- Doors and Seats
4 doors, 5 seats
- Engine
2.0i/135kW Hybrid, 4 cyl.
- Engine Power
287kW (comb), 335Nm
- Fuel
Hybrid (91) 4.3L/100KM
- Manufacturer
FWD
- Transmission
Auto (CVT)
- Warranty
5 Yr, Unltd KMs
- Ancap Safety
NA
2024 Honda Accord Hybrid review
Despite slow sales of the nameplate and sedans in general, Honda is adamant with offering the new Accord to Aussie customers, so what does it bring to the table?
2024 Honda Accord e:HEV RS
Chances are, if you are under a certain age, models like the Honda Accord will hold zero appeal as the mid-size sedan seems aimed only at customers over 50 looking to downsize after years with a family SUV.
But sedans do have their strengths, and the Honda Accord is hoping to put its best foot forward with an upmarket, hybrid-only play that sits above the likes of the Toyota Camry, Hyundai Sonata and even Mazda 6.
It means the 11th-generation Accord line-up is now offered in a single, high-spec grade, and with only a petrol-electric hybrid powertrain, but does the latest Honda sedan still hold appeal after the market has moved on to dual-cab utes and SUVs?
How much is a Honda Accord?
The new 11th-generation Accord range is, well, it isn’t a range at all because it’s available in a single e:HEV RS grade.
Priced at $64,900 drive-away nationwide under Honda’s agency sales model, the Accord isn’t exactly a bargain.
In fact, it’s more expensive than its Toyota Camry, Mazda 6 and Hyundai Sonata rivals, and even priced above the more practical CR-V mid-size SUV.
For reference, the soon-to-be-replaced Camry hybrid starts from as little as $37,917 before on-road costs, and extends up to $51,417, while the Sonata is positioned at $55,500, and the Mazda 6 sedan ranges in price between $36,290 and $54,385 – all before on-road costs.
Even when factoring on-road costs for the aforementioned three rivals, the Accord is still more expensive. But keep in mind that the Sonata and Mazda 6 are not available with a hybrid engine, while the next-generation Camry due later this year is likely to cop a price rise.
At least Honda has tried to justify that hefty price tag with an attractive equipment list.
There’s the usual keyless entry, push-button start, dual-zone climate control, 18-inch wheels, LED exterior lighting, leather interior, an all-digital instrument cluster, a head-up display, digital radio, electronically adjustable front seats with memory, and a panoramic sunroof that you would expect of a car in this price range.
But there is one big omission.
Namely, where the heck are the heated seats?
Get a great deal today
Interested in this car? Provide your details and we'll connect you to a member of the Drive team.
It’s a feature you can find in cars even half the price of this Accord, so having a flagship sedan like this without them, well, that’s a bit of a head-scratcher isn’t it, Honda?
Is $65,000 a lot to spend on a Japanese sedan? Yes, it is, and the equipment list isn’t quite stacked enough to not feel shortchanged.
It’s especially bizarre that in Honda’s own showroom, you can get your hands on the top-spec CR-V mid-size SUV for $5000 less, which also shares the same engine.
There’s no doubting you get more car with the CR-V, but the Accord’s sleek sedan body style in a segment that is quickly shrinking might be enough to sway those already not converted to high-riders.
However, when stacking the Accord up against entry-level premium players like the Audi A4 (from $71,900 before on-road costs) and Lexus ES (from $62,140 plus on-roads), the equation starts to make a little more sense as the Honda sedan genuinely feels comfortable and quiet enough to compete – but more on the driving experience below.
Key details | 2024 Honda Accord e:HEV RS |
Price | $64,900 drive-away |
Colour of test car | Platinum White |
Options | None |
Drive-away price | $64,900 nationally |
Rivals | Toyota Camry | Mazda 6 | Hyundai Sonata |
How big is a Honda Accord?
Measuring 4975mm long, 1862mm wide, 1449mm tall, and with a 2830mm wheelbase, the Accord’s footprint is around the same as the Hyundai Santa Fe.
However, as a sedan, the Accord doesn’t feel as substantial or overwhelming.
That doesn’t mean it can’t afford room inside for a whole family, though, as my week with the car was spent with two child’s seats in the back ferrying the hellions to and from childcare, as well as commuting into the office.
As with most cars, the best seats in the house are always up front, and the Accord is no exception.
The electronically controlled front seats offer a wide range of adjustability, especially when moving the seat base forward and back, and the steering wheel is also telescoping so you can get into the perfect driving position.
