I’ve personally tuned up a dozen of these, and my neighbor has put 340,000 miles on his. I’ve seen the repair invoices and the relieved smiles when the bill is less than expected. When my buddies ask why I always point them toward an Accord, I give it to them straight.
It’s the car that doesn’t make life harder. In a world of overly complicated sedans chasing the next gimmick, the Accord delivers the stuff you actually need: a seat that doesn’t ache after three hours, an engine that fires up without drama in any weather, and resale value that doesn’t vanish once you’re off the lot. It’s dependable, not dazzling.
Whether you’re considering a used 2015 Honda Accord model or wondering if the new 2025 Honda Accord is worth the premium, you’re asking the right questions. I’ve put together everything I’ve learned from actually working with these cars, not from spec sheets, but from real owners and real driving.
Below, you’ll get the straight talk on what each generation actually feels like on the road, what they really cost to maintain, and which one makes sense for your life and budget. I’ve even pulled real asking prices from actual listings this week so you know exactly what to expect.
Let’s get into it.
Table of Contents
The 2015 Honda Accord: Your Smartest $15,000 Decision
Why This Car Still Makes Perfect Sense
Listen! If you see a clean 2015 Accord with service records, you’re looking at one of the most sensible used cars on the road. This was the last Honda Accord with that beautiful V6 option, and it represents Honda engineering at its most straightforward and reliable.
I’ve had three different clients buy these in the last year, and here’s what they all say: “It just works.” No fancy screens that lag, no complicated turbo systems—just a solid car that gets you where you need to go.
What You’re Actually Buying
The Engine Choice Matters
You’ve got two options, and I’ll be honest about both:
- The 2.4-liter four-cylinder (185 hp) is your fuel-sipper. It’s not fast, but it’s smooth enough and will easily get you to 250,000 miles with basic maintenance.
- The 3.5-liter V6 (278 hp) is the one I recommend if you can find it. That engine has a specific smoothness you don’t get anymore. I drove one last month with 140,000 miles that felt brand new.
Real-World Numbers That Count
- Gas mileage: The four-cylinder gets about 27 in the city, 36 highway. The V6? Expect 21/34. You pay more at the pump for that beautiful V6 sound.
- Oil changes: Dead simple. 4.4 quarts of 0W-20 for the four-cylinder, about 5 quarts of 5W-20 for the V6. You can do this in your driveway in 20 minutes.
- The interior: All physical buttons. I know that sounds old-fashioned, but here’s the benefit: in five years, everything will still work. The touchscreen in your friend’s fancier car? Probably not.
Can You Tow With It?
Technically, yes, about 1,000 pounds with a proper hitch. But honestly, if you’re regularly towing, you should be looking at something else. This is a sedan, not a truck.
What You’ll Actually Pay Right Now
I spent yesterday morning checking listings across four countries. Here’s what a clean 2015 EX-L with around 90,000 miles is actually selling for:
- Charlotte, North Carolina: $14,200 at a reputable dealer with full service history
- Toronto, Ontario: $16,800 CAD from a private seller with records
- Manchester, UK: £10,500 for the Accord Tourer estate version
- Sydney, Australia: $21,000 AUD at a certified used lot
Moving to 2020: When Honda Got Serious About Performance
The jump to the 2020 Accord wasn’t just a refresh—it was a complete rethinking. Honda dropped the V6 (which made me sad) but gave us something equally special: turbocharged engines that actually make driving fun again.
The 2020 Honda Accord: Where Modern Meets Sensible
The Turbo Revolution
I need to be clear about something: the 2.0-liter turbo in the 2020 Accord is one of the best engines Honda has ever made. It’s not about horsepower numbers—it’s about how the power arrives. When you hit the gas, there’s no waiting. It just goes.
I’ve driven both the 1.5T and the 2.0T back-to-back, and here’s my take: if you can afford the extra $2,000-$3,000 for the 2.0T, do it. That engine transforms the car from “comfortable transportation” to “actually enjoyable to drive.”
Living With the Turbo Daily
Fuel Economy Reality
- The 1.5T gets about 30 city/38 highway—better than the 2015 Accord four-cylinder.
- The 2.0T manages 22/32, which is impressive for how quick it is.
Maintenance Changes
You must use full synthetic oil with these turbos. It’s non-negotiable. The good news? It’s still the same 4.4 quarts, and you can still do it yourself if you’re handy.
The Tech That Actually Works
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, and they work flawlessly. Honda Sensing (adaptive cruise, lane keeping) is also standard, and I’ve found it to be one of the better systems on the market—not overly aggressive, just helpful.
Current Market Value
These are holding their value incredibly well. For a 2020 Accord Sport or EX-L with around 40,000 miles:
- Phoenix, Arizona: $24,900 for a Sport 2.0T with clean Carfax
- Vancouver, British Columbia: $29,500 CAD at a Honda certified dealer
- London, UK: £21,500 for a well-equipped saloon
- Melbourne, Australia: $38,500 AUD with remaining factory warranty
The 2025 Vision: Where Honda is Heading
If you test drive a 2025 Accord after driving the older models, you’ll notice one thing immediately: the silence. Honda has moved all-in on hybrid technology, and the result is a car that feels fundamentally different from what came before.
