We think the 2022 Honda Accord sedan is superb and those folks are missing out on it since SUVs and crossovers are the people haulers these days. The Accord can do most things your average compact crossover can do, and its spry handling will give its driver more of a thrill should they encounter a twisty road.
Two turbocharged engines are offered, as is a hybrid powertrain that provides a more efficient twist on the daily commute. With a commodious trunk and enough space for four adults to relax in comfort, the Accord is also an ideal road-trip partner, made even better by its comprehensive set of standard driver-assistance features and intuitive infotainment system.
ENGINE AND IMPLEMENTATION
The lineup starts with a 192-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder, but our favorite is the 252-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that sits atop the engine pyramid and comes with a 10-speed automatic that shifts with an almost seamless nature. Both engines are smooth operators, but the 2.0-liter offers a rush of power that can easily spin the front tires in first gear.
A hybrid is also available and is powered by a four-cylinder and two electric motors. The 2022 Honda Accord‘s chassis is well sorted and encourages the driver to push the car hard through corners, where it exhibits a minimal amount of body roll. The steering is light, as befits a car in this class, but we wouldn’t mind if it transmitted a little more feedback from the road.
Still, it’s hard to complain about a helm that’s accurate and predictable. The 2022 Honda Accord‘s ride is firmly controlled but never harsh, which helps it strike a winning balance between a sports sedan and a practical family car.
ENERGY AND REAL-WORLD MPG
This latest version of the Accord has nixed the previous generation’s V-6 and naturally aspirated four-cylinder engines in favor of a pair of downsized turbo fours, and the results are generally positive. Both engines returned strong results in our real-world highway fuel economy testing.
On our highway loop, the Accord Touring 2.0T with the 10-speed automatic bested its own EPA highway ratings by delivering 35 mpg. It also did much better than a 2018 Camry we tested with its 301-hp V-6 engine, which earned 29 mpg. For more information about the 2022 Honda Accord‘s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
INTERIOR, CONVENIENCE, AND BOOTH
The 2022 Honda Accord‘s interior is surprisingly spacious, and rear-seat passengers in particular will be happier in an Accord than in almost any other mid-size sedan. Honda’s no-options trim structure means that most decisions about its features are made for the driver, but virtually every Accord has handsome interior furnishings and at least some creature comforts.
The top Touring trim is thoroughly decked out, with heated and cooled leather front seats, heated rear seats, and a head-up display. Lower trim levels have their own charms, however. Among them are Honda’s attractive and comfortable cloth seats and interior trim.
Not only does the Accord’s 17 cubic feet of cargo space beat out the next-best car in the class, but the Accord hybrid doesn’t lose any cargo space as a result of its electric-powertrain components.
In our testing, the regular Accord held two more carry-on bags with the rear seats folded than we fit in the nearest competitor. The 2022 Honda Accord‘s interior storage space is middle of the road in this class, and its interior storage setup isn’t nearly as useful or as thoughtful as those of the Honda Civic or the Hyundai Ioniq, for instance. Still, the Accord should meet the basic needs of most drivers.
IN-VEHICLE INFOTAINMENT AND INTERCONNECTIONS
All models come standard with touchscreen infotainment an 8.0-inch display. Bluetooth and USB connectivity are also available across the board, as are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability.
We found the system to be quick, attractive, and easy to use; even low-tech folks should find it intuitive. Honda offers a 10-speaker premium audio system with a 450-watt amplifier on the EX-L model, but lesser Accords have either a four- or eight-speaker system.
PROTECTION AND DRIVER-ASSISTANCE ASPECTS
An array of standard driver-assistance features puts crucial crash-avoidance technologies in every Accord, including automated emergency braking and lane-keeping assist.
That doesn’t mean that every piece of safety tech is standard, however. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors still cost extra.
For more information about the 2022 Honda Accord‘s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
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