2022 Honda Accord Sport Detailed Review

The Honda Accord has long been a benchmark in the midsize sedan segment, known for its reliability, practicality, and engaging driving experience. For those seeking a blend of everyday usability with a touch of athletic flair, the 2022 Honda Accord Sport trim often stands out. But is it the right car for you? This 2022 Honda Accord Sport Detailed Review dives deep into what makes this particular model tick, exploring its performance, interior, technology, safety, and overall value to help you make an informed decision.

Unpacking the 2022 Honda Accord Sport: What Makes It Special?

The 2022 Honda Accord Sport isn't just another sedan; it's designed to offer a more dynamic aesthetic and driving feel compared to the base models. It takes the Accord's winning formula and injects a dose of excitement, both visually and in its road manners. But how does it hold up under scrutiny? Let's break it down.

Performance and Driving Dynamics: A Sporty Edge?

When it comes to the heart of the 2022 Honda Accord Sport, you have a choice of two capable turbocharged engines. The standard offering for the Sport trim is a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing a respectable 192 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that aims for smooth acceleration and efficiency.

For those craving more zest, the Accord Sport was also available with a more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering a robust 252 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. This larger engine is mated to a responsive 10-speed automatic transmission, offering a more traditional and engaging shifting experience. Both engines are front-wheel drive only.

How does this translate to the road? The Accord Sport lives up to its name with generally sporty handling that makes it fun to drive. The available Sport Mode further sharpens throttle response and holds gears longer, enhancing the driving feel. Paddle shifters are also included, allowing for a more hands-on approach to gear selection, even with the CVT. While the 2.0T engine offers a noticeable rush of power, some drivers have noted that the turbocharged engines can produce a "loud powertrain" at highway speeds.

Interior & Comfort: Spacious and Thoughtful

Step inside the 2022 Honda Accord Sport, and you'll find a surprisingly spacious cabin that prioritizes comfort for both front and rear passengers. It boasts ample legroom, particularly in the rear, with around 40 inches available, making it a comfortable choice for longer journeys. The trunk offers a generous 16.7 cubic feet of cargo space, and the 60/40 split fold-down rear seatback enhances versatility for carrying larger items.

The Sport trim features a combination of cloth and leatherette on the seats, providing a sporty yet comfortable feel. A leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob add a premium touch, and the power-adjustable driver's seat helps you find your ideal driving position. Dual-zone automatic climate control is standard, contributing to passenger comfort.

While generally praised for its comfort, some drivers have mentioned that the seating position can feel a bit low, and some ergonomics, like the gear selector buttons, might not be universally loved. Road noise, while often competitive for the class, has been a point of minor contention for some.

Technology & Safety Features: Connected and Protected

In today's automotive landscape, technology and safety are paramount, and the 2022 Honda Accord Sport doesn't disappoint. Every 2022 Accord, including the Sport trim, comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, providing a clear and intuitive interface. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration are also standard, allowing seamless smartphone connectivity for navigation, music, and communication. While wired on lower trims, wireless connectivity is available on higher Accord trims like the EX-L.

Honda's commitment to safety is evident with the standard Honda Sensing® suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies. This comprehensive package includes:

Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM) with Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow
Traffic Sign Recognition
Driver Drowsiness Monitoring

These features work together to enhance driver awareness and help prevent accidents. Additionally, a multi-angle rearview camera is standard. It's worth noting that while Honda Sensing is comprehensive, features like blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert are optional and not standard on all Sport trims. Some users have reported instances of the automatic emergency braking system activating randomly or the adaptive cruise control being a bit "jumpy."

Design & Styling: Athletic Appeal

The "Sport" in its name isn't just for show. The 2022 Honda Accord Sport features several distinctive styling elements that give it a more aggressive and athletic stance than other Accord trims. These include eye-catching 19-inch alloy wheels, LED fog lights, a gloss-black decklid spoiler, a dark chrome grille, black side mirrors, and chrome exhaust finishers. These details contribute to a sleek and modern overall design, making the Accord Sport stand out on the road.

Fuel Efficiency & Value: A Smart Choice?

Fuel efficiency is a strong suit for the 2022 Honda Accord Sport, especially for a car that offers a more engaging drive.

Models equipped with the 1.5-liter turbocharged engine and CVT have an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 29 MPG in the city, 35 MPG on the highway, and 32 MPG combined.
For the more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with the 10-speed automatic, the EPA estimates are 22 MPG city, 32 MPG highway, and 26 MPG combined.

Both configurations offer competitive fuel economy for their respective power outputs, and the 14.8-gallon fuel tank provides a decent driving range. The Accord Sport is generally considered a good value for money, offering a compelling package of features, performance, and practicality at its price point.

Pros and Cons of the 2022 Honda Accord Sport

Like any vehicle, the 2022 Honda Accord Sport has its strengths and weaknesses.

Pros:

Sporty Driving Experience: Enjoyable and engaging handling, particularly with the 2.0T engine and Sport mode.
Powerful Yet Fuel-Efficient Engines: A choice of two turbocharged engines that balance performance with commendable MPG ratings.
Spacious and Comfortable Interior: Ample passenger room, especially rear legroom, and decent cargo capacity.
Comprehensive Standard Safety: The Honda Sensing® suite provides a wide array of driver-assistive technologies.
User-Friendly Infotainment: Standard 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Sleek and Athletic Design: The Sport trim's unique styling elements give it a distinctive appearance.

Cons:

Potentially Noisy Powertrain: Some drivers report increased engine noise at highway speeds, particularly with the turbocharged engines.
Low Seating Position/Ergonomics: A few users find the driver's seat a bit low or the button layout less intuitive.
Blind-Spot Monitoring Not Standard: While many safety features are standard, blind-spot monitoring is an optional extra on some Sport trims.
Reported Issues: A small number of owners have reported issues such as random automatic emergency braking activation, infotainment screen blanking, or in rare cases, sunroof explosions.

Conclusion: Is the 2022 Honda Accord Sport Right for You?

The 2022 Honda Accord Sport remains a highly compelling option in the midsize sedan market. It successfully marries Honda's renowned reliability and practicality with a genuinely engaging driving experience and a more assertive aesthetic. Whether you opt for the efficient 1.5T or the potent 2.0T, you're getting a car that's fun to drive, comfortable for daily commutes and road trips, and packed with essential technology and safety features.

While it's not without its minor imperfections, such as some cabin noise at speed or the occasional tech glitch reported by a small number of owners, the overall package offers exceptional value. If you're in the market for a stylish, practical, and enjoyable sedan that doesn't compromise on safety or modern amenities, the 2022 Honda Accord Sport should undoubtedly be on your shortlist.

Have you driven a 2022 Honda Accord Sport? Share your experiences and insights in the comments below!