If there is a car that exemplifies the sweet spot between reliability, comfort, and everyday practicality, it is the Honda Accord.
It has been around for decades, quietly excelling at its job. Think of it as the automotive equivalent of a tailored suit. It fits just right, carries itself with confidence, and always delivers exactly what you need.
The 11th-generation Accord follows this same philosophy, but with a sharper focus on technology, efficiency, and refinement. Honda has ditched the old turbocharged 1.5-litre engine, opting instead for a hybrid-only lineup, promising better fuel economy, a smoother drive, and a more sophisticated driving experience.
Does this mean it has lost its edge? Or is this the most complete Accord yet?
It’s Thoughtfully Executed
The Accord has never been a flashy car, but the latest model is surprisingly upmarket.
Honda has taken a less-is-more approach, resulting in a sleek, well-proportioned sedan that feels more premium than previous generations.
The longer and wider body gives it a commanding presence, though the extended overhangs might not be to everyone’s taste.
Inside, the cabin takes a similar approach; minimalist, dark, and subtly elegant. The triangular mesh grille across the dashboard and soft-touch materials where your hands naturally rest add to the sense of quality.
Aesthetics aside, the real star here is ergonomics. Honda has mastered the art of making everything feel intuitive. Every button, switch, and control is exactly where you expect it to be.
No need to dig through menus, physical dials still reign supreme here, with satisfying, weighty clicks that exude quality.
In an era where some manufacturers are obsessed with replacing buttons with touchscreen controls, Honda’s decision to keep physical controls is a welcome move.
Rear passengers get luxurious amounts of legroom, to the point where it almost feels like a car meant for chauffeurs. The width of the cabin ensures three adults can sit comfortably in the back, and the 570-litre boot is cavernous enough to swallow anything you throw at it.
But, there is no electronic boot lid. Given the Accord’s price point, that feels like a surprising omission.
The Tech Isn’t Excessive Either
Despite its focus on practicality, the new Accord does not skimp on digitalisation.
The 12.3-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital driver’s display provide crisp, clear graphics, while the 11.6-inch head-up display ensures you never have to take your eyes off the road.
Unlike some competitors that stretch a single screen across the entire dashboard, Honda’s layout prioritises usability over spectacle. It is clean, functional, and not trying too hard to impress.
Arguably the only oddity is the central knob that encircles a customisable screen. It is intriguing at first, but its limited functionality makes it feel more like a design flourish.
And It Drives Great
Honda has equipped the new Accord with a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engine, paired with two electric motors, delivering 181bhp and 335Nm of torque.
From a standstill, the electric motors provide immediate torque, making the Accord feel silky smooth and deceptively quick. The E-CVT transmission is surprisingly refined, never droning or feeling disconnected from the powertrain.
The driving position is spot-on. You sit low, with the thin, precise steering wheel perfectly placed. The steering has just the right amount of weight and feedback, ensuring the Accord feels connected to the road. But unlike some sportier sedans, it never feels overly firm or exhausting on long drives.
The suspension is superbly tuned, soaking up rough roads without sacrificing composure. It is soft enough to be comfortable, yet firm enough to maintain stability through corners.
This is a big car that somehow feels smaller and more agile than its size suggests. And that, for keen drivers, is one of its greatest strengths.
Honda quotes a fuel efficiency figure of 20km/litre, and my test drive garnered an average of 15.7km/litre, with lots of spirited driving mixed in. Impressive.
The Gold Standard, Yet Again
The Honda Accord has been the benchmark for mid-size sedans for decades, and the 11th-generation model only strengthens that reputation.
It offers a refined, well-executed hybrid drivetrain, an impressive balance of power and efficiency, and a spacious, luxurious cabin that punches above its price point.
The only thing I don’t love is its higher price bracket, which puts it dangerously close to European rivals.
Will you pick this over something with a B, M, or A badge? You probably know the answer yourself.
Technical Specifications
Honda Accord Hybrid
Engine: 1,998cc in-line 4 i-VTEC, Turbocharged
Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive
Power: 181bhp (combined)
Torque: 335Nm
Gearbox: E-CVT (A)
0-100km/h: unknown
Fuel Economy: 20km/litre (claimed)
Price: S$277,999 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: Kah Motor
Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)
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