2023 HondaAccord vs. Honda Civic specs
Comparison of 2023 Honda Accord and Honda Civic Specs
Section 1: Engine Performance
When comparing fuel efficiency, it is almost predictable with engine power. The higher-end engine of the Accord has a 3.5-liter V6 and it has a fuel economy (city) of 21 miles per gallon. This engine is also used for a very similar model of the Acura TLX, which is quite interesting. The most fuel-efficient engine is a 2.4-liter, 185 horsepower in the Sport trim, which has 26 miles per gallon city and 34 miles per gallon on the highway. The CVT engine for the Civic has 30 miles per gallon city and 41 miles per gallon highway. The most fuel-efficient engine belongs to the Civic HF, which has 31 miles per gallon city and 41 miles per gallon on the highway. Deciding on how much power from the engine and how much fuel economy is entirely up to the buyer, but there is a clear idea of how much fuel efficiency is gained or lost with engine power for both the Accord and Civic.
Honda Accord comes with a 1.5-liter engine which is turbocharged and comes with a 174 horsepower engine. Comparatively, the higher-end models of the Accord have a 3.5-liter V6 engine which generates around 278 horsepower, which is significantly higher. Honda Civic has a 2.0-liter, 158 horsepower engine that comes standard in most models. The engine with the highest horsepower is a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine in the Civic Si that creates 205 horsepower. When comparing the engines for both cars, the Accord has both a higher variety and stronger engines compared to the Civic.
1.1. Accord's engine power
Sleek and elegant, the 2023 Honda Accord Sedan offers a selection of two turbocharged inline-4 engines or a hybrid powertrain. As summarized in the table below, both non-hybrid engines are much more powerful than the single non-turbo 2.5-liter engine that they replace, providing quicker acceleration and a greater dynamic driving experience, at the expense of gas efficiency. Both the 1.5L and 2.0L turbo engines are mated to CVT transmissions in the Sport, Sport SE, and Touring 1.5T grades, with the 2.0L receiving an upgraded 10-speed CVT with the Touring 2.0T. Meanwhile, the hybrid powertrain remains one of the best options available for customers seeking affordability and performance. Step down to the Civic, however, and you will notice that there has been a paradigm shift in engine options and the added excitement offered by the Accord. With the exception of the return of the Civic Si and Type-R at a later date, all 11th generation Civic models will be powered by proven 2.0L and 1.5L 4-cylinder engines with CVT transmissions, offering efficient yet practical daily transportation. In the interest of comparing the Civic to the Accord, each variant will excel in fuel efficiency, but the Accord has the advantage in terms of performance capabilities.
1.2. Civic's engine power
As it has been widely known and practiced, today many manufacturers make strong claims on power and performance at the cost of fuel economy and emissions. Honda has long shared this philosophy; consequently, the Civic's engines reflect a balance of high performance and low environmental impact. It is without fail that all engines featured in the 2023 Honda Civic meet stringent PZEV emissions regulations, qualifying them as some of the cleanest internal combustion engines available today. This is achieved through the use of continually evolving technologies in emissions hardware and electronic management. Throughout the life of these engines, regular emissions inspection has shown figures to be as much as 90% lower than the defined level. CO2 emissions are equally impressive, with figures between 20-30% less than engines of the same class, further enhancing Civic's engine efficiency.
The 2023 Honda Civic sports a wider range of engines than its larger brother, beginning with the pleasantly peppy 1.8-liter 16-valve SOHC i-VTEC engine making 103 kW at 6300 rpm. While downsizing and utilizing conventional technology, next in line is Civic's advanced K20Z2 2.0-liter DOHC i-VTEC engine producing 114 kW at 6200 rpm that is used in the Civic Sport. Running hard as the performance flagship for Civic is a sports-oriented 2.0-liter 16-valve DOHC VTEC K20A4 engine that gives the Civic Type R the power to reach 147 kW at 6500 rpm. A respectable output from a top-revving naturally aspirated engine ensures performance is not compromised for attainability and price.
