On the Road: Honda Accord Touring [VIDEO]

For years, the Honda Accord has been the target everyone else shoots at in the mid-sized sedan wars.

And for good reason. Since its debut in the mid-70’s and through nine generations of updates, the Honda Accord is pretty darned near perfect.

And now, they’ve made it more so by making it simpler.

Unless you go for the top of the line Touring model. In that case, you get every bell and whistle imaginable, and the bell is probably electronic.

If you haven’t checked out the Accord lately, you may be surprised to learn the 6-cylinder engines are no more. All Accords are turbocharged 4-cylinder mills, either 1.5 or 2.0-liter.

The Touring model is an Accord 4-door, with the 2.0-liter turbo engine. You can get a choice of exactly one transmission, a super 10, count them, 10-speed automatic.

The navigation system, satellite radio, adaptive cruise control, lane change warning, and some other doo-dads are all included. In fact, when you run down the specifications list, there is simply nothing Honda makes as an accessory that is not included. Ergo, the price, which is edging into nosebleed territory starting at $35,800 and can elbow its way up to over $36K.

To be fair, that kind of scratch will get you the beginnings of a BMW 3-series, or an Audi A4. As nearly perfect as this car is, that’s some formidable competition.

In return, you get a dashboard you can decipher, a strong performing 252-horsepower engine that still gives you 22 miles per gallon in the city, a 0-60 time of 5.5-seconds, and a Honda that’s actually fun to drive.

Top speed is 126, and let’s be honest, does anyone really need more on actual roads in crowded places? The car handles well with its 19-inch wheels and driving fast is not only reserved for when you’re late for work, but something you actually look forward to.

It doesn’t blow you away visually, and doesn’t leave a trail of rubber when you launch at a red light. It’s too sophisticated for that.

I liked it, and so did my spousal unit, by the way. And unlike so many cars that claim to be comfortable, long distance tourers, this one actually is. If you don’t choke on a price of 36-large for an Accord, this one is definitely a contender.