Honda has a longstanding reputation for engineering cars that are practical and trustworthy, but also have some rizz in their driving character. The Accord is no exception. The driving experience delivers the comfort and efficiency you expect from a Honda, with an added dash of fun thanks to an eager engine and handling that’s sportier than you might expect.
The 2026 Honda Accord is powered by a 192-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder engine matched with a CVT automatic transmission and front-wheel drive (FWD). This is one of the more energetic engines in the class, propelling the Accord at a perfectly acceptable pace.
In our experience driving this generation of the Honda Accord, we’ve liked the way the engine responds to throttle inputs, along with the smooth and linear power delivery. Although there’s nothing wrong with how the Accord drives, we wish it had more drive modes. Its two modes are Normal and Econ, while the Accord Hybrid further adds Sport and Individual drive modes.
Highway driving is almost effortless in the Honda Accord. In addition to a compliant suspension and comfy seats, the highway ride is pleasant thanks to the standard Honda Sensing suite of driver-assistance tech features. Honda Sensing bundles automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control to make every drive a little safer and more relaxed. Some competing driver-assist systems feel a little more natural, but Honda Sensing gets the job done, and we love that it’s standard on every trim.
The chassis has its own refinement, with a comfortable ride and steering that requires just the right amount of effort (not too light or too heavy). The Accord also retains its composure under braking. The entire driving experience is yet another example of how Honda knows precisely where the sweet spot lies and places the Accord right in the middle.
Fuel Economy
According to EPA estimates, the 2026 Honda Accord gets 29 city/37 highway/32 combined mpg in the base LX trim. Due to its larger wheels, the SE trim is slightly less efficient, achieving 28 city/36 highway/31 combined mpg. These ratings are about average for a non-hybrid midsize sedan. Meanwhile, the Honda Accord Hybrid returns 44 and 48 combined mpg, depending on the trim.
Also see:
- 2026 Honda Accord Overview & Pricing
- 2026 Honda Accord Interior Review
- 2026 Honda Accord: Our Favorite Features & Tech
