2023 Honda Accord unveiled in North America, not for Australia

Honda has unveiled the new 11th-generation 2023 Honda Accord in full, with crisper styling, new hybrid powertrain and lofty sales ambitions in North America.

The 11th-gen Accord rides on an updated version of Honda’s Global Architecture, and although the new car is 70mm longer at 4971mm, its 2830mm wheelbase is unchanged.

Honda says the underpinnings have been stiffened and refined to improve the 11th-gen Accord’s ride and handling characteristics.

The left-hand drive Accord is built locally for the North American market. Our Aussie Accord, which launched in 2019, is built in Thailand and while related, does not follow the same product cycles as the American car.

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New powertrains for 2023 Accord

Honda North America expects the new fourth-generation hybrid system to account for 50 per cent of total Accord sales. The hybrid powertrain comprises a 2.0-litre petrol four-cylinder engine and two electric motors for 152kW of power and 335Nm of torque.

Twisting force is up 20Nm from before thanks to direct-injection for the petrol engine and side-by-side configuration of the electric motors.

The North American Accord’s outputs differ from the Australian Accord, which produces slightly more power at 158kW, but 20Nm less torque (315Nm) from a similar powertrain layout.

Also available in North America is a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder developing 142kW of power. Both powertrains employ CVT automatics.

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What trim levels and tech does the Accord get?

The North American Accord is available in six trim levels opening with LX, followed by EX and Sport with the petrol engine. The EX-L, Sport-L and Touring are fitted with the hybrid powertrain.

Inside the Accord there are a host of changes to technology, including a 10.2-inch digital driver’s display across the range, and generous 12.3-inch touchscreen running updated software with on Sport trims and above, while the flagship Touring gets native Google assist.

The cabin has been redesigned in line with Honda’s latest style with the touchscreen bezel nestled into a soft touch dashboard, as well as the steering wheel lifted from the latest Civic and HR-V.

Materials in the Accord look to have moved a cut above, with optional white leather upholstery for an airy cabin feel.

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There are eight colours offered in total and new wheel designs. The Accord’s rear track is also wider by 10mm, enhancing handling and giving a broader stance to the sedan.

The Accord is available to buy in North America now. It's understood the tweaks won't be hitting the Australian market any time soon, but the smaller Civic hybrid is due to land this year.