Overview
Crisply styled and aerodynamically efficient, the ninth-generation Accord Sedan and Accord Coupe body designs and engineering features are the most sophisticated in the Accord nameplate’s history. Every aspect of the body is tailor-made to improve every aspect of the Accord ownership experience, from more precise ride and handling to a quieter interior environment, along with enhanced visibility and increased fuel efficiency.
The Accord’s unit-body uses a large percentage of high-strength steel, which gives the Accord high structural strength for improved ride quality and more precise cornering. The Sedan’s body design is bold and decisive, sleek and fluid, while the Coupe body design is rakish, taut and athletic. In both body styles, extensive use of aerodynamic detailing, including expanded use of under-covers, improves the Accord’s aerodynamic efficiency, which directly benefits fuel efficiency.
For 2016, development work on the ninth-generation Accord sedan body has centered on increased rear body rigidity in order to significantly improve both ride quality and handling. Particular attention has been paid to increased torsional rigidity with incremental improvements in bending and lateral rigidity as well. New rigidity-enhancing body features for 2016 include:
- More rigid rear bulkhead
- More rigid front shock tower bar
- New front upper member stiffener (except LX grade)
- New center tunnel brace (except LX grade)
- New front and rear damper housing stiffeners (except LX grade)
All 2016 Accord Sedan models also get a new all-aluminum hood, 18 pounds lighter than then steel hood on the 2015 model. For the coupe, further improved ride quality and handling were also targeted, with more rigid front shock tower bar, while taking advantage of the inherently more rigid couple body.
The more rigid body combines with numerous chassis upgrades – including higher performance dampers, retuned electric power steering and, on Touring models, new Amplitude Reactive Dampers and hydraulic subframe bushings – to deliver even more responsive steering and handling together with a more refined ride quality.
High-Strength Steel
The Accord unibody uses a high degree of high-strength, high-tensile steel. For the Accord Sedan, fully 55.8-percent of the body uses high-tensile steel, with 17.2-percent of the steel being ultra-high strength (780, 980 or 1,500 megapascals). This contributes to higher body rigidity and reduced weight, which directly benefits ride and handling, interior quietness, performance and efficiency and long-term durability.
Aluminum
All 2016 Accord Sedans get a new all-aluminum hood, shaving approximately 18 pounds of weight compared with the steel hood it replaces. Taking weight out of the front end in this way contributed to improved handling feel and response.
Aerodynamic Performance
For 2016, improved aerodynamic performance was an important development theme, with particular emphasis on drag reduction. Development work centered on how to further smoothen the flow of air both under and around the sides of the body.
Accord Sedan and Coupe models have under-body aerodynamic covers in front of the engine/transmission assembly and rear wheels and trunk. Accord V-6 models also have two more covers under the driver’s and front passenger’s floor areas. In addition, ground clearance is purposefully lowest just in front of the rear wheels, causing a low-pressure area in between the wheels. This low-pressure area pulls the airflow around the rear wheels instead of across them. Although seemingly small, the details add up, and result in meaningful gains in fuel-efficiency.
2016 Accord Sedan Key Body Specifications
2016 Accord Coupe Key Body Specifications
Exterior Design
All 2016 Accord models feature sportier, more sophisticated and expressive styling cues, including restyled front and rear bumpers fasciae, a new grille and new taillight designs, as well as new aluminum wheels for all models and trims.
The Accord Sedan and Coupe both get a major facelift. In place of the previous wrap-around front bumper is a more sharply creased and intricately structured front fascia, the lower portion of which tucks into large side intake-like meshed areas that house new LED fog lights (Sport trim and above). On the sedan, a more sharply creased and contoured aluminum hood replaces the steel hood on earlier versions and meets up with a brighter, more pronounced front grille. The new more expressive face of Accord is complimented by a more sharply sculpted rear bumper fascia and new LED taillight design.
While all models feature restyled wheels, the Accord Sedan in Sport and Touring trims get larger 19-inch (+1 Sport, +2 Touring) wheels and tires and a new side-sill garnish. The Touring sedan also gets a new rear deck spoiler. For the Accord Coupe, EX and EX-L grades get larger 18-inch (+1 inch) wheels and tires, while and new line-topping Coupe Touring rolls on the same 19-inch tires as its sedan counterpart.
All models, Coupe and Sedan, feature the expanded use of LED lighting – LED taillights for all models, LED headlights for the Touring Sedan and Coupe, and LED daytime running lights (DRLs) for Sport and above trims.
The 2016 Accord Sedan is available in eight exterior colors: White Orchid Pearl, Champagne Frost Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic, Modern Steel Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, Basque Red Pearl II, Kona Coffee Metallic and Obsidian Blue Pearl. The Accord Sedan Sport gets a new San Marino Red (in place of Basque Red Pearl II).
