Car and driver Honda Accord

It’s coming up on three years since the Honda Accord’s successful redesign for 2013, which means the mid-size favorite—and multiple 10Best Cars winner—is due for some fussing over for the 2016 model year. We previously published exclusive, completely undisguised spy photos of both the sedan and the coupe that showed the obligatory styling tweaks front and rear, but we now know the main focus of this update is increasing the car’s technology quotient.

Apple and Android

To that end, the Accord motors into 2016 with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, the first Honda models with the feature. Omitting the LX and Sport, the integration is reserved for the EX and higher trim levels, which are the ones that get Honda’s seven-inch Display Audio system. (The bummer: Having experienced it in the Fit and the HR-V, we’re not too fond of the system due to its complete lack of any physical buttons or knobs—even for volume.) In addition to the Display Audio screen, the Accord gets a second, 7.7-inch screen, which can show images from the rearview or Lane Watch cameras, turn-by-turn directions, trip-computer info, audio info, phone calls, or text messages.

In the powertrain department, things are status quo. The naturally aspirated 2.4-liter four remains the base engine, with 185 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque (189/182 for the Sport), mated to either a six-speed manual or a CVT. Honda also is sticking with its V-6, a 3.5-liter unit good for 278 horsepower and 252 lb-ft. It’s paired with a six-speed automatic, although the V-6 coupe additionally offers a six-speed stick.