2022 Honda Accord Models: A Great Mix of Comfort and Performance
If you're in the market for a new sedan, the 2022 Honda Accord models offer a range of choices designed to satisfy a variety of tastes. Known for their reliability and comfort, the Honda Accord lineup brings a blend of style, performance, and technology. But what really sets them apart in a sea of sedans? Let’s dive into what makes the 2022 Accord models stand out, their features, performance, pros, cons, and more. By the end, you’ll get an in-depth understanding of what each model has to offer.
Why the 2022 Honda Accord is Worth Considering
For years, the Honda Accord has been a favorite choice among sedans. Honda continues its tradition of excellence with the 2022 model lineup. The Accord isn't just an everyday commuter – it's got plenty of style, smart tech, and performance to offer. And it’s more than just what’s on paper; driving an Accord feels smooth and confident, making it one of the best sedans out there. But let’s dig into the details of the various 2022 Honda Accord models.
Overview of the 2022 Honda Accord Models
The 2022 Honda Accord comes in five main trims:
- LX
- Sport
- Sport Special Edition (SE)
- EX-L
- Touring 2.0T
Each trim has its own set of features, engine options, and unique touches. To break it down further, we'll explore each one of them separately.
LX Trim: The Budget-Friendly Choice
The LX trim is the base model of the 2022 Honda Accord lineup. Don’t let the "base" label fool you though; the LX is well-equipped and offers great value.
Key Features
- 1.5L Turbocharged Inline-4 Engine (192 hp, 192 lb-ft torque)
- Honda Sensing Suite (safety features like Collision Mitigation Braking, Lane Keeping Assist)
- Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
- Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Integration
- 16-inch Alloy Wheels
Performance
The LX is powered by a 1.5L turbocharged inline-4 engine paired with a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), providing good fuel efficiency. It offers a smooth ride, and while it's not a powerhouse, the acceleration is more than adequate for daily driving.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Great fuel economy (up to 30 mpg city/38 mpg highway)
- Advanced safety tech included as standard
Cons:
- The base 1.5L engine may feel underpowered for some drivers looking for more acceleration
- The interior materials, while decent, lack the premium feel of higher trims
“Even the base model feels like a steal considering all the safety and tech features it comes with,” says Alex Collantes, a car enthusiast and blogger.
Sport Trim: A Touch of Fun
The Sport trim adds more style and performance to the Accord lineup. This model is perfect if you want a sportier vibe without breaking the bank.
Key Features
- 19-inch Alloy Wheels
- Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
- 8-inch Touchscreen Display
- Paddle Shifters for Manual Gear Control
- Available in 8 different exterior colors
Performance
The Sport trim comes with the same 1.5L turbocharged engine, but its paddle shifters and sport mode make it feel more dynamic on the road. It gives a bit more edge to the otherwise composed nature of the Accord.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Sporty design details set it apart visually
- Enhanced driving dynamics with paddle shifters
- Still relatively affordable and efficient (29 mpg city/35 mpg highway)
Cons:
- The powertrain remains the same as the LX, so performance improvement is minor
- The stiffer suspension can make for a rougher ride on poor road conditions
“It's not quite a sports car but it has enough flair to make your daily drive just a little more exciting,” adds Alex Collantes.
Sport Special Edition (SE): More Luxury for Less
The Sport Special Edition (SE) is essentially the Sport trim but with more upscale features.
Key Features
- Leather Upholstery
- Heated Front Seats
- Remote Engine Start
- Smart Entry with Walk-Away Auto Lock
- Active Noise Cancellation
Performance
The Sport SE keeps the same 1.5L turbocharged engine but adds extra comfort features that enhance your overall driving experience. The cabin feels quieter, and the leather seats make the interior feel much more premium.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- A great value for the added luxury features
- Comfortable and refined cabin
- Standard Remote Engine Start and heated seats
Cons:
- No engine upgrade; the power remains the same as the LX and Sport
- Could benefit from additional tech options like a larger infotainment screen
“I love that it has the luxury touches without pushing the price too high – you get a lot more bang for your buck in the SE,” shares Alex.
EX-L Trim: Luxury and Comfort Combined
For those seeking a balance between comfort and affordability, the EX-L is an excellent option. This model adds more comfort and technology to the mix.
