2018 Honda Accord Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

Once you have owned a Honda, it is difficult to imagine yourself driving any other vehicle. There are many things that drivers love about their Hondas, especially their safety and reliability. The 2018 Honda Accord retains a lot of the features that drivers love on the previous year's model but, thanks to an innovative redesign, the brand new Accord offers even more in the way of a powerful performance and standard features. However, Honda drivers who loved the coupe or the V6 engine might be disappointed to learn that those options are now at least temporarily gone.

What's New for 2018?

The Honda Accord has been overhauled for the 2018 model year, adding more interior passenger and cargo space, an exciting new engine option, and a vastly improved infotainment system that has already debuted on the 2018 Honda Odyssey. Gone from the lineup are the coupe version and the V6 engine, both of which have been struggling in the sales arena for the past few years. Ever concerned with safety, Honda has made many formerly optional safety features standard across the 2018 lineup, including driver aids like adaptive cruise control. Those looking for a strong hybrid model will be pleased to know that Honda has moved the hybrid's batteries so that they do not add unnecessary bulk to the trunk.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2018 Honda Accord – The Pros

1. A Selection of Three Powertrains

Taking the place of the old V6 engine is a new 2.0-L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine capable of generating 252 hp and 278 lb-ft of torque. This is a significant improvement in torque since the V6 only generated up to 192 lb-ft of torque. What makes this option even better is that it comes equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission. If you opt for the Sport trim, you can get a 6-speed manual transmission put on the Accord.

2. The Elongated Wheelbase

The redesigned 2018 Honda Accord now comes with a longer wheelbase that adds interior space. Also, the vehicle is slightly wider than its predecessor, which adds more space. The elongated wheelbase means that there is extra room in the trunk for storing bulkier items. Even the hybrid model has the same 16.7 inches of trunk space as the rest of the Accords.

3. Additional Legroom in the Rear Seat

In addition to more cargo space, there is significantly more legroom in the rear seat. Longer-legged adult passengers should feel even less cramped, even though legroom in the previous year's model was pretty generous.

4. A Hybrid Model is Available

The 2018 Honda Accord hybrid is a vast improvement over the previous hybrid model, especially since Honda decided to move the batteries away from the trunk, thereby allowing for more cargo space. The hybrid has many of the same standard and optional features available as the non-hybrids, including optional blind spot monitoring.

5. Active Safety Technology Comes Standard On All Trim Levels

Honda is going above and beyond to make more active safety and driver assist technology standard across their 2018 lineup. The 2018 Honda Accord features adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking that comes with the forward collision warning system, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and a handy rearview camera. Blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are standard on the models with 2.0-L engines and are optional on the 1.5-L engine models and the hybrid.

6. An Improved Infotainment System

One of the biggest issues with last year's Hondas were that the infotainment system was not as user-friendly as some of its competition. For 2018, Honda stepped up its game, reconfigured many of the settings, and made an 8.0-inch touchscreen standard. The buttons are much easier to use, and many controls are now manually-adjustable knobs again.

7. The Weight Loss

The 2018 Honda Accord shed some serious weight. This should improve the somewhat noticeable lag on the 2017 models. Depending on which trim you're talking about, it is going to be about 110-170 pounds lighter than its predecessor.

8. An Upgraded Suspension

2018 marks a new beginning for the Accord with its all-new adaptive suspension system. Not only is the steering exponentially more responsive, but you can easily pump up your suspension to something a bit more sporty with the simple push of a button.

9. Built-In 4G LTE WiFi Connectivity

While some of Honda's competitors are adding built-in WiFi connections on higher trims, 4G LTE comes standard across the 2018 Honda Accord lineup. This allows you to access the Internet from anywhere you travel.

10. The Redesigned Front and Rear Fascia

The 2018 Accord looks contemporary with its remodeled front and rear fascia. The hood appears longer, and the roofline has a sleeker-looking slope to it than the 2017. The rear looks more curvaceous and lifted, keeping up with the trend for 2018 sedans.

 

Reasons Not to Buy a 2018 Honda Accord – The Cons

1. No V6 Engine Options

Those who want a V6 engine won't get one with the 2018 Honda Accord. However, the powertrain that replaces the V6 option is powerful and keeps up with changing consumer demands.

2. The Coupe is No Longer Available

Similar to the V6 engine, the coupe has been discontinued due to a lack of consumer demand. While some drivers loved the coupe, it simply wasn't garnering enough sales, possibly due in part to its hefty price tag.

3. A Bigger Price Tag

The biggest downside to getting a 2018 Honda Accord with all of its bells and whistles is that you will be paying more. However, this seems to be the case with most 2018 vehicles, and the Accord is still relatively affordable compared to a few other midsized sedans.

How it stacks up to the competition:

2018 Honda Accord vs. 2018 Toyota Camry

The 2018 Toyota Camry (which also comes with a hybrid model) is the Accord's biggest competitor. The Camry has also been redesigned to be much roomier and less bulky. It includes a lot of the same safety and driver assist features, but the Honda's interior controls seem more refined and user-friendly.

2018 Honda Accord vs. 2018 Chevy Malibu

Another competitor for 2018 is the Malibu. It is more competitively priced than the Accord but lacks the horsepower and precision handling of the Accord. It also does not come with as many standard safety and driver assist features.

Conclusion

Honda has long been a top competitor in all vehicle classes, but, for 2018, the company has really set the bar high for midsized sedans. The only drawbacks are the loss of the V6 engine and the coupe, but Honda made the right choice by focusing their energy on creating the best midsized sedan possible. Overall, the 2018 Accord is safe, reliable, stylish, and the embodiment of everything Honda drivers have come to love about this automaker.