2023 Honda Accord

Two steps forward, one step back

- Scott Evans

The hardest part about setting the bar is you’ll forever be judged against it. Honda’s Accord has been a leader in the sedan market for years. Now there’s a new version and although it’s improved in many ways, the 2023 Accord doesn’t quite rise to the standard of the car that came before it.

The base LX and next-step EX models come with a 1.5-liter turbocharged I-4 and continuously variable transmission. Fuel economy is about even compared to last year’s car and remains respectable.

At 192 hp and 192 lb-ft of torque, the little engine is appropriately powerful. The turbo comes on quickly and makes the car pretty zippy off the line as basic midsize sedans go. Honda’s CVT remains one of the best, changing ratios quickly and smoothly and making the most of the available power. The brake pedal is a little vague, but the relationship between pedal travel and stopping power is correct, and the car stops well.