2018 Honda Accord First Look

2018 Honda Accord First Look by Auto Critic Steve Hammes

As SUV and truck demand continues to rise while traditional car sales slip, what does the future hold for the family sedan? Once the bread-and-butter of every automaker’s lineup, crossover SUVs are now stealing the limelight.

But don’t tell Honda the car is dead.  The Accord has been one of the best-selling midsize sedans for years and it’s coming into 2018 new from the ground up.  This 10^th generation Accord completely reimagines the sedan, with a more sporting and athletic appearance.  With a considerably longer wheelbase, a lower height and slightly shorter length, proportions now take on a more premium, coupe-like stance.

As expected, the V6 bows out replaced with a duo of turbocharged engines – a new 1.5-liter, 192 horsepower 4-cylinder mated to a CVT or available 6-speed manual transmission in Sport trim or the new 2.0-liter from the Civic Type R, producing 252 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, paired to either a 10-speed automatic or the 6-speed stick, exclusive to the Accord Sport.

All Accords now come equipped with a Two-Mode Driving System featuring Normal and Sport settings, allowing the driver to dial-up/down the vehicle’s reflexes. The system engages with multiple chassis and drivetrain components, including the new electric power steering, automatic transmission, drive-by-wire throttle, adaptive dampers and Active Sound Control system, to provide the driver with an expanded range of driving characteristics.

An ECON mode is also available that helps improve fuel efficiency. Lighter yet more rigid, the Accord boasts improved ride quality, cabin quietness and dynamic performance, according to Honda.

The 1.5-liter powered Accord is available in six trims while the 2.0-liter model has four trims. And the new Accord Hybrid is available in five trims.  All come equipped with Honda Sensing safety and driver-assistive technologies.