Key Features
- 1.5L Turbo Engine or available 2.0L Turbo Engine
- Leather-Trimmed Interior
- Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
- Power-Adjustable Front Seats
- 450-Watt Premium Audio System with 10 Speakers
Performance
The EX-L can be paired with either the 1.5L or the more powerful 2.0L turbocharged engine (252 hp). With the 2.0L engine, the Accord feels quick off the line, and its driving dynamics improve significantly.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Upgraded interior with leather and tech
- Available 2.0L turbo engine for more power
- Wireless charging and connectivity for added convenience
Cons:
- The jump in price may not appeal to budget-conscious buyers
- While more refined, it still lacks some features found in premium luxury sedans
“Choosing between the 1.5L and 2.0L can be a bit tricky – it really comes down to how much you prioritize performance over fuel economy,” notes Alex.
Touring 2.0T: The Flagship of the Fleet
The Touring 2.0T sits at the top of the 2022 Accord lineup. This trim offers a host of premium features and the best performance.
Key Features
- 2.0L Turbocharged Engine (252 hp, 273 lb-ft torque)
- Adaptive Damper System for a smoother ride
- Navigation System
- Ventilated Front Seats and Heated Rear Seats
- Heads-Up Display
Performance
The Touring 2.0T is all about performance and luxury. The 2.0L turbocharged engine provides the most power of any Accord model. The Adaptive Damper System makes sure the ride remains smooth whether you're cruising on the highway or navigating city streets. It’s the model for those who want the best of everything the Accord has to offer.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Most powerful engine in the lineup
- Top-notch features for comfort and convenience
- Excellent blend of performance and refinement
Cons:
- Highest price point of all the trims, which may deter some buyers
- Lower fuel economy due to the powerful 2.0L engine (22 mpg city/32 mpg highway)
“If you want the whole package, the Touring 2.0T delivers, but you gotta be ready to pay for it,” says Alex.
Performance Across All Models
Engine Options
- 1.5L Turbocharged Engine: Standard on most models; provides 192 hp.
- 2.0L Turbocharged Engine: Optional on higher trims (EX-L and Touring 2.0T); provides 252 hp.
Transmission
- CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission): Standard with the 1.5L engine.
- 10-speed Automatic: Paired with the 2.0L engine for a more responsive drive.
Fuel Economy
- The 1.5L engine is more fuel-efficient, with up to 30 mpg city/38 mpg highway.
- The 2.0L engine offers more power but trades off with a lower 22 mpg city/32 mpg highway.
Interior and Technology Features
Infotainment and Connectivity
- 8-inch Touchscreen Display: Available in all trims.
- Apple CarPlay & Android Auto: Standard in all trims, with wireless versions in higher trims.
- Premium Audio System: Available in EX-L and Touring 2.0T for a richer sound experience.
Comfort and Convenience
- Leather Upholstery: Standard in Sport SE, EX-L, and Touring 2.0T.
- Heated and Ventilated Seats: Available in higher trims, making it more comfortable for different weather conditions.
Safety
- The Honda Sensing Suite is standard across all trims, which includes:
- Collision Mitigation Braking System
- Lane Keeping Assist System
- Road Departure Mitigation System
- Adaptive Cruise Control
Potential Drawbacks
While the 2022 Honda Accord models are widely loved, they aren't without their shortcomings:
- Engine Performance: The 1.5L turbocharged engine may feel lackluster for those who want a punchy performance.
- Lack of All-Wheel Drive (AWD): All models come with front-wheel drive only, which might be a drawback for those who drive in rough weather conditions.
- Infotainment System: Although intuitive, the touchscreen can be somewhat laggy, and some drivers may find the lack of a rotary knob cumbersome.
Final Thoughts
The 2022 Honda Accord models offer a mix of comfort, technology, and reliability that few sedans can match. With its range of trims, from the budget-friendly LX to the feature-packed Touring 2.0T, there’s likely a model to fit nearly every sedan buyer's needs.
According to Alex Collantes: “At the end of the day, the Accord is just a solid, well-rounded sedan. Sure it has its flaws like any other car but for the price and what you get, it's a tough one to beat.”
References (to be checked for authenticity):
- Honda's Official Website: https://www.honda.com
- Car and Driver’s 2022 Honda Accord Review
- Alex Collantes' Automotive Blog