2026 Honda Accord Expert Review
Reviewed by Bob Hernandez
Like the compact Civic, the Accord is a cornerstone of the Honda brand, tracing its lineage back to the 1970s. Throughout its history, the Accord has taken on various forms—including hatchback and two-door coupe versions—but the latest model stays true to the classic four-door sedan layout.
The 2026 Honda Accord’s midsize sedan competitors include the Kia K5, Toyota Camry, and Hyundai Sonata.
What’s New
The 2026 Honda Accord could be a completely refreshed model this year. If that happens, look for mildly revisedfront and rear exterior styling details as well as new wheel styles.
More important, expect some standard features on the Hybrid to trickle down to gas trims, like the larger 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless phone charger.
Higher trims of the Accord are set up with the hybrid powertrain as standard, while the lower trims are only available with a non-hybrid gas engine. We don’t expect this to change.
What We Think
The Accord has built an excellent reputation as a comfortable, capable, and generally pleasant midsize sedan. The 11th generation model largely sticks to that script, though in some ways it’s not as good as the version that precedes it.
Both gas and hybrid models are punchy off the line, but the hybrid loses steam as it gains speed and battery power falls off. The gas Accord is slower than the previous one. Ride and handling balance are good regardless of powertrain, and the Honda delivers solid brakes and a neutral chassis. That said, at speed, wind and road noise become noticeable in the cabin.
Cabin styling is an Accord strength, the sedan employing a more mature-looking version of the interior in the Civic. However, there needs to be a way to outfit lower gas variants with available features that come with the hybrid trims, like the larger central touchscreen and premium interior materials. Maybe the 2026 Accord will pick up where the 2025 Accord’s SE value model left off .
Thanks to its better driving experience, longer range, and superior technology, we prefer the 2026 Accord in hybrid form over gas, but both are solid options in a competitive segment.
MotorTrend Tested
All 2026 Accords have FWD; AWD midsize sedan options are available with the Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, Kia K5, and Hyundai Sonata. There’s a small chance the 2026 Accord will go all-hybrid, but we suspect both powertrains will return.
The gas-only powertrain features a 1.5-liter turbo-four that makes 192 hp and 192 lb-ft of torque, and a CVT automatic. In MotorTrend testing, a non-hybrid 2023 EX accelerated to 60 mph in 7.9 seconds, which is just fine. The hybrid-only Toyota Camry is quicker, though.
The 2026 Accord Hybrid is equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder and an electric motor integrated into the sedan’s CVT. Output is rated at 204 hp combined, enough to propel the Accord Hybrid to 60 mph in an MT-tested 6.6 seconds.
MPGs and Range
Fuel economy ratings aren’t expected to change compared to last year. Gas models should return roughly 29/37 mpg city/highway and be able to go as far as 474 miles on a full tank.
The most efficient Hybrid will likely continue to be the EX-L, which gets 51/44 mpg for 2025 and can travel up to 614 miles with a topped-off tank. Hybrid Sport and Touring trims roll on bigger mpg-sapping 19-inch wheels and return a little less: 46/41 mpg and up to 563 miles of driving range.
Safety Ratings and Features
Last year’s Accord earned impressive safety ratings, and the same should be true for the 2026 model. From IIHS, the Honda sedan received a 2025 Top Safety Pick+, the institute’s top award. The model also receives NHTSA’s top distinction, a five-star overall safety rating.
The Honda Sensing suite of driver-assist features is standard with every Accord. Standard equipment includes:
- Automatic emergency braking
- Lane keeping
- Adaptive cruise control
- Automatic high-beams
- Traffic sign recognition
Moving up to higher trims unlocks blind-spot and rear cross-traffic monitors, front and rear parking sensors, and low-speed braking control.
Cargo Space and Interior Room
Interior space in the 2026 Accord compares favorably to its age-old rival, the Toyota Camry. The Honda sedan also features a good-sized trunk.
Technology
As updates this year, we’re looking for Honda to move some premium features from the Hybrid to the gas models. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, a wireless phone charger, and the 12.3-inch touchscreen could all migrate to at least one lower trim level.
The Accord’s standard 10.2-inch driver display and Wi-Fi hot spot will likely remain unchanged. Upgrades will probably include eight- and 12-speaker audio and a head-up display.
Value
Recommended Trim
If the 2026 Honda Accord lineup retains the same trims as last year, we think the EX-L represents the sweet spot. With the 2026 Accord EX-L, you get a couple premium features and the refined hybrid powertrain with better acceleration and a longer driving range without the mpg-sapping large wheels of the Sport and Touring trims.
