Is the all-new 2020 Honda Accord worth the money?

In recent years, entry prices of D-segment sedans have crept upwards and the all-new 2020 Honda Accord adheres to that trend. At a starting price of RM 185,900, it begs the question, is it worth spending that amount for the Accord?

Variants and prices for the all-new 2020 Honda Accord

There are 2 variants for the 2020 Honda Accord – 1.5 TC and 1.5 TC-P. The former is priced at RM 185,600 and the latter at RM 195,600.

The major difference between the two is the Honda Sensing suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).

Prices of its rivals, the Toyota Camry and Volkswagen Passat

The Toyota Camry is currently available in only one variant, the fully imported 2.5V with all the bells and whistles, which is priced at RM 196,888.

Likewise, the recently launched Volkswagen Passat facelift has only one variant on offer – the 2.0 TSI at RM 189,012.

How the 2020 Honda Accord fairs against its rivals

The Honda Accord may have the smallest capacity engine, but it’s actually the most powerful in its segment. Its power figure of 201 PS overcasts the Passat’s 190 PS and the Camry’s 184 PS.

Torque wise, the Accord’s 260 Nm still comes up short on the Passat’s 320 Nm. Meanwhile the naturally aspirated Camry makes 235 Nm.

In terms of safety, both the Camry and Accord are equipped with the full suite ADAS. The Passat only gets Blind Spot Monitor System and Lane Keep Assist.

But the biggest threat is SUVs, including Honda’s own CR-V

Despite the most recent price adjustment, with the CR-V 1.5 TC-P at RM 175,900, it is still cheaper than the Accord and offers better value.

Both get Honda Sensing and both are as spacious as a stadium. The major difference is, the Accord handles better and is actually more comfortable as a sedan. The CR-V is compromised due to the ride height, but it is helpful in case of flash floods.

Final thoughts on the 2020 Honda Accord

From the perspective of D-segment sedans, the Honda Accord offers more power with comparable or better equipment levels at similar prices. In that sense, yes, the Accord is worth the money.

But if you’re looking at the Honda Accord from a purely value for money perspective, then no because even the CR-V is a better value proposition. And in that case, might we suggest a lightly used BMW 3 Series or a Mercedes-Benz C-Class?