Honda’s vehicles are known for being reliable and great cars that don’t cost an arm and a leg – now, they’ll be know for being muscular powerhouses. The 2016 Honda Accord EX-L V6 is a seriously powerful machine and seriously fun to learn how to lay down some rubber in a front engine car.
First of all, this isn’t just a powerhouse – it’s got a refined leather and soft-touch bits spread through the interior. The leather-trimmed seats were comfortable and had 10-way driver’s side power adjustments. I found the perfect sitting position with a combination of the seats and the tilting and telescoping steering wheel.
In the cold December mornings, the heated seats were a miracle and the heated door mirrors made it easy to overcome winter frost.
Using the Smart Entry system, I didn’t even have to bring the keys out of my pocket to open the doors, just walk up and grab the door handle to open the door, the car will sense the key-fob and unlock the doors allowing you to slide into the seats.
At the driver’s fingertips is the HondaLink system accessible through a 7-inch touchscreen display. I was easily able to connect my phone via Bluetooth and recharge it via the USB connector.
The Accord EX-L’s infotainment system may not have been able to call my husband when I said his name, but it sounded great when I streamed Pandora through it. The 7-speakers were audible even at low volumes due to the Accord’s Active Noise Reduction system that reduces the outside sounds.
Though, that system won’t help you not hear people in the back seats. The rear seats are minimal in size, but my 5-foot 5-inch frame was able to squeak into the backseat and have a few inches of legroom to spare. Definitely a kid’s domain, but an adult can fit if they’re small and nimble enough.
The trunk, on the other hand, was not small – not in the least. You could fit an entire village in the back with room to spare for the livestock, too.
Of course, you aren’t going to be purchasing the V6 version of the Honda Accord because it has ample trunk space.
You’re going to want to purchase the 2016 Honda Accord Coupe EX-L V6 because the engine under the hood sounds like a beast attempting to wrestle free of the car’s frame. The 3.5L SOHC V6 EarthDreams engine produces 278 horsepower and 251 lb.ft. of torque, and a gazillion smiles.
A push-button start wakes the dormant engine, press on the gas with effort and you’ll get a scream in response. Since our version was mated to a smooth shifting manual transmission, I felt connected to the car, to the road, and to the world beyond.
Yet, when you didn’t want a snarling monster on the road, a simple lift off the gas and this V6 beast becomes a family-friendly coupe for any quiet neighborhood. Laying in wait for the next gas-tap.
The 2016 Honda Accord EX-L V6 is a coupe that offers space, power, and passion for an MSRP of $30,925 ($31,745 as driven).
