[jebe1]

I've been driving an Accord since 1998. I started with a 1998 Accord LX-V6 and put on 218K miles. I then purchased a 2007 Accord SE-V6 in 2010 with only 9k miles and put another 117k miles on it. Unfortunately the car was in an accident and am now looking at an Accord 2.0T models with an automatic.

I put on 60 miles a day and am wondering the differences in ride comfort, noise, and performance between the Sport 2.0T and EX-L 2.0T. The Sport has 235/40/19 tires, and have never driven such low profile tires over an extended period of time. The leather and power passanger seat in the EX-L aren't that big a deal, but I thought I read the EX-L has a feature that lowers road noise that is also on the Touring.

I test drove both models on different days for only 10 minutes, but can't say how the differences would translate over the long term.

Here are some questions:

1) I know the Sport has 19" wheels and the EX-L has 17" wheels. Does this mean the Sport will have a stiffer ride since it has lower profile tires? Will the EX-L have a more comfortable ride? Is the suspension the same?

2) Does the "Sport" mode on the two models work the same - with the only difference being the tires (and possibly the suspension) - or does the "Sport" mode act differently? If different, what are the differences? Seems a bit confusing to have a "Sport" mode on the Sport trim.

3) Are the shifting algorithms the same on both models - or does the Sport shift more aggressively?

4) Will the Active Damper System in the Touring model give me the best of both worlds - the performance of the Sport and ride comfort of the EX-L (if there is a difference) ?

5) Can I damage the 19" rims driving over large potholes?

Thanks!

Jebe

-----------
1998 Honda Accord LX-V6 - 218k miles
2007 Honda Accord SE-V6 - 126k miles

 

[Captaingeek22]

I have a 2.0 touring and I can give you two answers/opinions to ur concerns. Regarding the 19s I can say I feel no roughness because of the size and low profile. I live in LA and our roads are super crappy so I can say good job Honda on that part. Sport mode on the touring (two move suspension) to me has no change in stiffness.

 

[mbk734]

19's are probably rougher and more expensive tire. EX-L has remote start if you live in a cold area that is very useful and a much better sound system if you're an audiophile. The leather/cloth combo seats are nice in the Sport but all leather is hard to beat. EX-L also has garage door opener. The sport is just lipstick on a pig IMO unless you're getting a manual transmission.

 

[deadduck]

Tested the EX-L vs Sport in 1.5T and the EX-L was about 1.5 db quieter plus it was smoother to drive. The Touring was interesting in that it seemed noisy, different road though, but it was the easiest to drive, very comfortable. I really wish it had 18" wheels.

 

[gnawhnehpets]

19's are probably rougher and more expensive tire. EX-L has remote start if you live in a cold area that is very useful and a much better sound system if you're an audiophile. The leather/cloth combo seats are nice in the Sport but all leather is hard to beat. EX-L also has garage door opener. The sport is just lipstick on a pig IMO unless you're getting a manual transmission.

The 2.0 Sport has remote start as well...

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[Metfanant]

19's are probably rougher and more expensive tire. EX-L has remote start if you live in a cold area that is very useful and a much better sound system if you're an audiophile. The leather/cloth combo seats are nice in the Sport but all leather is hard to beat. EX-L also has garage door opener. The sport is just lipstick on a pig IMO unless you're getting a manual transmission.

Tested the EX-L vs Sport in 1.5T and the EX-L was about 1.5 db quieter plus it was smoother to drive. The Touring was interesting in that it seemed noisy, different road though, but it was the easiest to drive, very comfortable. I really wish it had 18" wheels.

Don't confuse the 1.5 Sport with the 2.0 Sport...

The 1.5 is based on the LX (no sunroof, etc)...the 2.0 Sport is based on the EX...so it has all the features of the EX (sun roof, remote start, etc)

Nothing the EX-L offers would entice me to choose it over a 2.0 Sport...

 

[Forest]

One of the reasons I purchased the 2.0 EX-L vs the Sport was the wheels. Although the Sport looks better, the fuel mileage ratings on the highway go down by 2 on the Sport because of the larger wheels. I also think the upgrades for $1500 are reasonable.

