2023 Honda Accord Hybrid vs 2023 Honda Accord

The 2023 Honda Accord marked a significant redesign that shifted its aesthetic direction. Honda reconfigured the trim levels so that the hybrid powertrain became standard on most trims, except for the base LX and step-up EX variants. The LX had a starting price of $27,295, and the EX was priced at $29,060, adding up to $30,705 with an option package for blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

Visually, the 2023 Accord took on a more technical look, shedding the shiny chrome and exuberant character for a modern yet conservative appearance. This was somewhat divisive, with some fans missing the bold styling of the 2018-2022 models. However, the Canyon River Blue paint on the test car garnered several compliments, and the pewter wheel finish on the EX trim struck a balance between the sparkly silver wheels of the LX and the somewhat characterless black wheels popular elsewhere.

Inside, the Accord EX featured durable cloth seats with contrast stitching and stylish metal mesh dashboard trim that elegantly integrated the air conditioning vents. The digital instrumentation paired seamlessly with the touchscreen infotainment system, and the overall switchgear exhibited a level of attention to detail and refinement befitting its class.

Honda’s press department highlighted a nostalgic scene for the 2023 Accord Hybrid during its test drive, taking the range-topping Touring trim through New York’s Hudson Valley and the village of Accord, N.Y. This 2023 model's exterior was elegant enough to be mistaken for a luxury sedan. Many onlookers frequently inquired about the car, noting its resemblance to the sleek lines of the Audi A7, a comparison that was not unwelcome.

The newly redesigned Accord was about 2.8 inches longer and featured an upright front grille, blacked-out LED headlights, and tail lights spanning the rear end’s width. This combination delivered a sporty, modern look with a planted stance, accentuated by its long and flowing roofline that neatly tapered to the trunk.

Priced around $38,435 with the destination fee, the Accord Touring was available in seven exterior colors and came with 19-inch alloy wheels with black accents. Optional gloss-black Honda Performance Development (HPD) alloys could be added for $2,000, though the standard wheels were notably attractive.

The interior reflected these refinements with an updated dashboard design and standard 12.3-inch touchscreen, loaded with features such as Amazon Alexa, wireless device charging, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Our Canyon River Blue Metallic tester boasted a black leather interior, although cloth seats were standard in the Hybrid Sport. Leather upholstery options were available, albeit limited to specific exterior color combinations.

The 2023 Honda Accord LX and EX were powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 192 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 192 pound-feet of torque between 1,700 and 5,000 rpm. This powertrain was carried over from the previous generation but with some refinements. While the previously available 2.0T turbo engine was discontinued, the 1.5-liter turbo engine proved to be adequately powerful.

With a curb weight of 3,280 pounds, the Accord EX paired this engine with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which aimed to emulate the feel of a traditional automatic under hard acceleration. However, the CVT was just adequate and displayed a bit of the typical CVT drone, especially under heavy throttle.

Handling was facilitated by a MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension, which managed the car’s 59:41 front-to-rear weight distribution. Steering was responsive thanks to a dual-pinion, variable-ratio system, and the car featured ventilated front and solid rear disc brakes.

Fuel efficiency was reasonable, with an EPA estimate of 32 mpg combined, though our test car achieved 28.7 mpg primarily due to the extremely hot testing day. The Accord’s structural robustness and competent suspension contributed to a smooth, quiet, and nimble driving experience, even on winding roads like the iconic Mulholland Highway in Southern California.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid was powered by a combination of a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, delivering a total of 204 horsepower to the front wheels via a CVT. While it lacked the option for all-wheel drive, this hybrid setup provided a smooth and efficient drive.

Acceleration was adequate for everyday driving, with the hybrid seamlessly transitioning between electric power and the gasoline engine. The suspension effectively absorbed road imperfections, striking a balance between firm and cushioned ride quality.

Enhancements to the regenerative braking system brought six levels of braking regen, making it easier for drivers to adjust and feel comfortable. Handling was agile, and the car remained easy to park, even with its increased length.

