5 Reasons Why the 2016 Honda Accord Sedan EX-L is the Perfect Mix of Luxury and Reliability (With Some Funny Flaws)
The 2016 Honda Accord Sedan EX-L is one of those cars that just seems to get everything right—or at least almost everything. As Honda's flagship sedan it's known for being reliable luxurious and comfortable. It's a solid choice for anyone looking for a midsize sedan that strikes a great balance between practicality and style. But like any car it’s not perfect. There are a few quirks and drawbacks that give this sedan a little more "character."
So let's dive into why the 2016 Honda Accord EX-L is such a standout in its class and why you might still find yourself chuckling at a few of its eccentricities.
2016 Honda Accord Sedan EX-L: Power Meets Comfort
When you’re looking at the 2016 Honda Accord EX-L you're looking at a sedan that combines a smooth driving experience with premium features. While the exterior design isn't what you'd call bold it’s timeless in a way that won’t embarrass you when you're picking up the kids from school. Under the hood the EX-L packs enough punch to make your commute enjoyable without guzzling gas like it’s going out of style.
Engine Specs at a Glance
The 2016 Honda Accord EX-L comes with two engine options but for this review we're going to focus on the most popular choice: the 2.4L inline-4. It's efficient powerful enough for most drivers and keeps the Accord’s reputation for reliability intact.
- Engine: 2.4L 4-cylinder i-VTEC
- Horsepower: 185 hp @ 6400 rpm
- Torque: 181 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm
- Transmission: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
- Fuel Economy: 27 mpg city / 37 mpg highway
This engine is mated to a CVT which some drivers love and others... well let’s just say they take a little time getting used to. But the fuel economy is stellar. You won’t be visiting the gas station as often and that’s something everyone can appreciate especially with gas prices being what they are.
Driving the 2016 Honda Accord: Smooth and Stable
The 2016 Accord EX-L drives like a dream—at least if your dream involves a quiet smooth and stress-free commute. The 2.4L engine isn’t going to win any drag races but it provides plenty of power for day-to-day driving. Plus the CVT helps keep the engine at optimal rpm for efficiency so you won’t be wasting any extra fuel when cruising on the highway.
But let’s talk about handling. It’s not sporty by any stretch of the imagination but it feels solid and composed even on windy roads. There’s a reason this car has been a favorite among both commuters and families alike.
Pros of the 2016 Honda Accord Sedan EX-L
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Fuel Efficiency: With up to 37 mpg on the highway the Accord EX-L is a great choice for anyone who does a lot of highway driving.
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Comfort: The leather-trimmed seats are incredibly comfortable even on long road trips. Alex Collantes a fan of Honda’s sedans says: "It feels like you're driving in a recliner with a steering wheel." Okay maybe that’s an exaggeration but the seats are pretty darn comfy.
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Reliability: It’s a Honda. Need we say more? This car will likely outlast your enthusiasm for it which is both a blessing and a curse.
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Interior Quality: Soft-touch materials upscale finishes and a generally clean design make the Accord’s cabin feel more expensive than its price suggests.
Potential Drawbacks: Because Even the Accord Has a Few Flaws
So what are the quirks of the 2016 Honda Accord EX-L? Let’s just say they’re the kind of things that will make you laugh—and maybe cringe—a little.
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CVT Transmission: Some drivers love the CVT because it keeps things smooth and efficient but others find it… well kind of weird. The lack of traditional gear shifts can make acceleration feel like you’re driving a motorboat. If you're used to the feeling of a regular automatic transmission it might take a while to adjust. If not you'll feel like you're always just about to reach cruising speed.
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Infotainment System: Oh boy where do we start? The dual-screen setup in the Accord EX-L looks cool but using it can be a bit frustrating. You get one screen for navigation and another for things like audio and climate control. Sounds great on paper but in practice it’s a bit like having two TVs in your living room that only play different channels. You’ll definitely want to keep the owner's manual handy for the first few months.
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Noisy Cabin: Despite the generally upscale feel of the interior there’s more road noise than you'd expect at higher speeds. It’s not unbearable but if you're planning a quiet serene drive on the freeway you might want to bring some noise-canceling headphones. Or you know crank up the stereo and pretend it's all part of the experience.
Safety Features: Because You Can Never Be Too Safe
One of the best things about the 2016 Honda Accord EX-L is that it’s packed with safety features. Even though it’s a few years old now it still holds up when it comes to keeping you and your passengers safe on the road.
Standard Safety Features
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Honda Sensing: A suite of driver-assist technologies that includes lane-keeping assist adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning. It’s like having a co-pilot who’s always watching the road—even when you aren’t.
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Multi-Angle Rearview Camera: Let’s face it parking isn’t everyone’s strong suit. This camera gives you a few different angles so you can back into spaces without playing bumper cars.