 

[Timido]

I have a 2.0 sport and it is great. Rides nice I have a 70 mile a day commute. 30mpg and comfortable. I didn't even realize the 2.0ex got 2 mpg better until this conversation

 

[S2k_Dude]

I've been driving an Accord since 1998. I started with a 1998 Accord LX-V6 and put on 218K miles. I then purchased a 2007 Accord SE-V6 in 2010 with only 9k miles and put another 117k miles on it. Unfortunately the car was in an accident and am now looking at an Accord 2.0T models with an automatic.

I put on 60 miles a day and am wondering the differences in ride comfort, noise, and performance between the Sport 2.0T and EX-L 2.0T. The Sport has 235/40/19 tires, and have never driven such low profile tires over an extended period of time. The leather and power passanger seat in the EX-L aren't that big a deal, but I thought I read the EX-L has a feature that lowers road noise that is also on the Touring.

I test drove both models on different days for only 10 minutes, but can't say how the differences would translate over the long term.

Here are some questions:

1) I know the Sport has 19" wheels and the EX-L has 17" wheels. Does this mean the Sport will have a stiffer ride since it has lower profile tires? Will the EX-L have a more comfortable ride? Is the suspension the same?

Not necessarily, the suspension tuning would take into a account the wheel/tire combo, however, a taller sidewall may provide a softer ride over potholes.

2) Does the "Sport" mode on the two models work the same - with the only difference being the tires (and possibly the suspension) - or does the "Sport" mode act differently? If different, what are the differences? Seems a bit confusing to have a "Sport" mode on the Sport trim.

I would assume the Sport mode acts similarly on both models.

3) Are the shifting algorithms the same on both models - or does the Sport shift more aggressively?

Honda doesn't say there is any difference in shift algorithms between the two models.

4) Will the Active Damper System in the Touring model give me the best of both worlds - the performance of the Sport and ride comfort of the EX-L (if there is a difference) ?

Yes, the active damper system gives the driver the option to switch between two different levels of suspension damping, one is more firm, the other is softer. Electronic dampers are an upgrade to the standard damper system.

5) Can I damage the 19" rims driving over large potholes?

Yes, lower profile tires are more susceptible to road damage.

Thanks!

Based on your post, it sounds like you should bet the EX-L model.

 

[Kamdog]

If there are two drivers that share the car, the memory seats can be very important.

 

[herosemblem]

I have the 2018 2sport and also a 2009 EX Civic which has 16 wheels.

The 16s ride softer and take bumps better. I notice it whenever I drive off the partial/sloped curb out of my driveway or shopping plaza, and when taking speed bumps.

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[deadduck]

Don't confuse the 1.5 Sport with the 2.0 Sport...

The 1.5 is based on the LX (no sunroof, etc)...the 2.0 Sport is based on the EX...so it has all the features of the EX (sun roof, remote start, etc)

Nothing the EX-L offers would entice me to choose it over a 2.0 Sport...

My post was pretty specific regarding noise and ride. I don't know, but I think, they'd be similar between the models as I don't believe the 2.0 Sport has any more noise reduction than a 1.5. Really the differences between the cars, outside of features, are 19" wheels and noise abatement. At least as far as I felt I could give the OP a reasonable response.

 

[Metfanant]

My post was pretty specific regarding noise and ride. I don't know, but I think, they'd be similar between the models as I don't believe the 2.0 Sport has any more noise reduction than a 1.5. Really the differences between the cars, outside of features, are 19" wheels and noise abatement. At least as far as I felt I could give the OP a reasonable response.

i dont believe there is any additional noise reduction, but its still a fact that they are based on completely different trim levels...people can easily get confused when talking about things, especially with all the variations in trim levels....lots of people think the Sport 2.0 doesn't have a moonroof, or remote start...because they looked at a 1.5 Sport which doesn't have those things

 

[wendavid]

I had dilemma when I was trying to decide between 1.5T ex and 1.5T exl. The 2.0T sport is based on 1.5T ex so I'm assume all those ex features apply to 2.0T sport. The reasons that I bought exl instead of ex are:

exl has better sound system
exl has memory seat (we switch cars frequently,whoever drive with kids will have to take the suv )
exl has mirror integrated turn indicators
exl has auto dim mirror with homelink
exl has wood texture insert on all 4 doors while ex has wood on front doors but black plastic on rear doors.

