When I sat in the seat of the 2024 Honda Accord e:HEV RS for the first time, I immediately felt a sense of familiarity, like reuniting with an old friend. You see, my dad had a fourth-generation Accord when I was a kid, so a lot of my childhood memories are formed in cars like this: spacious and comfortable sedans.
It’s no secret that this humble sedan no longer has the appeal it once did. Today, most people want to drive a premium crossover or SUV that lacks character and has a design as boring as a concrete backyard. The world needs more sedans, and spending a week in the Accord e:HEV RS reminded me of that.
quick overview
What exactly is it?
The Accord is now in its 11th generation and has just arrived in Australia. It may not be the most practical vehicle in Honda’s lineup, nor is it the best value for money, but it brings a level of appeal that only a sedan can offer. After recently using it for a week, I was also pleasantly surprised by how impressive Honda’s current hybrid system is.
All versions of the new Accord e:HEV RS are powered by a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine with 145 hp (108 kW) and 182 Nm (134 lb-ft) of torque. The engine is paired with a pair of electric motors that add an additional 181 hp (135 kW) and 335 Nm (247 lb-ft) of torque. Combined power output is 204 hp (152 kW). All of the car’s power is sent through the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission.
Like previous Accord models, this latest generation model has a subtle yet sophisticated look. It looks far less outlandish than the updated Toyota Camry and more so, opting for a sleek shape that emphasizes how low it sits while emphasizing its length.
Simple yet refined interior
This philosophy is evident throughout the cabin. It’s well thought out and feels appropriate for a car that costs AU$64,900 (about US$43,400). The steering wheel is a familiar fixture found in other Honda models, as is the 12.3-inch infotainment display.
Honda’s current infotainment system isn’t the best on the market, but it’s not the worst either. Standard features are somewhat limited, and graphics are a bit bland. However, it does include Google built-in features and offers seamless integration with Google Maps and Google Assistant. You can also access the Google Play Store without connecting your phone. It’s not a full Google/Android-based system like what Volvo and Polestar offer, but it’s a good middle ground and will be popular with buyers.
Photo credit: Brad Anderson/Carscoops
The Accord’s most prominent feature is the Experience Select Dial, an element not found on any other Honda model. This small, circular screen sits below the central air vent and features a high-definition display that can be configured to control a variety of settings, including climate control and more. Normally, it acts as a big clock, but just turn the dial to reveal a host of options on the main infotainment screen.
While we suspect many owners will rarely actually use it other than the clock, it adds a touch of touch to the cabin, which can only be a good thing in the modern world where touchscreens dominate car interiors.
Next to the infotainment display is a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster. The instrument cluster feels a little small, but it does offer a ton of customization and display options, even allowing you to change the style of the dials.
Honda wisely didn’t move all HVAC controls to the screen, as there are still physical rocker switches for temperature. Other buttons are few and far between.
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The dashboard, door panels, seats and center console are all finished in plush, soft-touch leather, with bright red contrast stitching adding a touch of excitement to the cabin. Many modern interiors are overly minimalist, but that’s not the case with the Accord’s cabin. It feels just right.
Since this is a low-slung sedan, it’s no surprise that the seating position is excellent. You sit close to the floor and the seat provides plenty of room for adjustment. They’re also very comfortable on long trips, including hours on the highway. The Accord e:HEV RS comes with a 12-speaker Bose sound system as standard and also benefits from wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, both of which worked seamlessly during our time with the car.
Photo credit: Brad Anderson/Carscoops
One of the advantages of SUVs is that they typically have more rear-seat passenger space than comparable sedans. However, the Accord’s rear is very roomy, with plenty of headroom even for tall adult passengers. As usual, the middle rear seat is a tight squeeze, but those seats are rarely used by owners, so it’s not a big deal.
The panoramic glass roof is a nice addition, but unfortunately Honda doesn’t offer heated or cooled seats with the Accord, which should be standard at this price.
Photo credit: Brad Anderson/Carscoops
Comfortable and quiet
The fun of a sedan like this really comes when you’re behind the wheel. While many consumers just prefer to sit high so they can overlook traffic, I like to sit low, and the Accord is perfect for that.
One of the most impressive aspects of the Accord e:HEV RS is the driving experience. A few months ago I raved about the extraordinary ride of the Audi e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT, thanks to their use of a sophisticated air suspension system that offers different ride heights and Various ways to make things stiffer or smoother. The Accord rides on a more traditional multi-link suspension with only a single tune, but it rides almost as good as a $250,000 Audi.
Read: 2025 Honda Accord gets dark SE trim, pricier price
It’s easily the most comfortable current Honda I’ve driven and soaks up bumps perfectly, smoothing out nearly every inconsistency in the road with ease. Importantly, it doesn’t have to rely on “floating” to achieve this, nor does it bounce around bumps. Instead, it lay flat on the ground and floated across the road.
This tune isn’t entirely about comfort, either, and works well when the car is going faster and getting stuck in corners. It does roll quite a bit considering the soft tune, but feels sportier and more refined than most similarly priced SUVs.
Who needs PHEVs?
The hybrid system is also excellent. It’s the same basic setup as our ZR-V tester earlier this year, but it feels better. Honda has done an excellent job of minimizing engine, tire and wind noise inside the cabin, which means it’s often difficult to know when the combustion engine is on and when the car is relying entirely on electric power. The instant power and torque provided by the electric motor also makes overtaking a breeze, and while we noticed some unpleasant torque steer in the ZR-V e:HEV, there was none in the Accord.
Efficiency is a key advantage of this powertrain. Honda claims fuel consumption of just 4.3 L/100 km (54.7 US mpg) on the combined cycle. We spend most of our time driving on the highway, limiting the powertrain’s ability to recuperate energy during deceleration. Still, on an 80-100 km/h (50 – 62 mph) road trip, we averaged just 3.9 L/100 km (60.3 US mpg), which is a pretty impressive figure. .
During our week with the car, average fuel consumption climbed to 4.9 L/100 (48 US mpg), but almost half of the roughly 1,400 km (870 miles) we drove at 110 km/h / hour (68 mph), exceeding our expectations. The most efficient window into the powertrain. Another benefit of the hybrid setup is that the Accord only requires 91-octane fuel, which theoretically allows it to travel 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) on a single tank of fuel.
Photo credit: Brad Anderson/Carscoops
The “RS” in the model’s name is a bit of a misnomer, as we wouldn’t describe the new Accord as a particularly sporty car. Still, the steering and braking feel are good, and it’s quite fun to drive.
judgment
As my time with the new Accord comes to an end, I can’t help but be filled with emotion. On the one hand, I was impressed by the car’s well-roundedness, stylish design, stylish interior and ultra-efficient powertrain. However, there aren’t many of them on the road anymore, and I feel a twinge of sadness.
Traditional sedans may be around a little longer than some expect, but their days are numbered. That’s a shame, because the Accord is a great choice not only for families, but for anyone who wants an efficient cruiser that feels luxurious and fits its price tag.
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