A Closer Look at the 2018 Honda Accord Trim Levels

The Well-Equipped Base Model

The amount of equipment even on the base-level LX model is impressive. The lowest-cost Accord now offers a turbocharged engine that is not only more powerful than last year’s model, but is also more fuel efficient. Modern-looking LED low-beam headlamps, daytime running lights, tail lights, and turn signals are also standard along with aluminum wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a backup camera. The LX is best for buyers looking for many of the Accord’s core features at the lowest cost.

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The Honda Sensing suite of safety features is now standard on all Accord models for 2018. Honda Sensing includes several features, but the two that I find most useful are the Collision Mitigation Braking System and Adaptive Cruise Control. Thank you, Honda, for making this potentially life-saving technology standard in every Accord.

A Sportier Accord

Next up from the LX is the Sport which adds larger wheels, a power driver’s seat, an upgraded touch-screen audio system with support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and some sporty touches such as a rear spoiler, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and aluminum pedals. The Sport is the least expensive way to get into an Accord with a manual transmission.

More Features

Buyers looking for a higher level of equipment and who lean more towards luxury than sport might choose the EX which adds a power moonroof, blind spot and cross traffic monitoring, heated front seats, heated mirrors, HD and satellite radio, and remote engine start. I believe most buyers will find the EX trim to represent the most bang for the buck.

A leather interior, power passenger seat, auto dimming rearview mirror, and HomeLink are among the additions for the EX-L over the EX. The EX-L is also available with a navigation system.

The most well-equipped Accord is the Touring which adds a host of high-tech features including a heads-up display, adjustable suspension, LED low and high-beam headlights, telematics, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, parking sensors, reverse-tilt mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, and wireless phone charging.

The 2.0T Sport

One of the more interesting Accord models for 2018 is the Sport with the 2.0L turbo engine. It has all of the features of the EX 1.5L turbo model plus a version of the engine from the Civic Type R that not only produces more torque over a wider RPM range, but also offers better fuel economy than the V6 engine it replaces from last year’s Accord. The 2.0L turbo Sport also offers the choice of a six-speed manual transmission for those of us who enjoy shifting or Honda’s new 10-speed automatic that has been praised for its quick and decisive shifts. Priced near the middle of the range, the Sport with the 2.0L turbo engine should appeal to buyers who want power to match the sportier appearance.

The 2.0L turbo engine is also available in the EX-L and Touring trims.

If I were buying a 2018 Accord today, I would probably pass on the base LX model and go for at least the EX as the best all-around Accord for the money. For a sportier look and the performance to back it up, I’d take a serious look at the 2.0T Sport. Of course, the 2.0T Touring would be my choice if I were looking for the most luxurious and well-equipped Accord.