REVIEW:  All-New 2023 Honda Accord Sport Hybrid

This week I bring you the all-new 2023 Honda Accord. The big thing to know about the 11th-generation lineup:  Honda is extremely focused on hybrids. Out of six trims, four of them are next-gen hybrids, including my test vehicle this week, the 2023 Accord Hybrid Sport.

Exterior

The new Accord is longer and sleeker than the generation before it and it features a sloping fastback design. The extra-cost Radiant Red Metallic hue looks terrific with the Sport trim's 19-inch machine-finished alloy wheels with black inserts. 

 

 

 

 

 

The lineup comes with standard LED headlights, daytime running lights and taillights.  The Sport trim features gloss black side sills and side power mirrors, along with a gloss black decklid spoiler.  A rear diffuser is reserved for the pricier Sport-L Hybrid model.

Powertrain

A major update to the front-wheel drive only Accord is its new hybrid powertrain. The system pairs an updated 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with two electric motors and an e-CVT with Sport mode. The system delivers 204-horsepower and a respectable 247 pound-feet of torque. Honda says those numbers make it the most powerful Accord hybrid ever. The new hybrid system does not have idle start/stop, but it does have remote engine start. 

Note, Honda's also ditched the 2.0L turbocharged engine for 2023, and gas-only models are equipped with a turbocharged inline-4.

Interior 

The Accord Sport Hybrid's roomy, driver-centric interior is well-designed, but doesn't re-invent the wheel. It features a soft-touch dash and door panels, glossy black piano trim and Honda's honeycomb metal mesh accent trim stretches across the instrument panel.  Love the sport pedals, they're a great look.

 

 

 

 

 

My favorite cabin feature is the comfortable 10-way power driver's seat. Its level of power adjustment, including 2-way power lumbar, is completely unexpected.  From the driver's seat you grip a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Honda's done a nice job with its fully digital 10.2-inch information display that features nice graphics and road sign assist.   

In the center stack, designers keep it simple, sticking with traditional controls for the climate functions. So if you're not a fan of newer haptic, touch-sensitive controls, you'll no doubt be pleased. 

A slim center console is home to a traditional leather-wrapped gear shift and two geometric-shaped cupholders along with drive mode controls, an electric parking brake and auto brake hold.  There's no wireless charger on this trim, it's reserved for the top Touring model. 

 

 

 

 

 

You lose some headroom in the back due to stadium-style 60/40 split rear seating but legroom is ok. Passengers get a drop-down center armrest but no rear A/C vents.  The self-opening trunk opens to a nice amount of cargo space for a midsize sedan.

Standard Sport features include dual-zone climate, a moonroof and push-button start. 

Technology

The new Accord's interior boasts the midsize sedan's largest ever touchscreen, standard in all four Hybrid trims.  I really wanted to like the 12.3-inch display, but it's pretty crowded. The left side bar was just too busy for me.  The multimedia screen is responsive though and the system is compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The screen houses a multi-view backup camera and rear cross traffic monitor.    

The system also gets physical volume knob. But you'll need to get the top Touring trim for HD Radio. I enjoyed the Sport trim's 8-speaker sound system (to get the Bose 12-speaker Premium system, you'll also need the Touring trim.) 

Notably, too, the new Accord marks Honda's first integration of Alexa Built-In which comes standard on the four Hybrid models. 

The entire lineup is equipped with a WiFi Hotspot and two front USB ports. Other Hybrid trims get 2 rear USB-C ports as well, but not this one.

A head-up display is for the Touring model only.

Safety

All 2023 Accords come standard with an enhanced Honda Sensing suite of driver-assistive technologies that includes Traffic Jam Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow and the Lane Keeping Assist System.   

New for 2023, rear seat reminder is now standard across the lineup.  

Ride and Drive

The 2023 Accord Hybrid is easy to drive with just-right acceleration. It delivers an engaging ride with a tighter steering feel. I would compare it to the driving dynamics of a Hyundai Sonata, as compared to the Toyota Camry.   

The new Accord's driving dynamics also have to do with its low stance - we're talking 5.3-inches of ground clearance (matching the Sonata's) compared to the Camry's higher 5.7-inches.

You'll get Econ, Normal, Sport and Individual drive modes, my favorite being Sport. There was also great visibility out the front over the long hood.  

Verdict

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid's high points are its 10-way power driver's seat and updated hybrid system that delivers nice driving dynamics along with great fuel economy. At roughly $33,000, the Sport trim is a great value if you can live without wireless charging, a head up display and a Bose sound system.  Unfortunately those features are only available on the priciest trim.

PS. Honda's had more difficulty than many automakers when it comes to a lack of microchips, so make sure you check with your dealer to see if any features, like available Blind Spot Monitoring, are unavailable. 

1. What I liked most:   The amazing and highly adjustable 10-way power driver's seat, stereo system.
   
2. What I would change:  Infotainment display is too busy for me. Wireless charging should be standard across Hybrid trims.
3. MSRP:  Base price: $31,895; As equipped: $33,445.
4. Fuel Economy:  46 MPG city/41 MPG highway/44 MPG Combined.
   
5. Odometer reading when tested:  1,774 miles.
6. Weight:  3,477 pounds.
7. Spare Tire:  None. Tire Repair Kit.
8. Length-Width-Height:  195.7” long/ 73.3.” wide/57.1” high.
9. Fuel Tank Capacity:  12.8 gallons with capless fuel filler on the driver's side.
   
10. Official Color:   Radiant Red Metallic ($455).
11. Towing Capacity:   N/A.
12. The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid in a few words: A great hybrid sedan for someone looking to sport up their daily drive.
13. Warranty:  3-year, 36,000 mile Basic Warranty; New Honda Service Pass complimentary 2- year/24,000-mile Maintenance Service.
14. Final Assembly Location: Marysville, Ohio.
15. Manufacturer's website:  Honda