1.3. Fuel efficiency comparison
The Japanese 2008 K20C1 is a 1996cc inline 4-cylinder engine sometimes called the Accord's 'Euro R engine' due to its similarity with the 2.0L K20A found in Accord Euro R and DC5 Integra Type R. Honda has stuck with naturally aspirated engines in the new Accords, but defining the current global trend, the K20C1 is a turbo engine. Step inside, it's a different story, and the K20C1 is probably the highest specific output turbo engine in its class, offering up to 276bhp and 296 ft/lbs in a stock engine with a 23.2 psi boost. This compares favorably to the aging K20C2, see here code numbers getting baffling when they are similar and fitting vice versa, but essentially the K20C2 is a detuned version of the K20C1, and the fuel-efficient 1.5L Civic turbo engine K20C6. Now the K20C2 and K20C6 are surprisingly similar in advertised power, with the K20C2 offering 197bhp and 192 ft/lbs in the 11th generation (the slight decrease in power to the previous generation K20C1 has subsequently given the 10th Gen Accord and Civic a poor reputation amongst people unaware of Honda's release of the 2 engines with the 2nd best Accord Civic engines being confused with the 1st) and the K20C6 offering 6 more bhp with its initial release paired with the budget-oriented LX and Sport trims, and then the more powerful Civic models should have a Type R revival in the future. A grand total of 248bhp and 240 ft/lbs should put the slightly heavier, more luxurious 11th Gen Accord and/or possible 8th Gen Civic Type R on par with the previous generation Civic, with fuel efficiency touted to be better than a K20C2 due to the smaller engine and lower rpm operation.
In the current times, car manufacturers have to come up with innovative ways to compete in the market. One method is to give more power to the vehicle, which is useful in selling to power-hungry markets like North America. It seems to be the method for the new Civic to have relatively high power for a 1.5L engine. But despite the market, Honda has tailored the new Civic, and in particular, that of the 1.5L turbo engine, to be more fuel-efficient than previous generation Civics. Unfortunately, one thing holding back the current 1.5 (and potential EP3/DC5) owner in Europe and North America from selling his car is that the new engines are very fuel-efficient for NA sales, but the new Civic has lost the image of offering a racy, high-revving powerplant while maintaining good fuel economy. So how do the new Accord and new Civic fare in engine performance in the current market?
Section 2: Interior Features
The new Honda Accord is a sedan that fits 5 passengers comfortably. The interior volume of the car is 106.4 cubic feet and back space of 16.7 cubic feet. It is wider and taller than the previous models. The wider profile grants easy room for the driver and front passenger. The front seats are comfortable and the leg space and headroom in the back seats allow adults to sit in comfort. The power driver's seat in the new models offers more support than the previous years. The 2023 Honda Civic offers more leg and headroom than previous generation models. The new Civic's interior volume is 96.0 cubic feet and boasts a 14.8 cubic foot trunk. The seats are comfortable and with the additional space in the vehicle, people with long legs are able to travel comfortably. Both vehicles have many features to offer in terms of comfort but the Accord offers more space overall.
2.1. Accord's cabin space
Additional space is the primary reliability of any mid-size sedan, and the Accord's backseat is one of the most accommodating in the segment, and much better than the sometimes too snug cabin of its predecessor. Taller folks will skewer more headroom and legroom in the new Honda Civic sedan, but overall passenger space is less generous than in the previous generation of the Civic, and those figures are still less than promised by the EPA dimension. The sedan's cargo volume is now 14.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats, versus 15.1 to 15.4 cubic feet before. The Civic hatchback continues from the last generation, and it offers more cargo volume, and the versatile high seating ULTR and foldable rear seatbacks can be laid nearly flat to expand cargo capacity. Step inside the Accord, and its larger dimensions bear fruit with an extra 0.4 inches of legroom for rear passengers and more headroom at both ends of the car compared to the outgoing model. Buyers looking for maximum rear seat space in a Honda-badged family hauler are better served by the CR-V compact SUV and even the Passport mid-size SUV, but the Accord's broader and lower stance makes entry and exit easier than in those high-riding utilities. In terms of overall roominess, the Accord is one of the biggest sedans in the segment, and the various cubby holes and storage areas throughout the cabin were designed with an eye toward meeting the needs of American families. Over the past few generations, the Civic has made big strides toward the larger versions of its forebears, and the current car is no exception in Honda's max effort to meet the needs and wants of US consumers. Despite the general trend, the Civic's current iteration has taken a step back in interior space and practicality compared to previous versions. The latest Civic is now very close in size to the first-generation Accord that debuted for the 1976 model year, but the current Accord is much closer in spirit to its forebears in terms of being a true mid-size car. Build a time machine and bring a first-generation Accord to the present day, and it would be dwarfed by the CR-V and outclassed in quart. The same cannot be said of the modern Accord in a direct comparison to the Civic. The latest Accord provides better access to a larger trunk with a wider opening than the Civic's, and the rear seats and seat folds are very similar in design between the two cars. Step up to the mid-grade trims and above, the Accords now have a power-adjustable driver's seat with rechargeable lumbar support. These features give the Accord an edge in driver comfort over the Civic.
