Is the Honda Accord EX-L Fast?

It’s quick enough for everyday driving but not “fast” in a sports-sedan sense. The current Accord EX-L (now sold as a hybrid) typically runs 0–60 mph in about 6.6–7.3 seconds, which is competitive for family sedans. Older EX-L models with the 1.5-liter turbo take roughly mid‑7 seconds, while the rarer EX-L with the 2.0-liter turbo from select prior years can hit the mid‑5s, which is genuinely quick.

What “EX-L” Means—and Why the Year Matters

“EX-L” is a trim level that has spanned different powertrains over time. The current Accord generation (2023–2025) pairs EX-L exclusively with Honda’s two-motor hybrid. Earlier generations offered turbocharged gas engines, and in some years a more powerful 2.0-liter turbo was available. Knowing which version you’re considering is key to answering how “fast” it feels.

• 2023–2025 Accord EX-L Hybrid: 2.0L Atkinson-cycle four + two-motor hybrid, 204 hp and 247 lb-ft (combined). Independent U.S. tests of similarly powered Accord Hybrid trims have measured 0–60 mph between about 6.6 and 7.3 seconds, depending on wheels/tires, test conditions, and driver inputs. Fuel economy is a strong suit (EPA up to around 48 mpg combined on EX-L’s 17-inch wheels).
• 2018–2022 Accord EX-L 1.5T: 1.5L turbo four, ~192 hp and 192 lb-ft with a CVT. Typical 0–60 mph is roughly 7.3–7.6 seconds—adequate and smooth, but not quick by performance standards.
• 2018–2020 (select years) Accord EX-L 2.0T: 2.0L turbo four, 252 hp and 273 lb-ft with a 10-speed automatic. When offered on EX-L, performance was similar to the Sport/Touring 2.0T: mid‑5 to high‑5 second 0–60 mph, which feels genuinely brisk.

In short: the current EX-L Hybrid is among the quicker mainstream family sedans off the line, while earlier 1.5T EX-Ls are merely adequate. The 2.0T EX-L, where available, delivers true punch.

How the EX-L Stacks Up Today

Against current midsize rivals, the EX-L Hybrid’s acceleration is competitive to strong, though not class-leading versus performance-oriented trims from competitors. Here’s how it compares.

• Toyota Camry Hybrid: Typically a touch slower to 60 mph (often low‑7s), but also very efficient.
• Hyundai Sonata Hybrid / Kia K5 Hybrid: Generally in the low‑ to mid‑7s to 60 mph; similar real-world pace, depending on wheels/tires.
• Performance-leaning non-hybrids (e.g., Kia K5 GT, Subaru WRX): Considerably quicker (often low‑5s), but with lower fuel economy and a different mission.

For buyers who want strong efficiency with confident merging and passing, the EX-L Hybrid keeps pace with its main hybrid rivals and out-accelerates many non-hybrid base trims.

Real-World Quickness: What to Expect

On the road, the EX-L Hybrid’s electric assist gives a responsive initial surge, so it feels lively in city driving. Highway passing is confident, and the powertrain settles down to quiet cruising at speed. Most trims in this class have an electronically limited top speed around the mid‑110s mph; the Accord is similar, though top-speed limits can vary by tires and model year.

What Affects How “Fast” It Feels

Several variables can make an EX-L feel quicker or slower than the published figures. Keep these in mind when you test-drive or compare reviews.

• Version and wheels: The EX-L Hybrid’s 17-inch wheels are lighter and can slightly help acceleration versus heavier 19s on other trims.
• Load and conditions: Passenger/cargo weight, elevation, temperature, and road grade materially influence performance.
• Drive modes and throttle mapping: Sport mode sharpens responses; Eco damps them to favor efficiency.
• Tires: All-season efficiency tires boost mpg but trade off some grip and launch bite.
• Break-in and maintenance: A fresh or poorly maintained car may not deliver peak performance.

Because of these factors, published acceleration times are best viewed as ranges rather than absolutes.