Storage options are abundant, with door pockets that can just about squeeze a large bottle, two generous cupholders, a tray with space for a wireless charger and your keys, and a deep underarm cubby.
With a black-leather interior with contrast red stitching, the Accord’s cabin looks stylish without being over the top.
The Accord’s cabin feels solid and completely rattle-free, with everything from the satisfying thunk of the doors closing to the resistance of the air vent adjustment knobs having just the right feel to them.
Moving into the rear, the Accord’s length and generous wheelbase mean lots of room for occupants, but there are some limiting factors.
Behind my driving position there is a very generous amount of leg room, and there is enough shoulder room in the second row where you could conceivably seat three adults – depending on how much they value their personal space.
The big letdown back here, though, is that the roof is a touch too low for my six-foot-tall (183cm) frame, with my head just about kissing the ceiling when I sit upright.
Is it a deal-breaker? Maybe if you were thinking of picking up an Accord for ride sharing, but for children, car seats, or occasional use, it’s fine.
On the point of child seats, there’s a top-tether point for each of the three positions, while ISOFIX sockets are found in the two outboard seats.
I will say, because of how wide the seats are, there is ample room for child seats in the Accord, although the middle seat does feature a raised seat base and foot-room-intruding transmission tunnel.
Keep in mind that if you want to use the Accord for your family, the lower ride height when compared to an SUV means you will have to bend down more when positioning and strapping in the kids.
Rear-seat amenities include back-seat map pockets, a bottle holder in the door, air vents, retractable sunblinds, and USB-C charging ports.
There’s also a fold-down centre armrest, but it’s a total pain to pull down because the leather is so slippery and there’s no grab handle.
When you do manage to get it down, you get access to two cupholders, though, as well as a sizeable cushion for your forearms.
Opening the boot reveals a cavity that is large enough to accommodate a sizeable 570 litres, and is deep and spacious enough for a full-sized pram, golf clubs, and even large suitcases.
Keep in mind, though, there isn’t much height in the boot, so taller, bulkier items will struggle to fit.
Fold the rear seats down and that storage space swells, but Honda has not revealed to what extent, and again keep in mind that height will be the biggest barrier to hauling bigger items.
2024 Honda Accord e:HEV RS | |
Seats | Five |
Boot volume | 570L seats up |
Length | 4975mm |
Width | 1862mm |
Height | 1449mm |
Wheelbase | 2830mm |
Does the Honda Accord have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Fitted with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, the 2024 Honda Accord features both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto that can both connect wirelessly.
Aiding in the cable-free connection is a wireless smartphone charger, meaning you can keep your phone topped up while connected.
The system is a delight to use thanks to an ultra-responsive touchscreen and Google software baked right in. This means the in-built satellite navigation is Google Maps, and it’s as fast, fluid, and fuss-free as it is on your phone.
There’s Google Assistant to set reminders, as well as the Google Play Store that lets you download a curated selection of apps such as Spotify and YouTube Music.
However, the infotainment software is dependent on an active internet connection, which Honda provides complimentary for the first five years of ownership by partnering with Telstra to provide a SIM, but the cost thereafter is currently unknown.
Without an internet connection, it means even searching for destinations on the satellite navigation will not work – and we unfortunately all know how spotty a stable internet connection can be in some parts of Australia.
This will no doubt rule out the Accord for some regional buyers, but if you are staying in the inner-city or travelling through well-trodden areas, it shouldn’t be much of a problem.
Aside from the Google stuff, the infotainment menu itself is intuitive and easy to understand, and everything you press on is met with the most satisfying of clicks, mimicking the aural sensation of pressing a physical button.
Even scrolling to the bottom of a list is met with auditory feedback, enhancing the infotainment experience.
There is a giant knob in the middle of the centre stack, which doesn’t control volume but is what Honda calls the Experience Selection Dial.
In practice, it opens a customisable shortcut menu that lets you jump to functions you might want quick access to like, say, making the cabin warmer or changing driver profiles.
It’s a bit naff if I’m being completely honest, and I found I never needed to use it because the infotainment touchscreen is so user-friendly already.
The Google-based software and online connection facilitate connected services on the Accord, which the brand calls Honda Connect. This allows users to remotely monitor vehicle data and control some functions from a smartphone application.
Some of these features include remote climate control, locking/unlocking, engine start, a digital key, geofencing alerts, and an emergency call button that can notify authorities and emergency services in the event of a serious collision.
