Honda Accord vs BMW 3 Series

The 2023 BMW 3 Series enjoyed a mid-cycle refresh. This seventh-generation model showcased subtle yet sporty exterior design modifications, maintaining its narrow kidney grille and introducing redesigned full-LED headlights. The vehicle's lower air intakes and character lines were reshaped to lead eyes seamlessly to the flared rear-wheel arches. Standard 18-inch double-spoke light alloys adorned the car, with an option for 19-inch wheels. All trims sported the standard Shadowline trim, with satin aluminum available for the 330i and 330e models. New paint choices such as Skyscraper Grey were available across trims, and Brooklyn Grey metallic was offered for models with the M Sport package. For a unique exterior, the M340i included a mesh-design kidney grille, trapezoidal tailpipes, and a body-color M rear spoiler. Inside, the BMW iDrive 8 system presented the advanced BMW Curved Display featuring 27.2 inches of continuous HD screens, creating an expansive yet minimally designed driver-centric cockpit. On the contrary, the 2023 Honda Accord presented a redesign that transitioned toward a more technical and conservative appearance. Moving away from shiny chrome, the Accord adopted a modern aesthetic. While Canyon River Blue paint garnered several compliments, the EX’s pewter wheel finish offered an agreeable middle ground between other trims' wheels. The Accord EX’s interior provided appealing and durable cloth seats with contrast stitching and stylish metal mesh trim. This trim neatly incorporated the air conditioning vents into its design. The digital instrumentation paired with a touchscreen infotainment system maintained a focus on detail and refinement. Overall, while the 3 Series felt luxurious and sporty, the Accord embraced a modern, yet restrained look.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series carried over its powertrains from previous years. The 330i featured a twin-turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds. The 330e combined its electric motor with the same engine to yield 288 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of 5.6 seconds and up to 22 miles of electric-only range. The M340i stood out with its twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six, generating 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 4.1 seconds. Fuel economy was competitive, with the 330i offering an EPA-estimated rating of 25 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined. Our drive through Palm Springs attested to the 330i's comfort and precision, although it veered more toward all-season performance rather than a sport-tuned experience. The 2023 Honda Accord LX and EX were equipped with a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 192 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque. The CVT attempted to mimic a traditional automatic but proved only somewhat successful. The Accord’s front-wheel drive and use of MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension enabled competent handling despite its nose-heavy 59:41 weight distribution. Its EPA-estimated rating was 32 mpg combined, but we observed 28.7 mpg during testing. Despite its adequate power, the EX trim's driving dynamics on twisty roads were enjoyable, although the tires often squealed and felt squishy during spirited driving.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series boasted a compact yet comfortable interior. Front headroom measured 38.7 inches, with 42 inches of legroom. Rear seat passengers enjoyed 37.6 inches of headroom and 35.2 inches of legroom. The power-adjustable sport seats were supportive, but the bottom cushion was somewhat stiff. Ergonomically designed, the interior offered ample storage, with 17 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The rear seats folded down in a 40/20/40 split to expand trunk space further. The 2023 Honda Accord EX added several conveniences over its base model, such as heated front seats and dual-zone climate control. Nevertheless, it missed features such as rear air conditioning vents and USB charging ports. The driver’s seat’s limited seat-track travel could be uncomfortable for taller drivers. However, rear-seat passengers benefited from high-mounted seats offering excellent leg support and significant legroom. The Accord featured a substantial 16.7 cubic-foot trunk, with easy loading and unloading capabilities.

BMW’s iDrive 8 system was a highlight of the 2023 3 Series, featuring a sleek 12.3-inch information display and a 14.9-inch touchscreen. The interface was intuitive, with easy customization of widgets and settings. The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant responded naturally to voice commands, enhancing user convenience. Standard tech included USB-C ports, Bluetooth, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a 10-speaker HiFi sound system. Optional features included wireless device charging and a premium Harman Kardon sound system. In comparison, the 2023 Honda Accord EX was equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster. The system provided Bluetooth connectivity, wired Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, text messaging support, and HondaLink services. Though it lacked SiriusXM, it allowed seamless streaming via smartphone integration. Physical controls for the stereo were intuitive, although tuning the radio required using specific buttons. The EX trim featured an eight-speaker audio system, offering decent sound quality.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series (RWD and xDrive versions) received a five-star crash safety rating from NHTSA. The IIHS awarded the 2022 model a Top Safety Pick, but the 2023 model awaited its rating. Standard safety features included a rear view camera, LED lights, frontal collision warning, automatic braking, and fatigue detection. Additional safety packages comprised blind-spot detection, lane departure warning, and semi-autonomous driving features. The 2023 Honda Accord was well equipped with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems. It included adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The EX trim could be upgraded with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert for a nominal fee. The Accord achieved an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating, showcasing a high level of crash safety and protection.