2017 Honda Accord: Comprehensive Review of All Trim Levels
That moment when you’re staring at a spreadsheet of trim levels, trying to figure out if the Sport is worth the extra cash over the LX, and wondering why there are so many letters involved.
Maybe you’re hunting for a used Accord and scrolling through listings, trying to remember what “EX-L” even stands for. Or perhaps you’re the proud owner of a 2017 Accord and just realized there’s a whole world of features you never knew you had. The 2017 Accord is one of those cars that just works — it’s spacious, reliable, and has a version for just about everyone.
Here’s the thing about Honda trim levels — you either know exactly what you want, or you’re digging through forums trying to figure out which one has heated seats.
Let’s break down every 2017 Honda Accord trim so you know exactly what you’re getting, what you’re missing, and which one is actually the best deal.
TL;DR: The 2017 Honda Accord comes in two body styles (sedan and coupe) with up to eight trims. The four-cylinder models deliver 185–189 hp with excellent fuel economy (up to 36 mpg highway), while the V6 models pump out 278 hp for a more spirited drive. The Sport trim offers the best value for style-focused buyers, the EX delivers the best tech features for the money, and the Touring is the fully-loaded flagship. The Accord earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating, and Honda Sensing safety tech is available on most trims.
Key Takeaways
- Sedan trims (8): LX, Sport, Sport SE, EX, EX-L, EX-L V6, Touring
- Coupe trims (5): LX-S, EX, EX-L, EX-L V6, Touring
- Two engine choices: 185–189 hp 2.4L 4-cylinder or 278 hp 3.5L V6
- Fuel economy: 4-cylinder CVT models get up to 27 city / 36 highway mpg
- Best value pick: The EX trim offers Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a moonroof at a reasonable price
- Safety: IIHS Top Safety Pick+ with available Honda Sensing
Body Styles: Sedan vs. Coupe
The 2017 Accord comes in two flavors: a four-door sedan and a two-door coupe. While they share the same engine options and many features, there are some important differences to note.
The sedan is the practical choice — it’s what most people buy, with seating for five and a roomy 15.8 cubic feet of trunk space . The coupe, on the other hand, trades some practicality for style. It’s shorter (189.5 inches vs. 192.5 inches) and lower (56.5 inches vs. 57.7 inches) . You lose some rear headroom and trunk space (13.7 cu ft), but you gain a sportier look.
Both handle well, but the coupe’s shorter wheelbase (107.3 inches vs. 109.3 inches) gives it a slightly sharper feel . If you’re hauling kids or stuff regularly, get the sedan. If you want something that looks a bit more special and don’t mind the two-door life, the coupe is a rare breed in today’s market.
Engine Options and Performance
The Four-Cylinder: 2.4L i-VTEC
Most 2017 Accords come with Honda’s 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. In the LX and EX trims, it produces 185 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque . The Sport and Sport SE trims get a slight bump to 189 horsepower and 182 lb-ft thanks to a more aggressive exhaust system .
Transmission choices vary:
- A 6-speed manual is available on LX, Sport, Sport SE, and EX models
- A continuously variable transmission (CVT) is optional on those trims and standard on EX-L and above
Fuel economy is where the four-cylinder shines. With the CVT, the sedan gets 27 mpg city and 36 mpg highway — impressive numbers for a midsize sedan . The manual transmission drops those figures to 23/32 mpg.
The V6: 3.5L i-VTEC
For buyers who want more power, Honda offers a 3.5-liter V6 that cranks out 278 horsepower and 252 lb-ft of torque . It’s only available on higher trims (EX-L V6 and Touring) and comes with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
The fuel economy trade-off is noticeable: V6 sedans get 21 mpg city and 33 mpg highway . The V6 coupe is rated slightly lower at 21/32 mpg.
MotorTrend called the V6 “old-school Honda flavor,” noting that the V6-powered Accord is noticeably quicker than its four-cylinder sibling .
Complete Trim Level Breakdown
Sedan Trims
LX (Base Model) — Starting at $22,455
The LX is where it all begins. For the money, you get a well-equipped midsize sedan that covers the essentials without breaking the bank .
What’s included:
- 185-hp 2.4L four-cylinder engine
- 16-inch alloy wheels
- 6-speed manual transmission (CVT optional for $800)
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- 7.7-inch dashboard screen with backup camera
- Bluetooth phone and audio streaming
- USB/iPod-compatible stereo with Pandora
- Keyless entry and cruise control
- Cloth seats with a single-piece folding rear seat
Honda Sensing (adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation braking, lane keeping assist) is a $1,000 option, but it’s only available with the CVT .
Sport — Starting at $24,515
The Sport trim is where things get interesting. It’s designed to look and feel more aggressive than the LX, and many reviewers consider it the sweet spot in the lineup .