Is the Honda Accord a safe car?
The 2024 Honda Accord has not yet been crash-tested by ANCAP, and therefore does not have an official Australian safety rating.
Likewise, the Accord is yet to be put through crash-testing in Europe, and does not have a Euro NCAP score either.
2024 Honda Accord e:HEV RS | |
ANCAP rating | Untested |
What safety technology does the Honda Accord have?
Despite not having an official safety rating, the 2024 Honda Accord still comes with a long and enviable list of safety equipment.
Included in the Honda Sensing safety suite is forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic sign recognition, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams.
In my time with the car, I particularly enjoyed the adaptive cruise control that would make my daily commute much easier, even through heavy traffic, and the system was smooth even when cars would cut into my braking zone.
However, the adaptive high beams were a little too insensitive, staying on even with oncoming traffic, and I had to switch the function off.
It could have been the poorly lit streets in my neighbourhood, but I feel this is a function that needs further refinement and tuning.
Aside from the features found in the Honda Sensing package, the Accord is also equipped with blind-spot monitoring, hill-start assist, a driver attention monitor, front and rear parking sensors, a surround-view monitor, and tyre pressure monitoring.
Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) | Yes | Includes cyclist, junction, night-time awareness |
Adaptive Cruise Control | Yes | Includes traffic jam assist |
Blind Spot Alert | Yes | Alert only |
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert | Yes | Alert and assist functions |
Lane Assistance | Yes | Lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, lane centring |
Road Sign Recognition | Yes | Alert only |
Driver Attention Warning | Yes | Fatigue monitoring |
Cameras & Sensors | Yes | Front and rear sensors, surround-view monitor |
How much does the Honda Accord cost to run?
Like all new Honda models sold in Australia, the 2024 Accord comes with a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty.
This matches the likes of Toyota, Hyundai, Mazda, and Ford, but falls short of Kia and Mitsubishi’s respective seven- and up-to-10-year assurance periods.
Scheduled service intervals in the Accord are every 12 months or 10,000km, whichever occurs first.
Honda’s capped-price servicing means the first five years of maintenance will only cost $199, for a total of $995, but keep in mind the service intervals are shorter than the standard 15,000km period.
This makes the Accord cheaper to keep on the road over a five-year period than the top-spec versions of the Toyota Camry hybrid ($1275), as well as a Mazda 6 ($2576) or Hyundai Sonata ($1975).
Of note, though, the Camry and Mazda 6 service intervals are every 15,000km, whereas the Sonata matches the Accord's 10,000km period.
And to insure, the Accord will cost $2225 annually based on a comparative quote for a 35-year-old male driver living in Chatswood, NSW. Insurance estimates may vary based on your location, driving history, and personal circumstances.
For reference, the Camry, Mazda 6, and Sonata will set you back $2365, $1678, and $1686 respectively based on the same parameters.
At a glance | 2024 Honda Accord e:HEV RS |
Warranty | Five years, unlimited km |
Battery warranty | Eight years |
Service intervals | 12 months or 10,000km |
Servicing costs | $597 (3 years) $995 (5 years) |
Is the Honda Accord fuel-efficient?
Officially, the Accord will sip just 4.3 litres of 91-octane petrol for every 100 kilometres it travels, and in my week with the car, I came remarkably close to that number. Handing the keys back, the trip computer was showing 4.5L/100km after a healthy mix of inner-city and freeway driving.
However, I suspect what skewed my consumption figure slightly higher was testing the different levels of regenerative braking and the various drive modes.
Owners who are diligent and keep the Accord in Eco mode with maximum regenerative braking will likely achieve a much better fuel-use figure.
On the topic of regenerative braking, the Accord does things differently, as pulling the left paddle to increase resistance will not actually set it to that level indefinitely.
Instead, the braking strength will return to its default setting after a short period of time, so the braking levels are more for when you want to increase that resistance when slowing or coming to a stop.
Fuel efficiency | 2024 Honda Accord e:HEV RS |
Fuel cons. (claimed) | 4.3L/100km |
Fuel cons. (on test) | 4.5L/100km |
Fuel type | 91-octane unleaded |
Fuel tank size | 48L |
What is the Honda Accord like to drive?
Like a baby’s bottom or top-shelf Irish butter, there’s only one word to describe the Accord’s driving experience, and that is smooth.
This hybrid powertrain is simply delightful, serving up power and torque in a linear, effortless manner that keeps both the driver and occupants happy.