The 2025 Honda Accord: The Quiet Evolution
Hybrid as Standard Equipment
For the 2025 Accord, Honda isn’t just offering a hybrid—they’re building the car around it. The 2.0-liter hybrid system delivers 204 horsepower, but the numbers don’t tell the real story.
What matters is the driving experience: from a stoplight, it’s pure electric silence. When you accelerate onto the highway, the gas engine joins so seamlessly you barely notice. It’s a different kind of satisfaction, less about sporty sounds, more about effortless efficiency.
The Efficiency Breakthrough
Here’s the stat that changes everything: 51 mpg in the city.
Let that sink in. Most cars get their worst mileage in stop-and-go traffic. The Accord Hybrid gets its best. For anyone commuting in traffic, this isn’t just slightly better—it’s transformative for your fuel budget.
The Premium Feel
Sit inside the 2025 Accord, and you’ll immediately notice the upgrade in materials. The standard 12.3-inch screen isn’t just big—it’s responsive and intuitive. Everything feels more substantial, more premium.
What’s New Costs More
As you’d expect, the latest technology comes at a premium:
UK & Australia: Check with local dealers, as pricing and specs can vary
USA: Starts around $29,000 USD
Canada: About $34,000 CAD to start
Side-by-Side: Which Accord Fits Your Life?
What this table really shows: The move from raw power (V6) to smart efficiency (Turbo, then Hybrid), and from a simple cockpit to a tech-integrated living space. Each step is a clear response to what drivers needed in that era.
| What Matters | 2015 Accord | 2020 Accord | 2025 Accord |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Character | Classic Honda smoothness – Choose between adequate (4-cyl) or wonderful (V6) | Modern turbo response – Instant power when you need it | Serene hybrid efficiency – Silent electric glide around town |
| Real MPG | 27 city / 36 highway (4-cyl) | 30 city / 38 highway (1.5T) | 51 city / 44 highway (Hybrid) |
| Tech Experience | Simple & reliable buttons | Modern smartphone integration | Premium connected experience |
| Long-Term Trust | Proven over 8+ years – We know exactly what goes wrong | Strong 4-year track record | Too new to know, but promising |
| Maintenance | Easy & affordable DIY | Requires synthetic oil, still straightforward | Hybrid system adds complexity long-term |
| Best For | Budget-minded buyers who want reliability | Drivers who want modern features & fun | Commuters who value efficiency & refinement |
Questions Real Buyers Are Asking Me
“What’s the one problem I should check for in a 2015 Accord?”
The battery drain issue is real. The Bluetooth module sometimes doesn’t sleep properly. Before buying any 2015, ask if the software update (Service Bulletin 15-041) has been done. If not, budget $200 at a dealer to get it fixed permanently.
“How many miles is too many for a used Accord?”
I’ve seen well-maintained Accords reach 300,000 miles regularly. The sweet spot for value is 80,000-120,000 miles. Over 150,000, price should drop significantly unless service records are perfect.
“Which years have the 2.0T engine?”
2018 through 2022. Look for “2.0T” badges on the trunk. The Sport and Touring trims are where you’ll find them most often.
“Can these really last 400,000 miles?”
Yes, but it’s not automatic. The ones that reach that milestone have three things: consistent synthetic oil changes every 5,000 miles, major services (timing belt, water pump) done on schedule, and mostly highway miles. It’s about the owner as much as the car.
“2024 vs 2025 Accord, is the new one worth it?”
For most people, no. The changes are minor—some new colors, wireless charging in more trims. If you find a 2024 still on a lot, you can often get a much better deal for essentially the same car.
“Accord or Camry for 2025?”
I’ve driven both extensively. Here’s my honest take: the Accord feels more connected to the road. The steering is sharper, and the hybrid system feels more responsive. The Camry is softer, quieter, and will probably have slightly better resale. You can’t make a bad choice here—it’s about whether you want to feel engaged (Accord) or perfectly insulated (Camry).
The Bottom Line You Can Trust
After years of recommending cars to friends, family, and clients, here’s what I know for sure about the Accord:
- The Accord 2015 is for the practical person who wants transportation that won’t cause headaches. It’s the definition of “smart money.”
- The Accord 2020 is for someone who wants that reliability but also wants to enjoy the drive. It proves sensible can also be fun.
- The Accord 2025 is for the forward-thinking buyer who values technology and efficiency above all else.
This isn’t about finding the “best” car. It’s about finding the right car for your life, right now. The Accord has spent decades mastering that balance. Whether you end up in one or not, using it as your benchmark will steer you right.
I’ve helped friends track down service histories and decode window stickers for years. If you land on an Accord and want a second pair of eyes on a listing or just to talk through the real annual costs, my inbox is always open. No sales pitch, just sense.
Drive safe.