
• Roof-mounted Fin Antenna
• LED Brakelights
• Variable Intermittent Windshield Wipers
• LED low beam Headlights
• Fastback roofline
• 17-inch painted alloy wheels

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 and gave the Accor “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.

Safety Features

• Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)
• Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM)
• Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow
• Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
• Traffic Sign Recognition System (TSR)
• Auto High Beam Headlights
• Multi-angle Rearview Camera
• Vehicle Stability Assist
• LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
• Electronic Brake Distribution

Toyota Camry

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 market as every other brand is focusing on practicality and features. However, the base level Camry can be a little overpriced if you look at the Accord. The buyer of midsize sedans will look for something more than a barebones. Considering that and the fact that as you climb the trim ladder both cars balance out on price. In that case, Toyota is a better choice. 

Ford Fusion

Ford is 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. The shoppers favoring efficiency overpower can also rest assured, the Accord’s got an edge here too.

Nissan Altima

Nissan Altima is the least productive Japanese cousin of the lot. It has similar dimensions as the Accord. It is the less powerful and also heavier than the Honda. But all these don’t help the cause of providing a better driving experience. 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 the Ford Fusion but doesn’t cut above the Toyota Camry in terms of overall performance and comfort. The Accord is a better choice of the lot, PERIOD.

 

The Accord value backed with sufficient power, decent ergonomics, and uninterrupted comfort is the knack for Honda. All of these 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.