Honda Accord vs Holden Calais
What's the difference?

Honda Accord

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2024 price

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Holden Calais

$9,995 - $27,800

2018 price

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Maserati Quattroporte

Mazda 6

Mazda CX-80

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz C43

Mercedes-Benz C63

Mercedes-Benz CLA

Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz EQS

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Summary

2024 Honda Accord

2018 Holden Calais

By Emily Agar

By Andrew Chesterton

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Inline 4, 2.0L

V6, 3.6L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded/Electric

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

4.3L/100km (combined)

9.1L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

New exterior design feels refreshing
Great on-road presence and manners
It's fuel efficiency is worth a look

Plenty of cabin space
Safety gear on-point
Punchy V6

Dislikes

Missing a few features for price tag
Cabin is nice but plain
Multimedia system needs an overhaul

Fuel use on the high side
Four-cylinder turbo petrol unavailable
Diesel not an option

2024 Honda Accord Summary

The Honda Accord is now in its 11th generation and there was a time when the Accord, and rivals like the Skoda Superb and Toyota Camry were the perfect family cars.

But if you head to a car park, it's obvious they're no longer the choice when it comes to family hauling.

We’re family testing the new Accord, now offered in one highly-specified variant, to see if its new hybrid powertrain and design are worth a look in a world where the SUV is king.

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2018 Holden Calais Summary

If Holden had a dollar for every time someone had criticised the new and international flavour of Australia’s formerly home-grown hero, it would surely have more than enough spare cash to blow the dust of that vast South Australian factory and restart local Commodore production immediately.

Hell, there’d probably be enough left over to relaunch the Camira while they were at it. And maybe even knock out a new Gemini or two.

So we’re not going to do that again here. The all-new Commodore, in this case the Calais Tourer, is now here - granted having travelled further than the one it replaces - and so we’ll be playing this review with the straightest of bats.

Because the truth is, if you peel the badging - and thus the swirling emotion - off its elongated rump, then you’ll find this German-built Tourer is, really and truly, a very good thing.

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Deep dive comparison

2024 Honda Accord 2018 Holden Calais

Verdict

Will the new Honda Accord e:HEV RS topple the SUV throne? Unlikely, but it proves sedans can still haul the family around in relative comfort and style.

The new Accord drives stupidly well and offers great ongoing ownership costs, even if it's price tag is a little steep. It's hybrid powertrain also offers fantastic efficiency and that's a big win.

Verdict

A best-of-both-worlds option that should have us questioning our SUV obsession, the Calais Tourer delivers plenty of practicality perks and a higher ride height in a dynamic and car-like package. The equipment levels are spot on, including the comprehensive safety package, and it you act smartly, you'll get a hugely long warranty to boot.

It sure is thirsty, though, and we can't help but think plenty of owners would be happier with a smaller, more-efficient engine.

Honda Accord vs Holden Calais What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Honda Accord vs Holden Calais
What's the difference?