Like most automakers today, Honda has an R&D outpost in the heart of Silicon Valley to work on all kinds of advanced technology. Since new driving technology lies at the heart of the updates to the 2016 Accord, the Mountain View, Calif. lab was deemed a fitting location to reveal the refreshed midsizer.
For those of us that are smartphone users (and really, who isn’t these days?) you’ll be glad to learn that the Accord is first Honda equipped with an audio system that integrates support for both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. All but the base LX models get a new audio system with a seven-inch touchscreen display that shows the car-optimized version of the interface when you plug in your phone. Both CarPlay and Android give drivers easy access to mapping, calling, messaging and media apps through interfaces with large touchpoints and voice control through either Siri or Google voice actions.
The tech updates go beyond connectivity though. The addition of the Honda Sensing package now puts the Accord pretty much on par with the class leaders in advanced driver assist systems. A front radar sensor powers the adaptive cruise control, collision warning and collision mitigation braking. A camera mounted in front of the mirror tracks lane markings on the road to alert you when you start to drift out of the lane and even nudge the car back into position if you don’t respond. Like other recent Hondas, the Accord also gets a multi-angle rearview camera to give you more situational awareness while backing up. Rear seat passengers in the top-end Touring sedan will also get added cold-weather luxury for 2016 with heated seats.
The 2016 Accord also gets some visual updates to go along with the technology. A more aggressive looking front fascia gets LED headlamps on upper trim levels and a reshaped grille and hood across the board. The rear fascia and taillamps are also reworked and all models get new wheels this year. Honda hasn’t yet announced when the updated Accords will hit dealers, but they generally follow pretty close behind the public reveal.
