It is usually said that the first year of a new model is usually the worst one to buy. Mainly due to teething issues of new features, a new engine, or other design elements that may not work out when the car hits the road. For the 2018 Honda Accord, this mantra could not be farther from the truth. Transitioning to the tenth generation of the Accord in 2018, Honda redesigned the entire car, improving almost every aspect. On its way out in 2017, Honda squeezed as much as it could from the design for the ninth generation. But with engine options, reliability, and cost in mind, which generation is better?

The 2017 Honda Accord is the next high-mileage hero

For the 20th year in a row, in 2017, the Honda Accord was listed on Car&Drivers’ 10 Best Cars list. The 2017 Honda Accord is the last model year of the generation. Honda did not change anything, as it received a mid-cycle refresh in 2016. That refresh added front and rear design updates, larger wheels for some trims, a stiffer chassis, and better interior features. In addition, Honda also added its list of driver-assisted technologies to all trim levels of the Accord in 2017.

No matter the drivetrain configuration, the 2017 Honda Accord is expected to hit 200,000 miles with regular maintenance easily. Even for newer vehicles, this is an impressive feat. There aren’t many cars on the market that give you the confidence to drive up to 200,000 miles with just some oil changes and timing service.

The base-level Honda Accord housed a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that made 185 horsepower. Sending the power to the wheels is a standard six-speed manual transmission or the optional continuously variable transmission (CVT). Available on some trim levels of the coupe and sedan is the 3.5-liter V6 that produces 278 horsepower. As for the Honda Accord Hybrid, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors assist the front wheels with 143 horsepower. 

The 2018 Honda Accord is classy and fun

The 2018 Honda Accord is the first year of the tenth generation Accord. While some stay away from first-year cars, this one is hard to pass up as the upgrades over the previous generation is palpable. The model lineup for 2018 is lighter, with the coupe variant leaving the stable. Three engines and three transmission options are available for the 2018 Honda Accord. Ditching the V6, Honda decided to expand on their turbocharged four cylinders.

Starting with the base trim, the 2018 Accord receives a new 1.5-liter turbocharged and direct-injected four-cylinder engine. Pushing an even 192 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque gives the base model 2018 Accord a solid edge over the previous year’s car. Replacing the V6 engine option is a 2.0-liter turbocharged and direct-injected four-cylinder engine. 

The updated 2.0-liter is good for 252 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. Although it is slightly less power, the reduced engine size allows for better fuel economy while keeping the fun going. Transmission options include a six-speed manual, a 10-speed automatic, or a CVT. Unfortunately, most of the 2018 Honda Accords will be found with the automatic, as the manual transmission is only available for the Sport trim.

Is the Honda Accord safe?

Between both model years, the 2017 and 2018 Honda Accords scored five out of five stars from NHTSA. Although the 2018 Accord is slightly more refined, the features offered are virtually the same. The Honda Accord is one of the safest sedans on the market. The Accord comes standard with the full suite of Honda Sensing safety and driver assistance.

Equipment such as Collision Mitigation Braking System, Lane Departure Warning, Road Departure Mitigation, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow, and Traffic Sign Recognition are all standard on the Honda Accord beginning in 2017. Optional features include Blind Sport Information, parking sensors, a Rear Cross Traffic Monitor, and a Driver Awareness Monitor to alert the driver of tough situations, hopefully avoiding a collision. 

Which generation of Honda Accord is better?

Overall, the tenth-generation 2018 Honda Accord will be the best deal all around. Simplifying the available trim levels makes it easier to grab a well-optioned car on the used market. The 2017 Honda Accord may be cheaper to grab, but the value you get from the newer model year makes up for the price difference. With the fully loaded Touring trim coming in just under $35,000 when new, the used 2018 Honda Accords market is ripe with deals.

If you are in the market for a used Honda Accord, keep an eye out for the 2018 Honda Accord Sport. A well-optioned Accord Sport should realistically run you just above $20,000. Although they haven’t dropped much in price from their original MSRP, it is nice to see the car holding value after five years on the market.