2.2. Civic's cabin space
The largest visual change of the new Civic's interior comes with the application of a full stave instrument panel akin to that in the current Accord, marking a significant departure from the outgoing two-tiered dash. It not only provides a more cohesive and upscale look, but also better defines the driver's area from the passenger side. The eight-way power driver's seat available on EX trims and above features a four-way power lumbar and two-position memory; and all Civic models receive improved seat padding with added support and comfort. The EX sedan and all EX-T and higher trims now come equipped with an electric parking brake and automatic brake hold function, allowing for more convenient engagement and disengagement of the parking brake and single pedal application when at a stop, consecutively. Both the electric parking brake and brake hold also free up space in the center console, allowing for an additional front console cup holder.
The 60/40 split folding rear seat has been re-engineered with spring assisted pull levers in the trunk to allow near-effortless folding from the rear of the car; and the seatbacks have been designed with a 'one-motion' folding functionality to save time when loading cargo. The increased rear dimensions have also allowed for a large and versatile cargo area. An added 2.6 cubic feet of trunk space (now 15.1 cu. Ft) allows for better accommodation of large items, and a wider trunk opening and lower liftover height make for more convenient loading and unloading. The Civic's improved interior space and occupant comfort, combined with its established fun-to-drive personality, serves as evidence that the 10th generation Civic is truly in a league of its own.
The 2018 Civic's wheelbase has been increased by 1.2 inches, and 1.9 inches of added rear legroom effectively negates the compact car's historical lacking in rear seat legroom. Rear seat entry and exit is much improved, thanks to a 0.6 inch wider rear door opening and the A-pillar's solution also helps contribute to a more airy cabin. Static and dynamic tests have confirmed that the 46.2 inch rear seat hip-point is within 98th percentile American male comfort, and the Civic's flat rear floor and front seat slide functionality only allow for more comprehensive seating options.
In addition to the Accord's larger dimensions, Honda has made numerous design adjustments to improve interior space. The new Civic's A-pillars have been shifted rearward, effectively lengthening the Civic's hood for better forward visibility. Moving the base of the A-pillars and the front windshield pillars forward allows the front doors to be longer. Class competitive ingress/egress and spacious footwells have also been achieved. Although great strides have been taken to improve forward visibility and driver/passenger comfort, the largest changes to the new Civic have resulted in improved rear seat accommodations and enhanced cargo storage.
2.3. Infotainment system comparison
The two siblings in the Honda family are equipped with their own infotainment systems. The 2023 Accord has an 8-inch LCD screen. The LX variant of the Honda Civic has a 5-inch screen, whereas all other trims have a 7-inch "Display Audio" touchscreen. The 2023 Accord system features a physical volume knob and a tuning knob, which the majority of consumers are happy to see back. It also includes both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Civic's Display Audio touchscreen has also done well with consumers. The 7-inch screen has a matte finish, which helps to reduce fingerprint smudges and glare. It also has hard buttons and a volume knob. The system includes a revised set of physical controls that are more user-friendly than the previous Civic. Although the touchscreen version has gotten great feedback from consumers, the limited availability of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is a drawback for some. This feature is not available on the LX variant due to the limitation in apps, as this base trim does not include HondaLink Next Generation. This is something to factor in if you are planning to base your music and navigation off of your smartphone.
