Honda has introduced the updated 2016 Accord at an event held in Silicon Valley, California. As hinted by the choice of venue, the refreshed ninth-gen model is billed as the most tech-savvy Accord yet built.
Visually, the 2016 Accord stands out from the outgoing model thanks to a refreshed front fascia characterized by more upscale-looking, almost Acura-like headlights, a bigger grille inspired by Honda’s current design language, and a re-shaped bumper. New LED tail lamps connected by a strip of chrome trim and available 19-inch alloys add a finishing touch to the more premium look.
The cockpit gains a new seven-inch touch screen, but the big news for 2016 is that the Accord is the first Honda compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Additionally, all models regardless of trim levels can be ordered with Honda Sensing, a comprehensive suite of electronic safety features and driving aids. Honda Sensing bundles a collision mitigation braking system with forward collision warning, lane keeping assist, road departure mitigation, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.
New standard and optional features round out the list of updates. The range-topping Accord Touring now comes with heated rear seats, automatic high beams, front and rear parking sensors, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. All models ship with a multi-angle rear-view camera.
There are no mechanical modifications to report for the next model year and both of the Accord’s engines are carried over from the outgoing model. Entry-level models ship with a direct-injected 2.4-liter Earth Dreams four-cylinder engine that makes 185 horsepower and 181 foot-pounds of torque, while more expensive trims can be ordered with a 3.5-liter V6 rated at 278 horsepower and 252 foot-pounds of torque.
The four-cylinder comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission, and buyers looking to go clutch-less can order a CVT at an extra cost. The V6, on the other hand, can only be linked to a six-speed automatic transmission.
The updated 2016 Accord is scheduled to land in showrooms next month, but Honda has not announced how much of a premium it carries over the outgoing model. Honda has not published pictures of the facelifted Accord Coupe, and the updated 2016 Accord Hybrid won’t be introduced for another few weeks.
