Are Honda Accords cheap?
In short, Honda Accords are generally affordable for a midsize sedan, offering strong value through reliability and resale, but true affordability depends on trim, new vs. used status, and ongoing fuel and maintenance costs.
Price range and what you get
Prices vary by trim and powertrain, and regional incentives can shift final sticker prices. Here is a practical snapshot of typical new-vehicle pricing in the U.S. for recent Accord models, with notes on the hybrid variant.
- Gasoline-only Accord LX: generally around $27,000–$29,000 MSRP.
- Gasoline-only EX: usually in the low $30,000s, roughly $31,000–$34,000.
- Gasoline-only EX-L and Touring: commonly in the mid-to-high $30,000s, often $36,000–$42,000 depending on options.
- Accord Hybrid (base to mid trims): typically starts in the low-to-mid $30,000s and can push toward the high $30,000s to around $40,000 for higher-end hybrids.
- Used market (3–5 years old): commonly observed in the approximate range of $15,000–$28,000, depending on trim, mileage, and condition.
For many buyers, the key takeaway is that the Accord sits in a competitive price band for a midsize sedan. The hybrid brings fuel savings but usually carries a higher upfront price, while top trims add features and comfort at a premium. Location, dealership discounts, and ongoing incentives also influence the final out-the-door price.
Ownership costs and value proposition
Sticker price is only part of the equation. Here are factors that shape the overall affordability of owning an Accord over time.
- Fuel economy and fuel cost: non-hybrid Accords typically deliver mid-20s to low-40s mpg depending on engine and driving. Accord Hybrids commonly achieve roughly 44–48 mpg combined, translating into meaningful savings for highway commuters and long-distance drivers.
- Reliability and resale value: Honda has a solid reputation for reliability, and the Accord generally holds its value well relative to many peers in the midsize sedan segment.
- Maintenance and warranty: routine maintenance is widely available and parts are reasonably priced. Honda’s warranty coverage (basic and powertrain) and the availability of certified pre-owned programs can reduce long-term ownership risk.
- Insurance costs: insurance pricing varies by driver, location, and model year, but midsize sedans like the Accord typically fall into a mid-range category for comprehensive coverage.
Overall, the Accord is positioned as a strong value in its class: accessible at purchase, economical to operate, and backed by a reputation for longevity. For buyers prioritizing low operating costs, the Hybrid variant is particularly appealing, while traditional gasoline models offer a lower entry price and broad feature sets.
How the Accord stacks up against rivals on price
Within the midsize sedan segment, price parity exists across several well-known models, with nuance in features, fuel economy, and option packages. This brief comparison highlights what typically influences cost decisions for shoppers.
- Toyota Camry: Similar overall pricing with strong hybrid options and a long-running reputation for reliability; trims and options can shift the price similarly to the Accord.
- Hyundai Sonata: Often slightly lower starting prices and strong value, especially with feature-rich trims and competitive warranty terms.
- Nissan Altima: Typically offers competitive pricing and ample standard features, though resale value and driving dynamics may differ from the Accord.
- Mazda6 (where available) or other rivals: Pricing is generally comparable, but Mazda models may emphasize sportier handling and higher-end interior materials at similar or slightly higher price points.
In practice, the Accord sits at a mid-point in the segment, offering a balance of upfront cost, interior space, efficiency, and long-term value. Shoppers should compare not just sticker price but also incentives, financing terms, and expected total cost of ownership over the first five years.
Is owning an Accord cheap? Practical considerations
Beyond the initial price, several real-world factors determine whether the Accord will be cost-effective for a given buyer.
- Budgeting for fuel: expect lower fuel costs with Hybrid trims, but higher upfront price versus a base gasoline model.
- Maintenance expectations: routine maintenance is generally affordable, with solid availability of service centers and parts.
- Resale and depreciation: Accords tend to hold value well, helping offset depreciation over time.
- Insurance and financing: insurance premiums and loan terms depend on personal factors; shopping around can yield meaningful savings.
For many buyers, the Accord remains an attractive compromise between cost, practicality, and long-term value. It is not the cheapest car in the segment, but it frequently delivers a lower long-term cost of ownership thanks to reliability and strong resale.
Buying tips to maximize value
To get the best deal on an Accord, consider strategies that can reduce both upfront and ongoing costs.
New vs. certified pre-owned vs. used
All three options have trade-offs in upfront price, warranty coverage, and perceived risk. A certified pre-owned model often balances lower price with added warranty protections.
- New cars offer the latest features and maximum longevity but at the highest upfront cost.
- Certified pre-owned provides a warranty cushion and lower price than new.
- Used cars (non-certified) can be the cheapest option but may require more maintenance or repairs over time.
Whichever route you choose, verify vehicle history, inspect for wear, and compare total cost of ownership over several years to gauge long-term affordability.
Summary
Honda Accords generally offer strong value within the midsize sedan class. They are not the cheapest option on the market, especially when selecting higher trims or Hybrid models, but they tend to deliver reliable performance, comfortable interiors, good resale value, and reasonable maintenance costs. For price-conscious buyers, a base gasoline LX or a well-chosen used Accord can be an economical choice, while those prioritizing fuel efficiency and long-term savings may find Hybrid variants appealing despite a higher upfront price. As always, actual costs depend on trim, timing, location, incentives, and how you drive and finance the car.
What is the cheapest Accord?
The 2025 Honda Accord has a starting sticker price of $29,445, with the range-topping Accord SE kicking off at $31,710.
Why is Accord so expensive?
It's not an old car yet. The price is dictated by demand and availability, even on a car as popular as an Accord there's only going to be so many that are in a salvage yard, with a sellable interior, that's also in the color you're looking for.
Is Accord or Civic cheaper?
Accord: Price. Considering the fact that it's smaller and has fewer standard infotainment and luxury features, it's no surprise that the Civic is the more affordable of the two. The base-level LX trim has a starting MSRP of $24,595, while the top-spec Sport Touring Hybrid costs about $32,295.
Is a Honda Accord considered a luxury car?
No, the Honda Accord is not a luxury car, but it is considered a mainstream sedan with high-end trim levels that offer a luxurious feel and feature many amenities found in luxury vehicles. While the highest trims, like the Accord Touring Hybrid, have premium materials, technology, and design that rival luxury brands, the Accord is part of Honda's more mainstream lineup, whereas luxury brands like Acura (Honda's luxury division) or Lexus are in a separate, more premium category.
You can watch this video to see what the 2026 Honda Accord looks like inside and out: 47sNext-Gen CarYouTube · Oct 13, 2025
- Luxury features in high trims: The top-tier Accord trims feature items like leather seats, premium sound systems (e.g., Bose), advanced safety suites (e.g., Honda Sensing), and cutting-edge technology, which makes them feel luxurious for their price point.
- Mainstream brand positioning: Honda is a mainstream brand, while Acura is its luxury division. The Accord is positioned against other mainstream sedans like the Toyota Camry and is not classified in the same category as luxury-only brands.
- Value proposition: A key selling point for the Accord is the value it provides by offering a premium experience at a more accessible price point compared to traditional luxury cars.
- A "luxury car in disguise": Some reviews refer to the highest trims as a "luxury car in disguise" or a "stealthy luxury car" because of how many luxury-like amenities they offer within a mainstream package.
