2025 Honda Accord RS e:HEV review (video)

For some car seekers, there’s an intangible comfort in buying cars from brands that have been about for decades. They have become household names over the years, meaning they must have done something right to survive. But this philosophy is quickly fading as new and unknown brands flood the Aussie market. As a result, loyalty with strong legacy nameplates is flying out the window.

Remember the humble Honda Accord? A popular family sedan chosen by thousands throughout the ’90s and ’00s for its reliability and comfort. Well, its actually still around – by a thread. In 2024, there were just 15 Accords sold in Australia. The numbers are turning around slowly with the release of the new eleventh generation. January to March 2025 has already seen 39 units sold. Still, that is minuscule among the 1.2 million new vehicles Aussies bought last year.

Previously, we did not expect a lot of energy and exhilaration from a Honda Accord. But to cope with the evolving market, and in attempt to justify a huge price hike, the latest Accord has stepped up its game in a few unexpected areas. In this review, we’ll explore where.

2025 Honda Accord RS e:HEV: Specifications

Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder hybrid
Output (combined): 152kW / 182Nm + 335Nm
Gearbox: CVT auto
Drive type: Front-wheel drive
Wheels: F & R: 18×8.0, 235/45
ANCAP: Not tested
Tare weight: 1585kg
Power-to-weight: 10.42:1 (kg:kW)
Official consumption: 4.3L/100km
Our consumption: 4.3L/100km

Fuel tank/Fuel type: 50L/91 RON
Power efficiency: 35.34kW:L/100km
0-60km/h: 3.68 seconds*
0-100km/h: 7.59 seconds*
60-110km/h: 5.16 seconds*
1/4 mile: 15.74 seconds at 142.5km/h*
Max acceleration: 0.768g*
100-0km/h braking: 36.95m in 3.07 seconds*
Max deceleration: -1.392g*
Starting price: $64,900

*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day. Manufacturers’ claims may be different

2025 Honda Accord RS e:HEV: How much does it cost?

The biggest battle for the new Accord is that it isn’t as humble as it used to be. With only a single high-spec model on offer, the asking price is now a steep $64,900 (drive-away). The only competitor with a cost-saving hybrid setup is the Toyota Camry, which kicks off from $39,990 and tops out at $53,990.

In contrast, the single trim Accord e:HEV RS could be a hard sell for Honda sitting in a segment with more affordable options. The non-hybrid alternatives include the Hyundai Sonata N Line from $55,500, the Skoda Octavia from $41,490, and the outgoing Mazda6 from $36,290.

In terms of ongoing maintenance, the Accord is offered with an industry average five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty and five years of complimentary roadside assistance. It requires a service more regularly than most, at 10,000km or 12 months, whichever comes first. And the first five services are advertised to cost just $199 when serviced at a Honda service centre.

2025 Honda Accord RS e:HEV: Interior & packaging

The cabin presents a unique design with an understated elegance. While the interior might not be as extravagant as some of its competitors, Honda has consistently delivered a quality experience in this area, and the Accord is no different. The layout is simple, clean, and functional, with high-quality materials used throughout. Buttons and switches are tactile and reassuring, creating a sense of durability and reliability that Honda is known for.

One standout design element in the Accord is in the detailed ambient lighting. The light surrounds the cabin subtly, enhancing the atmosphere without being too in-your-face. It’s a refined approach for this segment. The dashboard features a “chicken net” pattern, which has become a modern Honda characteristic, as seen in the Civic and CR-V. This inlay hides the air vents behind it, resulting in a clean and uninterrupted dash layout.

When it comes to space, the Accord delivers ample room in both the front and rear rows. The front positions are spacious and offer a high level of comfort for long drives, while the rear seats are surprisingly roomy for a mid-sized sedan. There’s enough legroom and headroom to comfortably accommodate adults, making the Accord a viable option for those who often have passengers in the back. The seats themselves are supportive and well-cushioned, ensuring that you can enjoy those long trips without feeling fatigued.

Further back, boot space is generous, offering 570 litres. The Toyota Camry offers less, at 524 litres. The Accord also has a hatch-like boot, where the window lifts up with the boot lid to offer a wider opening than a conventionally-shaped sedan.

Despite all the positives, there are a few elements that could use improvement. The lack of heated or ventilated seats at this price point is a noteworthy oversight. When you’re spending over $60k on a vehicle, features like heated and ventilated seats should be expected as standard. Competitors like the Toyota Camry offer these features from a lower price range. Additionally, the door bottle holders, while functional, could be larger to better accommodate larger water bottles or other essentials.

The tech inside the Thai-built Accord is top-notch. The huge 12.3-inch infotainment system is easy to use, intuitive, and features Google built-in and wireless app connection, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone without taking it out of your pocket or handbag. We appreciate how the central screen is always bordered by air-con and volume controls, making it quick and less attention-draining to change these common functions. There is also a premium quality Bose 12-speaker sound system with sub-woofer, a 360-dgree camera, a head-up display, four USB-C ports, and a wireless phone charging pad.

One unique addition is a programmable centre wheel and clicker located on the dash. This new feature allows you to rotate the wheel to change its function, making it more versatile and responsive. While it may take a bit of time to get used to, it’s an interesting innovation.