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LaneWatch: This feature uses a camera mounted on the passenger-side mirror to show you what’s in your blind spot. It’s like having an extra set of eyes—but just for the right side.
Drawback: Tech Overload?
Now while the safety features are a definite plus there’s a bit of a learning curve here. With all the beeping and flashing lights going off it can sometimes feel like you're driving inside a video game. Alex Collantes joked: "Sometimes it feels like the car’s telling me what to do more than I am!"
Interior Comfort: A Little Slice of Luxury
Stepping into the 2016 Accord EX-L feels a bit like entering a luxury car. Honda really stepped up their game with the EX-L trim offering features you’d expect to find in more expensive vehicles. From the leather-wrapped steering wheel to the power-adjustable heated front seats this is a cabin that invites you to sit back and relax.
Space: Bring the Family Along (or a Lot of Groceries)
One of the highlights of the Accord is its spacious interior. There’s plenty of room for both front and rear passengers. Even if you’re well over six feet tall you won’t be complaining about legroom in the back. Plus the trunk is large enough to fit all your weekend getaway luggage—or a month’s worth of groceries if you’re more of the homebody type.
Infotainment Woes Continued
We already touched on the quirky dual-screen system but there’s one more thing worth mentioning. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto weren’t standard on the 2016 model meaning if you’re used to plugging in your phone and seamlessly streaming your tunes or getting directions you might be in for a bit of disappointment. However if you're okay with Bluetooth and the built-in navigation system you'll survive—just maybe with a few extra sighs.
Performance: The Accord EX-L is No Slouch
While the 2.4L engine in the 2016 Honda Accord EX-L isn't exactly a powerhouse it’s plenty for most drivers. With 185 horsepower you’ll have no trouble merging onto the freeway or passing slower traffic. And thanks to the CVT you’ll get excellent fuel efficiency without sacrificing much in the way of acceleration.
Handling: Predictable (in a Good Way)
The Accord isn’t going to carve up mountain roads like a sports car but that’s not really the point here. What it does offer is predictable handling that’s easy to get comfortable with. Whether you're navigating city streets or cruising down the highway the Accord stays planted and composed. The electric power steering is light making the car easy to maneuver but it’s also responsive enough to inspire confidence in most driving conditions.
Sport Mode? Sort of
There is a Sport mode that tweaks the throttle response and transmission behavior for a more spirited driving experience. But let’s be real: sport mode in an Accord is like putting a bowtie on a Labrador. It’s still not going to win any beauty contests but hey at least you’re trying.
Competitors: How Does the 2016 Accord EX-L Stack Up?
The midsize sedan segment is crowded and the 2016 Honda Accord EX-L faces stiff competition from the likes of the Toyota Camry Nissan Altima and Ford Fusion. So how does it compare?
Fuel Economy Comparison
- 2016 Honda Accord EX-L: 27 mpg city / 37 mpg highway
- 2016 Toyota Camry: 25 mpg city / 35 mpg highway
- 2016 Nissan Altima: 27 mpg city / 39 mpg highway
As you can see the Accord holds its own here with fuel economy that’s competitive but not class-leading. If you’re prioritizing MPG the Nissan Altima might edge out the Accord but not by much.
Price Comparison
- 2016 Honda Accord EX-L: Starting around $30 000 (new)
- 2016 Toyota Camry XLE: Starting around $31 000
- 2016 Nissan Altima SL: Starting around $32 000
Once again the Accord finds itself in the middle of the pack offering a good balance of features and price. Alex Collantes says: "The Accord is like a dependable pair of jeans. It might not be the flashiest but it gets the job done and always fits."
Why You Should (or Shouldn't) Buy the 2016 Honda Accord Sedan EX-L
So who is the 2016 Honda Accord EX-L for? It’s for the driver who wants something reliable comfortable and packed with features—without having to pay luxury car prices. It’s also for the driver who doesn't mind a few quirks like the CVT or the slightly finicky infotainment system.
If you’re someone who values performance over comfort you might want to look elsewhere. But if you're all about a smooth ride excellent fuel efficiency and a car that’ll last you for years to come the 2016 Accord EX-L is hard to beat.
To Sum it Up
Here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons of the 2016 Honda Accord Sedan EX-L:
Pros:
- Excellent fuel efficiency for a midsize sedan
- Comfortable and spacious interior with upscale materials
- Packed with safety features like Honda Sensing and LaneWatch
- Legendary Honda reliability
Cons:
- CVT can feel odd to drivers used to traditional transmissions
- Infotainment system is not the most user-friendly
- Road noise is more noticeable than you’d expect in a car with this level of refinement
At the end of the day the 2016 Honda Accord Sedan EX-L is a car that checks almost all the boxes. It's not perfect but it's close enough for most drivers especially if you're looking for a car that you can count on for the long haul.