While still one of the top-selling cars in the country, the 2017 Honda Accord has been bested by its smaller sibling, the Honda Civic as more people choose the less expensive and more fuel efficient Civic as well as crossover SUVs when they used to prefer mid-sized sedans like the Accord.
Until only recently, mid-sized sedans ruled the road, but as other models encroach and steal consumer interest, the 2017 Accord is still considered one of the best and it remains a benchmark upon which others are to be judged when it comes to driving dynamics, comfort and safety. Honda will more than likely put the Accord through a redesign, perhaps as soon as next year. But in the meantime, what we have remains a clear winner for consumers still interested in the mid-sized sedan market.
Overall Design
The design cycle of your typical Honda Accord runs on a five-year cycle, which means we’re on the last stage for this current model design.
Last year, Honda did a near-end cycle refresh to add a more upscale look to the sedan with a chrome grille, which, while decidedly overkill, still gives the Accord a stronger look. On to the interior, the Accord cabin is one of quality and detail. Leather upholstery and dark carpets create a somewhat overstated but still luxurious look. Although some of the simulated trim and plastic elements look decidedly and unflatteringly inexpensive.
Ride Comfort
The Accord driver’s seat features a 10-way power adjustment which is more than impressive when it comes to customizing your ride in the cabin. With the exception of the base LX model, every Accord includes it. The seat is wide, soft and supportive but there’s still room for improvement. Most notably, the passenger’s front seat lacks a height adjuster.
In the back, the accommodations are more than adequate, the doors open wide for easy entrance and exit and the seats offer plenty of cushion and support with plenty of leg room.
User Controls
Honda loses some marks in this category with their touch-sensing screen. There was a time when Honda lead by example when it came to control layout creating ease of movement and convenience. Unfortunately, of late Honda has followed suit of others in believing drivers need a smartphone embedded in their dashboard instead of traditional control knobs and buttons. Tactile control suits the cockpit – not a pinch-zoom touch-sensitive tablet.
Safety
The Accord is a safe vehicle considering its crash-test ratings and affordable collision avoidance system. Let’s hope they add a blind-spot warning system and rear cross-traffic alert to really improve their already impressive safety. The redesigned 2017 Honda CR-V has blind spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert. Time to bring the Accord up to the same level.
Power and Performance
Equipped with a powerful 3.5-liter V-6 engine that houses 278 horsepower and 252 lb.-ft. of torque and the Honda Accord is a fast and still relatively fuel-efficient vehicle with an EPA estimate of 24 mpg in combined driving. Due in no small part to the Accord’s Variable Cylinder Management technology which allows the engine to use less cylinders when cruising or coasting downhill.
While there’s only a 6-speed automatic transmission available, it includes a Sport driving mode. Unfortunately, we found the Sport Mode to be a bit too slow in making gear switches.
Ride and Handling
Every year, the Accord makes the top 10 list of best cars. And this is due in no small part to the sedan’s quick and engaging handling. Every version of this car is fun to drive. It is impressively responsive and accurate with good braking.
While more than half the car’s weight sits over the front wheels, you would never guess it from the car’s handling. There’s little to any noticeable understeer and the Accord handles corners with very little roll and body motion.
Specifications: 2017 Honda Accord
| 2017 Honda Accord LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl CVT) | |
|---|---|
| Country of Origin: | Japan |
| Sold in US: | Yes |
| Body Style: | Midsize Cars |
| Engine Type: | Inline |
| Engine Cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine Displacement (cc): | 2400 |
| Engine Displacement (l): | 2.4 |
| Engine Displacement (cubic inches): | 146 |
| Engine Valves Per Cylinder: | 4 |
| Engine Valves: | 16 |
| Engine Max Power (HP): | 182 |
| Engine Max Power (PS): | 185 |
| Engine Max Power (kW): | 136 |
| Engine Max Torque (Nm): | 181 |
| Engine Max Torque (Lb-Ft): | 133 |
| Engine Max Torque (kgf-m): | 18 |
| Engine Compression Ratio: | 11.1 |
| Drive: | Front Wheel Driv |
| Transmission Type: | Automatic |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Seats: | Not Available |
| Weight (kg): | 3254 |
| Weight (lbs): | 7174 |
| Fuel Economy City(l/100km): | 27 |
| Fuel Economy City(mpg): | 9 |
| Fuel Economy HWY(l/100km): | 36 |
| Fuel Economy HWY(mpg): | 7 |
| Fuel Economy Mixed(l/100km): | 31 |
| Fuel Economy Mixed(mpg): | 8 |
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