Other standard features include a panoramic sunroof, auto tilt down in reverse side mirrors, crisp LED lighting all round, partially leather seating with electrically adjustable front seats, 18-inch alloy wheels, proximity key with auto walk-away door locking, and ‘Honda Connect’ telematics, which enables features like remote climate control, vehicle diagnosis, location search etc.

On the safety front, you get the works. All the important stuff is included, like forward collision warning, collision mitigation braking, lane departure warning with lane keeping aid, traffic jam assist, road sign recognition, road departure mitigation, adaptive cruise with low-speed following, auto high beam with adaptive beam, blind-spot sensors, driver attention monitoring, tyre pressure monitors, front and rear parking sensors, and rear cross-traffic alert. Curiously, there is no door safe exit warning.

With respect to external design, the appearance is revolutionary for Honda Accord terms. It has a more aggressive and sportier front, smoother contours, and the coupe-like sloped rear of the windscreen and boot in the same angle makes it sleeker and less conservative. The slim black spoiler and black accents effectively sport it up too.

2025 Honda Accord RS e:HEV: Powertrain & handling

The powertrain of the Accord’s e:HEV is a hybrid setup that seamlessly blends performance with efficiency. A 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine pairs with a lithium-ion battery arrangement and dual electric motor generators to deliver a total system output of 152kW. This is an ample amount of power for most driving situations. We clocked 0-100km/h in 7.59 seconds. It carries you up to speed in the rat race without struggle.

Instant torque from the electric motors give a prompt surge off the mark. If you drive conservatively, 135kW of e-motor power alone means you can glide up to speed in full EV mode and cover short distances without using any petrol.

And speaking of petrol, the Accord struts an impressive fuel economy of just 4.3L/100km. That figure is up there with the Toyota Camry hybrid’s official average of 4.0L/100km. Notably, our real-world test with the Accord also brought the same average of 4.3L/100km. Whereas, our real-world test with the Camry’s half a litre larger engine, gave an average of 4.7L/100km.

Like with the Camry, the Accord’s fuel efficiency gains shine the most at speeds under 90km/h; and you should easily be able to cover 900km before needing to refuel. Interestingly, the Accord takes 91 RON petrol and the Camry asks for a minimum of 95 RON. Though, the Camry delivers 18kW more power overall.

The Accord deserves a special mention on the powertrain’s smoothness. Unlike some hybrid vehicles that can feel disconnected or clunky as they transition between electric and petrol power, the Accord delivers a seamless experience. When driving around town, the car is incredibly quiet, with minimal engine noise.

It also extends to the regenerative braking system, where braking power is smooth and consistent, with no sudden jolts or uneven deceleration. It’s a trait that is especially appreciated during stop-and-go driving, as it allows for a more natural and controlled drive.

A new e-CVT has been added to the mix, and is tuned to simulate gear changes from a conventional auto. While still smooth, it mimics gear ratios incredibly effectively, giving you a sense of progression as you accelerate. None of that “motorboat stuck in a headwind” sound that plagues older CVT hybrids. There are also selectable drive modes; Economy, Sport, Normal, and Individual. As mentioned, you can also select a full EV-only mode if you drive gently and have enough juice.

As for handling, the RS badge is not a Civic Type R in disguise, but the steering is tight and communicative, body control is tidy, and the ride strikes a lovely balance between comfort and composure. Up front are MacPherson struts, and a multi-link setup with a stabiliser bar at the rear. Bumps are absorbed superbly, and being close to the ground gives it a cornering edge over SUVs. But the economy-biased tyres will be the first to give out in rapid cornering.

Another special mention goes to the adaptive cruise and lane-keeping assist. They are among the best for being smooth, intuitive, and not too reactive. It doesn’t slam on the brakes every time a car cuts in, and it doesn’t ping-pong between lane markers. Instead, it feels like a confident but relaxed co-driver helping you out rather than causing work. It’s these little touches that we think makes the Accord a competent long-distance machine.

2025 Honda Accord RS e:HEV: Key attractions/reasons to buy

• Impressive fuel efficiency: The Accord e:HEV sips just 4.3L/100km – and that’s not just a lab number, it’s what we got in the real world.
• Smooth hybrid powertrain: Transitions between electric and petrol power are so well polished you’ll barely notice them. The same goes for the regenerative braking. Simulated gear shifts from the e-CVT also mean no CVT drone – thank you, Honda.
• Premium cabin feel without the flashy fuss: Buttons, toggles and materials all feel top shelf. Honda hasn’t forgotten how to make a quality cabin.
• Loaded with tech and safety features: A big 12.3-inch screen, Bose stereo, wireless phone stuff, adaptive cruise, surround-view camera – the tech box is thoroughly ticked. And it all works intuitively.
• A sedan that’s still genuinely practical: A massive boot (570L), excellent rear space, a wide-opening hatch-like boot lid – sedan form with wagon usability.

2025 Honda Accord RS e:HEV: Key considerations before you buy

• It’s pricey: One trim, take it or leave it. Honda desperately needs a lower-spec Accord to bring the price down and the sales up.
• No heated or ventilated seats at this price: When you’re up in luxury price territory, creature comforts like heated and cooled seats shouldn’t be missing.
• Interior design might be too conservative for some: It’s neat and beautifully built, but if you’re after bold styling or wow-factor design, the Accord plays it safe inside.
• Low sales could mean limited long-term support and resale: With only a handful sold each month in Australia, it’s hard to envisage how the Accord will stay in business for the long term. 

2025 Honda Accord RS e:HEV: Videos