2022 Honda Accord EX-L For Sale: Why This Mid-Size Sedan is a Great Pick
Looking for a 2022 Honda Accord EX-L for sale? Well buckle up! You've landed in the right place. This article is going to take you through everything you need to know about the EX-L trim of the Honda Accord—an option that many find to be the sweet spot in this well-known midsize sedan's lineup. From performance and design to comfort and tech, we’ll cover it all. Plus we’ll even get into what real drivers like Alex Collantes think about this car and sprinkle in some honest drawbacks. Let's dive in!
Overview of the 2022 Honda Accord EX-L
The Honda Accord has long been a standout in the midsize sedan segment. Reliable comfortable and packed with value it's no surprise that the Accord continues to make its way to the top of car shoppers' lists year after year. The EX-L trim in particular brings a balanced blend of luxury features without getting into the higher price tags of top-tier models.
The 2022 Honda Accord EX-L stands out for its:
- Efficient yet spirited engine performance
- Roomy cabin with high-quality materials
- Advanced tech features
- Affordable pricing compared to higher trims
But like any car it has its pros and cons. Let’s explore what makes this model special and what potential buyers might want to be aware of before making a purchase.
Why Buy a 2022 Honda Accord EX-L?
Performance and Fuel Efficiency
When it comes to performance the 2022 Honda Accord EX-L finds a nice middle ground. Under the hood you'll find a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that pumps out 192 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque. While this is not sports car-level power it's more than enough for most daily driving situations. And let's be honest—if you're shopping for a sedan like this speed isn't your main focus.
Pros:
- Fuel Efficiency: This engine offers excellent fuel economy at an estimated 30 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway making it a practical choice for commuters or long-distance drivers.
- Smooth Ride Quality: The CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) provides smooth gear shifts and maintains a calm driving experience which is particularly pleasant on long drives.
Cons:
- Not for Performance Enthusiasts: If you’re looking for a sportier feel you might be disappointed with the lack of punch from this 1.5L engine especially when compared to the available 2.0L turbo option on higher trims like the Sport or Touring.
- Some Engine Noise: The turbocharged engine can sometimes be a bit noisy under hard acceleration—a potential drawback if you're looking for a super quiet ride.
Interior Comfort and Space
Step inside the 2022 Honda Accord EX-L and you'll immediately notice the attention to comfort and space. This trim comes with leather-trimmed seats heated front seats and a power-adjustable driver's seat which all add to a more premium feel without breaking the bank. Rear passengers will appreciate the legroom too as the Accord's backseat is spacious enough for adults to sit comfortably.
Key Interior Features:
- 10-way Power Driver's Seat with Lumbar Support
- Heated Front Seats for those chilly mornings
- Leather-Trimmed Upholstery adds a luxurious touch to the cabin
- 8-Inch Touchscreen Display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone integration
- 450-Watt Premium Audio System with 10 speakers (including a subwoofer) that brings your favorite tunes to life
Pros:
- High-Quality Materials: You’ll find soft-touch plastics and leather throughout the cabin giving the EX-L a more upscale vibe.
- Spacious Cabin: One of the roomiest in its class the Accord can easily accommodate families or friends for long road trips without feeling cramped.
Cons:
- Lack of Ventilated Seats: Although heated front seats come standard the absence of ventilated seats might be a downside for those who live in warmer climates.
- No Power-Adjustable Passenger Seat: The driver's seat gets a 10-way power adjustment but the passenger side doesn’t quite get the same treatment which may be a slight disappointment for some.
Tech and Infotainment
Tech enthusiasts will feel at home in the 2022 Honda Accord EX-L. It comes with an 8-inch touchscreen display that's user-friendly and responsive. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration are standard making it easy to connect your smartphone for navigation or media playback. For those who like their music the EX-L offers a 450-watt premium audio system with 10 speakers which provides clear sound throughout the cabin.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Honda is known for safety and the Accord is no exception. It comes with Honda Sensing®, a suite of driver assistance features designed to keep you safe on the road. Some of the standout features include:
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
- Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)
- Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
- Traffic Sign Recognition
Pros:
- Easy-to-Use Infotainment System: The touchscreen is intuitive and the controls are easy to access and use.
- Standard Safety Features: Honda Sensing® comes standard offering peace of mind with advanced safety technology.
Cons:
- No Navigation Option in EX-L: If you prefer built-in navigation you might need to step up to the higher Touring trim. Although smartphone connectivity makes up for this for many some may prefer the convenience of a native system.
- Glossy Screen Attracts Fingerprints: A minor issue but one that may require regular cleaning if you want to keep your screen looking pristine.