Collectively, these features made the Accord Hybrid a relaxing drive in various environments, maintaining its efficient nature without compromising on ride comfort or ease of use.

The EX trim of the 2023 Accord added several upgrades from the LX, including a darker wheel finish, heated exterior mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, and a 60/40-split folding rear seat. It also included a power sunroof, a notable feature despite the absence of a height-adjustable front passenger seat, rear air conditioning vents, and rear USB charging ports.

Driver comfort was generally good, although taller individuals might find limited seat-track travel restrictive when raising the seat for better visibility. Rear-seat passengers would appreciate the high-mounted back seat providing ample leg support and legroom, though they would miss rear air vents and charging ports.

One of the standout features was the 16.7 cubic-foot trunk, which was not only spacious but also practical, thanks to its large opening and ability to hold full-size suitcases easily.

The interior design of the 2023 Accord Hybrid paralleled that of Honda's Civic and CR-V models, featuring a sleek strip of honeycomb mesh trim that artfully concealed the air vents. The dashboard layout emphasized practicality, with easy-to-reach buttons and dials for climate control, which included adjustments for heated and ventilated seats in the Touring trim.

A traditional gearshift replaced the older button-based system, a change that many found more intuitive and convenient. The seats were redesigned for improved support and comfort, and extended drives confirmed their effectiveness. Rear accommodations offered generous legroom and shoulder room, outperforming direct competitors like the Toyota Camry Hybrid and Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, although taller passengers might find headroom limited due to the car's tapering roofline.

Cargo space was generous with the same 16.7 cubic-foot trunk found in the non-hybrid model. The trunk's low load floor made it easy to store bulkier items, potentially saving the user from back strain when loading.

Honda equipped the Accord LX and EX with a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. While not the largest by modern standards, these screens were functional and user-friendly.

The infotainment system supported Bluetooth connectivity, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, text messaging, HondaLink services, and Wi-Fi access. Two USB-C ports and an eight-speaker audio system came with the EX trim. Notably, SiriusXM satellite radio was absent, necessitating streaming services like Pandora through Apple CarPlay. The voice recognition system integrated well with Siri, although tuning the radio via buttons rather than a knob could be confusing.

Overall, the tech package was minimally impressive but sufficiently functional for daily use.

The hybrid variant of the 2023 Accord took technology a step further, offering a 12.3-inch touchscreen which was part of the Touring trim’s extensive tech suite. Familiarization with the system was quick and its intuitive menus made for easy navigation.

Enhanced with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charging pad, “Hey Google” virtual assistant, Amazon Alexa, and a head-up display, the Hybrid Touring trim offered a nearly exhaustive list of advanced tech features. The inclusion of a 12-speaker Bose audio system, HD radio, and four USB ports further justified the premium for this trim level.

These tech enhancements made the Accord Hybrid Touring a compelling choice for tech-savvy consumers looking for modern conveniences.

All 2023 Honda Accords came with the Honda Sensing suite, an array of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) aimed at collision prevention. These included adaptive cruise control with traffic-jam assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. Additional features like a reversing camera with multiple views, automatic high-beam headlights, traffic sign recognition, and a driver monitoring system were standard.

Upgrading to the EX trim allowed the addition of blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert for a modest $550. Generally, the Honda Sensing technology operated with reliability and accuracy, although there was room for improvement in the lane-centering system's performance around freeway off-ramps and curves.

In crash tests by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Accord earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating, reflecting its robust safety capabilities.

The 2023 Accord Hybrid’s safety feature lineup mirrored that of the standard Accord, encompassing the full Honda Sensing suite with automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, traffic sign recognition, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and a rear-seat reminder.

The Hybrid Touring trim additionally featured a multi-angle rearview camera, front and rear parking sensors, and a head-up display. However, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert remained optional even on this top-tier trim for $550 extra, which was a curious choice.

The Accord Hybrid’s next-generation airbags and slimmer front A-pillars improved visibility and crashworthiness, contributing to the car’s Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.