The Honda Accord has long been a benchmark in the mid-size car segment, renowned for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and overall quality. While the sedan version continues to be a popular choice, the Honda Accord Coupe, though discontinued after 2017, still holds appeal for those seeking a sporty and stylish two-door option. If you’re in the market for a car comparable to the Honda Accord Coupe, considering its sporty nature and target audience, you’ll want to explore vehicles that offer a blend of style, performance, and features in a similar vein, even if they are primarily sedans. Let’s delve into some excellent alternatives that capture the essence of what made the Accord Coupe desirable.
1. 2018 Toyota Camry: The Dependable Choice
When dependability is paramount, the Toyota Camry consistently rises to the top. While not directly a coupe, the Camry, especially in its sportier SE and XSE trims, offers a dynamic driving experience and stylish design that can appeal to those who appreciated the Accord Coupe’s sporty side. The 2018 model boasts a five-out-of-five rating in J.D. Power’s Vehicle Dependability Study, ensuring peace of mind.
Available in five trim levels, the Camry provides a range of options. Engine choices include a fuel-efficient 2.5-liter four-cylinder, a potent 3.5-liter V6, and a gas-electric hybrid, all paired with an eight-speed Direct-Shift automatic transmission (except hybrid). Toyota Safety Sense P, a comprehensive suite of safety technologies, comes standard, making it a safe and sensible alternative.
2. 2018 Nissan Altima: Quality and Value
The Nissan Altima, while also a sedan, provides a compelling blend of quality and value, making it a worthy competitor to consider. The 2018 Altima received top marks in its segment in the J.D. Power Initial Quality Study, highlighting its strong initial appeal and build quality. For those who enjoyed the Accord Coupe’s available V6 power, the Altima still offered a 3.5-liter V6 engine in 2018, a feature less common in modern midsize sedans.
The Altima 3.5 SL trim includes adaptive cruise control, enhancing driving comfort and convenience. Standard safety features include forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking. With its attractive interior and overall package, the Altima presents a solid alternative, particularly if you value a V6 engine option.
3. 2018 Kia Optima: Stylish and Feature-Rich
The Kia Optima stands out with its handsome, understated styling and a well-appointed interior. While not as overtly sporty as the Accord Coupe, the Optima offers a refined driving experience and a range of features that make it a compelling option. The user-friendly UVO infotainment system is a highlight, and the choice of three four-cylinder engines provides diverse performance levels.
Engine options include a 185-horsepower 2.4-liter, a 178-horsepower turbocharged 1.6-liter, and a 245-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter. Driver assistance features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and available autonomous emergency braking and smart cruise control enhance safety and convenience.
4. 2018 Ford Fusion: Sporty and Powerful
For those who desired the sporty appeal of the Accord Coupe, the Ford Fusion, especially in its V6 Sport trim, delivers a dose of excitement. With its stylish design and available 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 producing 325 horsepower, the Fusion V6 Sport offers performance that rivals some sports sedans. All-wheel-drive comes standard with this powertrain, enhancing traction and handling.
Available safety features are extensive, including adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, pre-collision assist with pedestrian detection, and blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert. While rear passenger space is slightly less generous, the Fusion’s sporty character and available power make it a compelling alternative for enthusiasts.
5. 2018 Hyundai Sonata: Quality and Value Proposition
The Hyundai Sonata has significantly improved Hyundai’s reputation for quality and reliability. The 2018 Sonata offers a comfortable ride, user-friendly interior, and a strong value proposition. While not marketed as a sporty car, its overall refinement and features make it a solid contender in the mid-size segment, appealing to buyers seeking a well-rounded vehicle.
Most Sonata models are powered by a 185-horsepower 2.4-liter engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Standard safety features include blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and lane-change assistance. Optional smart cruise control and lane-keeping assist are available for added convenience and safety.
6. 2018 Subaru Legacy: All-Wheel Drive Advantage
The Subaru Legacy differentiates itself from the competition with its standard all-wheel-drive system, making it an excellent choice for drivers in areas with challenging weather conditions. This feature provides enhanced traction and stability, adding a layer of security and confidence, especially appealing to those who valued the Accord Coupe’s sure-footed handling in various conditions.
The Legacy offers two horizontally opposed “boxer” engines: a 175-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder and a 256-horsepower 3.6-liter six-cylinder, both paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission. Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, with features like reverse automatic braking and steering responsive headlights, further enhances safety.
7. 2018 Chevrolet Malibu: Stylish and Dependable
The Chevrolet Malibu is a visually appealing sedan that also boasts strong dependability ratings. Topping the mid-size segment in J.D. Power’s Vehicle Dependability Study, the Malibu demonstrates that domestic brands can compete with imports in terms of reliability. Its sleek design and comfortable interior make it a stylish and practical choice.
Engine options include two turbocharged four-cylinder engines: a 1.5-liter and a 2.0-liter, both with automatic transmissions. A hybrid version is also available. The Malibu’s safety features are comprehensive, with 10 airbags, a rearview camera, and available advanced driver aids, providing peace of mind for drivers and passengers.
8. 2018 Volkswagen Passat: Spacious and Agile
The Volkswagen Passat offers a unique combination of spaciousness and agile handling. Despite being one of the roomiest cars in its class, the Passat retains a European driving feel, making it surprisingly fun to drive. This blend of practicality and driving dynamics can appeal to those who appreciated the Accord Coupe’s balance of sportiness and everyday usability.
For 2018, the Passat received a new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 174 horsepower, along with an optional 3.6-liter V6 with 280 horsepower. A roomy rear seat and a large trunk add to its practicality. Available driver assistance systems include forward collision warning with autonomous emergency braking, enhancing safety.
9. 2018 Nissan Maxima: Upscale and Sporty Sedan
The Nissan Maxima, often positioned slightly above the traditional mid-size segment, offers a more upscale and sporty experience. While technically a sedan, its emphasis on performance and premium features aligns it with the sporty spirit of the Accord Coupe. The EPA even classifies the Accord as a “large car” and the Maxima as “midsize,” blurring the lines and making the Maxima a viable alternative.
The Maxima boasts a 300-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering strong performance. While equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), the Maxima prioritizes sporty handling and performance, along with an upscale interior. Despite a slightly smaller trunk, the Maxima’s overall package makes it an enticing option for those seeking a more premium and engaging driving experience.
10. 2018 Honda Clarity PHEV: The Eco-Friendly Option
For those who appreciate Honda’s engineering and are interested in eco-friendly options, the Honda Clarity PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) is a compelling choice. Sharing many of the Accord’s virtues, the Clarity offers a spacious interior, advanced technology, and Honda’s renowned build quality, but with a focus on efficiency and electrification.
The Clarity can travel approximately 47 miles on electric power alone before its gasoline engine engages. Recharging is relatively quick with a 240-volt charger. With generous trunk space and a comfortable ride, the Clarity PHEV provides an environmentally conscious alternative without sacrificing practicality or Honda’s signature qualities.
While the Honda Accord Coupe is no longer in production, the market offers a diverse range of excellent alternatives that cater to various preferences and needs. From sporty sedans to dependable family cars and eco-friendly options, these vehicles provide compelling reasons to explore beyond the Accord Coupe and discover your perfect match.