Pop the bonnet of the Accord and, like most modern cars, its all just plastic, but buried underneath is a 2.0-litre petrol engine that is paired with not one but two electric motors.
With a combined output of 152kW and 335Nm, the new Accord certainly wouldn’t make for a great getaway vehicle, but there’s enough oomph there to not feel underpowered.
Paired to the Accord’s engine is what Honda calls an E-CVT, which drives the front wheels.
There are paddles behind the steering wheel, which won’t change to preset gears on the CVT, but instead adjust the level of regenerative braking. Honda's transmission isn't a traditional continuously variable auto, rather it functions as a power-splitter between the electric and combustion systems, so the naming does it a disservice.
A key part of the engine’s appeal is how seamless the switch between electric and petrol power is. There’s no drop-off as the system switches from one to the other, and there’s no loud and intrusive engine noise as seen with some of the Accord’s competitors like the Toyota Camry.
And before you ask, yes, there’s more gusto out of the Camry’s hybrid system, but then again, Toyota’s tech is starting to feel dated against this Honda’s much smoother, much quieter engine.
There’s also enough performance to quickly accelerate from the lights and even overtake at freeway speeds, but not enough where you will land in speeding territory if you take your eyes away from the speedo for a fraction of a second.
And keeping all systems in check is the wonderful 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, which is customisable and easily legible at a glance.
Car brands have a tendency to overstuff their digital displays with as much information as possible, so kudos to Honda for showing a bit of restraint here.
Its steering feel strikes a fine balance, being light enough for the Accord to feel lithe and agile, but also heavy enough for a bit of feedback and sensation in a corner. Again, the word I would use is smooth. The Accord is smooth to tip into a corner and it's effortless and easy to move back to centre.
The suspension is deliciously soft, soaking up bumps and road imperfections like a well-leavened bread.
Its smaller-than-expected 18-inch wheels also have a part to play here, allowing for a thicker sidewall for added cushioning and less road noise. The result is a supremely supple ride, more comfortable than most SUVs I’d say, but without any of the sacrifices those high-riding models are saddled with.
The centre of gravity is simply lower to the ground in the Accord than in an SUV, and there’s no bounciness or jiggling about. This Honda is both comfortable and confident on the road.
The drive modes on offer change things up a little, but honestly, there’s not that much difference between them.
Eco mode is the smoothest, dulling throttle response and steering, making the Accord effortless to pilot around town. Sport mode dials things up a notch, quickening inputs but never transforming the Accord into a sports sedan, only sharpening it a little.
Normal mode is the middle ground between both, and the mode I spent most of my time in, offering a nice comfortable balance. There is also Individual mode where you can dial things up and back to your tastes, but the Accord doesn’t really need any of these options.
This Honda is a one-trick pony on the road, but that one trick just happens to be expertly balancing comfort and engagement.
Key details | 2024 Honda Accord e:HEV RS |
Engine | 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol-electric hybrid |
Power | 152kW combined 135kW electric 108kW petrol |
Torque | 335Nm electric 182Nm petrol |
Drive type | Front-wheel drive |
Transmission | Electric continuously variable transmission |
Power-to-weight ratio | 94.5kW/t |
Weight (kerb) | 1609kg |
Spare tyre type | Tyre repair kit |
Payload | 491kg |
Turning circle | 11.4m |
Can a Honda Accord tow?
The 2024 Honda Accord does not have an official tow rating, meaning buyers should not hitch a trailer to the hybrid sedan.
However, its payload rating of 491kg should be enough to accommodate five average adults, while the gross vehicle mass (GVM) is 2100kg.
Should I buy a Honda Accord?
Let’s face facts, the 2024 Honda Accord is expensive as a mainstream sedan, but there’s a level of refinement, comfort, and even luxuriousness not seen in its standard rival set.
There should definitely be more equipment here, but the ultra-smooth and frugal hybrid engine does ease the sting a little.
If you are thinking of getting an entry-level premium car from the likes of Audi or Lexus, and you didn’t care about badge cred, honestly, take this Honda out for a spin because it’s certainly struck with me.
How do I buy a Honda Accord? The next steps.
If you are interested in buying a Honda Accord, I'd recommend you head to your nearest Honda dealerership, for a test drive to see if it is the right shape and size for you.
You can also browse new and used Honda cars for sale via the Drive Marketplace, or else stay on top of all the latest news from the brand here.