Toyota overhauled its 2018 Camry and Honda responded with the changes the company introduced to the 2018 Honda Accord. In midsize sedan segment, Camry has been winning for 15 consecutive years when it comes to sales, but will the new Accord sit in the throne? Here is what to expect from the new Honda.
Engine and Transmission of 2018 Accord
A 1.5-liter turbo-four unit is placed inside the new Civic and the 2017 Honda CR-V, so it had a chance to prove its worth. There are different versions of this engine, which will probably power the 2018 Accord as well. In the CR-V, it delivers 190 hp and 179 lb-ft of torque, while the car goes from 0 to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds. The new Accord might end up with a 2.4-liter naturally aspirated I4 strictly for the entry-level model.
The 2017 Accord Touring that was previously tested came with a 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 engine that produced 278 hp, and it was mated to a six-speed automatic. Is the Japanese car maker going to keep this V6 powerplant and connect it to a new 10-speed automatic? The other possibility for the top trim is a 2.0-liter turbocharged I4 good for 270 hp.
The addition of a good manual gearbox is also an option, and this could reduce the price of the car. But will Honda opt for this step, or will the company just offer a manual as an option? Also, the fuel efficiency of the 2017 Accord with the automatic transmission with CVTs (26-27/34-36 mpg) is noticeably better that of the version with the six-speed manual (23/32 mpg).
Volume Knobs
The majority of people complained about the fact that the 2017 Accord came without volume knobs, so they will probably return. They can be really helpful sometimes, but Honda also wants to add neat steering wheel volume control for the new model. You will be able to activate this with your left thumb, without taking your hands off the steering wheel.
Safety
This vehicle received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, while the IIHS gave this model Top Safety Pick+, which is the highest score. So why change something that is already great? The 2018 Honda Accord will have the same ratings, and it will come with a lot of safety tech including a system which can sense a potential collision and which automatically applies the brakes.
2018 Honda Accord Exterior and Interior
The design of the 2016 Honda Civic is admirable, and people loved it, so don’t be surprised if you see some of the design cues from the Civic on the new Accord. The 2018 Honda Accord will perhaps be slightly bolder, but its attractive and traditional look is what makes this car so special, expect this aspect to be kept. The new base version will sit on 16-inch alloys, while the Japanese carmaker will offer a choice of up to 19-inch wheels for higher trims.
Some of the features inside are an electric parking brake, the purpose of which is to hold the brakes during long red lights and when you press the accelerator pedal, you automatically release the brakes. We have seen this feature in the HR-V, Odyssey and Civic. Ventilated front seats, a large color screen in the center of an instrument cluster are expected to be a part of upper trims.
Hybrid Version
The 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid is spectacular with 49 and 47 mpg in the city and on the highway respectively, and although it is a hybrid, it is surprisingly fast. The Touring model can reach 60 mph in 6.7 seconds, but keep in mind that speed is not the priority of this car. The Accord hybrid model is expected to go against Kia, Hyundai, Toyota, Ford and Chevy’s midsize sedan hybrids.
What do you expect from the new 2018 Honda Accord?
