We saw a decrease in commuting during the pandemic, but now that people have returned to their normal pre-pandemic lives, many are now seeking a vehicle designed to improve their daily drive. With fuel efficiency being a primary concern and the need for comfort to take priority, some manufacturers are rising to the challenge. Honda, for instance, has continued to improve upon one of their flagship vehicles, and it’s one that honestly doesn’t need much of an introduction: the 2024 Honda Accord, the latest edition in an already spectacular series of sedans.
The Honda Accord has received rave reviews over the years, many pointing to its affordability and reliability as highlights of the car. Car and Driver has called the Accord one of their top ten vehicles for years, noting its refined quality and driving experience; they have continued this praise, rating the 2024 model a perfect ten out of ten. The addition of the hybrid powertrain furthers this acclaim, specifically for those who face long drives five days a week. All-in-all, the Honda Accord is a car that commuters need to consider at the start of their search.
The Options—Oh the Options!
The 2024 Honda Accord is available in six different trims, providing a variety of options to fit your needs. Two of these, the LX and the EX, are offered in a traditional powertrain, while the remaining trims are all hybrid models. Even the traditional powertrain is a great choice if fuel efficiency is at the top of your list, meaning the whole lineup hosts a potential new vehicle for your daily commute.
Depending on which trim you choose, there are two engine set-ups. The first is a 1.5L turbocharged engine; turbocharged engines have plenty of benefits, which are put to work here in the Accord. Both the LX and EX trims get up to 29 MPG in the city and 37 MPG on the highway, making it a great option to save some green.
The remaining trims include the Sport Hybrid, EX-L Hybrid, Sport-L Hybrid, and Touring Hybrid, all of which are equipped with a 2.0L four-cylinder hybrid engine. Playing backup are the two electric motors powered by a high-voltage Lithium Ion battery; the result is vastly higher mileage across the hybrid trims. Most of these will get at least 46 MPG in the city and 41 MPG on the highway; however, the EX-L Hybrid manages an utterly remarkable 51 MPG in the city and 44 MPG on the highway. Ultimately, any 2024 Accord provides impressive fuel efficiency, which is sure to put a smile back into your commute.
So Many Features, How Do You Choose?
From the base trim to the top trim, each option offers a little bit more than the one before, which can make it difficult to choose. The base trim is fairly raw, making it a great choice if the extras are simply that: extra. With a starting price of just under $28k, the LX is a reliable and quality choice that won’t break the bank. Of course, if you are driving every day to work and want something with a little more to it, then one of the top trims is the way to go.
The sweet spot starts at the EX with the introduction of a ten-way, power-adjustable front seat. The seat includes a two-way lumbar adjustment setting, which helps lessen fatigue during your drive. The top three trims bump it up a notch with two-position memory, which recalls specific settings so you can easily position your seat. The top three trims also introduce a heating element for the seats, as does the EX trim.
The very top trim, the Touring Hybrid, adds the bonus of ventilated front seats. Ventilation is nice for keeping you cool and comfortable during your drive, especially if you have leather upholstered seats, which are standard on the top trim. Combined with a roomy and sleek interior, the 2024 Honda Accord is a great daily ride.
Tech Out Your Drive
Entertainment and information converge in the Honda Accord, with the center stack display being the central hub. The LX and EX are both equipped with a 7.0-inch infotainment screen, while the hybrid options are equipped with a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen. Here is where you gain access to different informational and entertainment tools.
Each trim comes equipped with Wi-Fi hotspot capability for easy streaming; to use this hotspot, a compatible data plan is required, but it’s definitely worth it if you find yourself frequently connecting during your drive. All trims include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, with the hybrid options running both apps wirelessly. There is also Bluetooth for streaming audio and the HandsFreeLink with an SMS text message function, both of which allow for hands-free use of a compatible smart device.
For added convenience, the hybrid trims include Alexa Built-In; this lets you sync your Amazon account to your vehicle, access shopping lists, to-do lists, and so much more. The top-tier Touring Hybrid trim goes even further with Google Built-In, offering similar benefits as the Alexa option but for those who prefer the Google suite.
The Touring Hybrid takes everything to the max with a wireless charging pad, a twelve-speaker Bose premium sound system with a subwoofer, and even a head-up display, which projects important drive data, including turn-by-turn directions, onto the lower windshield for easy viewing. This feature doubles as a safety and convenience feature, ideal for long and tedious drives.
Honda Sensing Just Makes Sense
One of the best things about Honda is that they load their vehicles with safety features. Every trim comes standard with a whole suite ranging from a Forward Collision Warning to a Driver Attention Monitor. The latter is especially ideal for commuting, as this can become a somewhat mindless activity, causing your mind to wander away from the task at hand. With the Driver Attention Monitor, you can feel more confident that, if you begin to deviate, your Accord will prompt you to focus.
Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow is another fantastic feature for commuters, allowing your Accord to self-regulate with the flow of traffic; this feature can sense other vehicles in front, slowing down and even braking automatically so you don’t have to. This pairs with the Traffic Sign Recognition System, another great feature that comes standard on all trim levels, reading local traffic signs in case you miss them.
Also in Honda’s bag of tricks are Lane Departure Warning, the Lane Keeping Assist System, and the Road Departure Mitigation System, all of which help keep you moving without incident. Keeping you within your lane is an important aspect of many of these systems, making sure you don’t deviate. There is an assortment of other safety and driver assistance features included across the trims, with some as optional upgrades—but either way, the Honda Accord is covered from front to back.
The 2024 Honda Accord Is a Commuter’s Dream
Some vehicles aren’t made to last, while others will last a lifetime; when it comes to the Honda Accord, it’s the latter. With quality workmanship behind every wheel, the 2024 Accord is a vehicle you can depend on—and with each passing year, Honda does more to improve its already impressive sedan while still keeping it at an affordable price. Whether you’re looking to save at the pump or the purchase, the 2024 Honda Accord is a fantastic option.
