2022 Honda Accord Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

Entering the USA market with a lineup of five trim levels, the 2022 Honda Accord offers superb value in performance, electronic technologies, active safety and other major categories. Available with more than a dozen accident-prevention technologies, this midsize sedan wins the exclusive Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Inside the modern cockpit, the Accord retains plenty of familiar technologies, such as the HondaLink Subscription Services and Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System.

What's New for 2022?

Built on a 10th-generation platform, the 2022 Honda Accord is available with a handful of notable enhancements for safer and more productive driving. For example, the Low-Speed Braking Control is unveiled for the first time on this iconic midsize sedan. A head-up display is another cutting-edge technology that minimizes the potential for distracted driving. Additionally, body-colored parking sensors provide a heightened sense of alertness for parking and backing up.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2022 Honda Accord – The Pros

1. Powerful Turbocharged Engines

Standard under the hood of the 2022 Accord, a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine block whips out 192 net horsepower. Using the proven VTEC technology, this four-cylinder powertrain generates a maximum of 192 pound-feet of torque. Employing 16 total DOHC valves, this I-4 powerplant utilizes direct fuel injection in the early stages of combustion. This midsize sedan extracts 252 net hp from a 2.0-liter with a turbocharger. When operating at low RPMs, this turbo propulsion system unleashes 273 lb-ft of peak torque.

2. Sporty Handling Capabilities

Offering the driver-activated Sport Mode, a continuously variable transmission (CVT) system drives the 2022 Accord. A shift-by-wire functionality supplements the automatic transmission system that creates a maximum of 10 gear speeds for dynamic and predictable movement on the road. Each type of drivetrain sends all output to the front wheels for consistent and efficient handling. This midsize Honda sedan also offers the Adaptive Damper System that cushions the entire body at various speeds. A multi-link rear suspension and wheel resonators ensure a balanced stance on the road.

3. Advanced Infotainment System

Standard on the entire lineup of the 2022 Accord, an 8.0-inch display rises slightly above the center portion of the dashboard. Several knobs and electronic keys provide alternative ways for managing some of the primary features on the infotainment console. The HandsFreeLink and SMS Text Message Function minimize distractions inside the cabin when the vehicle is in motion. In addition to having the standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto interfaces for smartphone integration, the multimedia console is fully synced with the trademark HondaLink suite. A Wi-Fi hotspot is another segment-leading technology that's optimized for mobile connectivity inside the well-appointed cockpit.

4. Great Entertainment Features

An eight-speaker sound system is installed on most of the 2022 Accord trims. This premium audio system is compatible with SiriusXM Satellite Radio, which offers dozens of music channels and other entertainment stations without commercials and other interruptions from third parties. A 10-speaker audio system with a subwoofer and HD Radio is available for even more music options on the go. A 2.5-amp USB port with an audio interface may be used to import additional media into the sound system. Additionally, the standard Speed-Sensitive Volume Compensation adjusts the sound level inside the cabin based on the real-time speedometer reading.

5. Sophisticated Concierge and Security Services

The 2022 Accord is available with the HondaLink Subscription Services for extra peace of mind on the road. Some top security features from the exclusive suite include the Automatic Collision Notification, Emergency Call and Enhanced Roadside Assistance. Some top remote services from the subscription include the Geofence Alert, Remote Door Unlock and Remote Engine Start. Optimized for smartphones and tablets, the Amazon Alexa Skill function also enables voice commands for many of the functions from the HondaLink Subscription Services.

6. User-Friendly Navigation Software

Installed in the infotainment system, the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System is available on the 2022 Accord. This trademark technology uses the traditional Fuzzy Logic for easy searching of destinations within a given radius in real time. Featuring a high-quality microphone, the navigation console readily reacts to simple voice commands from the driver. Additionally, the Honda HD Digital Traffic provides easy-to-follow directions and guidance on major highways and less-busy roads. This signature service shows information relating to temporary road closures, changes in traffic patterns and other important events impacting a planned route in the GPS navigation software.

7. Signature Active Safety Technologies

Every 2022 Accord is equipped with eight active safety technologies that collectively make up the award-winning Honda Sensing suite. The conventional Collision Mitigation Braking System slams on the brakes if a frontal crash seems imminent. Likewise, the Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow applies maximum braking pressure in critical situations on the highway. With quick cues from the Lane Keeping Assist and Road Departure Mitigation, the driver will probably handle this sporty Honda sedan with good confidence on any road. Some other top-of-the-line driving aids on the 2022 Accord include the Traffic Sign Recognition, Blind Information System and Auto High-Beam Headlights.

