2020 Honda Accord Sport Review Summary

The Honda Accord has long been a benchmark in the mid-size sedan segment, consistently praised for its blend of practicality, comfort, and driving enjoyment. For those seeking a more dynamic experience without sacrificing everyday usability, the 2020 Honda Accord Sport trim stands out. But what exactly makes this particular model a compelling choice, and does it live up to its "Sport" moniker?

If you're in the market for a used sedan that offers a spirited drive, modern features, and Honda's renowned reliability, you're likely sifting through countless reviews. This comprehensive 2020 Honda Accord Sport review summary is designed to cut through the noise, providing you with a clear, concise overview of what makes this car a standout option for general drivers and enthusiasts alike.

Unpacking the 2020 Honda Accord Sport: A Closer Look

The 2020 Honda Accord Sport is more than just a trim level; it's a statement. It takes the solid foundation of the Accord and injects a dose of athleticism, appealing to drivers who appreciate a more engaging ride. But how does it perform in key areas? Let's break it down.

Performance & Driving Dynamics: Does "Sport" Deliver?

When it comes to performance, the 2020 Honda Accord Sport offers two compelling engine options, both turbocharged, providing a peppy driving experience. The standard engine for the Sport trim is a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, delivering a respectable 192 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque. This engine can be paired with either a continuously variable transmission (CVT) or, notably for enthusiasts, a six-speed manual transmission.

For those craving more power, the Sport trim was also available with a more potent 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, borrowed from the Civic Type R, producing a robust 252 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. This larger engine could be mated to a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic or, again, the engaging six-speed manual transmission. The availability of a manual transmission in a family sedan was a rare and welcome feature for 2020, making the Accord Sport a genuine joy to drive for those who prefer to "row their own gears".

Drivers consistently praise the Accord's graceful handling, athletic chassis, and responsive, lightly weighted steering. The brakes are also noted for their quick and quiet stopping power. While some reviews mention a slightly muted throttle response or light steering, the overall consensus is that the 2020 Accord Sport delivers a genuinely fun and composed driving experience for a mid-size sedan.

Interior Comfort & Cutting-Edge Technology

Step inside the 2020 Honda Accord Sport, and you'll find a cabin that is both attractive and remarkably roomy. It comfortably seats five passengers, offering ample head and legroom for adults in both the front and back. The seats are described as comfortable and supportive, even for longer journeys.

The Sport trim elevates the interior with specific enhancements, including:

A 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat with 4-way power lumbar support.
A leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.
Sport pedals.
A 60/40 split fold-down rear seatback for increased cargo flexibility.

In terms of technology, the 2020 Accord Sport comes standard with an 8-inch Display Audio touchscreen infotainment system. This system is intuitive and easy to use, featuring Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration, allowing seamless smartphone connectivity for navigation, music, and communication. While some higher trims offer a premium 10-speaker audio system, the Sport's 180-watt, 8-speaker system provides a solid audio experience.

Cargo space is another strong suit, with the Accord boasting a generous 16.7 cubic feet of trunk space, which is among the largest in its class. This ample space means you can easily fit groceries, luggage, or even sports gear without a problem.

Safety First: Honda Sensing® Suite

Safety is a paramount concern for any vehicle, and the 2020 Honda Accord Sport excels in this regard. Every 2020 Accord, including the Sport trim, comes standard with the Honda Sensing® suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies. This comprehensive package includes crucial crash-avoidance features such as:

Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™)
Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM)
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow
Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
Traffic Sign Recognition System (TSR)

Beyond the standard suite, the 2020 Accord earned impressive safety ratings. It received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) also awarded the 2020 Accord a "Top Safety Pick" classification, with "Good" ratings in most crashworthiness tests and "Superior" for vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention. While features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were optional and not standard on the Sport trim, the overall safety profile is exceptionally strong.

Exterior Styling: Sporty and Sleek

The "Sport" in 2020 Honda Accord Sport isn't just about performance; it's also reflected in its exterior design. The Sport trim enhances the Accord's already sleek and modern lines with distinctive elements that give it a more aggressive and athletic stance. Key exterior features include:

Standard 19-inch alloy wheels, which fill the wheel wells nicely and contribute to its sporty look.
A body-colored decklid spoiler.
Chrome exhaust finishers.
LED fog lights.

