2016 Honda Accord V6 coupe: No more Mr. Nice Guy

Published 12:00 am Friday, December 11, 2015

Ever since Honda was criticized for a surprisingly poor redesign of its compact Civic a few years ago, it has committed to improving all of its vehicles often, both with complete overhauls and more frequent tweaks.

For 2016, Honda has tweaked its midsize Accord with new front and rear ends, a retuned suspension, new interior trim, engines with both increased economy and power, additional safety features and more. The results are perhaps most impressive on the company’s performance-oriented version, the EX-L coupe with a V6 engine and six-speed manual transmission, the subject of our this week’s review.

In some respects, it’s a little surprising Honda even offers such a version. The Accord is largely marketed as a reliable and affordable family car, which it certainly is. Although technically a midsize, the last few generations have bordered on full-size interior space, which is great for families. The base engine is an economical 2.4-liter inline four, while a more powerful 3.5-liter V6 is also available.

Most Accords are sold as sedans with the four cylinder engine and a Continuously Variable Transmission. But Honda also offers a coupe that can be ordered with the V6 and a six-speed manual transmission. In that configuration, the word “family” seems out of place. It is a seriously sporty sedan with more rear seat space than most.

Our test car was a blast to drive. You’ve probably never heard the term “torque steer” associated with an Accord before, but we defiantly had to be carefully about not revving the V6 up too high before dropping the clutch. With a little discretion, the coupe accelerated quickly off the line and kept pulling strong all the way through the gears. Speaking of which, the manual was a pleasure to use, with silky smooth shifts from start to finish.

Handling was also much more refined than we expected, thanks to this year’s suspension tweaking and the wide 18-inch alloy wheels that put plenty of rubber on the road. The steering was also precise, although road feel was a little muted compared to European road cars.

The exterior styling changes gave the Accord a more aggressive looking front end and, in the coupe, a more tapered rear end the included a subtle rear decklid spoiler. The interior was also more contemporary, thanks to the extension use of leather that is part of the EX-L package. The rest of the materials were high quality, too, reinforcing the impression of a serious driving machine.

Other options included power everything, and an upgraded entertaining and navigation system with multiple forms of connectivity. Safety features included Honda’s innovative LaneWatch system, which includes a camera in the passenger side mirror that shows what’s behind the right side of the czar when the right turn signal is use. This is extremely helpful in urban areas where bicyclists are forever sneaking alongside cars that can legally turn right, regardless of the risk.

All versions can also be outfitted with the Honda Sensing package, which includes adaptive cruise control and a forward collision warning system.

Competition in the midsize field is especially heated these days, with most manufacturers offering a sporty version of their five-passenger cars. But few offer coupes with manual transmission mated to their most powerful engines, so if that’s the kind of family car you’r thinking about, check out the 2016 Accord EX-L V6 coupe.

2016 Honda Accord

Base price: $22,105 (sedan)

Price as tested: $31,745

Type: Midsize coupe/sedan

Engines: 2.4-liter inline 4 (185 hp, 181 lbs-ft); 3.5-liter V6 (278 hp, 252 lbs-ft – as tested)

Transmissions: 6-speed manual (as tested); 6-speed automatic; Continuously Variable Transmission

EPA estimated mileage: 18/28 (as tested) to 27/37

Overall length: 189.5 to 192.5 inches

Curb weight: 3,107 to 3,605 pounds

Final assembly: Marysville, Ohio