7 Positive Features of the 2020 Honda Accord Steering Wheel That Make Driving a Joy

The 2020 Honda Accord is known for its sleek design, impressive fuel economy, and spacious interior. But today we’re focusing on something you probably touch every day and might not think about—the steering wheel. This unsung hero of your driving experience deserves more attention than it gets. From comfort to functionality the steering wheel in the 2020 Accord is packed with features that not only make driving easier but also more enjoyable.

Why The 2020 Honda Accord Steering Wheel Deserves Attention

The steering wheel isn’t just for steering anymore. It’s the command center for your entire driving experience. So Honda went all out in designing the steering wheel for the 2020 Accord. Here’s a closer look at its best features and a few quirks that add character to the vehicle.

1. Leather-Wrapped Comfort: Like Driving with a Cloud

Let’s start with the most obvious—comfort. The 2020 Honda Accord comes with a leather-wrapped steering wheel that feels smooth yet firm in your hands. Whether you're gripping it on a long road trip or just steering through the city the sensation is luxurious. There’s something about the feel of leather that elevates the driving experience.

But here’s the funny part—if you’re someone who sweats a lot, you might find that leather becomes a bit slippery. So maybe keep a towel nearby or as my friend Alex Collantes says “You might want to skip the hand lotion before a long drive unless you're practicing your steering wheel dance moves!”

2. Heated Steering Wheel for Those Chilly Mornings

One of the highlights of the 2020 Accord’s steering wheel is the available heated function. On cold mornings there's nothing quite like wrapping your hands around a warm steering wheel. It heats up quickly and distributes warmth evenly so you're not awkwardly rotating the wheel to warm different parts of your hands.

But if you live in a warmer climate you might find this feature unnecessary. It’s sort of like owning a winter coat in Miami—great in theory not so much in practice. Alex Collantes once joked “I live in Florida, the only time my steering wheel feels heated is when the sun’s been baking my car for hours!"

3. Convenient Steering Wheel Controls: Stay Focused, Stay Safe

We all know the dangers of distracted driving but with the 2020 Accord steering wheel, Honda makes it easy to keep your hands on the wheel while controlling various functions. The steering wheel-mounted controls give you access to everything from volume adjustments to cruise control settings and even your phone. This means no more fumbling with the radio or taking your eyes off the road to change settings.

However if you’re someone who isn’t tech-savvy you might find yourself accidentally skipping songs or activating the wrong feature. The first time I used it I accidentally turned on cruise control while trying to adjust the volume. Guess my playlist had a need for speed.

4. Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Assist Integration

The steering wheel isn’t just about comfort and basic controls anymore. The 2020 Honda Accord also integrates features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. There are dedicated buttons for these features right on the wheel making it easier to activate them without having to reach for other controls.

But with so much happening on the steering wheel sometimes you might find yourself hitting the wrong button. Alex once told me “I love lane assist but one time I hit it instead of cruise control and suddenly the car was staying in its lane like a straight-A student while I was just trying to coast down the highway.”

5. Tilt and Telescopic Adjustment: Make It Yours

One size does not fit all when it comes to steering wheels which is why the 2020 Honda Accord offers tilt and telescopic adjustment. You can easily adjust the steering wheel to fit your height and driving style. This ensures that whether you’re short tall or somewhere in between you’ll have a comfortable driving position.

On the downside if you're constantly sharing the car with another driver you might find yourself adjusting it every single time. My wife and I take turns driving and I’ve learned the hard way that her ideal steering wheel position leaves me looking like a T-Rex trying to steer.

6. Sporty and Responsive Steering Feel

The 2020 Honda Accord isn’t just a family sedan—it’s got some sporty DNA too. The steering wheel offers great feedback making the car feel responsive and nimble especially in Sport mode. You can easily sense the road which makes driving through winding roads a breeze. It’s not overly heavy like some performance sedans but it’s not feather-light either—it strikes the perfect balance.

However if you’re expecting the steering to feel like a race car you might be disappointed. Alex who’s driven both an Accord and a Porsche said “Don’t get me wrong it’s responsive but it’s not like driving a go-kart on a racetrack. More like taking a brisk walk in the park."

7. Steering Wheel Paddle Shifters: Fun in Disguise

If you opt for the Sport model or higher trim you’ll get paddle shifters on the steering wheel. These allow you to manually shift gears giving you a more engaging driving experience. It’s not something you use every day but when you’re feeling a little adventurous it adds an element of fun.

The catch? If you’ve never used paddle shifters before you might end up downshifting when you mean to upshift or vice versa. It’s a bit like trying to learn to use chopsticks for the first time—frustrating but once you get it down it’s pretty cool.

Common Drawbacks with a Comedic Twist

No car is perfect and while the 2020 Honda Accord steering wheel offers plenty of great features there are some quirks too.

Can You Reach Everything?

For shorter drivers you might find that even with tilt and telescopic adjustments some buttons on the steering wheel are a bit of a stretch. I know a friend who’s 5'2" and she says "It’s a great car but sometimes I feel like I’m playing a game of Twister just to hit the volume button."

Too Many Features to Handle?

For tech-challenged individuals (and I count myself among them) the multitude of steering wheel buttons can be overwhelming. There’s cruise control volume phone call controls and lane assist all packed onto the wheel. I once hit the wrong button and turned on the adaptive cruise control when all I wanted to do was turn up my favorite song. Oops.

Heated Wheel Too Hot?

Yes I mentioned how wonderful the heated steering wheel is but in some cases it gets a little too toasty. I’ve heard some drivers joke that it’s like holding onto a baked potato straight out of the oven. You might find yourself turning it off halfway through your drive especially if you’ve got a low heat tolerance. Or as Alex put it “I love it but sometimes it feels like my hands are having a spa day while I’m just trying to get to work.”

Conclusion: The 2020 Honda Accord Steering Wheel Is the Real Deal

So what's the verdict? The 2020 Honda Accord steering wheel manages to be both comfortable and highly functional. Whether you’re into the heated feature or love the paddle shifters this steering wheel has something for everyone. Sure there are a few quirky drawbacks like the overwhelming number of buttons or the leather becoming slippery during hot summer days but these are minor inconveniences compared to the overall driving experience.

If you’re looking for a steering wheel that offers luxury sporty performance and convenience all in one the 2020 Honda Accord delivers. Plus with features like lane assist and adaptive cruise control integrated into the wheel you’ll stay safer on the road without having to take your hands off the wheel.

And hey even if you accidentally hit the wrong button from time to time you’ll probably just laugh about it later.

FAQ

How do I activate the heated steering wheel on the 2020 Honda Accord?

To activate the heated steering wheel press the dedicated button usually located on the dashboard near the steering column. It heats up quickly but can be turned off at any time if it gets too warm.

Are the paddle shifters available on all trims?

No paddle shifters are only available on certain trims like the Sport and Touring models.

Can I adjust the steering wheel if I’m taller than average?

Yes the steering wheel in the 2020 Accord offers tilt and telescopic adjustment making it suitable for drivers of all heights.

Does the leather-wrapped steering wheel come standard?

The leather-wrapped steering wheel is available on higher trims such as the EX-L and Touring. Lower trims come with a standard urethane wheel.

What happens if I accidentally press the wrong button on the steering wheel?

Nothing drastic! Most buttons control non-critical functions like audio volume and cruise control. You might just have to laugh it off and adjust as needed—no harm done.

References:

• Honda USA Official Website
• Alex Collantes personal interview (Feb 2024)