2.4. Safety features
The Honda Accord is larger and sportier than the Civic, plus it packs a lot more safety features. The Accord comes with dual front, side-thorax, and side curtain airbags, ABS, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Emergency Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Assist with traction control, and Honda's Agile Handling Assist. In addition to the standard features, there are two driver assist systems available, which include the Honda Sensing pack, only available on the V6L, and the ADAS pack available on the VTi. These driver assist system packs include all the latest technology features to keep you safe while driving. The Accord has a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, as mentioned before, and has been awarded the best medium car under $50,000 by the Australasian New Car Assessment Program. This is also good timing when we see the 2017 Accord will receive a style and safety upgrade.
The Honda Civic is the practical choice for a small family as it offers a "decent" amount of cabin space and has an abundance of features. However, the latest model has scored a 3-star ANCAP safety rating, which is a poor result considering the Honda's Accord 5-star ANCAP rating back in 2015. The Civic comes with all the standard safety features, which include 6 airbags, ABS, traction and stability control, and Honda's City-Brake Active system. In addition to the standard features, the Civic VTi-L comes with the Honda Sensing pack, which includes all the driver assist systems such as radar cruise control, forward collision and lane departure warning, lane keep assist, road departure mitigation, and the low-speed follow function, which won the 2016 Best New Car Feature award by Drive.
Section 3: Exterior Design
The 2023 Honda Civic has a unique evolutionary design. The sedan model seems to be less aggressive with a plain yet smooth design compared to previous iterations. The front end has the traditional Honda design known for the split-level grille with the chrome "wing", yet the front headlights tend to have the bug eye look that resonates with the Toyota Prius. Love it or hate it, the new design has character. The Coupe, on the other hand, has a more aggressive and sporty design compared to the sedan. The Si models have clear and fog lights with a more pronounced body kit. The Coupe design is definitely more appealing than the sedan but this is all a matter of preference. The Civic Si Coupe has been a tuner favorite, with the new Coupe design, it still holds promise for the enthusiast. The Civic Hatchback has the most radical design of them all, veering to a Euro-inspired design that looks more like a small MPV. The rear end has an unusual sloping angle with a window that goes far to the sides of the car. The Euro-style design may not sit well with the traditional buyers, but there is a good chance that it might draw in some new buyers from Europe. The Hatchback design is certainly unique in its own way.
The 2023 Honda Accord comes with a bold and sophisticated styling concept. Honda has utilized the phrase "class above its class" to summarize its new design. The front end has a wide stance, while the side profile has a low-slung body. Some say that it looks quite similar to the BMW 3-series. The taillights are triangular in shape, which resonates with the Acura TL to some degree. V6 models are equipped with dual chrome exhaust, which emphasizes its sporty posture. Overall, the new Accord looks like an upscale vehicle, which seems to be its intention as a more premium mid-size family sedan.
3.1. Accord's exterior styling
If the civic is a baby version of the new Accord, that is how I would sum up the new 10th generation Civic. The new Honda Civic model also has its sportiest look of any previous generation. The new civic is much lower and wider, it shares the same wheelbase of the Accord but it is shorter in overall length due to the shorter front and rear overhangs. The new civic offers LED lights on all models except the base LX model. With the elongated shape and fastback design around the rear of the car, the new Civic looks more like a hatch than previous generations. Coming back to the hatchback body which it shares with this body style, it is still a sedan and not a hatchback so it does still have a trunk. The new Civic has a much more aggressive stance like the Accord, the fastback design especially gives the car more of a sporty look. Although the Accord and the Civic are similar in exterior styling, they are two completely different cars but Honda have definitely stepped up their game with the new models for both.
Style and colossus are the first things you will notice when you look at the new Honda Accord. The Accord is wider and lower than ever before. It has definitely got a more sporty look to it and not an ordinary family car look. The first thing that you may notice when you look at the front of the car is the enormous grille, it nearly takes up half of the front of the car! It is definitely a statement and it makes the car look much more aggressive than any previous models. Honda have decided to offer LED lights on the entry level model and they also come standard on the base model. Onward to the sides of the car, the length of the car is much longer. It has a much more pronounced stance especially in the wheel arches, this gives the car a wide-bodied look, you can expect the stance and shape of the new model to be the style Honda will be using for many models to come. Around the back of the car is sleek design and a chromed dual exhaust tips on the touring models definitely give it a good look from the rear.
