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The "New" Honda Accord of 2012: The Ninth Generation in Detail
The "new Honda Accord" covered by this page is the ninth-generation Accord, the North American design that Honda unveiled in September 2012 and built until 2017. It offered a 2.4-litre four-cylinder with 138 kW (185 hp) and a 3.5-litre V6 with 207 kW (281 PS). Its character was calmer and more comfort-oriented than earlier Accords, and it was not sold in Western Europe.
Key takeaways
- Concept shown in January 2012 at Detroit; production from August 2012 in Marysville, Ohio, and other plants; facelift for 2016; replaced by the tenth generation in 2017.
- Engines: 2.4-litre K24W direct-injection four with 138 kW (185 hp) and 245 Nm; 3.5-litre J35Y V6 with 207 kW (278 hp, 281 PS) and 342 Nm; hybrid from 2014.
- Gearboxes: six-speed manual or CVT with the four-cylinder; six-speed automatic with the V6.
- Saloon 4,862 mm long with a 2,776 mm wheelbase; five-star overall NHTSA rating.
What Honda launched in 2012
Honda previewed the car with the Accord Coupe Concept at the North American International Auto Show in January 2012 and revealed the production saloon and coupé in early September 2012. Production in North America started in August 2012, with the Marysville plant in Ohio among the factories. The smaller European Accord was discontinued in 2015, leaving this model as the only Accord in production. The full history of the nameplate is on our Honda Accord page.
Size at a glance
Volkswagen Passat B9
The Honda Accord XI is 54 mm longer and 57 mm lower than the Volkswagen Passat B9.
| Dimensions | Honda Accord XI | Volkswagen Passat B9 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 4,971 mm195.7 in | 4,917 mm193.6 in | +54 mm+2.1 in |
| Width | - | 1,852 mm72.9 in | - |
| Height | 1,449 mm57.0 in | 1,506 mm59.3 in | −57 mm−2.2 in |
| Wheelbase | 2,830 mm111.4 in | 2,841 mm111.9 in | −11 mm−0.4 in |
| Boot | 473 L16.7 cu ft | 690 L24.4 cu ft | −217 L−7.7 cu ft |
Toyota Camry XV80
The Honda Accord XI is 86 mm longer than the Toyota Camry XV80.
| Dimensions | Honda Accord XI | Toyota Camry XV80 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 4,971 mm195.7 in | 4,885 mm192.3 in | +86 mm+3.4 in |
| Width | - | 1,840 mm72.4 in | - |
| Height | 1,449 mm57.0 in | 1,445 mm56.9 in | +4 mm+0.2 in |
| Wheelbase | 2,830 mm111.4 in | 2,825 mm111.2 in | +5 mm+0.2 in |
| Boot | 473 L16.7 cu ft | - | - |
Honda Accord CV
The Honda Accord XI is 92 mm longer than the Honda Accord CV.
| Dimensions | Honda Accord XI | Honda Accord CV | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 4,971 mm195.7 in | 4,879 mm192.1 in | +92 mm+3.6 in |
| Width | - | 1,862 mm73.3 in | - |
| Height | 1,449 mm57.0 in | 1,450 mm57.1 in | −1 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,830 mm111.4 in | 2,830 mm111.4 in | Same |
| Boot | 473 L16.7 cu ft | 472 L16.7 cu ft | +1 L |
Honda Accord 2012: key specifications
| Parameter | 2.4 four-cylinder | 3.5 V6 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | K24W, 2.4 l, direct injection | J35Y, 3.5 l V6 |
| Power | 138 kW (185 hp) at 6,400 rpm; Sport 141 kW (189 hp) | 207 kW (278 hp, 281 PS) at 6,200 rpm |
| Torque | 245 Nm at 3,900 rpm | 342 Nm at 4,900 rpm |
| Gearbox | 6-speed manual or CVT | 6-speed automatic |
| Length / width / height | 4,862 / 1,849 / 1,466 mm | same |
| Wheelbase | 2,776 mm | same |
| Boot | 15.8 cu ft (about 447 l), saloon | same |
Larger boots in this class are listed in the biggest-boot saloons ranking.
According to the old 1cars text, some export markets listed the 2.4-litre at 132 kW (180 PS) and quoted a boot of 495 litres, measured to a different standard. A hybrid with a 2.0-litre Atkinson-cycle engine and two electric motors joined the range in 2014, together with a plug-in hybrid.
Design and cabin
The ninth generation moved away from the sharper, sportier look of earlier Accords. The old 1cars text found the styling more conservative, with rectangular headlamps and plenty of chrome. Inside, materials were soft and well assembled, and the rear seat had room for three adults.
How it drives
Even the base engine gives enough performance, but the set-up favours comfort. The old 1cars text describes the steering as not very communicative and notes noticeable body roll in fast corners, while the suspension absorbs bumps well.
Safety ratings
The US NHTSA gave the 2013 saloon and coupé five stars overall and in every category. The IIHS rated the 2013 saloon Good in the moderate and small overlap frontal tests, the side test and roof strength. In Australia, ANCAP scored it 14.79 out of 16 in the frontal offset test and 16 out of 16 in the side impact test in 2014.
What happened next
For the 2016 model year Honda facelifted the Accord with a new front end, grille, headlamps, tail lamps and wheels. It was the first mass-market car offered with Apple CarPlay and the second with Android Auto. In 2017 the tenth-generation Accord replaced it in North America, with turbocharged engines, while production in some Asian markets continued until 2019. Its closest rival throughout was the Toyota Camry, and Honda's SUV of the same years was the CR-V.
Availability in Europe and our verdict
Honda did not sell the ninth-generation Accord in Western Europe, so there are no official prices in euros. Our verdict: as a used car, the ninth generation is a safe, roomy and comfortable family saloon. The 2.4 with the CVT is the sensible choice; compared with it, the V6 adds 69 kW for buyers who want performance. The V6 version can be set against other strong family cars in the most powerful saloons ranking. More about the brand is in the history of Honda and the Honda catalogue.
FAQ
Which generation is the Honda Accord launched in 2012?
It is the ninth-generation Accord. Honda showed a concept in January 2012, revealed the production car in September 2012 and built it until 2017, with a facelift for the 2016 model year.
What engines does the ninth-generation Accord have?
A 2.4-litre four-cylinder with 138 kW (185 hp) and a 3.5-litre V6 with 207 kW (278 hp, 281 PS). From 2014 a hybrid with a 2.0-litre engine and two electric motors was added, as well as a plug-in hybrid.
Was the ninth-generation Accord sold in Europe?
No. In Western Europe Honda continued to sell the smaller European Accord until 2015 and did not introduce the larger North American model, so there are no official euro prices.
How safe is the ninth-generation Accord?
The NHTSA awarded five stars overall and in every category for 2013. The IIHS rated the saloon Good in all main crash tests, including the small overlap frontal test. ANCAP scored it highly in frontal and side tests.
