Are Honda Accords noisy?
Most drivers find Honda Accords to be quiet cabin vehicles, especially the hybrid and higher trims; some engine or wind noise can appear under hard acceleration or on rough pavement at highway speeds.
What determines the noise level inside the Accord
Cabin noise in the Accord comes from multiple sources, including the engine or electric drivetrain, wind brushing past the mirrors and pillars, tire hum, and the level of insulation Honda applies to door seals and floorboards. The following factors typically shape what you hear inside the cabin.
- Powertrain and transmission: the 1.5-liter turbo with a CVT is designed for smooth, quiet operation at cruising speeds; the 2.0-liter turbo paired with a 10-speed automatic can be perceptibly buzzy when pushed; the Hybrid uses electric motors at low speeds, which generally reduces engine noise in city driving.
- Underpinnings and insulation: improved dampers, sound-deadening materials, and, on some models, enhanced glass and door seals help reduce road and wind noise.
- Tires and road surface: tire choice and the condition of the road surface have a big impact—rough pavement and certain tires can increase road and tire noise in the cabin.
- Aerodynamics and wind: at highway speeds, wind pressure around mirrors and the A-pillar can contribute to wind noise, especially on windy days or at certain crosswinds.
In practice, this combination typically yields a quiet ride on highways and city streets for most drivers, with less engine drone on the Hybrid and the 1.5T models at cruising speeds.
Model-year updates and trims: how Honda has addressed NVH
Honda has gradually refined the Accord's noise, vibration, and harshness profile through model-year updates, including improved insulation, door seals, and, in some trims, acoustic glass or thicker windshield. These changes are designed to keep highway hull noise low while preserving a comfortable ride in city conditions.
- 2018-2023 generation: early models emphasized a refined cabin; ongoing refinements added better NVH materials.
- 2023 refresh: styling updates accompanied recalibrated suspension and enhanced insulation to reduce road noise further.
- Hybrid-specific notes: the electric-assist system can further suppress engine noise at low speeds.
These updates generally translate to a more hushed interior across mixed driving conditions, though the driving style and pavement can still reveal differences between trims.
Real-world tests: how reviewers describe Accord noise
Automotive outlets commonly rate the Accord as one of the quieter options in the midsize sedan segment, though they caution that certain configurations can be louder under certain circumstances. The following summarizes typical findings from recent reviews.
- Car and Driver and MotorTrend often note the cabin is comfortable and quiet at highway speeds, with the Hybrid variant especially quiet in city driving due to electric motor assist.
- Edmunds and Consumer Reports highlight low wind noise at typical highway speeds, but point out that loud engine noise can emerge with the 2.0T when accelerating hard or at high RPMs.
- Tire noise can dominate on coarse surfaces or with low-profile performance tires; on smoother pavement, the cabin stays serene for most occupants.
Overall, independent reviewers consistently describe the Accord as a quiet, refined midsize sedan, with caveats tied to powertrain choice and road conditions.
Bottom line for potential buyers
For most buyers, the Honda Accord offers a quiet, comfortable ride that remains competitive with rivals like the Toyota Camry, Mazda6 (where available), and Hyundai Sonata in terms of cabin noise. If minimizing engine noise is a priority, opt for the Hybrid or a lower-tuned engine, and consider tires that emphasize comfort and noise reduction. If you enjoy spirited acceleration, be prepared for more engine noise with the 2.0T under heavy throttle.
Summary
The Accord generally delivers a quiet cabin across trims, with the Hybrid leading in low-speed quietness and road-damped interiors; wind noise is usually well-controlled, though highway listening can reveal some noise on rough pavement or at high speeds depending on tires and conditions. Buyers should test-drive different powertrains and trims to gauge what they find most agreeable.
Are Honda Accords loud?
While the Honda Accord is a nice, comfortable commuter car, it was designed to be an affordable car as well. This means that Honda had to use less sound-deadening materials than some higher-end brands, even their own luxury brand Acura. This can cause unwanted cabin noise.
What is the biggest problem with the Honda Accord?
Mason Auto Repair
- The Age-Old Transmission Tribulation. One of the Honda Accord's most talked-about issues revolves around its transmission.
- Electrical Malfunctions Unplugged.
- Braking Bad.
- Steering Clear of Trouble.
- Air Conditioning.
- Suspension.
- Engine Issues.
Is the Honda Accord quiet inside?
Every detail quiets the ride in city traffic, on backroads, or when you want to enjoy a conversation without adjusting the volume. Experience the serenely quiet cabins in the 2025 Honda Accord and 2025 Honda CR-V lineups at Honda of Salem.
Is the Accord quieter than the civic?
Is Accord Quieter Than Civic? Indeed, the Honda Accord typically provides a quieter ride than the Civic. Its larger build and superior noise insulation create a serene cabin atmosphere.
