Cars

Honda Accord 2025 Review: Sedan Comfort & Performance Test

JH
John H
Senior Cars Expert
8 min read

Honda Accord 2025 Review: Sedan Comfort & Performance Test

The Honda Accord 2025 returns with a bold redesign, refined driving dynamics, and a strong commitment to comfort, efficiency, and tech-forward features. As one of the most iconic midsize sedans on the market, the 2025 model aims to solidify its position as a leader in its class. Whether you're a daily commuter, a family driver, or a long-distance road tripper, the new Accord promises a balanced blend of performance, comfort, and smart engineering. In this comprehensive Honda Accord 2025 review, we’ll take a deep dive into every aspect of the sedan—from exterior styling and interior luxury to powertrain options, fuel efficiency, safety features, and real-world driving impressions.

Honda Accord 2025 Review: Sedan Comfort & Performance Test

Exterior Design: Sleek, Modern, and Confident

The 2025 Honda Accord marks a dramatic evolution in styling over its predecessor. Drawing inspiration from Honda’s sleek EV lineup, the new sedan features a low-slung profile, a fastback-like roofline, and crisp character lines that give it a sportier, more upscale appearance. The front fascia is dominated by a slim, continuous LED light bar that stretches across the grille, flanked by new adaptive LED headlights. This minimalist design language gives the Accord a sophisticated, almost European aesthetic.

From the side, the 2025 Accord’s long hood and short overhangs emphasize its dynamic proportions. The wheelbase has been slightly extended, enhancing both cabin space and ride stability. 17- to 19-inch alloy wheels are available depending on trim, with higher trims featuring gloss-black accents and aerodynamic design elements. The rear end is clean and modern, featuring a subtle lip spoiler, a thin LED taillight signature, and dual exhaust tips on performance-oriented trims.

Available in a range of colors—from classic Crystal Black Pearl and Platinum White Pearl to more expressive options like Meteorite Gray Metallic and Sonic Gray Pearl—the 2025 Accord manages to stand out without being flashy. Its aerodynamic coefficient has been improved to 0.27 Cd, contributing to both efficiency and highway refinement.

Interior Comfort and Materials: A Step Up in Premium Feel

Inside, the 2025 Honda Accord raises the bar for interior quality in the midsize sedan segment. Gone is the cluttered dashboard of previous models; instead, Honda introduces a minimalist, driver-focused cockpit with high-quality soft-touch materials, available open-pore wood trim, and ambient lighting. The cabin feels more spacious than ever, thanks to intelligent packaging and a lower beltline that enhances outward visibility.

Front seats are generously padded with available 12-way power adjustment and heated/ventilated options. The rear seats offer ample legroom—41.3 inches—and a near-flat floor, allowing three adults to ride comfortably on longer trips. The Accord also features class-leading headroom, making it a great choice for taller drivers and passengers.

The redesigned center console now includes wireless phone charging, dual USB-C ports, and improved storage solutions. A new 12.3-inch touchscreen dominates the dashboard, seamlessly integrating Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Honda’s updated infotainment system. Physical climate control knobs return—much to the delight of drivers who prefer tactile feedback over touch-sensitive panels.

The trunk capacity remains competitive at 16.7 cubic feet, enough for several suitcases or a full set of golf clubs. The rear seats fold down in a 60/40 split, offering added versatility for hauling larger items.

Technology and Infotainment: Smarter and More Connected

The 2025 Accord is packed with tech features that enhance convenience, safety, and connectivity. The centerpiece is the new 12.3-inch HD touchscreen, running Honda’s latest AccordLink infotainment system. It features faster processing, over-the-air (OTA) update capability, and a more intuitive menu layout.

Standard connectivity includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing seamless smartphone integration. A premium 12-speaker Bose audio system is available on higher trims, delivering crisp, immersive sound. A 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster is standard across all trims, offering customizable displays for navigation, driving modes, and vehicle data.

Drivers also benefit from a head-up display (HUD), which projects speed, navigation prompts, and safety alerts directly into the driver’s line of sight. The HUD is full-color and highly configurable, reducing the need to glance down at the instrument panel.

Additional tech highlights include:

Bluetooth 5.3 ensures stable audio streaming and hands-free calling, while the system supports multiple user profiles with personalized settings for seat position, climate, and audio preferences.

Powertrain and Performance: Hybrid-Only Lineup for 2025

One of the most significant changes for the 2025 Honda Accord is its shift to a hybrid-only powertrain across all trim levels. Honda has discontinued the traditional gasoline engine in favor of a more efficient and responsive e:HEV hybrid system. This move aligns with the brand’s broader electrification strategy and positions the Accord as a leader in sustainable mobility without compromising performance.

The base engine is a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder paired with two electric motors and a lithium-ion battery pack. Total system output is 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque—available instantly from the electric motor. The power is delivered through an electronic continuously variable transmission (e-CVT), which Honda has refined to eliminate the rubber-band feel common in traditional CVTs.

Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph takes approximately 7.2 seconds—competitive for the segment—and feels more urgent in city driving due to the immediate torque delivery. The Accord e:HEV system operates primarily in electric mode at low speeds, transitioning smoothly to gasoline power during highway cruising or heavy acceleration.

