The Accord Returns: Familiar Name, New Attitude
Walk into any suburban parking lot in America, and odds are you'll spot a Honda Accord. For 2025, Honda isn't reinventing the wheel, but they're tweaking the spokes refining what made the Accord a perennial favorite. I've spent a good chunk of time behind the wheel and in the passenger seat of this latest iteration, and it’s clear that Honda’s aiming to keep its midsize sedan crown. The 2025 Accord leans on its proven formula: comfort, reliability, and value, but with enough tech and polish to fend off the Camry, Sonata, and Mazda6.
Under the Hood: Choices That Make Sense
Honda keeps things straightforward for 2025. The base engine is a turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-four making a claimed 192 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque a number that doesn’t leap off the page but feels lively enough in daily driving. Want more punch? The hybrid steps up with a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder paired with two electric motors for a combined 204 horsepower. There’s no V6 on offer Honda moved away from that years ago, opting instead for efficiency and smoothness.
On my daily commute around Detroit’s pockmarked streets, the turbo-four never felt sluggish merging onto I-75. Throttle response is crisp, though there's a faint turbo whistle if you really dig in. The hybrid system impresses with seamless transitions between gas and electric power Honda's engineering team has clearly sweated the small stuff here. Both setups use a CVT (continuously variable transmission) which, while never sporty, is unobtrusive and helps keep revs low at highway speeds. It’s noticeably quieter than a comparable Toyota Camry when pushed, especially in the hybrid.
On the Road: Calm, Collected, Maybe Even Fun
The Accord has always been about balance rather than outright thrills. The steering is light but precise there's just enough heft to remind you you're in control. Honda’s chassis tuning remains a standout; there’s little body roll through sweepers and the ride soaks up frost heaves without breaking stride. The Accord doesn’t encourage aggressive driving like a Mazda6 might, but it rewards smoothness with poise.
One detail I appreciated: road noise is well-damped for this class, especially compared to previous Accords or even the Hyundai Sonata. There’s still some wind rush around the A-pillars at 75 mph, but nothing intrusive. The brake pedal feels progressive no hybrid mushiness here and after several stop-and-go cycles on Woodward Avenue, I was impressed by how natural it all felt.
Inside the Cabin: Where Buttons Meet Big Screens
Step inside and you’re greeted by one of Honda’s best interiors yet. Materials are upscale for the price point soft-touch plastics on the dash, tactile climate knobs with satisfying clicks (I’m a sucker for good controls), and seats that keep you comfortable after hours behind the wheel. The front chairs are wide enough for broader frames but still supportive during longer stints.
The centerpiece is a crisp 12.3-inch touchscreen (on most trims), running Honda’s latest infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard. No more awkward cables dangling by your knee a small thing that makes daily life smoother. I did notice some fingerprints building up after spirited use; nothing a microfiber can’t handle.
Rear seat space remains an Accord hallmark: two tall adults can stretch out with ease. Trunk space is generous at over 16 cubic feet (official numbers pending as of this writing), handily beating many rivals notably more accommodating than what you’ll find in a Nissan Altima or VW Passat.
Tech Toys and Safety Nets
Honda Sensing comes standard across all trims a big plus if you care about safety tech like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and traffic sign recognition. In practice, these systems work smoothly; lane keeping only nudges subtly when you stray over lines rather than ping-ponging between them as some older systems did.
A nice surprise: higher trims offer a head-up display and Bose premium audio system features that used to be reserved for luxury badges not long ago. Wireless device charging also makes an appearance on EX-L trims and above.
Real Owner Insights: Living With It Day-To-Day
I talked to several owners at local meets and dealerships who’ve lived with late-model Accords the general consensus? Running costs stay low thanks to stellar fuel economy (EPA estimates for the 2025 model were not published at time of review; expect roughly mid-30s mpg combined for non-hybrids, high-40s for hybrids based on prior years). Oil changes are inexpensive, tires last longer than average (likely due to Honda’s conservative alignment specs), and resale values are consistently strong a big reason so many folks come back for another Accord when their lease is up.
If there’s a gripe from owners, it’s that Honda’s decision to stick exclusively with CVTs leaves those craving a traditional automatic or manual transmission out in the cold. Some miss the V6’s burble too but most admit they don’t really notice it once they see their gas bills drop.
The Competition Breaths Down Its Neck
The midsize sedan segment may be shrinking overall thanks to crossovers, but it remains fiercely competitive where it counts. The Toyota Camry continues to be Accord’s closest rival it offers all-wheel drive (unlike Honda) and a V6 option if you want more power at the expense of fuel economy. Hyundai Sonata brings bold styling and lots of tech but can’t quite match Honda’s resale strength or chassis finesse. Mazda6 leans into sportiness but lacks a hybrid variant in its U.S lineup as of this writing a gap Honda happily fills.
If you need AWD or crave six-cylinder punch, look elsewhere; if your priorities skew toward everyday usability and long-term peace of mind, Accord sits right near the top of my list.
A Few Quirks (Because No Car Is Perfect)
I’d be remiss not to mention my mild annoyance at Honda’s insistence on touch-sensitive climate controls on certain trims they’re less intuitive than physical buttons when wearing gloves in winter (a Detroit reality). Also, while rear visibility is better than many swoopy-roofed rivals, thick C-pillars can sometimes hide pedestrians in busy parking lots.
The base stereo is adequate at best; audiophiles will want to step up to higher trims for richer sound. Lastly and this might be nit-picking the lack of physical tuning knob means you’ll spend more time tapping the screen or using steering wheel controls than you might like when flipping through FM stations.
The Takeaway: Still Setting the Standard?
Fifteen years covering new cars means seeing trends come and go but some things remain steady. The 2025 Honda Accord embodies everything buyers have come to expect from this nameplate: value without feeling cheap; comfort without numbness; efficiency without boredom. While competitors nip at its heels with flashier options or more power underfoot, few offer such an all-around package at this price point.
If you’re looking for an affordable sedan that nails real-world needs roomy interior, low running costs, strong resale the Accord still deserves your attention in 2025. Not perfect (what car is?), but hard to beat where it counts most.
