May 18, 2017, 00:00 AM by Paul Immediato

First launched in 1976, the Honda Accord began as a compact hatchback, moved into the mid-size arena in 1990 and has been a full-size sedan since 2008. Its last full redesign for the 2013 model year was significantly updated last year with mods to the exterior and interior, as well as a host of new technology and safety features. A body upgrade, a major facelift and increased techno capabilities added a sportier and more sophisticated demeanor to Accord, and for 2017, the model remains essentially intact.

Last year’s tweaks included the refined design, a more rigid body and upgraded chassis, along with upsized wheels and tires on select models. Technologically, all 2017 Accords can be equipped with Honda Sensing™ as a standalone option on all trims except Touring, which features Honda Sensing™ as standard equipment. Honda Sensing™ is a comprehensive suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies.

Accord’s updated exterior styling included replacing the previous wrap-around front bumper with a more sharply creased and intricately structured front fascia, the lower portion of which tucks into large intake-like meshed areas that house LED fog lights. Revised suspension tuning increased road and auto-cross capabilities, and the sedan received a more contoured aluminum hood with deeper sculpted creases and a brighter, more pronounced front grille. The expressive face of Accord is complimented by a sharply carved rear bumper fascia and aggressive LED taillight design.

Available features for 2017, depending on model and trim, include remote engine start, front and rear parking sensors, rain sensing wipers, rear seat heaters, and a 60/40 split and folding rear seat. The Accord Sedan and Coupe, depending on trim, also feature multiple exterior colors, interior fabrics and décor.

Accord is constructed with Honda's next-generation ACE™ body structure, and presents an aerodynamic and lightweight body, sophisticated suspension design and upscale interior package while offering passenger comfort and ergonomics as well as advanced performance and safety and driver-assistive systems. Its crisp styling is packaged in a length of 192.5 inches, an overall height of 57.7 inches, width of 72.8 inches and a 109.3-inch wheelbase, while weighing in at a curb weight of 3170 lbs. for the base Accord LX, topping out at 3605 lbs. for the Touring trim.

The 2017 Accord Sedan and Coupe are offered with two advanced engines – a direct-injected 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder engine (offered in regular and Sedan Sport versions), and a 3.5-liter V-6 that is the most powerful engine offered in a Honda sedan. The 2.4 is rated at 185hp and 181 lbs.-ft. of torque with an EPA estimate of 27/city and 36/highway for the sedan. The Sedan Sport adds 4 horses and 1 lb.-ft and loses about 1 mpg. The 3.5-liter produces 278hp and 252 lbs.-ft. of torque and gets an EPA rating of 21/34 for the Touring trim.

My test Accord 3.5-liter was a solid performer on the road, and economically, was in the mid-30s in miles per gallon, but city driving took its toll and I averaged 23.8 mpg overall in mixed-use driving. On the track, good acceleration finished off a zero to 60mph run in 6.2 seconds and a quarter-mile accomplished in 14.6 seconds – more than 1.3 seconds quicker than I ran last year with the smaller engine.

Accord handles well, with predictable steering and very little yaw. Reliable on the road, Accord is a sweet performance ride on the autocross, with little drift during quick turns. For family outings on the highway, Accord’s suspension is family-comfortable.

With seating for five, the interior allows 39.1 inches of front headroom and 37.5 in row two for the Base models, but you lose space with the upscale trims -- Touring only affords 37.6 inches of front headroom and 37.0 in row two. Legroom for all trims is 42.5 in row one and 38.5 for second-row passengers, and shoulder room goes 58.6 and 56.5

The cabin is packed with such amenities as power door locks, power windows with auto-up/down driver's window, tilt and telescopic steering column, USB audio interface, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®, speed-sensitive volume control, Maintenance Minder™ system, illuminated power window switches, Smart Entry and Start, Honda LaneWatch™ blind spot display and a 160-watt, 6-speaker audio system.

The base 2017 Accord sedan starts at $22,455 for the base LX, with the 2.5-liter 185hp Inline-4 engine and 6-Speed Manual transmission. The automatic adds $800. Seven different trim styles take it all the way up to $34,930 for the Touring trim I tested, with the 278hp 3.5-liter V6 engine and automatic transmission. The Touring trim also comes with Honda Sensing™, Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™, continuously variable transmission and 19-inch Alloy Wheels -- wheel upgrades run from $1396 to $2240. In Basque Red Pearl with an Ivory interior, my Accord Touring added body side molding for $225; chrome door trim for $275; sport grille for $399; door visors for $276; a moonroof visor for $129; splash guards for $104; door edge guards for $95; rear bumper appliqué for $71; and door visors for $271. Inside, illuminated door sill trim added $290; interior illumination added $125; a trunk tray was $139 and all-season floor mats were $143. A wireless phone charger system added $290 and destination and handling added $875 for a price-as-tested of $37,981, but a base Accord LX can sticker as low as $24,000.

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Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years.