The 2017 Honda Accord uses MacPherson struts in the front and an independent rear suspension with separate shock absorbers. In other words, the front suspension relies on struts, while the rear uses shocks rather than struts.
To understand what that means for ride quality and maintenance, it helps to look at how the front and rear suspensions are designed and why automakers choose this arrangement. Honda’s 2017 Accord follows a common setup for midsize sedans: a simplified, space-saving front suspension with a strut assembly, paired with a more complex rear suspension that uses separate dampers for better ride comfort and handling.
Front suspension
The following items describe the key aspects of the front suspension in the 2017 Accord.
- MacPherson strut front suspension assembly, integrating the coil spring with the damper in a single unit.
- Upper strut mounting points and alignment hardware that support steering feel and camber control.
- Lower control arm components that connect the strut to the wheel hub and help manage wheel motion.
In short, the front suspension relies on a MacPherson strut design, which combines the shock absorber and spring into one integrated unit, contributing to a compact and efficient front-end setup.
Rear suspension
The following items describe the important aspects of the rear suspension in the 2017 Accord.
- Independent rear suspension (multi-link configuration) that allows each wheel to respond to road conditions separately.
- Coil springs supporting the vehicle weight and providing baseline ride height.
- Separate shock absorbers (dampers) handling vertical motion and damping, distinct from any front strut assembly.
In plain terms, the rear uses independent suspension with coil springs and separate shocks, not a rear strut assembly.
Maintenance and performance implications
Because the front uses MacPherson struts, those units are typically serviced or replaced as struts when they wear out, often alongside the coil spring. The rear shocks are separate components and are replaced or refreshed independently when damping declines or leaks appear. Routine suspension checks, alignment, and tire wear inspection are important for preserving ride quality and handling on this model year.
Summary
The 2017 Honda Accord features front MacPherson struts and a rear independent multi-link suspension with separate shock absorbers. This combination delivers a front-end strut configuration and a rear-end shock-based setup, reflecting a common midsize-sedan design intended to balance ride comfort and handling.