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Could the Honda Accord be killed by the next Civic?

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First we will see a new Honda Civic. Then the CR-V. (maybe even a new HR-V) A next-generation Honda Accord could come soon after. In a couple of years, if Honda decides to keep it going. Honda has announced a refreshed Accord for 2027. That will just be a few small changes here and there. Nothing anyone will be able to notice. What I am talking about here is a brand new generation. Probably scheduled for 2029.

Back in the day, the difference between the Accord and the Civic was obvious. The Accord was much roomier, and especially, you could get a great and smooth V6. The V6 disappeared a few years ago but Honda replaced it with a fantastic 2.0 Liter Turbo what was still smooth and powerful. Now, the Accord is still larger, but the powertrain choices are the same as in the Civic.

The next-generation Civic, probably coming before the end of the year, will be based on an all-new platform. As a result, the Civic might be a bit longer, but especially, roomier. Making the more expensive Accord pretty obsolete.

A new Accord needs to grow in size if it wants to stay around. Right now the interior quality of the Accord is better than the Civic. But that’s only because the current Civic’s interior is so bad and cheap. You know the new one will hopefully be much better. Another blow to the Accord.

My guess is that Accord sales in the next couple of years, after the new Civic comes out, will crater. The new Civic on its new platform with a new Hybrid will just be a better car. For less. This could give Honda an excuse to cancel the Accord for good.

The only way Honda could keep thew accord is make it even roomier and more upscale. But that’s been a tough sale lately. I have the feeling the Camry will have the same problem after Toyota introduces the all-new Corolla in November. Which will be a drastic improvement over the current model. And again, probably roomier. With a choice of ICE, Hybrid and even EV powertrains.

Let’s hope Honda finds a way to keep the Accord around. That it doesn’t just vanish in a couple of years. And just like the Prelude or Element, shows up again in 20 or 25 years…

The illustrations above show what a next-generation Honda Accord could look like. One that folows a few design cures from the Honda Hybrid Sedan Prototype.

Conversation 3 comments

  1. Rumors I have seen is the lifted Accord Crosstour like vehicle is the future of the Accord.

    Sales of the present Accord would have been much higher if they weren’t remaking Marysville taking one of the lines down. Honda knows that fact too.

  2. I’m not sure why the industry is still looking at the Accord like it’s a midsized vehicle. I don’t think it’s in trouble of being cannibalized by the Civic considering it’s larger and roomier than the last Toyota Avalon.

  3. I think you’re reading too much into the tea leafs. The new Civic probably won’t be significantly better in overall quality. The current version (and Integra) has had persistent build issues (hatchback leaks, windows, etc..)and info-tech gremlins (Carplay connections, blackouts, etc..) . It will be more fuel efficient (due to a lightened chassis) and lower (poor choice) for small aero gains.
    The Accord doesn’t need to get bigger, ie. wider or longer. It needs to have the roofline raised 2inches and the seat’s hip point by 1inch, because entry became more difficult and headroom is not great. The fact that Honda keeps reducing the height of each full chassis redesign (every 2 gens) and that they’re going to a lighter “flexing” chassis tells me they have no where to go for efficiency gains in propulsion… just aero and weight reduction. Not the use of higher strength steel or aluminum. And using Indian carmaker Tata for design? None of that’s going to end well.

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