The 2016 Accord Coupe shares seven colors with the sedan: Lunar Silver Metallic, Modern Steel Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, and new San Marino Red. There are two colors unique to the 2016 Accord Coupe: Deep Blue Opal Metallic and Still Night Pearl.
The 2016 Accord cabin also features new fabric and color schemes, depending on model and trim, including:
- New glossy piano black interior trim for Accord Sedan LX and Sport and Coupe LX-S
- New carbon fiber-style dashboard trim, metal foot pedals with rubber inserts, and new cloth seat fabric with leatherette bolsters for the Sedan in Sport trim
- A new meter design on Accord Sedan Sport and all Coupe models
- New tricot seat fabric for Accord Sedan EX
- New wood grain-style dashboard trim for Accord Sedan EX and above trims
- New metal-style dashboard trim for Accord Coupe EX and above trims
All Accord LX and Sport Sedan models feature a convenient manual remote entry system, while Accord EX, EX-L and Touring models include a Smart Entry system with engine start/stop button. The Accord EX, EX-L and Touring models also include a power glass moonroof with tilt feature.
All Accord models have variable-speed windshield wipers and auto-on/off headlights—with the Touring trim receiving an auto high-beam feature—and a multi-angle rearview camera is standard on all Accord models. Aerodynamic advancements improve fuel efficiency while also reducing interior noise. These features include body A-pillars that are now nearly flush with the windshield glass, windshield wipers that are flush with the rear edge of the hood edge, and optimized windshield and side glass thickness.
Body-Colored Folding Power Side Mirrors
Standard on all Accord models, body-colored power side mirrors allow the driver to adjust the mirrors position with ease. They can also be manually folded inward for tight parking spaces, if desired. Side mirrors on EX and above models are heated for all-weather driving convenience, and the passenger-side mirror includes an integrated Honda LaneWatch™ camera. (See Interior section for more information.) The mirrors were specifically designed to be more aerodynamic, reducing wind noise. Every Accord EX, EX-L and Touring model has LED turn-signal indicators integrated into the side mirror housings for added visibility in traffic.
Expanded View Driver’s Mirror
The Accord’s Expanded View Driver’s Mirror is integrated into the driver’s side mirror. Standard equipment on all Accord models and trim levels, the mirror increases the driver’s field of vision by 4.2 degrees to provide a better view of objects to the back and side of the vehicle.
Honda LaneWatch™ Display
The new Honda LaneWatch™ display, included on Accord EX, EX-L and Touring Sedan models and EX-L and Touring Coupe, uses a camera located below the passenger-side mirror to display an expanded rear view of the passenger side roadway on the intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID). (See the Interior section for more information.)
One-Touch Open/Close Power Moonroof
Included on Accord EX, EX-L and Touring models, a power glass moonroof with tilt feature includes one-touch control for both open and close functions. An auto-reverse feature reverses direction of the sliding moonroof panel if the operating system detects resistance to closing. A manually operated sliding sunshade improves comfort on bright or hot days.
Integrated Rear-Window Antenna
All Accords feature an AM/FM radio antenna integrated into the rear window. This eliminates the need for a traditional mast antenna, improving the vehicle’s exterior appearance and eliminating the possibility of damage in automatic car washes. Models equipped with XM Radio have a small fin-type antenna mounted at the rear of the roof.
Power Door Locks with Remote Entry and Programmable Auto-Locking Doors
All Accord LX and Sport Sedan models feature a convenient manual remote entry system, while Accord EX, EX-L and Touring models include Honda’s Smart Entry system.
Remote Entry System
The manual remote entry system allows the driver to lock or unlock the doors and trunk with the press of a button on the integrated wave key. This system has a range of up to 50 feet and includes an emergency “panic” button that sounds the horn when pressed. In addition, the manual remote entry system features a security system that is automatically activated when the lock button on the remote is pushed. A beep of the horn confirms that the security system is set. Any unauthorized entry will then sound an alarm.
Smart Entry System
The Smart Entry system with engine start/stop button on Accord EX, EX-L and Touring models simplifies approaching, entering and starting the Accord – especially when the driver is carrying personal items. The Smart Entry system allows the driver to walk up to the vehicle, touch the door handle to unlock the door, start the engine and shut it off at the end of the trip using a push button ignition switch, and then get out and touch the lock button on the door handle to secure the car – all without ever touching a key. The system only requires that the driver has possession of the Smart Entry key. The Smart Entry key features a die-cast body with attractive chrome plating and acrylic covers that use “back side printing” for durability.
Auto-Locking/Unlocking System
All Accord models also include a programmable auto-locking/unlocking system that is preset to automatically lock the doors when the vehicle reaches approximately 10 mph. Drivers can program the system to lock and unlock doors in several different ways, or else deactivate some or all of the system if desired.
