Price (as tested) 💲: $34,330
Powertrain ⚙️: 2.0-liter 4-cylinder + Dual-Motor Hybrid
Output 💪: 204 hp/247 lb-ft of torque
Transmission 🕹: CVT
0-60 MPH 🚦: 6.8 seconds
Top Speed 💥: 116 mph
MPG (as tested) ⛽️: 52 city/44 hwy/48 combined MPG (sport: 44 combined)
Curb weight ⚖️: 3,468 lbs

The arguments for SUVs are pretty strong: they’re practical, versatile, and essential if you want to see anything but bumpers in the average cluster of SUV-heavy traffic.

Meanwhile, midsize sedans argue their relevance with greater fuel economy, style, and driving dynamics.

The 11th generation Honda Accord takes up the fight wielding some…safe weapons. Its design is handsome, though perhaps generic, its ride composure and handling are class-leading, though the loss of its 2.0-turbo engine and torque converter automatic leave an opening for its more potent rivals, and its efficiency is almost forced upon buyers with a hybrid powertrain equipped to almost every trim level.

Enthusiasts may balk at the CVT-exclusive 2023 Accord, but Honda says they didn’t put their money where their mouths were – just 10% of prior-gen Accord sales featured the 2.0T motor.

The new Accord improves in nearly every measure – and some subjective capacities – to give midsize sedans a helping of fresh ammunition, but with the discontinuation of a truly Sporty Accord, there are fewer reasons than before for budget-minded driving lovers to renew their commitment to Honda.