Darwin’s theory of evolution doesn’t just apply to the natural world. You can also use its basic principle of ‘only the toughest survive’ against the rapid changes across the automotive landscape too.
A perfect case study is the latest, 11th-generation Honda Accord and how it has weathered the erosion of the traditional mid-size sedan segment against the rising tide of SUVs, which have taken over as the default choice for modern family cars.
The Accord has been a mainstay of Honda’s local lineup for nearly 50 years, beginning its life as a smaller, affordable, and more efficient alternative to the likes of the Holden Commodore and Ford Falcon.
But today, the Accord is playing a different role for Honda. It is now the Japanese brand’s flagship – and most expensive – model that challenges the ground floor of the luxury market including established European players such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi and more.
So, how has Honda Accord evolved and is it tough enough to survive? Let’s find out…
How much does the Honda Accord cost?
Honda Australia only offers a single specification of the latest Accord – the fully loaded e:HEV RS you see here, which costs $64,900 drive-away.
| Model | Price |
|---|---|
| Honda Accord e:HEV RS | $64,900 drive-away |
That’s a fair chunk of change and positions it above the small group of conventional mid-size sedans that still remain available from mainstream brands, such as the Hyundai Sonata N Line ($55,500), Mazda 6 Atenza ($52,590), Skoda Octavia RS ($59,990) and its most direct rival, the Toyota Camry SL ($53,990).
It does, however, put it in a white space between entry-level luxury sedans like the new Audi A5 (from $79,900), BMW 3 Series (from $92,900), Genesis G70 (from $87,114) and Mercedes-Benz C-Class (from $89,900).
To see how the Honda Accord lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool
What is the Honda Accord like on the inside?
There’s a lot to like about Honda Accord’s cabin, as it nails the fundamentals and feels genuinely luxurious without any pomp or pretence.
It’s not overly flashy or modern, with a monotonous dark grey colour palette only broken up by the contrasting red stitching, aluminium-look highlights and subtle LED ambient lighting strips throughout the cabin. But it does feel exceptionally well built, with good quality materials and tactile surfaces and switchgear.
The only unconventional elements are the honeycomb grille that runs across the middle of the dashboard with protruding joysticks to change the direction of ventilation from the air vents, and the round digital multi-function screen in the centre of the dash.
Otherwise, it’s fairly conservative with a large centre console that features a decent-size tray with a wireless phone charger at the front, two large cupholders next to the ‘normal’ gearlever and drive mode selector switch in the centre, and a large covered bin between the seats.
There are, of course, twin digital screens including a 10.2-inch instrument cluster ahead of the driver and a 12.3-inch central touchscreen unit for the infotainment, both of which are crisp and bright – although prone to glare in harsh sunlight.
The infotainment system is easy to use with a logical menu structure and large widgets for each of its functions, as well as a host of convenient shortcut buttons on the right-hand side for quick access to the home screen, the embedded Google Assistant, smartphone mirroring and radio.
Its split-screen layout also provides a clear display to the left of the temperature and fan settings, volume controls and current audio input. But there are also easy up/down toggles on either side of the rotary controller below to physically alter the temperature for each side of the cabin, which is nice.
During our test period, we found the wireless smartphone mirroring to be quick to activate each time we started the car, but it did drop out occasionally while on the move.
A common problem was if the system read out an incoming text message, the audio would disappear from whatever track was playing when the text was completed. To recover it, we had to switch off CarPlay in the phone settings and re-activate it each time, which was annoying.
When it was playing, the 12-speaker Bose system was crystal clear with excellent staging through the surround sound and great depth.
As for the rest of the package, the front seats are super comfortable and there is plenty of adjustment to find the right relationship between the steering wheel and pedals to suit all types, with great all-round vision. Even with the glass sunroof, the Accord has more than enough headroom in the front for tall drivers.
For those in the back, there is acres of space with plenty of legroom – more than most mid-size SUVs – and a commanding view ahead. Plus, there are dual rear air vents, two USB-C power outlets, cupholders in the flip-down armrest, bottle holders in the door pockets and built-in sunshade blinds for the windows. It’d definitely a comfortable place for a long road trip.
While there is room enough for three across the bench, the middle seat is higher and there’s a tunnel through the centre on the floor, along with the extruding rear of the centre console, making it better suited for smaller kids or occasional use. But the boot is huge, with 570 litres of cargo space, cargo hooks on each side and a wide aperture for easy loading.
| Dimensions | Honda Accord e:HEV RS |
|---|---|
| Length | 4975mm |
| Width | 1862mm |
| Height | 1449mm |
| Wheelbase | 2830mm |
| Cargo capacity | 570L |
To see how the Honda Accord lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool
What’s under the bonnet?
With only one variant to choose from, the Accord e:HEV RS is powered by a lean-burning Atkinson-cycle 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that is assisted by Honda’s latest advanced hybrid system.
| Specifications | Honda Accord e:HEV RS |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L 4cyl hybrid |
| System outputs | 135kW / 335Nm |
| Battery | 1.06kWh lithium-Ion |
| Transmission | e-CVT |
| Drive type | FWD |
| Weight | 1609kg |
| Fuel economy (claimed) | 4.3L/100km |
| Fuel economy (as tested) | 4.5L/100km |
| Fuel tank capacity | 48L |
| Fuel requirement | 91-octane regular unleaded |
| CO2 emissions | 98g/km |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6b |
This unique configuration sandwiches two electric motors into the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with a small generator unit that is used primarily to recharge the 1.06kWh battery pack behind the seats, which in turn provides power to the larger traction motor in the back of the gearbox.
