The 2023 Honda Accord is expected to show up in dealerships across the U.S. soon. In case you haven’t heard, Honda redesigned its most popular sedan by giving it a new look inside and out in addition to realigning its trim levels. Gone is the potent turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, but the turbocharged 1.5-liter and a revised hybrid powertrain remain. This could have prospective buyers wondering which model is the better buy – the gas-powered Honda Accord or the hybrid model?
Which 2023 Honda Accord trim level offers the most value?
If fuel efficiency is essential to you, the 2023 Honda Accord EX-L Hybrid is the way to go. According to the Japanese automaker, the Accord Hybrid EX-L is capable of achieving up to 51 mpg in the city and 44 mpg on the highway, which is exceptional for a midsize sedan. It’s able to get these stratospheric gas mileage numbers thanks to an upgraded hybrid powertrain.
That powertrain consists of a revised 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine paired with a dual-motor setup to maximize fuel efficiency. All of the Accord Hybrid trim levels – Sport, EX-L Sport-L, and Touring – are equipped with the same powertrain.
However, the EX-L trim level benefits from a higher average due to its smaller 17-inch wheels. The other trims come with 19-inch rollers.
In addition to its stellar gas mileage, the Accord Hybrid EX-L comes equipped with luxurious amenities like dual-zone climate control, leather upholstery, heated seats, and front and rear parking sensors. However, if that’s not enough, then the Accord Hybrid Touring trim could be a better choice.
The top-trim Accord comes standard with Google Built-in features that incorporate Google Maps and Google Assistant right into the infotainment system. There’s also a bevy of other tech-savvy features, including a 6-inch head-up display, a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system.
As for pricing, the Honda Accord EX-L Hybrid has a starting price of $33,540, while the range-topping Touring starts at $37,890. The Accord Hybrid Sport trim is the entry-level model, and it presents a good value at $31,895. However, we think that the EX-L trim level presents a far better value proposition.
The gas-powered 2023 Honda Accord is still a great choice
Buyers who do not want to spend over $30,000 for a 2023 Honda Accord can still find a good deal with the gas-powered model. For clarity, the 2023 Accord LX and EX trims are the only ones available with the turbocharged 1.5-liter. That engine puts out 192 hp and 192 lb-ft of torque. It’s also able to get up to 29 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway, which is great for a gas engine.
The base Accord LX model is also stacked with plenty of features like a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel, LED headlights, and 17-inch alloy wheels.
Stepping up to the EX trim level adds heated seats, a power moonroof, dual-zone climate control, a 10-way power driver’s seat, and an 8-speaker audio system.
The gas-only version of the Accord starts at $27,295, which is a great value considering everything it comes with. Going up to the EX trim level will cost an extra $2,315, which isn’t bad, but we wouldn’t consider it the best value.
2023 Honda Accord vs. 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid: Which one should you choose?
We would pick the 2023 Honda Accord EX-L Hybrid because it provides the best mileage and features for the money. However, the redesign makes every Accord trim level a good value. Just note that dealer stock could be limited nationwide, so you may have to shop around to find the Honda Accord that you want.
