2013 Accord shows off new Honda tech (pictures)

The 2013 Accord represents the ninth generation of Honda's sedan. This update showcases new types of cabin and efficiency technology that will likely find its way into other Honda models.

The headlights bring in an LED parking-light strip, a styling cue that has become popular recently.

Honda built a new engine for the Accord, a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with direct injection. Output of only 185 horsepower does not seem that much for the displacement, so it seems Honda tuned this mill for fuel efficiency.

The front-wheel-drive Accord uses a fixed suspension, but Honda did a very good job of tuning it for both comfort and handling. The ride quality in the cabin gets enhanced by active noise cancellation, which makes the ride quieter.

In 15.8 cubic feet of trunk space, you could fit a few CNET editors.

At the EX trim level, the Accord gets a power-adjustable driver seat. These cloth-covered seats are very cushiony.

At 38.5 inches, rear legroom is expansive enough for most people.

Instead of offering a host of options, Honda builds its cars to trim, so what you see is what you get. The EX trim does not offer navigation, nor the new HondaLink connected feature. It does, however, come standard with LaneWatch blind-spot monitoring.

The voice command system in the EX model works only with the hands-free phone system, and does not control audio or other features in the car.

The speedometer includes an integrated display for trip information.

This trip screen makes it easy to monitor the car's fuel efficiency.

The hands-free phone system includes not only contact list integration, but also the option to read text messages from compatible phones.

The list of audio sources includes Pandora, Bluetooth streaming, iPod, and USB. Satellite radio is only available above the EX trim level.

Bluetooth streaming shows track data on the Accord's audio screen.

With an iPod plugged into the car, the audio screen shows a full music library. For USB drives, it shows only file and folder data.

Music playback from an iPod includes album art, when available.