2023 Honda Accord Trim Levels, Configurations & Comparisons.

The Honda Accord is one of the top-selling sedans in the U.S. Like all Honda vehicles, the Accord is known for its reliability and stellar performance. Honda offers both gasoline and hybrid powertrain options for the Accord. The 2023 Accord has an all-new design and several new features. It's the first iteration in the 11th generation of this car.

The Accord will be available in six different trim levels for 2023. There are a lot of options, so choosing the right model may prove difficult for some buyers. Here's a closer look at every trim level. Every model will be compared to the trim before and after it in the Honda Accord lineup. This will hopefully aid buyers in deciding which trim to choose.

 

Compare the Accord LX vs EX Trims. What Is the Difference?

LX and EX models are the only Accord trims getting an old-school gasoline engine. They each have a 1.5-liter turbocharged I4 that makes 192 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque. This engine has dual overhead cams, 16 valves and variable-timing control. It also has direct fuel injection and comes paired with a CVT (continuously-variable transmission). The LX and EX both have a Remote Engine Start feature.

The Accord is a front-wheel drive car. It's classified as a midsize sedan, coming in at 196-inches long. There are power-assisted and ventilated front disc brakes with solid rear disc brakes. Both of these trims have power steering. The suspension system has MacPherson struts with a stabilizer bar up front. The rear has a multi-link suspension, also with a stabilizer bar.

These two models feature 17-inch alloy wheels. Both get all-season tires and a compact spare. LX wheels are painted silver while the EX wheels come in pewter. Both trims have a combined fuel-economy rating of 32 mpg (miles-per-gallon). Both also get LED headlights and taillights.

An aluminum hood cuts back on the weight of these two models. Variable intermittent windshield wipers are installed on both trims. Both get power-adjustable outside mirrors. The mirrors also have a heating element on the EX trim. Another perk of the EX trim is the addition of a one-touch power moonroof.

The interior features really start setting these two trims apart. The LX has manual seats up front. The EX gets a cozy 10-way power driver's seat with 2-way lumbar support. The front seats in the EX also have heating for those cold winter days. The LX has an Automatic Climate-Control System while the EX gets a Dual-Zone Automatic Climate-Control System.

These two trims share the same infotainment system with a 7-inch color touchscreen. Both models also have a separate 10.2-inch Driver-Information Interface Screen. The infotainment system provides a WiFi hotspot so multiple passengers can get connected. Bluetooth is available for music streaming. The system also works with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

While the infotainment systems are the same, the EX gets an upgraded sound system. The LX has a 160-watt stereo and four speakers. The EX boasts a 180-watt audio system with eight speakers. This alone may prompt music lovers to move up to the EX trim. It's worth noting here that both trims also feature power locks and windows, as well as a rear defroster.

The LX and EX were designed with Noise-Cancellation Technology for a quiet ride. Both have an ACE body structure to channel collision energy away from the passengers. All models of the Accord get an advanced airbag system. All of them come with Honda Sensing driver-assist features too. This includes safety features such as Forward-Collision Warning.

A Lane-Departure Warning keeps the driver on the straight and narrow for both models. These two trims also have a Collision Mitigation Braking System™. This technology senses when a front collision is imminent. Warnings are then sent to the driver, prompting them to apply the brakes. The LX and EX models also come with a Traffic-Sign Recognition System, Adaptive Cruise Control and Automatic High Beams.

Compare the Accord EX vs Sport Hybrid. What Is the Difference?

The Sport Hybrid is the first Accord trim in the line to get a hybrid powertrain. This particular powertrain is composed of a 2.0-liter I4 and two electric motors. These elements combine to produce 204 horsepower. Fuel efficiency is significantly improved here as one might imagine. The Sport Hybrid can get up to 46 mpg in the city and 41 mpg while on the highway.

This trim loses the leather seats of the EX but gains its moonroof. It features 19-inch machined-alloy wheels with black inserts. The infotainment screen is bumped up from 7 inches to 12.3 inches. Apple's CarPlay and Android Auto now have wireless compatibility with the infotainment system. The system now has Amazon Alexa built right in too.

New to this trim is a 4-Mode Drive System. The vehicle can be switched into one of four modes for optimal performance. These modes include Normal, ECON, Sport and Individual. ECON is the most fuel-efficient option. Sport Mode allows for faster starts from a dead stop. Individual Mode can be customized to one's liking.