Bottom Line

If you’re looking at a 2023–2025 Accord EX-L, it’s respectably quick for a family sedan—good for confident merges and passes, but not a performance car. Earlier EX-Ls with the 1.5T are adequate rather than quick, while the limited 2.0T EX-Ls from prior years are legitimately fast. Choose based on whether you prioritize efficiency (Hybrid), balanced daily pace (1.5T), or outright punch (2.0T, where available).

Summary

The Honda Accord EX-L is not “fast” in a sports-sedan sense, but the current EX-L Hybrid is brisk by class standards at roughly 6.6–7.3 seconds to 60 mph, earlier 1.5T EX-Ls are mid‑7s, and the uncommon 2.0T EX-Ls deliver mid‑5s. For most buyers, the EX-L Hybrid strikes the best balance of real-world quickness and excellent fuel economy.

How fast can a Honda Accord EXL go?

The 2025 Honda Accord hybrid can reach a top speed of 116 mph and can go from 0-60 mph in 6.7 seconds. The non-hybrid variant of the Honda Accord has slightly less acceleration with a 0-60 mph time of 7.3 seconds.

Which Honda Accord is the fastest?

The fastest stock Honda Accord ever produced is the 10th generation, specifically the 2019-2022 Accord Sport 2.0T and Touring 2.0T, which feature a 2.0L turbocharged engine and can accelerate from 0-60 mph in around 5.5 seconds. However, the fastest Accord of all time is a heavily modified, all-wheel-drive (AWD) 1400-whp Accord, not a stock model. 
Key takeaways:

• Fastest Stock Accord: . Opens in new tabThe 10th generation Accord Sport 2.0T and Touring 2.0T models are the fastest production Accords. 
• Engine: . Opens in new tabThese models are equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that produces 252 horsepower. 
• Acceleration: . Opens in new tabThey can reach 0-60 mph in about 5.5 seconds. 
• Fastest Ever (Not Stock): . Opens in new tabThe overall fastest Honda Accord is a custom-built, AWD, 1400-whp model, which demonstrates the potential for performance beyond a factory car. 

How reliable is the Honda Accord EXL?

The Honda Accord has a strong reliability reputation, often lasting 200,000 to 300,000 miles or 15-20 years when well-maintained. It’s a dependable choice if you’re considering buying one.

Which is better, the Honda Accord EX or the EX-L?

The main difference is that the Honda Accord EX-L adds luxury and convenience features on top of the standard EX trim, most notably leather upholstery, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, memory settings for the driver’s seat, and a power-adjustable front passenger seat. The EX trim is a well-equipped mid-point, while the EX-L offers a more premium interior and additional driver aids.
 
Honda Accord EX Features 

• Standard Comfort: Power driver’s seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, and heated front seats.
• Practicality: 60/40 split-folding rear bench.
• Safety: Blind-spot and cross-traffic monitoring, which are key driver-assist features.
• Convenience: A power moonroof with one-touch opening and heated side mirrors.
• Audio: An eight-speaker audio system.

Honda Accord EX-L Additions 

• Interior Luxury: 
  • Leather-Trimmed Seats: A significant upgrade in comfort and aesthetics. 
  • Driver’s Seat Memory: Stores the preferred position for the driver’s seat. 
  • Power Front Passenger Seat: Adds four-way adjustability to the front passenger seat. 
• Interior Refinement:
  • Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel and Shift Knob: Enhances the premium feel. 
  • Automatic-Dimming Rearview Mirror: Reduces glare from headlights at night. 
• Sound System: The EX-L may have a slightly different sound system than the EX, often with more speakers or specific accents. 

In Summary
Choose the EX if you want a well-featured Accord that still feels practical and comfortable. Opt for the EX-L if you desire a more upscale interior with luxurious touches like leather and convenience features such as memory seats and an auto-dimming mirror. 
This video compares the Honda Accord EX-L with the Sport trim, highlighting the features and differences between the models: 58sC. Harper Auto GroupYouTube · Apr 28, 2023