2026 Honda Accord
Independent review & score by Carivo
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 1.5L 4-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (variable gear ratios) |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Regular |
| City / Hwy MPG | 29 / 37 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 32 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $1,900 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 276 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $30,498–$35,260 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2026 Honda Accord at 8.5/10 overall, which translates to a Exceptional rating for this sedan. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 9.2/10, while Performance at 7.5/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. This is among the top-rated sedans in Carivo's database — a genuine recommendation for buyers in this segment.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. At 9.2/10, reliability is one of this sedan's best cards — few vehicles in our database score higher on this dimension. The 8.9/10 safety score puts it near the top of the class on this dimension; the official trim-level results at nhtsa.gov are worth a final check.
Performance scores 7.5/10 — competent for everyday use. Acceleration and handling are adequate for commuting and highway driving, though enthusiasts will want to look at higher-rated alternatives. Tech rates a reasonable 7.7/10: the essentials are covered and well executed, but rivals at the same price often include more as standard.
Priced from $30,498–$35,260, 32 MPG, seating 5, the Honda Accord sits in the mid-market bracket of the sedan segment. Value is where it presses its advantage — 8.6/10, meaning the feature set and quality outrun the asking price. As the current model year, it benefits from the latest updates and full manufacturer warranty coverage.
Our take: The 2026 Honda Accord is one of the more compelling options in the sedan segment right now. It excels in reliability, safety, value — the kind of car you can buy with confidence and own without regret. If it fits your budget and use case, it earns a clear recommendation.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2026 Honda Accord ranks #2 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 100% of the segment. Its 8.5/10 overall score is 1.0 points above the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $30,498 starting price is about 10% above the segment's median of $27,664.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking → · Best Sedans under $35k →
| Fuel (75,000 miles) | ~$8,205 ($1,641/year at $3.50/gal) |
|---|---|
| Insurance | Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying |
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Across the Accord model years we've scored, the 2026 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 (this review) | 8.5/10 | $30,498 | |
| 2025 | 8.5/10 | $30,498 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 8.4/10 | $29,610 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 8.4/10 | $28,721 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 8.3/10 | $27,833 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 8.3/10 | $26,945 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 8.3/10 | $26,056 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 8.1/10 | $25,168 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 8.2/10 | $24,280 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 8.2/10 | $23,391 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 8.0/10 | $22,503 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 8.0/10 | $21,615 | Read review → |
We rate the 2026 Honda Accord's reliability 9.2/10 — one of the stronger records in its class.
It scores 8.5/10 overall, ranking #2 of 1310 sedans in our database (better than 100% of the segment). That puts it among our strongest recommendations in the class.
The 2026 Honda Accord starts at $30,498 and ranges up to $35,260 across trims (MSRP when new). At 32 MPG, expect roughly $1,641/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest Accord years we've rated are 2016 (8.0/10), 2015 (8.0/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (8.5/10). See the full year table above before deciding.
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Explore the full lineup of Honda models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.