What you get over the LX:
- 189-hp 4-cylinder (4 hp bump)
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- LED running lights and fog lights
- Rear spoiler and side skirts
- Dual exhaust outlets
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters (CVT models)
- Aluminum pedals
- Power driver’s seat with power lumbar
- 60/40-split folding rear seat
- Larger front disc brakes
- Cloth/leatherette upholstery
The Sport with the CVT drops to 26/34 mpg highway due to the larger wheels and extra features . Honda Sensing is a $1,000 option on CVT-equipped Sport models.
“The Accord Sport sedan is one of the best deals in the business thanks to its healthy features roster and reasonable price,” according to Edmunds .
Sport SE — Starting at $25,515
The Sport Special Edition is a new addition for 2017. It takes the Sport and adds leather and heated seats .
What you get over the Sport:
- Leather upholstery
- Heated front seats
- Same 19-inch wheels, fog lights, and exterior upgrades
The catch? Honda Sensing isn’t available on the Sport SE at all .
EX — Starting at $25,830
The EX is where the tech really kicks in. It builds off the LX rather than the Sport, so you lose the 19-inch wheels and sporty body kit, but you gain a ton of features .
What you get over the LX:
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Power moonroof
- Fog lights with heated mirrors and integrated turn signals
- Two 7-inch dashboard screens (upper display + touchscreen)
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- HD radio and satellite radio
- 160-watt sound system with six speakers
- Power driver’s seat
- Hands-free keyless access with push-button start
- Remote start on CVT models
- Honda’s LaneWatch camera (passenger-side blind spot view)
Cars.com named the EX the best value in the lineup, praising its inclusion of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as a smart alternative to expensive factory navigation .
EX-L — Starting at $28,920
The EX-L adds luxury touches to the EX formula. “L” stands for leather, and that’s exactly what you get.
What you get over the EX:
- Leather upholstery
- Heated front seats
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Two-position memory for driver’s seat
- Four-way power passenger seat
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- 360-watt sound system with seven speakers
The EX-L comes standard with the CVT. Honda Sensing and navigation are available as a package for $2,000, but you have to buy them together .
EX-L V6 — Starting at $30,995
This is the EX-L with Honda’s 278-hp V6 engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission .
What you get over the EX-L 4-cylinder:
- 278-hp 3.5L V6 engine
- 6-speed automatic transmission
- No fuel economy penalty for the V6? Actually yes — you drop to 21/33 mpg
Everything else is identical to the EX-L. This trim is for buyers who want leather luxury and V6 power without stepping up to the top-tier Touring .
Touring — Starting at $34,930
The Touring is the fully-loaded flagship. It comes with everything — the V6, Honda Sensing, navigation, and more .
What you get over the EX-L V6:
- LED headlights
- 19-inch wheels with larger front brakes
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Heated rear seats
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Automatic high-beam headlights
- Honda Sensing and navigation are standard (not optional)
The Touring is for buyers who want every possible feature and don’t mind paying for it. It’s roughly $4,000 more than an EX-L V6.
Coupe Trims
The coupe lineup is slightly different from the sedan’s. Here’s how it breaks down:
LX-S — Starting at $24,125
The LX-S is the entry-level coupe. It shares the 185-hp 4-cylinder engine and comes standard with a 6-speed manual transmission.
Key features:
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Cloth seats with a single-piece folding rear seat
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- 7.7-inch screen with backup camera
- Bluetooth and USB connectivity
EX — Starting at $26,250
The EX coupe mirrors the sedan’s tech upgrades.
Key features:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Power moonroof
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Dual 7-inch screens
- Power driver’s seat
- Push-button start
- Honda’s LaneWatch camera
- Fog lights with heated mirrors
EX-L — Starting at $29,095
The leather-trimmed coupe adds luxury touches.
Key features:
- Leather upholstery and heated front seats
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Four-way power passenger seat
- Auto-dimming mirror
- 360-watt sound system
- Available V6 engine
EX-L V6 — Starting at $31,275
The V6-powered coupe is something special. Honda offered the V6 with a 6-speed manual transmission on this trim — a rare combination that enthusiasts love .
What you get:
- 278-hp V6 engine
- Choice of 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- All the luxury features of the EX-L
MotorTrend called the V6 EX-L coupe with the manual transmission a “unicorn trim” for 2017, noting that it’s a rare find in today’s market .
Touring — Starting at $34,475
The top-tier coupe mirrors the sedan’s Touring features, with one exception — it’s V6 only and comes with the 6-speed automatic.
Key features:
- 19-inch wheels
- LED headlights
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Heated front seats (rear seats aren’t available on the coupe)
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Honda Sensing and navigation standard
Comparison Table: Sedan Trims Side-by-Side
| Trim | Engine | HP | Transmission | Key Features | Starting MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LX | 2.4L I4 | 185 | 6MT / CVT | 16″ wheels, backup camera, Bluetooth, dual-zone climate | $22,455 |
| Sport | 2.4L I4 | 189 | 6MT / CVT | 19″ wheels, LED lights, spoiler, leather-wrapped wheel, power driver seat | $24,515 |
| Sport SE | 2.4L I4 | 189 | 6MT / CVT | Sport features + leather seats + heated front seats | $25,515 |
| EX | 2.4L I4 | 185 | 6MT / CVT | Moonroof, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, push-button start, 17″ wheels | $25,830 |
| EX-L | 2.4L I4 | 185 | CVT | Leather seats, heated front seats, memory driver seat, 360W sound | $28,920 |
| EX-L V6 | 3.5L V6 | 278 | 6AT | All EX-L features + V6 power | $30,995 |
| Touring | 3.5L V6 | 278 | 6AT | All features standard: V6, Honda Sensing, LED headlights, parking sensors | $34,930 |
Which Trim Should You Choose?
