Does the Honda Accord sit low?

Yes—compared with SUVs and crossovers, the Honda Accord sits low, but among midsize sedans it has a typical stance. Recent models offer about 5.3 inches of ground clearance (2023–2025) and roughly 5.8 inches on the previous generation (2018–2022), resulting in a lower seating position and a sleek, car-like ride that prioritizes aerodynamics and handling over high step-in height.

What “sits low” means for a sedan

When drivers say a car “sits low,” they usually mean two related things: lower ground clearance (the space between the road and the car’s underbody) and a lower seating/hip point inside the cabin. That combination affects ease of entry, outward visibility, ride and handling, and the likelihood of scraping on steep driveways or speed bumps. Sedans like the Accord are engineered to feel planted and efficient, so they ride lower than utility vehicles by design.

How low is the Accord? The numbers

The figures below summarize ground clearance and overall size for recent Honda Accord generations. These measurements contextualize how “low” the car sits in everyday use.

• 2023–2025 Honda Accord (11th generation): about 5.3 inches of ground clearance; overall height roughly 57 inches, depending on trim. This is typical for a modern midsize sedan.
• 2018–2022 Honda Accord (10th generation): about 5.8 inches of ground clearance; overall height also around 57 inches. Slightly taller clearance than the current model.

In practice, both generations sit lower than compact and midsize SUVs but are in line with other midsize sedans. The 2023 redesign’s sleeker profile did not radically change the Accord’s sedan-class stance.

How it compares with rivals and SUVs

To understand whether the Accord “sits low,” it helps to compare it with other sedans and with popular SUVs that prioritize higher seating and more clearance.

• Toyota Camry: about 5.7 inches (TRD performance trim closer to 5.1 inches)
• Nissan Altima: about 5.4 inches
• Hyundai Sonata: about 5.3 inches
• Typical compact/midsize SUVs (e.g., Honda CR‑V): about 7.8–8.2 inches; Toyota RAV4: about 8.4 inches

These benchmarks show the Accord rides lower than SUVs by a clear margin but not unusually low for a sedan. Its ground clearance and roofline are broadly consistent with peers in the midsize class.

Real-world experience: entry, visibility, and scraping

On the road, the Accord’s lower stance produces a stable, car-like feel with responsive handling and good aerodynamics. Entry and exit require a slightly deeper bend at the knees than an SUV, though most trims offer height-adjustable driver seats to tailor the seating position. On steep driveways, sharp speed bumps, or rutted roads, drivers may need to approach at an angle and moderate speed to avoid scraping, a common consideration with sedans across the board.

Ways to get a higher or lower feel safely

If you prefer a taller seating position or need more clearance, there are options that don’t compromise safety or vehicle integrity.

• Use seat-height adjustment: Most Accord trims offer power-adjustable driver seats; raising the seat can improve outward view without changing suspension.
• Choose wheel/tire setups thoughtfully: A tire with a marginally taller sidewall can add a small amount of ride height, but keep changes within manufacturer guidelines to protect speedometer accuracy and handling.
• Avoid aggressive suspension mods: Lowering springs reduce clearance further and can increase scraping; lift kits for sedans are uncommon and may affect warranty and dynamics.
• Consider an SUV or crossover: If higher step-in and more clearance are priorities, models like the Honda CR‑V or HR‑V deliver a notably taller seating position.

These approaches balance comfort, visibility, and practicality. For most drivers, adjusting the seat and driving technique on steep transitions is sufficient.

Bottom line

The Honda Accord does sit low relative to SUVs, but not unusually low for a midsize sedan. Recent models ride at about 5.3 inches of ground clearance, with the prior generation around 5.8 inches. The result is a planted, efficient feel with typical sedan trade-offs in entry height and obstacle clearance.

Summary

The Honda Accord’s stance is class-typical for a midsize sedan—lower than crossovers, comparable to rivals like the Camry, Altima, and Sonata. Expect around 5.3 inches of ground clearance on 2023–2025 models and slightly more on 2018–2022 versions. If you want a higher seating position or more clearance, adjust the seat, consider conservative tire choices, or look to an SUV such as the CR‑V.

What is the ride height of the Honda Accord?

It rides at 5.5 inches. It’s followed closely by the Sport 2.0T which rides at 5.8 inches. The other remaining models come with a clearance of 6.7 inches. The average ground clearance among similar sedans on the market ranges between 5 and 6 inches.

What is the weakness of the Honda Accord?

One of the Honda Accord’s most talked-about issues revolves around its transmission. Owners have reported cases of slipping, abrupt shifting, and, in some unfortunate instances, complete failure.

Do Honda Accord seats go down?

Yes, most modern Honda Accords, starting with some models in the mid-2000s and continuing through the latest 2025 models, have 60/40 split-folding rear seats to increase cargo capacity. To use them, you open the trunk and pull the release levers located there to lower the seatbacks, allowing for the transport of longer items. 
How to fold down the rear seats:

1. Open the trunk: of your Honda Accord. 
2. Locate the levers: or latches. These are typically found on the sides of the trunk, near the top of the seatbacks. 
3. Pull the lever: to unlock the seatback. 
4. Push the seatback: forward to fold it down. 
5. Repeat: for the other section of the split seat if desired. 

Important considerations:

• Trim levels: While standard on most trims, a 60/40 split-folding seat may be an option on certain LX models or older generations. 
• Locking the seat: To return the seat to its upright position, push it firmly back until it locks into place. 
• Safety: Always ensure that items stored in the trunk, or extending through the fold-down seats, are secured. Never drive with the trunk lid open and the seatback folded down. 

Is the Honda Accord low to the ground?

Unladen Ground Clearance: 5.3 inches.