Drivers can choose between three drive modes: ECON (optimized for efficiency), Normal (balanced performance), and Sport (sharper throttle response and simulated gear shifts). The Sport mode adds a noticeable edge to the driving experience, making the Accord feel more engaging on twisty roads.

Fuel Efficiency: Leading the Class in MPG

With its hybrid powertrain, the 2025 Honda Accord delivers best-in-class fuel economy. The EPA estimates an impressive 51 mpg city, 44 mpg highway, and 48 mpg combined for the LX and Sport trims. The higher-end Touring trim, with its larger wheels and added weight, achieves 50/43/47 mpg, still outstanding for a midsize sedan.

Real-world testing confirms these figures. On a 300-mile mixed driving loop—combining city streets, suburban roads, and highway cruising—the Accord consistently returned over 45 mpg. Even in colder winter conditions, efficiency remained above 40 mpg, thanks to the intelligent thermal management system.

The fuel tank capacity is 13.2 gallons, giving the Accord an estimated driving range of over 600 miles on a single tank. This makes it an ideal choice for long-distance travelers who want to minimize fuel stops and reduce their environmental footprint.

Driving Dynamics: Refined, Balanced, and Surprisingly Fun

The 2025 Accord’s driving experience is a standout in the midsize sedan segment. Honda has tuned the suspension to strike a perfect balance between comfort and control. The standard adaptive dampers (on Touring trim) adjust in real-time to road conditions, soaking up bumps while maintaining composure during cornering.

Steering is precise and well-weighted, with just enough feedback to make the Accord feel connected to the road. The electric power steering system has been recalibrated to reduce artificial feel, especially at higher speeds. Body roll is minimal, and the low center of gravity—thanks to the underfloor battery pack—enhances stability during lane changes and high-speed maneuvers.

Braking performance is also improved. The regenerative braking system is seamlessly integrated, offering smooth deceleration without the jerky feel that plagues some hybrids. Pedal feel is linear, and stopping distances from 60 mph are consistently under 120 feet on dry pavement.

Despite its hybrid efficiency focus, the 2025 Accord doesn’t feel dull. In Sport mode, the simulated gear shifts and increased throttle response make it surprisingly fun to drive on scenic backroads. The cabin remains quiet at highway speeds, with excellent noise insulation reducing wind and road noise.

Safety and Driver Assistance: Honda Sensing 2.0

Safety is a cornerstone of the Honda brand, and the 2025 Accord comes standard with Honda Sensing 2.0, an advanced suite of driver assistance technologies. This system builds on the previous version with improved sensors, faster processing, and expanded functionality.

Standard features include:

The new Traffic Jam Assist feature is particularly useful in heavy traffic, combining adaptive cruise and lane-centering to reduce driver fatigue. The system allows for brief hands-free driving on mapped highways when activated, though drivers must remain attentive and keep hands near the wheel.

Additional safety features available on higher trims include:

The 2025 Accord has not yet been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA, but early projections suggest top-tier safety ratings due to its advanced structure, extensive airbag system, and standard safety tech.

Trim Levels and Pricing: Options for Every Budget

The 2025 Honda Accord is available in four trim levels: LX, Sport, EX-L, and Touring. All trims come with the hybrid powertrain, but features and pricing vary to suit different needs.

Honda Accord LX (Starting at $28,990)

The base LX trim offers excellent value, featuring 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, Honda Sensing 2.0, cloth seats, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and dual-zone climate control. It’s ideal for budget-conscious buyers who still want a well-equipped sedan.

Honda Accord Sport ($31,490)

The Sport trim adds a more aggressive look with dark chrome accents, black alloy wheels, and a rear spoiler. Interior upgrades include sport seats with red stitching, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and paddle shifters for simulated gear changes. A sunroof and proximity key are also included.

Honda Accord EX-L ($34,290)

The EX-L elevates comfort with leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats, a power driver’s seat, and a one-touch power moonroof. The infotainment system gains satellite radio and a premium audio upgrade. This trim is popular among families and professionals seeking a balance of luxury and practicality.

Honda Accord Touring ($38,790)

The top-tier Touring trim is the most luxurious and tech-laden. It features ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, adaptive dampers, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, wireless charging, a head-up display, and a 360-degree camera. The exterior gets LED fog lights, auto-dimming mirrors, and rain-sensing wipers.

Pricing remains competitive compared to rivals like the Toyota Camry, Hyundai Sonata, and Subaru Legacy. The Accord’s hybrid efficiency and long-term reliability also help reduce total cost of ownership.

Competitors in the Midsize Sedan Segment

The 2025 Honda Accord faces strong competition in the midsize sedan market. Here’s how it stacks up against key rivals:

Honda Accord vs. Toyota Camry (Hybrid)

The Camry Hybrid offers a similar hybrid powertrain with up to 52 mpg in the LE trim. However, the Accord edges it out in cabin space, ride comfort, and tech features. The Accord’s digital cockpit and smoother hybrid system give it a more modern feel. The Camry, though, has a slightly more engaging base engine in its SE trim.

Honda Accord vs. Hyundai Sonata

The Sonata