The Honda Accord: A Legacy Renewed – Motor Trend’s 2025 Review

The Honda Accord: A Legacy Renewed – Motor Trend’s 2025 Review

The Honda Accord, a name synonymous with reliable transportation and a touch of luxury, has been a mainstay in the mid-size sedan segment for decades. Now, for the 2025 model year, Honda takes a bold leap forward, blending its celebrated heritage with cutting-edge technology and a design that screams forward momentum.

Motor Trend took the 2025 Accord for a spin, eager to see if Honda has truly delivered a car that can stand up to the ever-evolving automotive landscape. Our verdict? The 2025 Accord is more than just a worthy successor; it’s a game-changer, proving that the mid-size sedan still has a place in the modern world.

A Design that Captivates

The 2025 Accord’s design is a breath of fresh air. Gone is the conservative, almost anonymous styling of its predecessors. In its place is a sleek, athletic profile that exudes confidence and dynamism.

• Sleek and Sporty: The Accord’s low-slung stance and sharp lines create a sense of agility, while the sculpted hood and pronounced front grille add a touch of aggression. The sharp, upward-sweeping character lines on the flanks further emphasize the car’s sporty nature.
• Bold and Modern: The rear end is equally striking, featuring slim taillights that wrap around the edges of the trunk lid and a diffuser that adds a hint of performance. The Accord’s overall design is a masterclass in modern aesthetics, capturing the essence of both elegance and sportiness.
• Attention to Detail: Every detail, from the intricate chrome accents to the precisely sculpted door handles, speaks to the Accord’s meticulous design. The 2025 Accord is a car that demands attention, a welcome departure from the blandness that often plagues the mid-size sedan segment.

Under the Hood: Power and Efficiency

The 2025 Accord offers a range of powertrain options, each designed to deliver a thrilling driving experience while remaining fuel-efficient.

• Turbocharged 1.5L 4-cylinder: The base engine is a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder that produces a respectable 192 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque. While it might not be the most powerful option, it delivers smooth acceleration and impressive fuel economy, making it ideal for daily commutes and highway trips.
• Hybrid Power: For those seeking a more eco-conscious approach, the Accord Hybrid boasts a combined power output of 204 horsepower, thanks to a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor. The Hybrid delivers exceptional fuel economy, making it an ideal choice for drivers who prioritize efficiency without sacrificing performance.
• Sporty 2.0L Turbocharged 4-cylinder: For enthusiasts seeking a more spirited drive, the Accord Sport gets a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 252 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides exhilarating acceleration, making the Accord Sport a genuine contender in the performance sedan segment.

A Refined Interior Experience

Step inside the 2025 Accord, and you’ll be greeted by an interior that is both luxurious and technologically advanced.

• Premium Materials: The Accord’s cabin is meticulously crafted with high-quality materials, from the soft-touch leather upholstery to the brushed aluminum accents. The overall feel is one of sophistication and refinement.
• Spacious and Comfortable: The Accord’s interior is spacious and comfortable, offering ample legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers. The driver’s seat is supportive and adjustable in multiple ways, ensuring a comfortable driving position.
• Tech-Forward Features: The Accord’s infotainment system is a marvel of modern technology. The large touchscreen display is responsive and intuitive, offering seamless integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system also includes a premium sound system, navigation, and a suite of advanced safety features.

Driving Dynamics: A Symphony of Performance and Refinement

The 2025 Accord is more than just a handsome car; it’s a joy to drive.

• Agile Handling: The Accord’s suspension is expertly tuned to provide a balance of comfort and agility. The car handles confidently through corners and feels planted on the road, inspiring driver confidence.
• Precise Steering: The steering is precise and responsive, allowing for accurate and engaging driving experiences. The Accord’s steering feels well-weighted and provides good feedback to the driver.
• Smooth and Silent Ride: The Accord’s ride is smooth and refined, effectively absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road. The car remains quiet even at highway speeds, making long journeys a pleasure.

Safety First

Honda has always been a leader in safety, and the 2025 Accord continues this tradition.

• Honda Sensing Suite: The Accord comes standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced safety features that includes automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and road departure mitigation.
• Blind Spot Monitoring: Blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert helps drivers change lanes and reverse safely.
• Driver Attention Monitoring: The Accord also includes driver attention monitoring, which can detect signs of fatigue and alert the driver to take a break.

The Verdict

The 2025 Honda Accord is a compelling package that ticks all the boxes. It’s stylish, efficient, technologically advanced, and incredibly fun to drive. Honda has successfully revitalized the Accord, proving that the mid-size sedan still has a place in the modern automotive landscape.

Beyond the Basics: Exploring the Accord’s Appeal

While the 2025 Accord excels in the traditional areas of design, performance, and technology, it also offers a compelling blend of features that appeal to a wide range of drivers.

• Family-Friendly Features: The Accord’s spacious interior and numerous safety features make it an excellent choice for families. The rear seats offer ample legroom and headroom, while the large trunk provides plenty of cargo space for luggage, groceries, and sporting equipment.
• Commuting Champion: The Accord’s fuel efficiency and comfortable ride make it an ideal choice for daily commutes. The car’s responsive engine and precise steering make it enjoyable to drive in urban environments, while its advanced safety features provide peace of mind during busy commutes.
• Weekend Warrior: The Accord also shines as a weekend getaway car. The car’s comfortable interior and spacious trunk make it perfect for long road trips, while its agile handling and responsive engine make it fun to drive on winding roads.

The Future of the Accord

The 2025 Accord is a testament to Honda’s commitment to innovation and its ability to adapt to the evolving needs of car buyers.

• Electrification: While the Accord currently offers a hybrid option, Honda is committed to electrifying its lineup in the coming years. It’s highly likely that the Accord will eventually be available as a fully electric vehicle, offering even greater fuel efficiency and performance.
• Autonomous Driving: As autonomous driving technology continues to develop, Honda is likely to incorporate advanced self-driving features into future Accord models. This could include features like adaptive cruise control that can handle stop-and-go traffic, lane keeping assist that can maintain the car in its lane, and even the ability to park itself.

The 2025 Accord: A Legacy Renewed

The 2025 Honda Accord is more than just a new car; it’s a statement. It’s a statement that the mid-size sedan is far from dead, that it can still offer a compelling blend of style, performance, technology, and value. It’s a statement that Honda is committed to pushing the boundaries of automotive innovation and creating cars that are both practical and exciting.

With its sleek design, powerful engine options, luxurious interior, and advanced safety features, the 2025 Accord is poised to reclaim its place as a leader in the mid-size sedan segment. It’s a car that appeals to a wide range of drivers, offering something for everyone. And with its commitment to electrification and autonomous driving technology, the Accord is poised to remain a relevant and desirable choice for years to come.