2018 Honda Accord Coupe – Test Drive, Review, Ratings, Spec

The Car That Makes A Family Sedan Less Boring

Not many can hit the perfect spot to create a fine balance of quality, performance and versatility, but the Honda Accord comes close. With that said, if it works, why change it? The Honda Accord has been continuously refined off of a cookie cutter template for nearly four decades now.  And while cross-over SUV’s still remain a hot commodity, there still leaves plenty of room for the sedan alternative – especially when it comes to enthusiasm behind the wheel. 

The all new 10th generation markup brings some excitement in not just its visual appeal, but it’s upgraded inner mechanical muscles.  Compared with last year’s generation, the Accord is both wider, and shorter by 10mm while extending the wheelbase by 55mm.  Both the car and seating position has also been lowered.  The result is a much more aggressive stance, and a better feel and handling of the road.

Revamped Looks

The Honda Accord design legacy has more or less been wiped out and completely revamped out a clean slate.  The new Accord looks  modern, sophisticated and luxurious that might as well resemble that of a BMW 5 series, or an Audi A4.  With a shorter front and rear wheel overhang, the Accord achieves a much more athletic look, and the more upright angle of the roof silhouette contributes to the bold looks and more headroom in the interior.  This design approach is more or less a win-win.

Clean, Simple and Stylish Interior

Practically consistent with the rest of the Honda lineup, the interior doesn’t exactly play the dress to impress game and the Accord is unfortunately no exception.  Still, the cabin area is clean, quiet, and subtle to please both driver and passengers with a basic black interior layout.  On a brighter note, the Honda Link software has been upgraded to provide a much more responsive experience with a more intuitive user interface.  Seating position also feels natural and visibility is authoritative with the ability to oversee the front vehicle hood as well and rear legroom isn’t too shabby at all.

Spirited Driving

Choice of transmission comes in the form of a 1.5L turbocharged V4 producing a healthy 192 lbs.ft of torque or a larger 2.0L version that significantly ups its acceleration game to 273 lb.ft of torque . Choice of transmission comes in either a 6 speed manual, CVT, or a 10 speed automatic.  Our tester came in the form of a 1.5L equipped with a CVT transmission.  Despite packing a smaller engine, the Accord almost felt like a V6 with the amount of torque it produces.  The CVT transmission does become noticeable even through emulating an automatic transmission behavior, but the ride and responsiveness was still respectable.  Shifting through the steering mounted paddle shifters also proved to be fairly responsive with very tight gear ratios, which helped preserve power during acceleration and around corners.

Adaptive suspensions have been included in the Accord, and that adds a fair amount of value in its driving performance.  Steering is precise, and the Accord remains well composed around corners without too much body roll.  In city driving, the adaptive suspensions are able to adjust its damping settings on the fly to the most ideal conditions to offer a more comfortable ride as well.

The lowest LX Accord can be had for $26,490 and that gets you the 1.5L turbocharged engine with a 6 speed manual, with a plethora of standard features including keyless entry, heated front seats, HondaLink infotainment system and with the option for configuring the transmission to a CVT.  Upgrading to the more flashier Touring model will get you the same engine and transmission options, but with an integrated heads-up display, ventilated front seats, heated steering, enlarged 19″ wheels, and blindspot monitoring system.  This will cost you a heavier amount of $38,790 dollars.  To get into the big boys league, the 2.0L engine is offered in the Sport 2.0 and Touring 2.0 trim both priced at $32,790, and 38,790.  And only in the Touring 2.0L will you get adaptive suspensions included in the setup.  Both 2.0 Sport and Touring model also comes equipped with the 10 speed automatic transmission to squeeze out a maximum of 252 horsepower from its 2.0L engine.

Specifications

• Vehicle : 2018 Honda Accord Coupe
• Model : Honda Accord  (Touring)
• Price as Tested : $38,790
• Vehicle Type : Coupe
• Seating Capacity : 2 + 3
• Powertrain Configuration : FWD
• Engine : 1.5L V4 Turbocharged
• Transmission : 6 speed automatic
• Fuel Economy:21/25/32 mpg  City/Highway/Combined

Pros

• Sport looks of a Coupe
• Naturally Aspirated V6 gives a good push off the straight line.
• Decent fuel economy
• Good interior quality and use of cabin space

Cons

• Dated and bland interior