It’s been several months since the 2018 Honda Accord hit the market. While drivers of the previous Accord models will find familiar traits such as great fuel economy, practicality and comfort, they might not recognize everything about the 2018 Accord due to its all-new design. The new Accord also comes with a slew of additional tech and performance features which have helped it quickly become a hit among industry professionals; Car and Driver recently gave it a five star review and U.S. News rated the new Accord a 9.3 out of 10. Whether you’re a long-time Accord driver curious how the 2018 stacks up, or you’re simply in the market for a new vehicle and you value affordability, practicality and performance, you’ll want to see how Honda upgraded the Accord for 2018.

All-New Style

Perhaps the biggest upgrade to the new Honda Accord is its completely re-imagined design. Inside and out, the new Accord has transformed itself into a sportier and sleeker sedan without sacrificing what has made the Accord a top-selling sedan year after year. The new Accord is about 110 to 170 pounds lighter depending on the trim, but it’s more rigid than previous iterations. It’s also lower to the ground and wider with a longer wheelbase. These upgrades provide the 2018 superior handling and an overall coupe-like feel compared with previous models. On the inside, the 2018 Accord provides backseat passengers with much more room than previous models due to the expanded wheelbase. The seats sit lower, are more centered and windshield visibility is increased by a lower hood and 20 percent thinner roof pillars.

Performance

The new Accord still provides plenty of vroom, with a base turbocharged 1.5-liter and optional turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four replacing the previous four-cylinder and V-6 engines. All told, drivers receive 192 to 252 horsepower, depending on the engine. While the older V-6s actually have more horsepower than the new 2.0-liter turbo engine, the newer engine pushes out more torque and a wider power band. Plus, an all-new, optional six-speed manual transmission is available on the Sport trim with either engine.

Technology

The re-design brings new and improved interior technology. Notably, the base seven-inch customizable infotainment screen on the instrument panel is faster and more user-friendly than the two-screen set up available on previous models. Higher trim levels feature an eight-inch upgrade, and many of the models support Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ driver assistance apps, which can unlock, locate and even start your car. The 2018 Accord’s Near Field Communication system, available on the Touring trim, makes phone pairing smoother and more comprehensive – simply touch your smart phone to the screen to connect. Other technology available on the new Accord includes:

• 10-speaker premium audio system
• 4G LTE data connectivity
• HondaLink®

Shop for New Hondas in Seattle, Washington

Rather than making negligible changes to previous models and rolling them out as the “new” Accord for 2018, like so many automakers often do, Honda has chosen to make more substantial upgrades to the Accord that drastically improve driver comfort and experience. If you’re interested in seeing for yourself, Honda of Seattle has a large selection of Accords – and many other Honda models – available now. Don’t feel like visiting the dealer? Honda of Seattle’s Express Store provides a 100 percent online car buying experience. For more information, visit the Express Store or call 206-382-8800 today! 1 https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2018-honda-accord-in-depth-model-review-2018-honda-accord-fuel-economy-review-car-and-driver-page-3