Is a Honda Head-Up Display Worth It?

Honda includes a head-up display on its Accord Touring model, but you’ll need to look at an aftermarket option if you want to add it to other Honda vehicles.
Written by Jennifer Justice
background
The Honda head-up display (HUD) allows drivers to see important information as a projection on the
windshield
so you don’t have to look away from the road, but is a HUD worth the extra money?
If you’re considering buying a Honda, you have different options and extras you can add on, including technology. While upgrading your infotainment or stereo system offers some everyday perks, a feature like a head-up display can also keep you safe.
Compare insurance quotes from 50+ insurance companies with Jerry in under 45 seconds
Compare insurance quotes from 50+ insurance companies with Jerry in under 45 seconds
icon4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars
icon4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ drivers

Honda head up display: what is it and do you need it?

A head-up or heads-up display (HUD) allows the vehicle to project key information onto the windshield so it’s within easy view of the driver—you don’t have to keep looking down to check on your speed, your infotainment system, or other items. The HUD works thanks to a mirror that reflects the information from the dashboard onto the windshield so it’s at eye level for the driver.
You can choose what options the HUD displays and move the display up or down to make it easier to see. While different models have their own options, you’ll generally be able to display information like the following:
  • Your speed
  • Turn-by-turn directions
  • Call info
  • Cruise control
  • Warning messages
  • Traffic signs recognition system
  • Infotainment menu, including Apple CarPlay or Android Auto
Honda also offers a Honda Intelligent Night Vision System, which uses a night vision camera on the front of the car. Options like the HUD keeps your line of sight on the road, which minimizes
distracted driving
, which is dangerous no matter when or where you are driving.

Which Honda models have a head-up display (HUD)?

Honda offers the HUD on their Accord Touring trim as a standard feature. Unlike other manufacturers, Honda chose to limit their HUD to one specific trim. As a result, the other Accord trims do not offer the HUD as an optional add-on, nor is it available as a standard feature on other models.
Both Touring trims are the top option in the Accord series, and it offers a lot of extra features as standard for the trim. This trim includes heated leather seats, a moon roof, and parking sensors as additional standard features, to name a few.
On top of the HUD, Touring trims include Honda Sensing as a standard feature, an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS), which adds to your safety and comfort. This feature includes items like Collision Mitigation Braking that automatically brakes if the vehicle senses a potential collision, Adaptive Cruise Control that adjusts your speed based on nearby vehicles, and similar safety features, like Road Departure Mitigation to keep your car from crossing over into other lanes by accident.
The Accord Touring trim is the only option with a heads-up display, so you’ll need to look at the following trims:
Accord Touring
: starting MSRP $38,450. The regular Touring has a gas-powered engine, with a 252-horsepower Turbocharged Engine, and a 10-speed automatic transmission. This trim gets a 30/38 city/highway mpg rating.
Hybrid Touring
: starting MSRP $37,590. This hybrid version of the Touring has a 212-horsepower hybrid Powertrain engine, and an Electronic Continuously Variable Transmission (e-CVT) with a Sport Mode and Deceleration Selectors. This trim gets a 48/47 city/highway mpg rating. 
MORE: Want To Get The Best Hybrid Around? The Honda Accord Is Your Best Bet

Can you add a head-up display to a Honda?

Since Honda only offers a couple of trims with the HUD, you’ll have to look at adding your own HUD option if you don’t have a Touring. You can get aftermarket options with a range of features and prices, from a basic model for $30 up to one with all the extras at $1,000.
You can order a heads-up display from places like
Honda Factory Parts
, but you’ll need to make sure it fits your specific Honda vehicle. That particular aftermarket modification costs about $830 just for the part, plus labor unless you decide to install it yourself.
Since Honda limits the HUD option to the Touring trims, you’ll have better luck with non-Honda aftermarket options—the option Honda offers in their parts catalog will be limited in which vehicles it fits and how it is meant to be used. And since you can choose from a variety of models for non-Honda HUD versions, you’ll be able to customize the HUD more as well.

How to use the Honda head-up display

Such a futuristic display might seem hard to use, but it’s mostly just pushing a few buttons. You can follow a few easy steps to use your HUD:
  • Look for a HUD button to the left of your steering wheel and press it
  • To adjust the height of the projected images, use the up/down arrow keys
  • If you want to change the brightness, press and hold the HUD button
  • To alter what information is displayed, use the HUD button on your steering wheel
Of course, you’ll want to minimize making these adjustments while driving for safety reasons, but you can customize your HUD to fit your needs. You can even change up which information displays depending on whether you are taking a trip or on your way to work.

Is a Honda head-up display worth it? 

While a heads-up display helps keep important information at eye level and makes it both easier and safer for the driver to keep track of things like speed or directions, it’s not necessarily an absolute must since it’s an alternate way of getting the dashboard information. Some of it is personal preference as well. However, a HUD can minimize the need to take your eyes off the road, even for a second, so it adds to your overall safety.
The main question is the cost factor. In Honda’s case, you need to buy a specific model and trim in order to get their HUD, unless you want to add an aftermarket option. If you want all the bells and whistles and really want an Accord Touring to begin with, then the HUD is just one more bonus feature. But if you are interested in any other model or trim, you’re out of luck if you want a Honda HUD.
You’ll have to weigh your personal preferences, the cost, and how easy it is to either install the HUD yourself or find someone to do the installation for you, especially if you don’t want to purchase an Accord Touring. You also want to consider whether the extra gear is worth adding the extra expense to your purchase.
 “Using
Jerry
is a super straightforward process, and at each step, you can see exactly what coverage you’re paying for. Thanks to Jerry, I’m paying $900 less each year while keeping full coverage for my new car!” —Martin H.
RECOMMENDED
Compare auto insurance policies
No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms
Find insurance savings
Reduce your monthly car payments in minutes?
Find out if Jerry can reduce your payments by an average of $150/month
Check your rate!

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

√
No long forms
√
No spam or unwanted phone calls
√
Quotes from top insurance companies
Find insurance savings