The net result is decent – but hardly earth-shattering – outputs of 135kW and 335Nm.
However, considering the advanced hybrid system can decouple the petrol engine while at cruising speeds, this Honda is all about efficiency. And, in that regard, its claimed average of 4.3L/100km is easily matched in the real world.
It might not beat the Camry’s lower claimed average of 4.0L/100km, but it is still remarkably efficient for such a large sedan. Plus, the engine is tuned to run on the most affordable 91RON standard unleaded, which counteracts its rival’s potential advantage over a longer period of ownership.
To see how the Honda Accord lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool
How does the Honda Accord drive?
Here’s where the Accord can justify its pricetag. Put simply, this is a very, very nice car to drive.
There’s no fancy suspension or myriad of settings to fiddle with.
Instead, it just rides beautifully by ironing out any road imperfections, with crisp and precise steering and a sure-footed balance between comfort and confidence-inspiring handling.
Sure, it’s not as fast or as exciting as its RS (presumably an acronmyn for Race Sport) badge suggests, but it is extremely well sorted and just as refined as any European alternative. It is clearly built by people that know what they’re doing.
The same goes for the hybrid powertrain. As you’d expect, the electric motors do most of the heavy lifting at low speeds and when moving away from a standstill, which makes it feel effortless and smooth to drive around town in heavy traffic.
And it’s barely perceptible when the engine kicks into life, with a seamless transition between EV and hybrid modes.
Here, with all three motors providing maximum torque under heavy acceleration, the Accord feels more powerful than its numbers suggest, with almost no indication via tugging through the steering wheel that it is front-wheel drive.
What’s even more telling – especially compared to cars from newer brands – is the superb calibration of Honda’s advanced safety systems, which never feel overzealous or hyperactive.
They work, for sure, but more like they’re guiding the driver rather than taking over the controls haphazardly.
To see how the Honda Accord lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool
What do you get?
With only one Accord grade, and a high sticker price, you’d expect to get the works, which you do… mostly.
2025 Honda Accord e:HEV RS equipment highlights:
- 18-inch black-finish alloy wheels in Michelin e-Primacy tyres
- Tyre repair kit
- Tyre pressure monitoring
- Adaptive LED headlights
- Active cornering lights
- Rain-sensing wipers with integrated washer nozzle
- Power-folding exterior mirrors
- Keyless entry and start
- Remote start
- Alloy paddle shifters
- Economy, Normal, Sport and Individual drive modes
- 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster
- Head-up display
- 12.3-inch Google built-in touchscreen infotainment system
- Embedded Google apps including Maps, Assistant
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- DAB+ digital radio
- 4 x USB-C outlets
- 12-speaker Bose sound system
- Wireless phone charger
- Active Noise Control
- Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
- Tilt and telescopic steering column adjustment
- Ambient lighting
- 8-way power-adjustable front seats
- Fold-down rear centre armrest with cupholders
- Leather-appointed upholstery
- Leather-appointed dash, centre console and doors
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Leather-wrapped shifter
Honda also offers a five-year Honda Connect connected services subscription, which includes:
- Remote adjustment for climate control, locks, lights and horn
- Automatic collision detection
- Emergency call button
- Geofencing and speed alerts
- Vehicle diagnostics
The one little luxury that’s notably absent from that list, especially for the money, is heated and/or ventilated seats.
To see how the Honda Accord lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool
Is the Honda Accord safe?
The latest generation Accord hasn’t been given an independent safety score from ANCAP, but it does come equipped with an extensive array of advanced driver assistance functions.
Standard safety equipment includes:
- 8 airbags
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Pedestrian detection
- Cyclist detection
- Motorcyclist detection
- Adaptive cruise control with stop/go
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Lane-keep assist
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Driver attention monitoring
- Surround-view camera
- Front and rear parking sensors
On top of that, the Accord is fitted with Honda Connect, the company’s on-board telematics service with a free subscription for the first five years.
This allows owners, through a smartphone app, to remotely access features such as lock/unlock the vehicle, and activate the climate control, lights and horn. Owners can also choose to use their phone as a digital key, search for its exact location, and set speed limit alerts and geofenced location alerts.
In the event of the car being involved in a collision, the system will automatically detect an impact and contact the Honda call centre which can communicate with the driver or assist emergency services.
To see how the Honda Accord lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool
How much does the Honda Accord cost to run?
Like all Honda vehicles, the Honda Accord e:HEV RS is covered by a standard five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty with free roadside assistance over the same period.
| Servicing and Warranty | Honda Accord e:HEV RS |
|---|---|
| Warranty | 5 years, unlimited kilometres |
| Roadside assistance | 5 years, unlimited kilometres |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 10,000km |
| Capped-price servicing | 5 years or 50,000km |
| Total capped-price service cost | $995 |
This, however, can be extended by a further three years if the vehicle is maintained according to its prescribed maintenance schedule within the Honda dealer network, and if it meets certain criteria.
Honda requires the Accord to be serviced every 12 months or 10,000km and subsidises the first five visits at just $199 each, which is one of the most affordable capped-price service schemes in the market.
To see how the Honda Accord lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool
CarExpert’s Take on the Honda Accord
The traditional three-box sedan might be a dying breed, but the Accord is an excellent choice for those who still want a ‘proper’ car.
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It is spacious, comfortable, quiet and ultra-efficient, and what it lacks in wow factor or brand cache it certainly makes up for with a level of refinement and build quality that matches even the best European brands.
Interested in buying a Honda Accord? Let CarExpert find you the best deal here
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