The Sport Hybrid and the rest of the trim levels feature an electronically controlled CVT. A Motion Management System improves handling by integrating how the powertrain, brakes and steering work together. Comparing the interior of the Sport Hybrid to previous trims, one can notice a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. There's now a Sport gas and brake pedal as well.

Most of the Honda Sensing tech is identical when comparing the EX to Sport Hybrid models. The Sport Hybrid does get an additional Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System, however. This technology is specific to electric and hybrid vehicles that are quieter than most other vehicles. The system provides some additional sounds to alert other drivers and pedestrians that an Accord is nearby.

Compare the Accord Sport Hybrid vs EX-L Hybrid. What Is the Difference?

The EX-L Hybrid is a balanced choice among the available trim levels. It has the same hybrid setup, but has slightly better fuel-economy numbers than before. It's rated for 51 mpg in the city and 44 mpg on the highway. This trim brings back the heated leather seats for the driver and front passenger. It gets the same 17-inch wheels as the EX trim.

All of the safety features and driver-assist aids remain the same here. There's only one exception. The EX-L gets additional parking sensors. The outside mirrors now match the paint scheme of the car. These also get built-in LED turn signals on the EX-L. This model loses the sport pedals but gains an auto-dimming mirror.

A convenient memory feature is added to the 10-way power driver's seat. This feature comes in handy if more than one person will be driving the Accord. The audio and entertainment features are no different here. Basically, this trim is a lot like the EX trim, just with the hybrid powertrain. It's more comfortable and more upscale on the inside when compared to the Sport Hybrid. It will save owners even more on fuel costs too.

Compare the Accord EX-L Hybrid vs Sport-L Hybrid. What Is the Difference?

The Sport-L is a mashup of the EX-L Hybrid and Sport Hybrid trim levels. It loses the increased fuel efficiency of the EX-L Hybrid. It returns to the 19-inch wheels of the Sport Hybrid. The driver-assistance features and passive safety features are the same when contrasting these two trims. It's mechanically identical to the Sport Hybrid models.

There are a few cosmetic differences on the outside of this trim level. The exterior mirrors and roof antenna now come in glossy black. This model gets a rear diffuser that's unique among the trim levels. The sport pedals make a return for this model. Sport-L Hybrids have the same convenience features and upscale appointments of the EX-L model that were missing on the Sport Hybrid. One example is the addition of the leather seats for this model.

There's not a lot to unpack or discuss here. The Sport-L hybrid is just a mishmash of previous trims. It will appeal to buyers who appreciate the sporty cosmetic flourishes of the Sport trim. It just lets them enjoy the posh interior and extra convenience features of the EX-L too.

Compare the Accord Sport-L Hybrid vs Touring Hybrid. What Is the Difference?

The Touring Hybrid offers everything that the previous trim does. It builds on this with a few unique features of its own. Mechanically speaking, it's the same as every other hybrid model of the Accord. The performance specs are the same with one exception. The only difference is with the improved fuel economy of the EX-L. The Touring unfortunately doesn't share those numbers, but matches those of the other hybrid models.

Second-row seats now get a heating feature just like the front seats. The front seats now offer ventilation to keep everyone cool and comfy. The upholstery is once again a premium leather. The Touring trim is the only model to offer a 15-watt wireless smartphone charger. The alloy wheels on the Touring match those attached to the EX-L.

In addition to built-in Alexa features, this trim also has built-in Google Services. It comes with the 12.3-inch touchscreen and is the first trim to offer HD radio capabilities. This model also comes with an amazing sound system by the audio experts at Bose. The system features 12 speakers including a subwoofer for amazing bass. The Touring Hybrid also features a 6-inch HUD or heads-up display.

 

Final Thoughts

The 2023 Honda Accord is a wonderful sedan for single owners or whole families. The majority of buyers will be best served by choosing the EX-L trim. It comes with the stronger of the two powertrains. The hybrid setup means more horsepower and better fuel efficiency. This trim offers the best fuel-economy numbers of the bunch. It should save owners a ton on fuel costs over the lifetime of the car.

The EX-L trim truly offers a nice balance between price and desired features. The EX-L is an affordable car with an upscale interior and lots of modern tech features. It's also the first trim in the lineup to offer heated leather seats. It comes equipped with a 4-way power seat for the front passenger too. This model offers exceptional value when compared to the others.

Previous Year Trim Configurations:

• 2022 Honda Accord Trim Levels