This fuel-sipping four-door is a not-tobe-overlooked part of Honda’s portfolio
Among all mid-sized, mid-priced sedans sold in North America (11 in total) slightly more than half, including the Honda Accord, can be ordered with a hybrid powertrain.
Of the models that don’t offer electric assist, nearly all rank near the bottom in popularity. In fact the gasoline-only Chrysler 200 isn’t long for this world as the automaker has announced the family sedan’s impending demise.
The link between solid sales and offering hybrids might be coincidence, or it could be that the major players have deeper pockets to invest in expensive hybrid technology and/or are prepared to lose money) on the relatively few hybrids they sell.
Honda’s Accord Hybrid was sidelined for the 2016 model year, but it’s back in time to help celebrate the Accord’s 40th birthday. Part of the delay involved completely retooling the gasoline-electric drive system, but it also involved relocating production to Japan from Honda’s U.S. plant in Ohio.
As in past years, the Accord Hybrid goes about its fuel-saving, emissions-reducing business virtually unnoticed. Other than a weight-saving aluminum hood, blue exterior lighting and Hybrid badging, there’s no discernible difference between it and four- and six-cylinder gasoline Accords. For 2016, the sedan as well as the Accord coupe received new front and rear-end designs, new wheels and availability of LED lights. There are still similarities between old and new (the last major redo was revealed for 2008), but the Accord’s appearance remains as attractive and contemporary as ever.
Contemporary would also describe the Hybrid’s updated two-motor electric propulsion system. One acts as a generator, while the other motor assists the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that on its own makes 143 horsepower and 129 pound-feet of torque. Most of the time, the gas engine is helped by the electric motor that produces 181 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque. Combined, the duo’s 232 horsepower (a gain of 16 from the previous Hybrid model) is sent to the front wheels via a single-speed transmission. Honda claims the Hybrid’s output is now the highest in class.
Also at the top of the category is the Hybrid’s fuel economy, which is rated using new and more stringent government testing procedures at 49 mpg in the city, 47 on the highway and 48 combined. Using the same methodology, those numbers improve from the previous Accord’s 48/45/47 digits. The 2017 Ford Fusion Hybrid rolls in at 43/41/42 while the sales-leading Toyota Camry hybrid is rated at 43/39/41.
Helping fuel economy, the Accord can operate in EV Drive mode at lowload speeds— and for short distances — on battery power alone. In Hybrid Drive mode, one electric motor powers the front wheels, while the gas engine powers the secondary electric motor that replenishes the batteries. In Engine Drive mode, the engine and electric motor act as one to power the vehicle.
At $30,500 (including destination charges) the base Hybrid arrives with an abundance of features, not the least of which is a comprehensive suite of active safety content. “Honda Sensing” consists of a halfdozen features that help prevent collisions with other vehicles as well as pedestrians.
A multi-view rearview camera is standard as is a remote engine start, fancier interior trim, multi-information display and a 10-way power driver’s seat.
The EX-L trim comes with a power moonroof, leather-covered seats (heated in front), 7-inch touchscreen and a 360-watt up-level audio system.
The top-level Touring adds a navigation system with voice recognition and turn-by-turn directions, heated rear seats, front and rear parking sensors and rain-sensing wipers.
With all the high-tech hybrid development going on, plus increasingly competitive pricing, you would think that more folks than ever would gravitate toward electric. That hasn’t happened yet and a general softening of sedan sales (where are all the hybrid tall wagons?) isn’t helping. Still, for ecofocused buyers, the AccordHybrid and others like it literally can’t be beat.