Every driver has slightly different expectations when they set out to source a new car, truck, or SUV. Given the importance of personal taste, it can be tough to objectively pin down "excellence" in any automotive category, but things get a whole lot easier when you're discussing the midsize sedan segment.
The Honda Accord has won Car and Driver's 10Best award 39 times throughout its long history, and it's currently riding a 27-year streak that dates back to the late 1990s.[a] While that's a pretty reliable indication of the Accord's value, buyers tend to focus on specific features and specs—not shiny trophies—when they go to make an automotive investment.
Luckily, the 2026 Honda Accord has us covered with no less than four impressive records that elevate the sedan well above your typical midsize model. From its large infotainment display and spacious interior to its safety-focused design and ultra-efficient powertrain lineup, let's explore a few of the features that have put the Accord atop the midsize mountain.
A Large Infotainment Display
The Accord was already one of the most tech-forward models in the midsize segment, but the 2026 version makes some crucial improvements that really cement the sedan's cutting-edge status. While the standard wireless charging pad and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity get the model off to a strong start, it's tough to ignore the Accord's new and improved infotainment display.
The entry-level 2025 model had a seven-inch screen, but Honda ups the dimensions to nine inches for the new year. That extra 30% makes all the difference when it comes to safely and effectively navigating the screen, and it gives the Accord a significant edge over many rivals. The Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima both employ an eight-inch screen in their base models, which is a little cramped by modern standards.
Upgrade to one of the Accord's higher trims, and you'll see the nine-inch display replaced with a massive 12.3-inch screen. That's about as big as they come in the midsize segment, but Honda is just getting started. Every trim, from the base LX to the range-topping Touring Hybrid, is equipped with a 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster that brings some handy customization potential to the dashboard.
Vast Cargo & Passenger Space
Interior space is one of the biggest selling points in the midsize class, and the 2026 Accord doesn't disappoint with its super roomy cabin. We'll start with cargo space, where the Accord easily outclasses its competitors with 16.7 cu.ft. of cargo capacity. That's a full 1.1-cu.ft. improvement over the next largest models in the Kia K5 and Hyundai Sonata, which both measure in at 15.6 cu.ft.
The Accord looks like an even better option when compared to relatively undersized options like the Toyota Crown (15.2 cu.ft.) and the Toyota Camry (15.1 cu.ft.). It might not sound like a huge gap, but that extra 1.6 cu.ft. could make all the difference when you're trying to find space for a particularly large grocery haul or pack the car for an extended road trip.
Speaking of longer journeys, you'll always be riding in comfort with the Accord, delivering more passenger volume than any other midsize model. Boasting 105.7 cu.ft. of passenger space, the Accord allows all five passengers to enjoy a comfortable ride. The backseat can easily accommodate adult passengers with its deep 40.8 inches of rear legroom, which is no small accomplishment in a midsize car.
The rest of the segment trails well behind the Honda, with the Kia K5 coming closest at 105.3 cu.ft. of passenger space. The Hyundai Sonata logs a respectable third-place finish at 104.4 cu.ft., while the Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, and Toyota Crown all fail to break 101 cu.ft.
Great Non-Hybrid Fuel Economy
When you go to buy a vehicle, it's important to look beyond the sticker price. What might seem like a good deal on the day of sale could quickly balloon into a financial burden if you fail to factor in lifetime ownership costs, which is why a little research goes such a long way. Honda's reputation for reliability is beyond reproach, with the brand consistently ranking among the market's most dependable automakers.
Case in point, Honda logged a stellar 179 PP100 (Problems Per 100 Vehicles) score in JD Power's 2025 Initial Quality Study to place fourth among mass-market automakers.[b] That's sure to result in fewer repair bills, but what about general operating costs?
The Accord's budget-friendly appeal extends to the gas tank, where buyers will enjoy an efficient base engine and a compelling hybrid option that lends the sedan some eco-friendly appeal. The entry-level 1.5L I-4 engine leverages a turbocharger and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) to achieve an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 32 MPG combined.[c] The Hyundai Sonata and Nissan Altima offer similar stats, while the Kia K5 maxes out at 30 MPG combined.
Upgrade to the Accord Hybrid, and you'll make a lot fewer pit stops with a 2.0L I-4 engine and a dual-motor setup, resulting in an EPA-estimated 48 MPG combined.[d] That's pretty average for the midsize segment, although the hybrid version of the Toyota Crown brings up the rear with its electrically-assisted engine achieving as little as 30 MPG combined.
Remarkably High Safety Ratings
Honda is on a mission to build a safer road for every driver, pedestrian, and cyclist. Launched in 2003, the company's "Safety for Everyone" initiative focuses on introducing standardized safety features and design elements across the entire Honda lineup.
The brand doubled down on the campaign in 2021 with a new goal of halving worldwide traffic fatalities involving Honda vehicles by 2030 and reaching zero by 2050. It's certainly ambitious, but the automaker is already off to a strong start with the 2026 Accord.
The sedan offers one of the most comprehensive standard suites of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) in the midsize segment. From forward collision warning with automatic braking and adaptive cruise control to lane departure warning, lane keeping assistance, and a lane centering system, even the entry-level LX trim packs a punch when it comes to standard ADAS.
Upper trims add a blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic warning, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated side mirrors with LED turn signal indicators, and parking sensors that make it easy to squeeze the Accord into a tight spot. The top-tier Touring Hybrid trim offers some legitimate luxury tech with rain-sensing wipers and an innovative head-up display joining the party.
This robust safety suite, along with Honda's proprietary Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure, has seen the Accord become a perennial recipient of two of the industry's top safety-related awards: It has earned multiple Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick+ awards, and it consistently finishes with a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).[e][f]
While a five-star NHTSA rating isn't out of the ordinary in the midsize segment, the 2026 Accord's Top Safety Pick+ status gives it a clear edge over the Altima and K5, both of which failed to make the list.[e][f]
Experience Excellence at Route 22 Honda
The Accord presents a pretty strong case for the midsize sedan segment, offering a compelling combination of efficiency, interior space, safety features, and infotainment tech that few models can match. Perfect for those seeking a more traditional driving experience, the four-door model provides the sort of dynamic yet comfortable ride that's often hard to come by in the SUV and pickup segments.
The Accord's low starting price further enhances its appeal, making it an exceptional value when you account for all of its distinctions. The Toyota Camry might outpace the Accord in terms of annual sales, but when you really drill down into the data, it's difficult to justify buying a Camry in a world where the Accord exists.
If you're ready to experience this award-winning midsize sedan for yourself, make your way to Route 22 Honda. We carry a wide selection of new and used models, including the latest 2026 Accord.