If You Want the Best Value: Get the EX
The EX is widely considered the sweet spot. It gives you Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a moonroof, push-button start, and heated mirrors for about $3,500 more than the base LX . You lose the Sport’s big wheels and styling, but the tech upgrades make up for it.
“The Accord EX is the best value,” Cars.com concluded. “Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard, and both incorporate navigation apps, so you can avoid the extra cost of a factory-installed navigation system” .
If You Want Style on a Budget: Get the Sport
The Sport looks fantastic with its 19-inch wheels, LED running lights, and spoiler. It’s the most aggressive-looking Accord you can buy without stepping up to the V6. You sacrifice about 1-2 mpg compared to the LX, but the visual payoff is worth it to many buyers .
If You Want Luxury Without the V6: Get the EX-L
The EX-L adds leather, heated seats, and memory functions to the EX’s tech package. If you want a comfortable daily driver with premium touches and excellent fuel economy, this is your trim.
If You Want Power: Get the EX-L V6 or Touring
The V6 transforms the Accord from practical sedan to genuinely quick car. It’s a significant upgrade — about $2,000 over the four-cylinder EX-L — but the extra punch is noticeable. The Touring adds even more features if you want the absolute best .
If You Want a Manual Transmission: Stick with the Sport
Honda offered the manual on LX, Sport, Sport SE, and EX sedan models. If you’re looking for a stick shift, the Sport is the most compelling choice — you get the sporty looks and a 6-speed manual. The manual transmission option does reduce fuel economy by about 4 mpg highway compared to the CVT, so there’s a trade-off .
Fuel Economy Comparison
| Trim | Transmission | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LX (4-cyl) | 6MT | 23 | 32 | 26 |
| LX (4-cyl) | CVT | 27 | 36 | 30 |
| Sport (4-cyl) | 6MT | 23 | 32 | 26 |
| Sport (4-cyl) | CVT | 26 | 34 | 29 |
| EX (4-cyl) | 6MT | 23 | 32 | 26 |
| EX (4-cyl) | CVT | 27 | 36 | 30 |
| EX-L (4-cyl) | CVT | 27 | 36 | 30 |
| EX-L V6 | 6AT | 21 | 33 | 25 |
| Touring V6 | 6AT | 21 | 33 | 25 |
Safety and Driver Assistance
The 2017 Accord earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation, which is the highest possible rating . Standard safety features include:
- Honda’s ACE body structure
- Front, side, and curtain airbags with rollover sensors
- Multi-angle rearview camera with dynamic guidelines
- Anti-lock brakes and brake assist
- Stability and traction control
Honda Sensing is available on most trims (except Sport SE) and includes:
- Collision Mitigation Braking System
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Road Departure Mitigation
- Adaptive Cruise Control
On the LX, Sport, and EX, Honda Sensing is a $1,000 option. It’s standard on the Touring and available as part of a package on the EX-L .
What Reviewers Say
The 2017 Accord received generally positive reviews across the board. Consumer Guide Auto noted that “Accord’s traditional strengths include a fine ride/handling balance, a spacious back seat, and a solid, cohesive overall feel. Worthwhile technology features, competitive fuel economy numbers, and high-quality cabin materials are other high points” .
MotorTrend praised the Accord’s refreshed exterior and Honda Sensing technology, noting that the Accord “remains a solid competitor in the midsize sedan segment” .
The V6 versus four-cylinder question comes down to priorities. “You shouldn’t be surprised to hear that the six-cylinder is faster and the four-cylinder is more fuel-efficient,” Cars.com noted, but they also found that the V6 was “more than just a little faster” than expected .
Final Verdict
The 2017 Honda Accord remains one of the best midsize sedans on the market, offering a compelling mix of reliability, fuel economy, and smart interior design. With two body styles, two engines, and up to eight trims, there’s an Accord for almost every buyer and budget .
- Best overall value: EX
- Best style for the money: Sport
- Best luxury without the V6: EX-L
- Best performance: Touring
- Best enthusiast choice: EX-L V6 coupe with manual transmission
The real beauty of the 2017 Accord is that there’s no bad choice. Even the base LX is a well-equipped, comfortable midsize sedan that outperforms many competitors. Whatever you choose, you’re getting Honda’s Japanese reliability and a car that was designed to handle real life.
Got a 2017 Accord? Which trim did you pick, and what’s your favorite feature? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.
For further reading about the 2017 Honda Accord and its trims:
