2014 Honda Accord Expert Review
Reviewed by Staff Writer
Vehicle Overview
The Honda Accord competes in the highly competitive midsize sedan segment, but despite all the heavy competition, the Accord still manages to be a favorite, not just within the segment, but overall, as it continues to be one of the top-selling models in the U.S. With new engines and variants, the Accord doesn't intend on slowing down for the 2014 model year.
The Accord is available in sedan or coupe body styles. Sedans equipped with the 2.4-liter inline-four come in LX, Sport, EX, and EX-L trims. For 3.5-liter V-6 equipped Accords, those come in EX-L and Touring trims. The 2.4-liter engine is good for 185 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque, about 8 horses and 20 lb-ft more than the previous base-model Accord's four-cylinder. The Sport trim, on the other hand, bumps power up to 189 hp and 182 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual is standard, though Honda's newly developed continuously variable transmission is optional on some models. The 3.5-liter V-6 has been blessed with more power with 278 hp and 252 lb-ft of torque.
As for the 2014 Accord coupe, that model comes in LX-S, EX, EX-L trims, while the V-6-equipped coupe comes only in EX-L trim. A six-speed manual or six-speed automatic backs the V-6 engine in coupe models. In a recent three-way sporty midsize sedan comparison, the Honda Accord Sport finished second, ahead of the Toyota Camry, but behind the Mazda6. Although CVTs aren't typically an enthusiast's favorite, the one in the Accord may change that perception: "Floor the throttle, and the CVT quickly pushes the revs into the VTEC sweet spot, propelling the Sport from 0 to 60 in 7.6 seconds and through the quarter mile in 15.9 at 89.8 mph."
The Accord plug-in hybrid's drivetrain incorporates more significant powertrain technology. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder is mated to two electric motors for a total output of 196 hp and 226 lb-ft of torque. Honda claims an all-electric range of 10 to 15 miles, and 115 MPGe. The Toyota Prius PHEV is rated 95 MPGe combined while the revised Chevrolet Volt gets 98 MPGe combined. The Accord is also available as a conventional hybrid, with the 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid motivated by an all-new 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle 4-cylinder engine, and an estimated 47 mpg combined.
What's New for 2014
The Honda Accord Hybrid joins the lineup for 2014, and although it will look just like the newly designed Accord, distinctive blue appointments and a hybrid badge will distinguish it from all other Accord flavors.
Key Competitors
- Toyota Camry
- Nissan Altima
- Mazda6
- Ford Fusion
Sum Up
New Accord means serious business