Driving Experience
While the 2022 Honda Accord EX-L isn’t designed to be a sporty sedan it still provides a balanced and enjoyable driving experience. The steering is precise and the suspension absorbs most road imperfections quite well. You'll get a smooth and controlled ride even on longer drives.
Ride Quality:
- Smooth and Comfortable: With a focus on comfort the Accord glides over bumps and rough patches with ease.
- Quiet Cabin: Road and wind noise are well-muted making for a relaxing drive.
Cons:
- Steering Feel: Some may find the steering to be on the lighter side lacking the feedback that driving enthusiasts may crave.
- Not as Engaging as Competitors: If you're looking for something that leans more toward sportiness you might find alternatives like the Mazda6 to have a more engaging drive.
Exterior Design and Styling
The Accord has always been known for its timeless styling and the 2022 Honda Accord EX-L continues this trend with a refined yet modern look. Up front you'll notice a sleek grille design LED headlights and a sculpted hood that gives the Accord a sporty yet sophisticated stance.
Color Options
The 2022 Accord EX-L comes in several attractive color options such as:
- Platinum White Pearl
- Lunar Silver Metallic
- Sonic Gray Pearl
- Crystal Black Pearl
Each color enhances the Accord's stylish and streamlined design adding to its road presence.
What Makes the EX-L Trim Special?
Compared to the lower Sport and Sport SE trims the EX-L adds several premium features. From leather upholstery to advanced driver assistance features this trim is an attractive option for those who want more comfort and convenience without paying the higher price for the Touring trim. The EX-L trim is priced to be more affordable than some luxury competitors while still offering many of the same premium features.
What People Are Saying
Alex Collantes’ Take on the 2022 Accord EX-L
"I've had the chance to test-drive the 2022 Accord EX-L and I gotta say it's impressive for its price point. The car has a refined ride a lot of tech and an interior that feels much more premium than you’d expect in this segment. Sure it's not the most powerful car out there but for the everyday driver who wants comfort reliability and efficiency this is a solid choice."
Potential Drawbacks
While the 2022 Honda Accord EX-L is a great choice overall here are some areas where it might fall short:
- Engine Performance Could Be Stronger: The 1.5L turbo is efficient but doesn't have the punch that some might desire. If you're a fan of acceleration consider looking at the 2.0L turbo engine in the higher trims.
- No All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Option: Some competitors like the Toyota Camry offer AWD but Honda sticks to front-wheel drive (FWD) which might be a downside for those in colder climates needing extra traction.
- Lack of Rear Seat Amenities: While the rear seat is spacious it doesn’t come with additional comforts like heated seats or USB ports which some of its rivals offer.
Competitors: How the Accord EX-L Stacks Up
Toyota Camry XLE
The Toyota Camry XLE is a main competitor with its available AWD option and V6 engine. However it typically costs more than the Accord EX-L and may not offer as spacious of a back seat.
Nissan Altima SR
The Nissan Altima comes with an optional AWD and a choice of engines. It has a sleek design and a comfortable ride but the interior quality and infotainment system aren't quite as refined as the Accord's.
Mazda6 Touring
For those looking for a more engaging driving experience the Mazda6 might be a better fit. Its handling is sporty and fun but it doesn't match the Accord's overall comfort and space for long drives.
Conclusion: Is the 2022 Honda Accord EX-L for You?
The 2022 Honda Accord EX-L is a well-rounded option for anyone looking for a comfortable reliable and efficient midsize sedan. It might not be the fastest or the sportiest but it offers a compelling blend of features and value. With its spacious interior smooth ride quality and suite of tech features it’s easy to see why the Accord continues to be a popular choice in its class.
If you're ready to take the next step and find a 2022 Honda Accord EX-L for sale check out your local dealerships or online car marketplaces. You may just find the perfect balance of comfort style and affordability all wrapped up in one of Honda’s best-selling sedans.
FAQs about the 2022 Honda Accord EX-L
What’s the fuel efficiency of the 2022 Accord EX-L?
The 2022 Honda Accord EX-L offers great fuel economy with an EPA estimate of 30 mpg city / 38 mpg highway.
Does the EX-L come with navigation?
No the EX-L trim does not come with a built-in navigation system but it has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to use your smartphone’s navigation apps.
Is the EX-L worth the price?
For many buyers the EX-L trim is the perfect balance between value and features offering a more luxurious feel without paying a high price.
Remember to test drive a 2022 Honda Accord EX-L to see if it's the right fit for your needs and lifestyle!