Accord

The new Accord remains physically unchanged than previous models, but the Touring trim does lose the base turbocharged 1.5-liter engine. There are many features and benefits to be found with the Accord. The interior is not just cavernously large, but also features high-quality materials and delivers outstanding comfort. The trunk is also very spacious, and drivers will find that most of the safety and convenience features other automakers charge extra for are provided as standard equipment thanks to Honda’s Sensing bundle. The base 4-cylinder engine is peppy and fun to drive, but there is a more powerful 2.0-liter 4-cylinder available. Three transmissions are offered, including a CVT on the base model, a 10-speed automatic on higher trims, and an optional 6-speed automatic. There are also five trim levels – the LX, Sport, EX, EX-L and Touring to choose from, so you can get the right blend of features and capabilities to suit your specific driving needs.

The Toyota Camry has traditionally given the Accord a run for its money, with Toyota and Honda regularly swapping out the lead position in the genre. However, the 2019 Camry simply doesn’t match what the new Accord brings to the table. The Camry is a smaller car, with a more cramped interior for one thing. It also suffers from other issues, including fewer engine and transmission options, and an infotainment system that feels oddly outdated (and notably lacks Android Auto integration for some reason). The Camry is also noisy under acceleration, with engine noise easily penetrating the cabin. Many drivers find that the assistance features are very sensitive, often to the point of being frustrating to use. Many drivers that choose the Camry would have to upgrade to a higher trim to get the same quality of features and capabilities offered on the Accord.

Completely redesigned for 2019, the Nissan Altima presents an attractive package with all-wheel drive and new steering and handling features. However, it still fails to keep up with the Accord where it really counts. One major drawback with the Altima is that if you want all-wheel drive, you can only choose the less powerful 4-cylinder engine. Additionally, the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that offers the best mix of performance and fuel economy is only available with higher trim levels (SR and Platinum). The interior design is best described as bland, although the seats are reportedly comfortable. With that being said, Nissan does do a good job of offering most standard driving aids and safety features as standard equipment, but for more diversity in engine options and better fuel economy, the Accord is still the right choice.

The Sonata moves into 2019 with no changes at all, which is not surprising considering the solidity of the 2018 model. The Sonata manages to deliver most of the standard features that today’s drivers expect, and the interior is spacious, although not on the same scale as the Accord. However, it does suffer from a lackluster base engine (2.4-liter), and even the more powerful engine (1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder) doesn’t really compare to the Accord. There is a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine available, but it is only offered with the highest trim level. Some trim levels, such as the Eco trim, offer no options at all, and the rear seats have very limited legroom, particularly when you compare the ample space offered by the Accord.

In the end, it is easy to see why the Accord regularly gets high marks from reviewers and consumers alike. Based on these quick comparisons, drivers can get a better understanding of the advantages of the Accord and why it may be a better choice over the Camry, Altima, or Sonata. The Accord manages to strike the perfect balance between ample power and performance and interior comfort and spaciousness. Whether you purchase the coupe or the sedan, the Accord is confident, poised, and perfectly proportioned to keep you happy while on the road. Head to your nearest Honda dealership to find a new or used option!