#10YearChallenge: Honda Accord - 2010 vs 2020

The last decade witnessed major changes across the globe when it comes to passenger vehicles and Honda cars are no different. It ensued the mutation the global automotive fraternity experienced and gradually Honda cars became more premium and better looking compared to their respective older versions. While safety has been one of the prominent areas of improvement, there are some technologies that are being developed for the future. Well, we might get to this later, for now, let us throw some light on the journey of one of Honda’s renowned models, the Accord over the last decade and see how it has matured over years.

The first thing that pops out is the looks, which seem to be more aggressive yet elegant. Also, the cabin is more upmarket, thanks to the progressive styling and more advanced features that make it a comfortable space to just lie back and snuggle up. This and a lot more follows in this write-up which explains how much the existing model varies from the older 2010 version, read on to discover.

Also Read: 2020 Honda Accord now available in Malaysia, starting at RM 186k

Before we begin with the comparison, let us ho through the 2020 Honda Accord price in Malaysia.

Variant	Price
Honda Accord 2020 1.5L TC	RM 185,900
Honda Accord 2020 1.5L TC-P	RM 195,900

Honda Accord 2010 vs 2020 - Exterior

Dimensions	10th Gen Accord	8th Gen Accord
Length	4,901 mm	4,945 mm
Width	1,862 mm	1,845 mm
Height	1,450 mm	1,475 mm
Wheelbase	2,830 mm	2,800 mm
Boot Capacity	570L	450L

The most visible change on the Accord is in its design and styling, though the basic silhouette remains the same. As can be seen in the images, the windscreen is raised in the 2010 version, while the current model has a raked in unit for a more contemporary coupe-like appearance. Another change that can be noticed is the grille at the front. The enclosed chrome treatment has been replaced with a single bold strip which runs between the headlamps. Also, the boxy headlamps design has been ditched for a new and modish one equipped with LED units.

You just can’t miss the sporty skirting at the bottom of the front bumper, beneath the fog lamp housings. Moving to the sides, the sharp lines, new alloy designs, tapering window frame, and the curvy sloping roof looks perfect. At the back, it appears equally ravishing as the other two facets with captivating tail-lamps, sporty bumper, rear diffusers, and other elements working well for the sedan. Besides, it also undergoes dimensional changes with the latest outing measuring 34 mm shorter, 12 mm wider, and 15 mm lower. Also, the wheelbase has been extended by 55 mm.

Honda Accord 2010 vs 2020 - Interior

Over the last ten years, the premium sedan has undergone several changes, resulting in a quieter and spacious cabin, promising a comfortable ride experience to the occupants. The change in proportions may fluctuate during this time span, though the cabin has ample room to fit five full-size adults with ease. Ingress and egress are effortless, thanks to the wide doors. Legroom at the rear has been increased significantly, thanks to the extended wheelbase.

This also carves out 120-litre more space for storing luggage, making it ideal for long journeys. Speaking of interior styling, the trims have been replaced with more premium ones, while the material quality, fit and finish remains top-notch just like all Honda cars. Use of leather ups the ante in terms of appearance and wood-like materials complement the black interior well. The talking point inside remains the larger 8-inch touchscreen display, which was missing in the older version. Also, the infotainment unit is more advanced and comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. A subwoofer with ten speakers, 7-inch fully digitalized instrument cluster with two dials are some of the other welcoming additions to it. The new Honda Accord specs sheet also includes window blinds, two USB slots for the rear passengers and a lot more.

Other vital interior features have been listed below -

• Powered driver’s seat with memory function
• Adaptive cruise control
• Dual-zone climate control
• 360-degree reverse camera
• Auto parking
• Remote engine start
• Electronic parking brake

Honda Accord 2010 vs 2020 - Specifications and engine details

Specs	10th Gen Accord	8th Gen Accord
Engine	1.5-litre VTEC turbo-petrol	2.0-litre SOHC i-VTEC	2.4-litre, DOHC, i-VTEC	3.5-litre, SOHC, i-VTEC V6
Power	201 PS	156 PS	180 PS	275 PS
Torque	260 Nm	189 Nm	222 Nm	339 Nm
Transmission	Honda’s Earth Dreams CVT	5-speed AT	5-speed AT and MT with paddle shifters mounted on steering wheel	6-speed AT

 

Unlike the eighth-gen Accord available with three engine choices, the existing version comes in a single turbo-petrol unit with higher tunes compared to the older Accord (save for the high capacity 3.5L unit). Also, the new 1.5-litre turbo-petrol powertrain achieves the 0 to 100 km/h sprint within 9 seconds while attaining a top speed of 190 Km/h. It comes with two driving modes-Econ and Sport. This engine also powers Honda’s other models, including Civic and CR-V, though they have a different power tune on these models.

Honda Accord 2010 Vs 2020 - Safety

In comparison, the latest iteration of Accord is far more loaded when it comes to safety than the 2010 version. The standard kit consists of the following features -

• Six airbags (front, side and curtain)
• Anti-lock-braking system
•  Electronic brakeforce distribution
• Brake Assist
• Agile Handling Assist
• Vehicle Stability Assist
• Hill Start Assist
• Immobilizer
• ISOFIX child seat anchors for two outer rear seats

The presence of Honda Sensing widens the gap in terms of safety equipment between the two versions. It comprises of a bunch of driver assistance features such as lane keep assist, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, road departure mitigation, adaptive cruise control and low-speed follow (new feature on the tenth-gen Accord).

In addition to the above features, the top-spec Accord TC-P also gets tyre deflation warning, smart parking assist system with rear brake assist, lane watch, cross-traffic monitor.

It also comes with optional packages including Urban, Modulo, Protection and Utility packages for an additional premium.
The major point of distinction between the two versions is the powertrain, Honda’s Earth Dream transmission, safety and connectivity features.

Also Read: 2020 Honda Accord: First impression