Variable-Speed Windshield Wipers
All Accord models have variable-speed windshield wipers that automatically adjust the rate of operation according to vehicle speed. The result is the most efficient clearing of moisture from the windshield, and minimal wind noise at highway speeds. The design of the wipers also helps the blades press firmly against the windshield even at higher speeds, further assisting the clearing process. The windshield wipers are positioned at the same level as the Accord’s rear hood edge when not in use, reducing aerodynamic drag and wind noise.
Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers
The 2016 Accord Touring Sedan and Touring Coupe include rain-sensing wipers that automatically activate if water is detected on the windshield.
Auto On/Off Headlights
All 2016 Accord models feature auto-on/off headlights for greater convenience. The headlights multi-reflector/projector-beam units on all Sedan and Coupe models except the V-6 Touring Sedan and Touring Coupe, which have auto-on/off LED headlights. The headlights are sculpted for maximum aerodynamic efficiency and to compliment the Accord’s styling. All Accord models likewise feature Daytime Running Lights (DRL) – halogen on 4-cylinder models in LX trim, and LEDs on Sport Sedan (and LX-S Coupe) and above trims.
High-Beam
2016 Accord Touring trims receive a new auto high-beam feature. When the headlight switch is set in the Auto position, the system automatically illuminates the high beams until a dedicated camera detects oncoming traffic and automatically switches to low beams.
LED Headlights
The Accord Sedan and Coupe in Touring trim feature Light Emitting Diode (LED) headlights. This dual-lamp LED projector array provides improved light distribution for improved visibility and enhanced nighttime driving performance, while requiring only half the electrical power of conventional halogen/projector headlights. The LED array also has a highly technical appearance that sets the Touring model apart.
LED Brake Lights
LED brake lights are standard on all Accord models except the LX Sedan and Coupe. Compared to traditional incandescent bulbs, LEDs illuminate more quickly, use less power and have a longer service life.
LED Fog Lights
The 2016 Accord Sport and higher trims get new LED front fog lights contained within the side air intake-like meshed areas.
Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) Reduction
Generation after generation, the Accord’s ability to filter out noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) from the ride experience has become measurably better. For the ninth-generation Accord the reduction efforts are even more impressive, beginning with structural improvements in the unit-body and the greatest use of high-tensile steel in Accord history. The exceptional rigidity of the unit body reduces bending and twisting, which directly improves NVH characteristics.
Aerodynamic tailoring of the body and undercarriage also contribute to reduced cabin noise levels as turbulence is reduced in the surrounding airflow. The strategic use of specific engine-, body-, door- and interior-insulation materials also contributes to an even quieter cabin in both Sedan and Coupe models. This directly increases passenger comfort and helps put the Accord near the top of its class for quietness. NVH countermeasures continue, even in areas that cannot be seen. These include under the hood, inside the doors and body openings, and in the technical properties of the interior carpeting and trim. Key Accord NVH countermeasures include:
- Body A-pillars are nearly flush with the windshield glass for reduced wind noise
- Windshield wipers are positioned flush with the rear edge of the hood, smoothing airflow for reduced noise
- Windshield and side glass thickness is optimized for reduced wind noise
- Hood insulator reduces audible engine and road noise
- Fender liner insulators reduce road and tire noise
- Sealing rubber at bottom of doors reduces road noise
- Foam at leading edge of front door openings reduces road and tire noise
- Trunk trim with insulator reduces road noise
Cargo Area
The Accord Sedan has a trunk capacity of 15.8 cubic feet – 1.1 cubic feet larger than the previous-generation Accord Sedan’s, and is spacious enough to easily accommodate four large golf bags. Meanwhile the Coupe trunk has a capacity of 13.7 cubic feet, 1.8 cubic feet larger than previously. In both models, the new trunk area is easier to access and use, and the trunk floor is flatter, allowing easy placement and removal of items, with more secure storage. Integrated storage hooks allow securing cargo for safe transit. For 2016, all Accord Sedan models except the LX trim get a new 60/40 split and folding rear seat back, providing greater passenger and cargo carrying flexibility. The LX sedan and all coupe models feature a one-piece rear seatback that can be lowered to expand the cargo area when needed by pulling a convenient handle located in the trunk. The trunk is carpeted and lined, and a temporary spare tire is located in a well under a removable section of the cargo-area floor.
Multi-Angle Rearview Camera
All Accords feature a standard multi-angle rearview camera with three viewing angles – wide view, normal view and top-down view. Drivers may select the preferred view according to driving conditions. All rearview camera systems also feature dynamic guidelines. (See Interior section for more information.)
2016 Accord Body Features