Honda Accord 2016 New Style

HONDA ACCORD REVIEWS:

When Honda refreshes the Accord, it's sort of like a classic-rock icon issuing a remastered album. The changes might be superficial, but the product is so ubiquitous that a lot of people care, deeply.
Honda's changes for the 2016 Accord could fill a short book. The updated Accord looks different and, in many cases, drives differently; it also boasts new multimedia connectivity and optional safety technology available on all trim levels. A few of its many improvements seem like a step backward, but the updated 2016 Accord is still a must-drive for any family-sedan shoppers.

HOW IT DRIVES:

In the Accord Sport, new 19-inch wheels introduce some ride chop that's out of place in a segment of Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima and Ford Fusion sedans. Last year's Accord maxed out at 18s, which other trims still have. Honda says it tweaked the suspension and body rigidity across the board for 2016, but the vast majority of cars at the media drive — and the only ones I drove — had 19s.
The Accord Touring also gets 19s, but paired with new unique shocks and bushings to improve ride quality. I took a brief drive in one; the setup erases some of the Sport's brittleness, but the Touring's ride is still on the busy side. Make no mistake: If you ever thought the Accord became too soft, the 19s recall its firmer roots. Frankly, I liked what Honda had achieved, relative to the segment. These spindly rims look like a silly after market job. Honda needs to downsize.
Honda says it improved steering feedback for 2016, and the Accord handles predictably, with quick steering motions and acceptable body roll for the class. To the extent that you throw the sedan around, V-6 models feel noticeably more nose-heavy than their four-cylinder counterparts. Performance enthusiasts will appreciate that the V-6 coupe still offers a six-speed manual; V-6 sedans are automatic only.

INTERIOR AND MULTIMEDIA:

The Accord's interior, which is much improved in the current generation, gets some significant changes to the multimedia system for 2016. Little has changed apart from that. Build quality is good, but not up to the updated Mazda6, which leapfrogged the class in its top trim levels.

A 7.7-inch upper dashboard screen is standard; like before, EX models and up replace the controls below it with a second multimedia touch-screen. But it's now a 7-inch screen with touch-sensitive buttons and Apple/Android smart phone integration. We've harped on touch-sensitive buttons across the industry, as they're difficult to use in an environment that's subject to momentum (like — shocker! — a car).  These are a clear step backward, especially since the standard head unit has intuitive physical controls.

It's unfortunate that the touch-sensitive controls offer the only avenue to Apple Car Play and Android Auto, which are both new for the Accord. Connect a compatible smart phone via a cable and the systems project a simplified, car-friendly portal of apps from your device. Most of them prompt voice recognition via electronic personal assistants like Apple's Siri, and they also run navigation through Apple Maps or Google Maps.