From the January/February 2026 issue of Car and driver.
Consistency is a fast food chain’s secret weapon. Whether you order a Big Mac in Skokie or Schenectady, your McDonald’s staple will retain the same taste. Honda applies a similar philosophy to the Accord series.
With the 204-hp hybrid powertrain or the standard 192-hp turbo four, the basic ingredients that Honda bakes into every Accord remain the same. But unlike a McD’s patty, the Accord is more than a reasonably priced way to satisfy needs, and packs features that make it just as tasty, if not more so, than many luxury brand offerings.
Still, the Accord’s price and ubiquity make it a mainstream car, which explains why this handsome sedan no longer turns heads. However, once the wheels start turning, the approval of passers-by counts for little. The Accord drives with effortless consistency. The ride is smooth enough to lull those strapped into the roomy backseat on long highway drives. At the same time, it maintains the driving dynamics that make this modest sedan an absolute pleasure to drive over the winding asphalt. Direct and tactile steering, a firm brake pedal and nimble body control give the driver a sense of confidence akin to that of a sports sedan, if not a sports car. Further complementing the dynamics is a carefully thought-out cabin design, which is ergonomically friendly and well put together.
The Agreement is admirably well-rounded and requires few compromises. A powerful turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder and punchy hybrid powertrains guzzle fuel at miserly rates – up to an EPA-estimated combined figure of 48mpg in hybrid guise and 32mpg in 1.5ton petrol-only version.
We prefer the extra power of the hybrid setup, which generally relies on the torquey electric drive motor to power the car, but can also call on the four-cylinder gasoline engine under certain driving conditions. But with both powertrains, the Accord brings affordable family car functionality and engaging driving dynamics to a broad group of consumers. It’s a combination that has landed the Accord on our 10Best list no fewer than 40 times. Now that is coherence.
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Specifications
Honda agreement
Basic: $31,500–$36,000 (CD East)
Power: 192–204 hp
CD TEST RESULTS
100 km/h: 6.4–7.3 sec
1/4 mile: 15.1–15.7 sec
Top speed: 198-200 km/h
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined: 32-48 mpg
Despite their shared last name, Greg Fink is not related to Ed “Big Daddy” Roth’s infamous Rat Fink. However, both Finks are known for their love of cars, car culture and – oddly enough – monogrammed one-piece swimsuits. Greg’s career in the media industry dates back more than a decade. His previous experience includes stints as an editor at publications such as American news and world report, The Huffington Post, Motor1.comAnd MotorTrend.
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