Highs and Lows: 2024 Honda Accord
Photos By Kyle Patrick
Recently we held a head-to-head comparison between the 2024 Nissan Altima and 2024 Honda Accord. During that comparison we once again extolled the virtues of why family sedans are still an excellent choice.
Ultimately, the Accord came out on top in the comparison and remains one of the best reasons not to get a SUV. Although not perfect, we think the pros outweigh the cons, as listed below.
Pro – Hybrid System
The higher trims of the Accord come standard with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder hybrid system that pumps out a total of 204 horsepower and 247 pound feet of torque. Although those numbers may not sound overly impressive, the Accord feels much more powerful than the figures suggest.
Around town, the initial boost from the electric motor makes acceleration swift. At freeway speeds, passing power is still ample. But the Accord’s biggest advantage is fuel economy. The EX-L Hybrid is rated at 51 mpg city and 44 mpg highway, while our test unit, a Sport-L Hybrid, delivers 46 mpg city and 41 mpg highway.
Compared to Honda’s own CR-V hybrid, that bests two-wheel drive versions of the SUV which are rated at 43 mpg city and 36 mpg highway. Compared to all-wheel drive CR-Vs, the advantage grows as those models are rated at 40 mpg city and 34 mpg highway.
Con – No All-Wheel Drive
While on the topic of all-wheel drive (AWD), that is one feature absent from the Accord, regardless of trim. While competitors like Kia, Toyota, and Nissan offer AWD as an option of those brand’s family sedans, Honda remains front-wheel drive only.
In areas that receive a full four seasons, this could be a deterrent to potential customers.
Pro – Maneuverability
Physics can be somewhat manipulated but cannot be overcome. Sedans are lower to the ground, giving them a better center of gravity. This benefits a multitude of things, especially handling and ride comfort.
The Accord sits 2.9-inches (74 mm) lower to the ground compared to the CR-V. With less mass perched higher off the ground, the Accord is less prone to body roll which means the suspension can be set-up softer. This improves ride comfort while having less of an impact on handling.
Simply put, the driving dynamics of a sedan are naturally superior to that of a SUV. Although it's possible to make a SUV drive much like a car, that includes more technology, parts, and ultimately, cost.
Con – Less Utility
One of the major reasons folks gravitate towards SUVs are the utility aspects. With a trunk, the Accord can carry 16.7 cubic feet (473 liters) of gear. For a sedan, that’s quite impressive, but compared to CR-V, it can’t match the SUV’s 39.3 cu ft (1,113 L) cargo capacity. Even the smaller HR-V has a larger cargo hold, measuring 24.5 cu ft (691 L).
As well, the CR-V can tow a small trailer up to 1,500 lbs (473 L). The Accord is not rated to tow.
Pro – Price
As alluded to above, the Accord’s final advantage is pricing. If we take the mid-trim Sport Hybrid models for both the 2024 Honda Accord and CR-V, the sedan benefits form a $1,455 starting price advantage. What’s more, if one of a SUV’s biggest advantages is added, AWD, that advantage grows to nearly $3,000.
In conclusion, although not for everyone, a sedan like the Honda Accord still has a lot of benefits for plenty of consumers.
Become an AutoGuide insider. Get the latest from the automotive world first by subscribing to our newsletter here.
A 20+ year industry veteran, Mike rejoins the AutoGuide team as the Managing Editor. He started his career at a young age working at dealerships, car rentals, and used car advertisers. He then found his true passion, automotive writing. After contributing to multiple websites for several years, he spent the next six years working at the head office of an automotive OEM, before returning back to the field he loves. He is a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), and Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA). He's the recipient of a feature writing of the year award and multiple video of the year awards.
More by Mike Schlee
Comments
Join the conversation
I once considered an accord, the 2.0L with a manual sport edition was really appealing but the idiots killed it. Now with the wheezy turbo and CVT its just pathetic even with the extra hybrid oomph it still cant get out of it’s own way. Very pathetic Honda. What have you become.
I do like the Civic but this new Accord is not a vehicle I would consider - the entire silhouette, and its front-end design are just not attractive at all! Add to that CVT transmission - I'm not a fan!