2022 Honda Accord

Midsize sedans remain some of the most practical commuters in the USA, despite the popularity of crossovers. The 2022 Honda Accord continues to shine in this segment after its midlife refresh. It is available in both gas-only and hybrid guises. The gas-only Accord sedan is powered by a pair of turbocharged four-cylinder engines. The lower trims get access to 192 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque, while the 2.0T models boast a more capable 252 hp and 273 lb-ft. Both make for pleasantly quick driving, though the more powerful motor can deliver some truly spirited performance. The hybrid models pair two electric motors to the 2.0-liter four-pot, and although the result is only a combined 212 hp, the effect on fuel economy is noteworthy.

Competing with the likes of the Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima, the Accord has a lot going for it, thanks to loads of standard features, good gas mileage, and high levels of comfort - all at a very reasonable price. However, with gas and hybrids being phased out in the wake of the move to full electrification, how much longer will the conventionally-powered Accord still be around? While answering that question accurately isn't possible, what we do know is that right now, the Accord deserves a place on your shortlist.

As a midsize commuter's sedan, the Honda Accord definitely leans more towards comfort and poise on the road. However, that's not to say it doesn't know how to loosen its tie and have a good time. The Sport and Sport SE stiffen up a little to deliver sharper handling, but not to the point that bumps will really upset the cabin. In fact, most road abrasions are absorbed without a fuss, while road and wind noise are only a minor nuisance.

Throttle responses are good with the 2.0L engine, and the highly capable brakes do a great job of controlling the sedan as it slows. Acceleration is quick off the line, and there is more than enough kick left at the higher end of the powerband for overtaking on the highway. This is true even of the hybrid models. They aren't quite as quick as the 2.0T trims, but they still cruise easily on the highway and can handle twisty roads without losing their composure.

The only complaint we have here is the lack of access to all-wheel drive, both for the better handling it would bring and the ability to overcome harsher weather conditions. Honda tries to make up for this with its traction and braking control systems.

Even if you weren't to take our opinion as gospel truth, sales figures don't lie. When it comes to sedans, only the Honda Civic and Toyota Camry/Corolla sell in higher numbers. And, it could be argued that the Accord is a more well-rounded option than its more popular contemporaries. Without compromising on practicality or comfort, it manages to deliver an enjoyable driving experience and boasts all the safety features we have come to expect in a modern vehicle. Its versatility is further exemplified by the availability of a hybrid variant for those who are willing to invest a little more upfront for enhanced savings down the line. Backed by an exemplary safety rating and a solid track record for reliability, the Accord is one of the best midsize sedans in this price range and definitely worth a look for prospective car shoppers, whether they be first-time buyers or veteran commuters.

Though not the cheapest sedan on the market, the Honda Accord's pricing is still very reasonable. The entry-level LX starts things off at $26,120, making it extremely appealing to budget shoppers. For a little more style and driving engagement, the Sport asks for $28,580, while the Sport SE breaks the $30k mark at $30,070. The Sport allows you to upgrade the 1.5L engine to a 2.0L unit for $4,680. A slightly more premium option is the EX-L, which will cost you $32,440. For everything the Accord has to offer, you'll have to spend $38,050 to get behind the wheel of the Touring.

The hybrid variants are naturally more expensive than their gas counterparts. The cheapest is the base Accord Hybrid at $27,320, while the new Hybrid Sport will cost you $30,670. The Hybrid EX-L is only marginally more expensive than its counterpart at $33,640, while the Hybrid Touring is actually cheaper than the equivalent gas-only model at $37,190. These new Honda Accord prices are MSRP and do not include licensing, registration, or the $1,015 destination charge.

The Honda Accord lineup for 2022 comprises the LX, Sport, Sport SE, EX-L, Sport 2.0T, and Touring 2.0T gas-only models, while the base Hybrid, Hybrid Sport, Hybrid EX-L, and Hybrid Touring make up the hybrid offering. The lower-tier models use a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four engine, sending 192 hp and 192 lb-ft to the front wheels via a CVT. The Sport gets access to a 2.0-liter turbo-four that is standard-fit on the Touring. This unit thrums with 252 hp and 273 lb-ft and comes paired with a ten-speed auto transmission. All the hybrids share the same 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder paired with two electric motors and mated to an eCVT. Front-wheel drive is the only available drivetrain.

The LX is the only model with LED high-beam headlights, but it does have LED low beams, and both it and the EX-L have 17-inch wheels. The cabin is upholstered in cloth, and standard features include dual-zone climate control, cruise control, push-button start, an eight-inch touchscreen with smartphone integration, four speakers, and Honda Sensing with road departure mitigation, forward collision avoidance, a rearview camera, and traffic sign recognition.