3.2. Civic's exterior styling
The new 11th-generation 2022 Honda Civic takes on a daring, clean, and sophisticated exterior styling. Its design has been amplified for a more athletic look. The new exterior design starts with a sporty and aggressive front end, highlighted by a restyled low-profile grille. The wide-set headlights have been given a more sleek and swept-back look, while the upper trims will sport a new LED design. The Touring trim features all-LED lighting, including the high beams and the daytime running lights. The hood is longer and higher than the previous model and is flanked by newly sculpted fenders for a muscular look. A 1-inch reduction in overall length and a 0.5-inch reduction in wheelbase stance give the Civic a more planted look. The Civic's wide-track front end and rear track, which is 0.5 inches wider than before, plus the wheels being pushed further out to the corners of the car, give it a stronger and more premium look. Around the back, the Civic's wider rear fenders and haunches flare above the 235-width tires, showcasing the car's wider stance. The rear LED light clusters have been redesigned and sport a seamless illuminated light bar that stretches across the rear deck lid. The overall design portrays a more compact and athletic feel than the previous model. Although the Si and Type-R models have not yet been revealed, we are excited to see how they will add to the new design.
3.3. Dimensions and body design
The 2023 Honda Accord and Honda Civic differ significantly in their dimensions and body design. The Accord is a mid-sized sedan while the Civic is a compact one. The Accord has a 9.1-inch longer wheelbase than the Civic. It is also 7.3 inches longer in length, 1.4 inches wider, and 2.6 inches taller. It is very obvious that the Accord is a bigger car than the Civic. Accord's interior volume is 105 cubic feet while the Civic is 91 cubic feet. To complete the exterior proportion, the Accord has a 17-inch wheel while the Civic has a 15-inch. In general, the Accord's bigger and the Civic's smaller dimension. However, at the external design, this impacts a lot on the car's performance and space. Comparing the weight between the two models, the Civic is 1670 lbs while the Accord is 2980 lbs. The significant difference in weight gives the Civic an advantage in fuel efficiency and the Accord in driving performance. Both cars have unibody construction with the use of Macpherson strut type in their suspensions. This provides good handling and comfortable balance between the two. Both Accords and Civics are fundamentally different in their shape and size. Neither is objectively superior, as their differences in dimensions and body design are reflective of the different packages that each car offers. With the release of the all-new 2023 Honda Civic and 11th generation Honda Civic, this is the first time that there has been such a significant disparity in size between the two models.
Section 4: Pricing and Trim Options
The 2023 Honda Accord will have a starting price of $24,770, up $340 from the 2022 model. Each of the 5 trim levels can come with one of two engines, and the price will change depending on that. The base LX and the Sport 1.5T grades will have a MSRP that is $400 greater than the 2022 model. The Sport 2.0T, a 2022 carryover model, will continue having a MSRP of $32,050. As for the 2023 Touring 2.0T, it will be $600 more from last year. Compared to the 2022 model, the base Accord LX has a $400 greater MSRP. The prices of the other 4 Civic sedan trims that also carryover from 2022 are increasing as well. Today, the Honda brand released information for the tenth-generation 2022 Honda Civic. This is interesting because it is only a one-year model, and for the 2023 model year, we have received news that the 2023 Civic sedan will be a carryover model from the 2022 model with the exception of one additional color option. Prices for the 2023 Civic have already increased from the 2022 model. The base 2023 Civic LX will now have a starting MSRP of $22,850, marking a $250 increase from the 2022 model. The 2023 Sport model now has a starting price of $23,800, a $350 increase from the 2022 version. Compared to the 2022 model, the Sport and Touring models have a $350 greater MSRP. The prices of the other 4 Civic sedan trims that also carryover from 2022 are increasing as well.
4.1. Accord's pricing tiers
The next tier of the Accord is the LX-P model. This is relatively the same car as the LX but comes with a few more features. Priced at around $22,000 and still coming with similar gas mileage, the upgraded engine to a 190 hp, 2.4-liter, 16-valve engine is a better option for those who can afford the extra cash. Some new features the LX-P offers include 16-inch alloy wheels and a power seat for the driver. Coming at a small price increase from the LX model, it may be night and day for a bit better driving experience and comfort for the money.
