2018–2022 Honda Accord
1.5L Turbo
What Scouts Say
Critics Consensus
Honda's wholesale overhaul of the Accord features new turbocharged engines, a hybrid option, and comprehensive safety tech in an attractive coupe-like body. The hybrid achieves an impressive 47 mpg overall while the base model delivers 33 mpg. Standard crash-avoidance features and excellent crash test ratings make this a top-rated midsized sedan.
Expert Reviews (5)
Honda's wholesale overhaul of the Accord features new turbocharged engines, a hybrid option, and comprehensive safety tech in an attractive coupe-like body. The hybrid achieves an impressive 47 mpg overall while the base model delivers 33 mpg. Standard crash-avoidance features and excellent crash test ratings make this a top-rated midsized sedan.
Pros
- ✓Excellent fuel economy: 33 mpg base, 47 mpg hybrid
- ✓Comprehensive standard safety features including AEB and lane keeping
- ✓Improved infotainment with physical knobs and responsive handling
Cons
- ⚠Unintuitive push-button gear selector on 2.0L turbo
- ⚠CVT transmission on base 1.5L model
- ⚠5 recalls reported on this vehicle
The 2018 Accord delivers one hell of a fine family sedan with excellent interior design, strong driving dynamics, and spacious comfort for four adults. The dashboard seamlessly blends analog and digital displays while handling compares favorably to luxury sedans costing far more. Disappointing exterior styling and CVT drone on hills hold it back slightly.
Pros
- ✓Excellent interior design with responsive infotainment and proper physical controls
- ✓Strong driving dynamics with ride/handling balance rivaling luxury sedans
- ✓Spacious interior with 16.7 cubic feet of trunk space
Cons
- ⚠Disappointing exterior styling particularly the front end
- ⚠CVT transmission produces moaned drone on hills
- ⚠Engine noise when being worked hard
The 2020 Accord Touring 2.0T is a super solid mid-size family sedan that's extremely well-made, comfortable, and well-appointed. The 252 HP turbocharged engine delivers strong performance while thin A-pillars provide excellent visibility. Though comfort-biased and with inconsistent styling, it remains a decently enjoyable driving machine.
Pros
- ✓Strong 252 HP turbocharged engine from Civic Type R platform
- ✓Excellent visibility with thin A-pillars and split C-pillars
- ✓Sophisticated chassis with adaptive dampers in Touring trim
Cons
- ⚠Inconsistent exterior styling varies depending on viewing angle
- ⚠Comfort-biased tuning prioritizes smoothness over sportiness
- ⚠Infotainment system aesthetics look like business software
The 2018 Accord is just a damn good car that sprinkles happiness into daily travel. Interior quality makes a massive leap with crisp displays and restored volume knob. The six-speed manual with 252 HP 2.0L turbo borrowed from the Civic Type R offers enthusiast appeal. Annoying voice alerts and inconsistent lane-keeping mar an otherwise excellent package.
Pros
- ✓Massive interior quality improvement over previous generation
- ✓Six-speed manual available with 252 HP 2.0L turbo engine
- ✓Spacious: extra 2 inches rear legroom, 16.7 cu ft trunk
Cons
- ⚠Annoying '80s answering machine voice alerts
- ⚠Lane-keeping system only detected departures 60% of the time
- ⚠Sport mode suspension/steering only in top Touring trim
The 2018 Accord makes normal feel genuinely excellent. While it may be a traditional midsize sedan, it does pretty much everything quite well without any glaring weaknesses. The 2.0L turbo delivers seriously surprising grunt with 252 HP, and the car is loaded with technology at $36,675. Notable torque steer and occasional transmission jerkiness are minor complaints.
Pros
- ✓Seriously surprising performance from 2.0L turbo with 252 HP
- ✓Excellent value: loaded with tech at $36,675
- ✓Refined interior with intuitive controls and zero learning curve
Cons
- ⚠Notable torque steer when accelerating hard
- ⚠10-speed automatic seemed unusually jerky at low speeds
- ⚠HondaLink infotainment occasionally wouldn't sync with iPhone
Known Issues (4)
Note: Data from NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and verified owner reports.
Fuel Dilution/Oil Contamination
Fuel can seep into the crankcase, diluting the engine oil and causing premature wear. Repair often involves software updates, oil changes, and in severe cases, engine component inspection.
Turbocharger Failure
Premature failure of the turbocharger due to various factors including oil supply issues or bearing wear. Replacement of the turbocharger unit is typically required.
AC Condenser Leaks
The AC condenser is prone to developing leaks, leading to loss of refrigerant and ineffective cooling. Replacement of the condenser unit is necessary.
CVT Transmission Shudder/Judder
Some CVT units can develop a shudder or judder during acceleration, often requiring transmission fluid flushes, software updates, or in severe cases, transmission replacement.
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