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Which 2017 Honda Accord is Right for You?

The Honda Accord is one of the best sedans you could buy, but is it worth it upgrading to a stronger engine, or more luxurious trappings? Each step up adds something new, but some drivers may not find it worth going to the top.

LX

The LX is the least expensive option with a starting MSRP of $22,455. Even though it’s the cheapest, it has tons of standard features that some sedans lack, such as Bluetooth HandsFreeLink, a multi-angle rearview camera, and dual-zone automatic climate control.

The LX is equipped with a 2.4-liter I4 engine, which produces 185 horsepower and 181 pound-foot of torque. It gets 27 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. It rides on 16-inch alloy wheels.

Along with the features above, the LX has plenty of other things that make a daily drive much more enjoyable. On the interior, the LX has cruise control, 12-volt power outlets, auxiliary input jack, an eight-inch high-resolution screen, Pandora compatibility, SMS text message function, and four 160-watt speakers.

Sport

The Sport is the first step up. It introduces an 189-hp i-VTEC four-cylinder engine that produces 182 lb-ft of torque. That does represent a slight increase in power, but it means that the fuel economy drops to an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. That’s not all. The Sport has a lot of small adjustments meant to fine-tune driving performance. It has a slightly higher turning ratio, and the option to add paddle shifters. It sits on 19” wheels instead of 16”. And it introduces LED daytime running lights, rather than halogen.

Some of the other features on the Sport include LED fog lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, aluminum pedals, and a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support. It also has has dual exhaust pipes. It goes for an MSRP of $24,515.

Sport Special Edition

The Sport Special Edition is a little more expensive than the regular old Sport with a starting MSRP of $25,515, but may be worth it for some drivers. It contains everything the Sport has and more, including leather-trimmed seating, red accent stitching, heated front seats, and special edition badging. The engine and specs in the Sport Special Edition are the same as the Sport, so it has the same capabilities.

EX

While the Sport emphasizes...well, sportiness, the EX focus on comfort. The EX has all the same features as the LX and more, for a starting MSRP of $25,830. Some of the best features added include Smart Entry and push button start, a one-touch power moonroof, a touch screen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.

The EX is the first Honda Accord to improve safety with the inclusion of Honda LaneWatch, which can help a driver make decisions about when to change lanes. It also has integrated LED turn indicators, heated side mirrors, a HomeLink remote system, SiriusXM radio, and HD radio. The EX adds an extra charging port in the center console and increases the speaker number to six.

EX-L

The EX-L may seem like just an extension from the EX, but it includes a few features that may be essential to your morning drive. It has a starting MSRP of $28,920 and adds some major improvements to the interior including leather-trimmed seating, heated front seats, power front seats, and a two-position memory for the driver’s seat. The EX-L doesn’t stop there. You also get an automatic-dimming rearview mirror and an expanded audio system that includes seven 360-watt speakers with a subwoofer.

EX-L V6

The EX-L V6 is the first Honda Accord to add a stronger engine. At $30,995, it has everything the EX-L does, plus a better engine. Specifically, a 3.5-liter V6 engine that’s capable of 278 hp and 252 lb-ft of torque. Some of the other performance features are a variable cylinder management, a six-speed automatic transmission, and dual exhaust.

Touring

The Touring is the top-tier trim. It has a starting MSRP of $34,930, but it’s absolutely worth it. The Touring comes with everything the EX-L V6 has plus LED headlights with auto high-beam, and heated rear outboard seating. You also get the Honda satellite-linked navigation system, which allows for voice recognition, Song by Voice, and HD digital traffic.

Perhaps the biggest upgrade is Honda Sensing, which introduces several smart features to help keep you safe. You get lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation braking, and road departure mitigation. In addition, rain-sensing windshield wipers allow drivers to focus on the road rather than the weather.

(All facts and figures from Honda. Image via Facebook.)

Last Updated: April 05, 2017