Why the 2019 Honda Accord Redesign Was So Successful
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of sliding into a car that finally gets everything right—and when the 10th-generation Accord arrived, it felt like Honda had been listening to every single complaint drivers had about the previous model.
TL;DR
The 2019 Accord redesign succeeded because Honda started from scratch, addressing every weakness of the outgoing model. It ditched the outdated V6 for powerful turbocharged four-cylinders, stretched the wheelbase for class-leading rear legroom, introduced the Honda Sensing safety suite as standard, and created a sleeker, sportier design that actually turned heads. The result was a car that felt premium, drove brilliantly, and remained practical for families—all while delivering exceptional fuel economy.
Key Takeaways
- The 10th-generation Accord was a complete clean-sheet design sharing almost nothing with its predecessor.
- New 1.5-liter and 2.0-liter turbo engines replaced the old V6, with the 2.0-liter hitting 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds.
- The wheelbase grew by over two inches, adding nearly 50mm of rear legroom for unmatched back-seat space.
- Honda Sensing advanced safety features became standard across all trims.
- Despite being slightly shorter overall, the Accord gained 123 liters of trunk space, growing to a massive 573 liters.
- The redesign helped Accord lead the midsize sedan segment in retail sales through the second half of 2018.
A Clean Break from the Past
Let’s be honest about the previous-generation Accord—it had lost its way. By the ninth generation, the car had become what one reviewer called “built down to a price,” lacking the class and dynamic performance that had once made the Accord a benchmark. It was dull, uninspired, and frankly, forgettable.
That’s what makes the 2019 redesign so impressive. Honda engineers started with a blank sheet of paper and a bold goal: make the Accord captivating again. The development team worked under a grand concept they called “Absolute Confidence,” aiming to create a sedan that would appeal to a new generation of buyers.
And they delivered. The 10th-generation Accord is lighter yet stronger, slightly smaller on the outside but considerably roomier on the inside. It’s the kind of transformation that doesn’t happen by accident.
The Engine Revolution: Turbocharging Changes Everything
Perhaps the biggest gamble Honda took was eliminating the V6 entirely. For decades, the Accord V6 had been a staple for buyers who wanted extra power. But in 2019, Honda bet everything on turbocharged four-cylinders—and the gamble paid off spectacularly.
The 1.5-Liter Turbo: The New Standard
The base engine on every gas-only Accord became a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four producing 192 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque. That made it one of the most powerful base engines in the entire midsize sedan segment. Even better, it delivered exceptional fuel economy—up to 30 mpg city and 38 mpg highway.
The turbo eliminated the lag that used to plague smaller engines. One reviewer noted that the CVT’s “rubber band” feeling had been largely eradicated, making city driving effortless.
The 2.0-Liter Turbo: A Sleeper Hit
For performance enthusiasts, the optional 2.0-liter turbo was a revelation. With 252 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, it transformed the family sedan into what one journalist called “a muscle car in family sedan dress”. The 0-60 mph time of 5.7 seconds meant it could keep up with some of the most respected performance cars from a generation ago.
The 10-speed automatic transmission paired with this engine was an industry first for front-drive cars. And for those who wanted to row their own gears, the Accord Sport even offered a six-speed manual as a no-cost option.
A Bigger Cabin in a Smaller Package
Here’s the engineering magic that really impresses: the 2019 Accord actually got shorter overall, yet it feels significantly more spacious inside. How? By stretching the wheelbase by about 55mm (over two inches) and pushing the wheels out to the corners.
The numbers tell the story:
- Rear legroom increased by nearly 50mm, making it one of the most spacious back seats in any midsize sedan
- Cargo capacity jumped to 573 liters, which is 123 liters more than the previous model—enough for four golf bags
- Shoulder room improved thanks to the wider body
What does this mean in real life? It means you can comfortably install a rear-facing child seat behind a tall driver, something that doesn’t work in many cars or even some SUVs. The Accord’s exceptional all-around visibility makes the back seat feel even more pleasant.
Technology That Actually Works
Honda had a problem with its infotainment systems—they were frustrating to use. The 2019 Accord fixed that. The new 8-inch touchscreen features crisp graphics, a sensible menu structure, and physical controls that complement the touch interface. One reviewer even noted that the climate control knobs click “like an Audi’s”.
The system comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility on higher trims, along with a 7-inch TFT driver’s display that presents vehicle information in an easy-to-read layout. For a car that starts around $24,000, that’s impressive equipment.
Honda Sensing: Safety for Everyone
One of the most significant decisions Honda made was making the Honda Sensing suite standard on every 2019 Accord. This package includes:
- Collision Mitigation Braking System
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Road Departure Mitigation
- Auto High Beam
Here’s what makes this special: even the base LX model, starting under $24,000, comes with these advanced safety features. That’s not common in the midsize sedan class.
The Accord earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick designation and a five-star overall safety rating from the government. It was a Safety+ rating from ASEAN NCAP as well.
The Design That Turned Heads
The 2019 Accord is arguably the best-looking Accord ever produced. The design team took inspiration from the Civic’s sporty styling and the fastback look of luxury sedans. The result is a car that looks lower, wider, and more athletic than its predecessor.
Key design features include:
- A bold chrome wing grille at the front
- Sleek wing-shaped full-LED headlights
- Sharp character lines along the sides
- Distinctive C-shaped LED taillights
- A more aggressive rear end with a trunk lip spoiler
Even the manufacturing process improved—Honda adopted laser brazing welding for the roof joints, eliminating the need for unsightly roof trim garnishes.
Did the Success Translate to Sales?
Yes and no. The Accord indeed regained its footing, leading the midsize sedan segment in retail sales through the second half of 2018 and seeing a 6.3% sales increase in January 2019. However, the overall market was shifting toward SUVs, and Accord sales ultimately declined 8.1% for the full year as the sedan segment shrank.
The bigger picture: Honda grew overall sales in 2019 while many competitors declined, driven by record truck and electrified vehicle sales. The Accord’s redesign kept it competitive in a shrinking segment.
The Hybrid: A Compelling Alternative
The 2019 Accord Hybrid deserves special mention. With the battery pack relocated under the rear seat instead of in the trunk, it retained the same 573-liter cargo space as the gas models. The hybrid system produced 212 horsepower and delivered exceptional 48 mpg city/highway.
Some reviewers actually preferred the Hybrid over the gas models, noting that moving the battery forward of the rear axle made it “the most balanced and poised Accord”.
FAQ Section
What was the biggest complaint about the previous Accord that the 2019 redesign fixed?
The ninth-generation Accord lacked class and driving dynamics, but the 2019 redesign delivered a sportier design and more engaging performance with turbocharged engines.
How fast is the 2019 Accord with the 2.0-liter turbo engine?
It hits 60 mph in about 5.7 seconds, making it one of the quickest midsize sedans available.
Does the 2019 Accord come with Apple CarPlay?
Yes, on trims with the 8-inch touchscreen display (Sport and above), Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard.
Is Honda Sensing standard on all 2019 Accords?
Yes, Honda Sensing comes standard on every trim level, including the base LX.
How much cargo space does the 2019 Accord have?
The trunk holds 573 liters, a 123-liter increase over the previous generation and enough for four golf bags.
Does the 2019 Accord Hybrid still have good trunk space?
Yes, the battery pack moved under the rear seat, so it retains the same 573-liter trunk as the gas models.
What is the fuel economy of the 1.5-liter turbo Accord?
Up to 30 mpg city and 38 mpg highway, making it one of the most efficient base engines in the segment.
What’s your favorite feature of the 2019 Accord redesign? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.
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