Honda sells the 2014 Accord as a 2-door coupe and a 4-door sedan. In this review, we’re talking about the more popular sedan version, which is sold in LX, Sport, EX, EX-L and Touring trim levels. In addition to these versions of the car, Honda sells the new-for-2014 Accord Hybrid and Accord Plug-in Hybrid. All that’s missing is a turbodiesel model and a dedicated sport sedan with a V6 engine.
Let’s take a closer look at the 2014 Accord lineup. The least expensive pathway to ownership is the Accord LX, which costs $22,745 including the $790 destination charge. If you can’t operate the standard manual transmission, you’ll want the optional continuously variable transmission (CVT), which costs another $800.
As we will see, the Accord LX is equipped with everything you need, and nothing you don’t. If you want something with a sportier look and flavor, try the Accord Sport ($24,505), which includes LX standard equipment plus 18-inch wheels, more aggressive P235/45R18 tires, fog lights, a rear lip spoiler, a chrome exhaust finisher, and a 10-way power driver’s seat. With the optional CVT, the Accord Sport includes paddle shifters, too.
The Accord EX ($25,670) also builds from the Accord LX model, equipping the car with 17-inch aluminum wheels, a better sound system, LaneWatch blind-spot monitoring technology, SmartEntry keyless entry with push-button start, and a power sunroof. As is true of the Accord LX and Sport trims, a CVT is optional for the Accord EX.
Select the Accord EX-L ($29,060) if you want leather seats and a whole lot more. This luxed-up version of the Accord also comes with a CVT, heated front seats, memory for the driver’s preferred settings, a 4-way power front passenger’s seat, a premium sound system with a touchscreen display, satellite radio and HondaLink connected services. A multi-angle reversing camera replaces the standard single-angle camera, and the Accord EX-L includes Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning and LED brake lights.
Honda offers two factory options for the Accord EX-L. For $1,775, buyers can choose a navigation system with a hard-disc music server and Song by Voice technology. Another $2,075 installs a V6 engine, a 6-speed automatic transmission, LED running lights and a universal garage door opener.
At the top of the trim tree, the Accord Touring ($34,270) includes all of the EX-L’s options, plus an Adaptive Cruise Control system and LED headlights.
If you’re interested in the 2014 Accord Hybrid, it goes on sale at the end of October 2013 in standard, EX-L and Touring trim levels. Prices range from $29,945 to $35,695, and the base trim includes Accord EX equipment except for a power sunroof. Instead, the Accord Hybrid has standard LED running lights. The sunroof is included for the Accord Hybrid EX-L, along with all the regular Accord EX-L model’s standard features, while the Accord Hybrid Touring adds LED headlights with blue-tinted bezels to the Accord Touring’s list of upgrades. All Accord Hybrids have a unique grille and a special aluminum wheel design.
There’s one more Accord Sedan to discuss, and that’s the Accord Plug-in Hybrid ($40,570). In addition to plug-in hybrid powertrain technology that gives it a short EV-only driving range, this model has bio-fabric upholstery, heated rear seats, blue-tinted taillight bezels and forged aluminum wheels with aerodynamic covers. There’s no spare tire, so this model has a tire repair kit. The Accord Plug-in also includes an Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System to let bystanders know that an electric vehicle is approaching.
In addition to the Accord’s standard equipment, Honda dealers will install numerous extra-cost items at your request. They range from useful features like remote engine start, rear parking assist sensors, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, a cargo net and a cool cargo hook, to features seemingly designed to accelerate depreciation, such as door visors and an Aero Kit.
My test vehicle isn’t one of the fancier models, though it looks upscale. I drove a 2014 Accord Sport with the optional CVT, painted Basque Red Pearl II. The window sticker read $25,305. That’s a significant amount less than most Americans spend on a new car these days.
As I alluded to earlier, I like the way the Accord Sport looks, especially with its 18-inch aluminum wheels. Since it was redesigned for the 2013 model year, the Accord looks premium and upscale, taut and athletic, like the sheet metal is wrapped as tightly as possible around the underlying structure. You should know, however, that the Accord Sport’s wheel-and-tire combo has a negative effect on ride quality, so if you’re disinterested in feeling every zit in the road, skip the Sport trim and go with an LX or EX.
Inside, the Accord demonstrates a class-above look and feel. From the driver’s seat, this sedan doesn’t seem very big, but it is exceptionally comfortable front and rear. Materials, design details and overall execution make the Accord’s owner feel like they stole the car from the dealership, even at the sticker price.