The first tier of the Honda Accord is the LX model. With a price tag of just over $20,000, this car is not only affordable on the lot but also lighter on the wallet while driving around. It goes 23 miles per gallon with city driving and 32 mpg for highway driving, making it easy to save a few bucks on gas as well as keeping it in your pocket. It also offers a 177 hp, 2.4-liter, 16-valve engine, so there is no compromise in the driving experience to save this money.
The 2023 Honda Accord is available with four main pricing options and tiers. This entry mid-sized sedan offers a range of cars that are not only reliable and affordable but are also highly regarded in safety.
4.2. Civic's pricing tiers
For those who want the most and the best features on the 2023 Honda Civic, they would want to choose the Touring Model. This is the top model of the 2023 Honda Civic. This model will be available with full features and the best of what is offered. The estimated price of this model is around $26,000 - $28,000. This model is only available in the sedan version. The engine is not much different from the EX model. But there are many additional features on this model. For the audio, it uses a premium audio system with 7 speakers, and the availability of the Satellite Linked Navigation System with bilingual Voice Recognition. The most features are on the exterior and interior of the car. Looking from the outside, it's a little different from the previous model. It can be seen from the availability of fog lights, the aluminum alloy wheels, and also visible from the door mirror with integrated turn signals. The most luxurious feature offered is the availability of power folding door mirrors. When we see the interior of the car, there are also not too many differences from the previous model. But the Civic Touring model uses leather-trimmed seats and has an auto day/night mirror. This is the perfect model for those who want a car with a reliable engine, good fuel efficiency, many features, and additional satisfaction.
The EX model, which will be at the top of the line, is estimated to be priced around $23,000 - $24,000. This model is available in two versions, the sedan and the coupe. The engine is not much different from the LX model, still using the same SOHC iVTEC engine. But one different thing is the machine cover, this model already uses aluminum. The additional value includes an audio system with 6 speakers, the availability of MP3/Windows Media Audio (WMA) playback capability, and the most interesting feature, the availability of a power moonroof. This model is suitable for those who want to buy a car with a medium price but still want to feel additional satisfaction.
The LX model is estimated to be priced around $20,000 - $22,000. This model has additional value. Based on fuel efficiency, it's not really much different from the DX model, but it has a couple more additions to the engine. It's proven by a SOHC iVTEC engine with 16 valves, and the fuel is supplied by the PGM-FI system. The added value of this model includes the availability of the coupe version, improved comfort and security system, power windows, and an audio system with 4 speakers. If you see it, the increased price of this model compared to the previous model feels blended with the added value offered. For Civic enthusiasts, they definitely want to choose a price that is not too high but still allows them to feel the sense of driving with comfort and dignity.
The 2023 Honda Civic will come in several models, which are categorized as pricing tiers of the car. The Honda Civic models are: the DX, LX, EX, and Touring. The DX model is the base model of the 2022 Honda Civic. The price of this model is not much higher than the 2022 Honda Civic model, estimated to be less than $20,000. This model will only be available in the sedan version. There are also no additional features on this model, just an ordinary car with good reliability and fuel efficiency.
4.3. Available trim levels and features
There is a greater disparity between the 2023 Honda Accord and Civic when you take a look at the available trims and features, versus actual price. The Accord will have 7 trim levels, or versions, of the car. These trims are the LX, LX Sport, EX, Sport, EX-L, Sport 2.0 and Touring 2.0. We'll get to what the 1.5 and 2.0 mean later on. The LX starts at a very affordable $23,570 USD with an automatic transmission. Its standard features include a 1.5-liter VTEC turbocharged engine, Honda Sensing Safety features, dual-zone climate control, push-button start, a multi-angle rearview camera and a 7-inch touch screen. The Accord Sport comes in around $26,000 with a choice between the 1.5-liter and a 2.0-liter Turbo, for an additional $2000 USD. The extra money for the 2.0-liter will also get you paddle shifters and remote engine start. There will also be a special edition "SE" trim released on a later date, but not enough information on that yet.