2026 Honda Accord Review, Colors, Engine – The 2026 Honda Accord has been completely redesigned, with significant changes not just to this midsize sedan itself but also how it’s marketed. It’s been whittled down to three trim levels, and my tester, the entry-level EX, is the only one of them that runs strictly on gasoline. The Sport and Touring are hybrids, and since most shoppers tend to opt for pricier trims, it seems part of Honda’s plan for at least half of all Accord sales to be hybrids. 2026 Honda Accord Review
Looking at the gas-powered 2026 Accord specifically, it starts at $38,780 – including a non-negotiable delivery fee of $1,780 – while my tester further had a $300 coat of Platinum White Pearl paint, bringing it to $39,080 before taxes.
2026 Honda Accord Redesign and Update Plan
Exterior and Interior
The Accord EX has heated cloth seats up front and power adjustment for the driver’s side, although you have to move up into the hybrids to get a heated steering wheel or power passenger seat. As noted, rear-seat legroom will be appreciated by those back there, and front-seat legroom is good, but taller passengers will long for a bit more height to the roof. It shouldn’t be a dealbreaker, but it can make the Accord feel like an older model rather than one that’s brand-new.
2026 Honda Accord Specs
The Accord EX includes such features like 17-inch wheels, LED headlights, a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, sunroof, dual-zone climate control, remote starter, heated cloth seats, a power driver’s seat, and a seven-inch centre touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Being the base trim, if you want more you must move into one of the hybrid trims to get extra features. These include such items as a heated steering wheel, leather upholstery, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless phone connectivity, rain-sensing wipers, a wireless charger, auto-dimming mirror, or head-up display. Google Built-In is a new Accord addition for 2026, but it’s only in the top Touring trim.
Engine and Performance
The 1.5L four-cylinder turbocharged engine in the Accord EX produces 192 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque. It is coupled to an automated continuously variable gearbox (CVT). It’s suitable for daily driving; while the acceleration isn’t particularly strong, it’s quick enough to get you through traffic and give you confidence while you’re passing on the highway. The CVT functions effectively and doesn’t feel rubbery.
The engine has ignition stop-start, which turns it off while it’s at idle, such when you’re waiting for a light, and starts it up right away when you release the brake. You may turn it off if you’d like, although it reduces pollution and can save some gasoline. 2026 Honda Accord Review
2026 Honda Accord Fuel Economy
The Accord EX is rated by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) at 8.1 L/100 km in the city, 6.4 on the highway, and 7.3 in combined driving. In my week with it, I averaged 8.0 L/100 km. It takes 87-octane gasoline. 2026 Honda Accord Review
Its fuel rating is within a fraction of the 2.5L four-cylinder engines in the Toyota Camry and Hyundai Sonata, which rate 7.4 and 7.7, respectively. The real rival is the Accord’s hybrid sibling at 5.3 L/100 km in combined driving. NRCan estimates $500 a year in fuel savings if you pick the hybrid over the regular Accord.
2026 Honda Accord Safety Features
The 2026 Accord received the top Top Safety Pick+ rating from the non-profit Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), although it has not yet been crash-tested by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). 2026 Honda Accord Review
In addition to the rearview camera that is standard on all new cars, all trim levels have driver-help safety systems including adaptive cruise control, lane departure assist, traffic sign recognition, emergency front braking, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic warning, and more.view camera required on all new vehicles.
2026 Honda Accord Price and Release Date
The Accord EX starts at $38,780. That’s high compared to close rivals, where the Toyota Camry starts at $32,450, and its upgrade package adds more features than the Accord for $35,090. The Hyundai Sonata also tops the Accord’s features at $31,124. Within the Accord lineup, the Sport is $42,780 and the Touring is $46,280. All prices include delivery.
Honda’s decision to restrict the non-hybrid powertrain to the base trim may seem controlling for consumers, but for many it could be worth the $4,000 upgrade to the Sport’s extra features and fuel savings. If you’re determined to stay gas-only, have a look at some competitors. The 2026 Honda Accord is a good-looking and nice-driving car, but in many cases you can get as much – or more – for less. 2026 Honda Accord Review