The 2020 Honda Accord simply builds on the success of the Accords of the past, and enhances the already near-legendary status of the perennial best-seller and award winner. Introduced in 2018, the 10th generation Honda Accord brought together many acumens that today’s midsize sedan buyers insist on like reliability, attractive styling, roominess, abundant safety and convenience features, and competitive pricing. What’s more, Honda goes even further, and beyond the must-haves by throwing in fun-to-drive and high resale value components into this already-attractive proposition, making it quite irresistible. Honda’s clever ways, especially as they pertain to the Accord, have transformed its bread-and-butter sedan into one of the best selling and most prolific cars ever.
The Accord is currently offered in 5 different trim levels: The base LX 1.5T starting at $24,020, the Sport 1.5T / 2.0T starting at $26,830, the EX 1.5T starting $27,920, the EX-L 1.5T / 2.0T starting at $30,420 and the Touring 2.0T starting at $36,250. The Accord Hybrid is available across the EX, EX-L, and Touring trim levels starting at $25,620.
Styling
The Accord, in its current guise, was unveiled for the 2018 model year in the US and marches on into 2020 with only very minor visual changes. Honda aimed to present the all-new Accord in a “fastback-inspired” silhouette, more European in its execution, and with a dynamic and more aggressive stance than ever before, and we think it succeeded. The overall shape is a mild departure from the more conservative, boxy sedan shape of the previous iterations of the nameplate, and it simply works within the context of Honda’s goals.
The 2020 Accord’s front fascia is reminiscent of its little brother, the Civic, with a sloping rear deck and a low and wide body, culminating in elegant and longer tail lights to highlight the rear of the vehicle. LED running lights and a chrome bar on the grille also strive to identify with other members of the Honda family but in a more understated manner.
The Drivetrain
The 2020 Accord comes in 6 trim levels, including the Hybrid model. The base engine is Honda’s 1.5L turbo 4-cylinder, pumping out 192 horsepower, and is standard on all models except the Hybrid and range-topping Touring trims. A gutsy, 252-hp 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder is optional on the Sport, EX, and EX-L models. The Hybrid does well enough by extracting 212 hp from a 4-cylinder Atkinson Cycle gasoline engine and 2 electric motors, yielding an impressive 48 MPG combined EPA rating.
There’s a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) that’s paired to the 1.5L engine in most models, but you could opt to go all out with either a 10-speed smooth-shifting automatic in the top-line touring trim or Sport trims. The driving enthusiasts would want the slick-shifting 6-speed manual transmission with the 2.0L engine available in Sport trim. The Hybrid models have their own e-CVT automatics. The 1.5L/CVT pairings yields 30 city/38 Hwy/33 combined MPG while the Sport model delivers 22/32/26 MPG with the 6-Speed manual and 22/32/26 with the 10-speed automatic, same as the Touring model. No matter which combination of engine and transmissions you choose, chances are that you will find the pairing smooth and satisfactorily efficient, on the freeway, or on your evening commute.
Features and Amenities
The spacious and airy cabin of the 2020 Honda Accord helps make long-distance motoring a pleasure. Legroom is plentiful, especially for the rear seat passengers. Class-leading cargo room also makes the car a favorite for road trips and trips to the grocery store, and the quality of the interior material and their fit and finish is exemplary for this class. We do wish for more storage spaces on the inside, which is rather un-Honda-like but most will likely find it adequate.
In the infotainment department, Bluetooth streaming and a USB audio interface with a 7.0 inch infotainment display, as well as LED headlights are standard on the base model LX. If you want Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, you will have to step up to the Accord Sport or above trim levels, which also include an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system. HD and SiriusXM radio requires the EX and above trim levels.
If you are an audiophile, you may want to consider going upmarket as a premium audio system with a 450-watt amplifier and 10 speakers is available on the EX-L model. Step up to the range-leading Accord Touring that starts at $36,250, and you will get a head-up display, ventilated cooled/heated front seats, a wireless phone charger, Wi-Fi hotspot capability, navigation, rain-Sensing windshield wipers and more.
Driving Experience
If you are looking for an intelligent compromise between a family sedan and a performance car, the Accord may just be your ticket to automotive bliss. The midsize sedan, especially with the 2.0L turbo engine, is a powerful performer. Coupled with the optional 6-speed manual transmission, it’s downright sporty and able to more than hold its own against its competition. However, the 10-speed automatic is also a paragon of smoothness, and certainly better fitted to bumper-to-bumper commutes most people deal with on a daily basis. The chassis setup of the Accord is athletic and lithe, with a wonderful steering feel that is on the light side and a great, albeit somewhat firm ride, to boot.
Safety
The 2020 Honda Accord has garnered a sparkling safety record, receiving a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA in addition to being chosen as a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. All Accord models, regardless of trim, come standard with Honda Sensing, an advanced suite of safety features to mitigate and avoid accidents with driver-assist systems that include a Collision Mitigation Braking System, Road Departure Mitigation System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist System, and a Traffic Sign Recognition. Sadly, some safety features remain optional, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
The 2020 Honda Accord comes standard with Honda’s standard warranty coverage for 3 years or 36,000 miles along with a Powertrain warranty for 5 years/60k miles. The coverage, while adequate, pales in comparison to some other imports, including Hyundai and Kia. Also, there is no complimentary scheduled maintenance program in place, so all maintenance costs have to be taken on by the owner.
Conclusion
Packed with the latest in safety, performance, and convenience features, the Honda Accord has been steadfastly marching on in this SUV-crazed world to critical acclaim from owners and pundits alike. The 2020 iteration of this 44-year old franchise presents itself as a capable, thrifty, and downright fun automobile that has very few deficiencies and a long list of virtues. While it is true that the ubiquity of the model may hinder its image in the minds of some potential buyers, it more than delivers on its quest to provide its owner and passengers with quasi-luxury transportation in a pleasant, affordable and efficient way. From its elegant stature and almost-European profile, it promises a unique automotive sensibility and delivers on that promise time and again. The Honda Accord has been winning automotive comparison tests for years. Perhaps it’s time to put this winner in your corner.