8. Reliable Passive Safety

Constructed based on the proprietary Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) design, the 2022 Accord's body is robust, resilient and lightweight. Connected to rollover sensors, side-curtain air bags protect the front occupants and rear outboard occupants from serious injuries. The signature SmartVent Front Side Air Bags prevent contact between the driver and front occupant during a crash. Front knee air bags and three-point seat belts provide additional measures of passive safety inside the first row of this popular Honda sedan.

9. Comfortable Interior Design

A dual-zone automatic climate control system is standard inside the 2022 Accord. Conveniently located near the HVAC control panel, two electronic buttons manage the custom settings of the heated and ventilated seats in the first row. Covered in authentic leather material, the driver's seat has a memory system and 12-way adjustments for superb ergonomics. Also available with climate control, the front passenger's seat comes with four-way adjustability.

10. Contemporary Exterior Design

The 2022 Accord is available in premium exterior colors that make strong styling statements on the road, such as Radiant Red Metallic, Still Night Pearl and Platinum White Pearl. Covered in a touch of Gloss Black, a decklid spoiler accentuates the sporty profile of this midsize sedan. An active grille shutter and chrome-finished exhaust outlets add extra athletic flair to the already muscular body. Additionally, courtesy lights and LED fog lights deliver class-leading utility for handling this car at night or early in the morning.

Reasons Not to Buy a 2022 Honda Accord – The Cons

1. Limited Space in the Second Row

The rear passengers inside the 2022 Accord have only 37.3 inches of headroom and 40.4 inches of legroom. Officially designed for up to three adults, the second row might not provide a comfortable ride for lengthy road trips. Having a classic 60/40, split-folding mechanism, the rear seatbacks also offer limited options for expanding the total cargo interior volume. A full trunk on this Honda sedan holds up to 16.7 cubic feet of cargo.

2. Noisy Powertrain

Despite having a superbly designed mechanical platform, the 2022 Honda Accord still has room for improvement when it comes to noise during a drive. When operating on the high end of the tachometer, the turbocharged powertrain can get quite loud. Honda's engineers have previously addressed this issue by developing the Active Noise Cancellation technology for the engines. However, the lag from the turbo units and buzzing from the CVT system can't be fully silenced on the road.

3. Basic Ergonomics in the Cabin

Having a more sporty design compared to previous years, the 2022 Accord comes with a cabin that may not provide ideal ergonomics for the average driver. For example, the driver's seat has a relatively low position, a design cue that's adopted from racing cars and high-performance vehicles. Although they create some extra space in the center console, the electronic gear selectors are also positioned quite low for intuitive handling. Therefore, pressing the buttons for the transmission system may be a distraction on the road.

 

How It Stacks Up to the Competition:

2022 Honda Accord vs 2022 Toyota Camry

As one of the top-selling midsize sedans in the USA, the 2022 Toyota Camry certainly challenges the 2022 Accord in several major categories that truly matter to consumers. For instance, the Camry offers the Dynamic Torque Control AWD for superb handling on slippery roads. However, this Toyota sedan runs on the 2.5-L Dynamic Force engine that's much weaker than the Accord's standard turbo engine. Even when equipped with a 3.5-L, V-6 engine, the Camry still doesn't beat the torque output of the Accord's 2.0-L turbo engine.

2022 Honda Accord vs 2022 Hyundai Sonata

When it comes to handling and digital connectivity, the 2022 Hyundai Sonata closely matches the 2022 Accord. However, the Hyundai model lacks the aggressive and sleek exterior look of the updated Honda. Most of the Sonata trims run on an eight-speed automatic transmission, which obviously offers less gear options than the Accord's 10-speed gearbox or CVT system. The most comfortable seats inside the Hyundai rival only have eight-way adjustability, which isn't as great as the 12-way design in the Honda model.

2022 Honda Accord vs 2022 Kia K5

When it comes to having superior sporty appeal and athletic handling, the 2022 Kia K5 is one of the top candidates in the midsize sedan class. Available with an AWD system and an electronically controlled transfer case, this Kia car certainly offers a road-gripping drive in any weather. However, the eight-speed automatic transmission delivers less shifting options than the gearboxes that are available on the Accord. The 2022 K5 also lacks a knee air bag for the front passenger.

Conclusion

Celebrating more than three decades in North America, the 2022 Honda Accord is one of the most iconic midsize sedans of all time. Best known for its reliable engineering and comfortable cabin, this five-seat car doesn't have any noticeable weaknesses and flaws compared to the competition. Besides having a well-rounded design, the Accord certainly stands out in the active safety and passive safety categories according to the IIHS and other leading agencies. The 2022 Accord even has some distinct styling features, such as a decklid spoiler and integrated LED light bars.