These details collectively give the 2020 Accord Sport a sharper, more dynamic appearance compared to lower trims, making it visually appealing to those who desire a touch of sportiness in their daily driver.

Reliability and Value: A Smart Investment?

The 2020 Honda Accord, including the Sport trim, maintains Honda's long-standing reputation for reliability. J.D. Power gave the 2020 Accord an 82 out of 100 for reliability, placing it in their "Great" category. Consumer reviews generally echo this sentiment, with high ratings for reliability and overall quality. Many owners praise its dependability and long-term value.

While some owners have reported minor issues like higher-than-average road noise at highway speeds or large rear blind spots, these are generally considered minor drawbacks against an otherwise strong package. The 2020 Accord Sport offers excellent fuel efficiency, with the 1.5T manual transmission model achieving up to 38 mpg on the highway in real-world testing. Even the more powerful 2.0T with the manual transmission can achieve 22 mpg city and 32 mpg highway. This combination of strong performance, comprehensive features, and proven reliability makes the 2020 Honda Accord Sport a compelling value proposition in the used car market.

Pros and Cons of the 2020 Honda Accord Sport

To help you quickly weigh your options, here's a summary of the key advantages and disadvantages:

Pros:

Engaging Driving Experience: Offers genuinely fun handling and responsive steering, especially with the available manual transmission.
Powerful & Efficient Engines: Both turbocharged engine options provide ample power while maintaining good fuel economy.
Spacious & Comfortable Interior: Roomy cabin with comfortable seating for five adults and quality materials throughout.
Generous Cargo Space: Class-leading 16.7 cubic feet of trunk space.
Standard Honda Sensing®: Comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance features for enhanced safety.
High Safety Ratings: Achieved 5-star NHTSA and IIHS Top Safety Pick ratings.
Intuitive Infotainment: 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™.
Strong Reliability: Widely praised for its dependability and quality.

Cons:

Road Noise: Some models may exhibit higher-than-average road noise at highway speeds.
Blind Spots: Large rear blind spots can be a minor inconvenience.
Limited Cubby Storage: While the trunk is large, interior small-item storage might feel limited to some.
No All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Option: Unlike some competitors, the Accord does not offer AWD.
Low Seating Position: Entry and exit might be slightly hampered for some due to the low seating position.

Conclusion: Is the 2020 Honda Accord Sport Right for You?

The 2020 Honda Accord Sport truly lives up to its name, offering a compelling blend of sporty aesthetics, engaging driving dynamics, and the practical virtues that have made the Accord a perennial favorite. It delivers strong performance from its turbocharged engines, a spacious and well-appointed interior with modern technology like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a robust suite of standard safety features. Its impressive safety ratings and Honda's reputation for reliability further solidify its appeal as a smart used car purchase.

While it has a few minor drawbacks like potential road noise and blind spots, these are generally outweighed by its numerous strengths. If you're seeking a mid-size sedan that combines everyday usability with a genuinely fun and athletic character, the 2020 Honda Accord Sport review summary points to it as an excellent choice.

Considering a 2020 Honda Accord Sport for your next vehicle? What features are most important to you in a sporty sedan? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What engine options were available for the 2020 Honda Accord Sport?

A1: The 2020 Honda Accord Sport offered two turbocharged engine options: a standard 1.5-liter four-cylinder producing 192 horsepower, and an available 2.0-liter four-cylinder delivering 252 horsepower. Both could be paired with a six-speed manual transmission, or a CVT for the 1.5T and a 10-speed automatic for the 2.0T.

Q2: Is the 2020 Honda Accord Sport considered a reliable car?

A2: Yes, the 2020 Honda Accord Sport is generally considered a highly reliable car. It received a "Great" reliability rating of 82 out of 100 from J.D. Power, and consumer reviews frequently praise its dependability and quality.

Q3: Does the 2020 Honda Accord Sport have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?

A3: Yes, the 2020 Honda Accord Sport comes standard with an 8-inch Display Audio touchscreen infotainment system that includes Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration.

Q4: What safety features are standard on the 2020 Honda Accord Sport?

A4: All 2020 Honda Accord trims, including the Sport, come standard with the Honda Sensing® suite. This includes Collision Mitigation Braking System™, Road Departure Mitigation System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist System, and Traffic Sign Recognition System. The vehicle also earned 5-star safety ratings from NHTSA and was an IIHS Top Safety Pick.