 

[jebe1]

Thanks to all for sharing your thoughts and experiences with the various 2018 Accord trims! It is much appreciated!

What I liked most about my previous Accords was the V6 engine and the way the car handled. They were both "LX" trims (lowest trim at the time was the "DX"), but I still got the V6 and typical Accord handling. I never test drove any of the higher models since I didn't care about the a sunroof, leather, etc - but I suppose the higher trim might have handled better if they had lower profile tires. I'll have to drive the EX-L and Sport back-to-back to see if I notice enough of a difference in handling to go with the Sport over the EX-L. It has been a long time since I've purchased a new car so I'm OK with having leather, a sunroof, etc.

I found the reference to the EX-L and Touring being quieter. This link states the EX-L and Touring trims have a "Noise Insulation Package" Anyone know specifically what this is? Is it active noise cancellation or are there more damping, thicker materials, etc. in the EX-L and Touring?
2018 Honda Accord Press Kit - Overview - Accord - Honda News

Also, with regard to the "Active Damper System" in the Touring, is the "firm" or "softer" setting the default? Does the Damper System change when you change to "Economy" or "Sport" modes?

Thanks!

Jebe

-----------
1998 Honda Accord LX-V6 - 218k miles
2007 Honda Accord SE-V6 - 126k miles

 

[S2k_Dude]

My Accord Sport 2.0T is pretty darn quiet, so I'm not sure what the insulation package is going to do but maybe it's something you may or may not notice when you do your test drives back to back.

 

[Metfanant]

Thanks to all for sharing your thoughts and experiences with the various 2018 Accord trims! It is much appreciated!

What I liked most about my previous Accords was the V6 engine and the way the car handled. They were both "LX" trims (lowest trim at the time was the "DX"), but I still got the V6 and typical Accord handling. I never test drove any of the higher models since I didn't care about the a sunroof, leather, etc - but I suppose the higher trim might have handled better if they had lower profile tires. I'll have to drive the EX-L and Sport back-to-back to see if I notice enough of a difference in handling to go with the Sport over the EX-L. It has been a long time since I've purchased a new car so I'm OK with having leather, a sunroof, etc.

I found the reference to the EX-L and Touring being quieter. This link states the EX-L and Touring trims have a "Noise Insulation Package" Anyone know specifically what this is? Is it active noise cancellation or are there more damping, thicker materials, etc. in the EX-L and Touring?
2018 Honda Accord Press Kit - Overview - Accord - Honda News

Also, with regard to the "Active Damper System" in the Touring, is the "firm" or "softer" setting the default? Does the Damper System change when you change to "Economy" or "Sport" modes?

Thanks!

Jebe

-----------
1998 Honda Accord LX-V6 - 218k miles
2007 Honda Accord SE-V6 - 126k miles

The V6 was a great engine, the 2.0T is better in almost every way...the new chassis is better, the car handles better...I can understand not liking the way the car looks...looks are subjective, but from a performance standpoint...this is a better car...

If you're worried about giving up any power to the old V6...don't be...and if you want even more power, KTuner or Hondata have you more than covered

 

[stillnight20]

There are noise reduction differences between 1.5T and 2.0T models; according to the press kit document from Honda's website (page 9 in the doc):

Along with the first application of structural adhesives to Accord, cabin quietness is further enhanced by a comprehensive sound-insulating package that includes full underbody covers (which also aid aerodynamics), front and rear fender and engine compartment insulators, alloy wheels with Honda-proprietary resonator technology, sound-absorbing carpet, acoustic laminated windshield glass – plus front door acoustic glass on EX and above – and a new, 3-microphone Active Noise Control system. The result is low noise levels with a well-balanced sound quality and a pleasingly sporty engine note.

 

[UNLTD1487]

Why doesn't the Accord Touring have good struts? Still use a stick from the 1980s.... crazy.


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[gnawhnehpets]

There are noise reduction differences between 1.5T and 2.0T models; according to the press kit document from Honda's website (page 9 in the doc):

The Sport 2.0 is based off the EX platform so it has the active noise reduction.

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