The base Hybrid builds on the LX's specifications with 60/40-split-folding rear seats instead of a folding bench, and adds smart entry with walk-away auto lock, remote engine start, and an EV driving mode.

With larger 19-inch alloys and black exterior accents, the Sport is far more imposing. It also gets full LED headlights and fog lights. Inside, the driver enjoys a 12-way power seat, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and sport pedals add to the athletic spirit. The sound system is upgraded to an eight-speaker setup and rear USB charging ports are added. The Sport is also the only trim available with both powertrains. In 2.0T guise, the standard specs are enhanced with a power moonroof, heated front seats, SiriusXM, HD Radio, a wireless phone charger, and wireless smartphone integration.

New for 2022, the Hybrid Sport enjoys some of the same features as the Sport 2.0T, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a rear-seat reminder. It also gets SiriusXM and HD Radio but lacks the moonroof.

The Sport SE is not quite as versatile as the standard Sport, but it feels more premium with leather upholstery and heated front seats as standard. It also receives a four-way power passenger seat. On the outside, an active shutter grille is added.

Just below the top-tier trim is the EX-L, which enjoys many of the best features at a more affordable price. All the infotainment features are included as standard, as well as a ten-speaker premium sound system and a power moonroof. The safety suite is also enhanced with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Lastly, the driver's seat receives a two-position memory function, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror is added. The Hybrid version of the EX-L adds an acoustic vehicle alerting system for pedestrians and cyclists.

The ranger-topper is the Touring, which gets the powerful 2.0L engine as standard and adaptive dampers. Aside from inheriting all the features found on lower-tier trims, it also gets door pull ambient lighting, a head-up display, low-speed braking control, built-in navigation, Wi-Fi hotspot capability, ventilated front seats, heated rear outboard seats, and two additional front parking sensors. The Hybrid Touring is identical in every regard besides the powertrain and related instrumentation.

The majority of the packages available to the Accord are very minor, focusing largely on cosmetics. These include the Black or Bronze Accent packages, or up to three protection packages. Both accent packages retail for $520 and replace the standard grille and rear trim with black or bronze items. There are some noteworthy standalone options, such as parking sensors for $537 and a wireless phone charger for $357, available to the lower-tier models. For access to other desirable tech, you'll have to upgrade trims completely.

There are plenty of trims with various specifications to choose from. From among the gasoline-powered variants, we think the Sport 2.0T best portrays the strengths of the Accord. It benefits from the more potent engine and has a slightly stiffer suspension to really optimize handling and give you the best driving experience. You also get heated front seats and wireless phone connectivity. The Touring is definitely a tempting prospect, as it starts to rival more premium brands in terms of comfort and convenience, but if you're going to be spending almost $40k, there are some more luxurious options to consider in the segment.

If you want a hybrid and all the added value that goes with it, the Hybrid Sport is arguably the best choice. Don't let the name fool you, though. It replaces the outgoing Hybrid EX and presents many of the same benefits of that model. The base Hybrid is simply too barebones and misses out on many infotainment and convenience upgrades. The Hybrid Sport is just the next best and cheapest model. However, opting for the Hybrid EX-L is definitely understandable, as it adds some desirable upgrades such as additional driver assists and an upgraded sound system, as well as better fuel economy figures.

Toyota currently boasts the top sales for sedans in the USA, so it must be better than the Honda Accord, right? It may not be as clearcut as that. Both cars share similar starting pricing, but the Camry uses a higher-displacement, naturally-aspirated four-cylinder, although gas mileage is similar. However, the Toyota gets access to a much burlier V6 engine with 301 horsepower, as well as all-wheel drive. These are both strong selling points in its favor. You can have either sedan with a hybrid powertrain if you so choose, but the Accord is the more engaging driver in any configuration. It also has a much more spacious rear seat and even wins in the cargo department. While it remains a close battle, we have to say that Honda Accord seems to come out on top in most categories, making it the better choice overall.

Smaller and cheaper than the Accord, the Honda Civic is one of the most engaging small sedans. It is available in a more pragmatic hatchback configuration or a more exciting Si sedan guise, too. However, even the base model with its 158-hp four-pot is enjoyable. That said, the Accord has more potent engines and is naturally more practical thanks to its larger dimensions. It also gets much better standard features, including a larger touchscreen and smartphone integration, both wired or not. In top trim, though, the Civic's nine-inch touchscreen is bigger. Nevertheless, the only reason to go for the Civic is if its smaller size would better suit your lifestyle or if you really want to save that $3,000-$4,000. Both are excellent choices, but the Accord is more balanced and versatile.