Overview & Reviews

This is a tale of two Honda Accord hybrids. The original Accord Hybrid, based on a V6 Accord sedan, delivered strong performance but fuel economy well below what most people expect from a hybrid. It was also expensive, and few shoppers bought one. But Honda's second Accord Hybrid squarely hits the mark. It provides stellar fuel economy along with relatively spirited performance. It's also an excellent car overall as it offers all the room, comfort, safety, high-tech features and quality construction that have made the Honda Accord a longtime favorite. If you're shopping for a midsize hybrid sedan, the newest Accord Hybrid is certainly worth considering.

Current Honda Accord Hybrid
The Honda Accord Hybrid is an all-new model for 2014, and it features a new type of hybrid powertrain for Honda. Unlike the Civic Hybrid, for instance, which always relies on its gas engine for motivation, the Accord Hybrid has a more sophisticated powertrain that allows it to move solely with electric power at slower speeds. The result is improved fuel economy.

This powertrain consists of a 2.0-liter gasoline engine, two electric motors, a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and a trunk-mounted lithium-ion battery pack. All told, it makes a combined 196 horsepower and posts an impressive 47 mpg combined EPA rating. The Accord Hybrid can also sprint from zero to 60 mph in about 7.5 seconds, making it one of the quickest non-luxury hybrids on the road.

The current Honda Accord Hybrid sedan comes in three trim levels: EX, EX-L and Touring. Standard equipment highlights of the EX include dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless ignition/entry, Bluetooth, a rearview camera, a blind-spot monitoring display, a power driver seat and a six-speaker sound system with an iPod/USB audio interface. Added perks of the EX-L include a sunroof, leather upholstery, forward collision and lane departure warning systems, heated front seats, a power passenger seat, an upgraded sound system and smartphone app integration (HondaLink). The Touring features LED headlights, adaptive cruise control and a navigation system.

In reviews, we've been impressed with the Honda Accord Hybrid. Its interior design is elegant, and the cabin's tight construction gives the impression of an entry-level luxury car, rather than a workaday family car. Both front and rear occupants will find plenty of legroom and shoulder room, and the backseat is arguably best in class with its combination of space and comfort. We also like the Hybrid's strong acceleration and secure handling around turns. There are a few downsides, such as a somewhat firm ride quality, a smallish trunk and above-average amounts of engine noise during acceleration, but overall, the Accord Hybrid is a great choice for a hybrid family sedan.

Used Honda Accord Hybrids
The previous-generation Accord Hybrid was produced from 2005-'07. Its hybrid system was less advanced than the current model but was meant for sporty performance rather than maximum fuel economy. Its combination of a 3.0-liter V6 and an electric motor produced a total of 255 hp. The sole transmission was a five-speed automatic. The EPA's estimated fuel economy varied by year, ranging from 25-28 mpg in combined driving. This was better than either the regular four-cylinder or V6 Accord of the time, but not exceptionally so.

This Accord Hybrid came in one well-equipped trim level whose standard feature highlights included leather upholstery, heated front seats, a power driver seat, dual-zone automatic climate control and an in-dash CD changer. The Hybrid differed from other Accords via its unique front grille, rear spoiler and instrumentation that let drivers keep track of the status of the hybrid powertrain. For 2006, a power sunroof, stability control and daytime running lights joined the standard features list.

In reviews, we enjoyed the Accord Hybrid's brisk acceleration, which at the time was enough to outgun pretty much any V6-powered family sedan. The downside was the disappointing fuel economy, which in our testing experience was consistently below the EPA's estimates. This original Accord Hybrid was pleasant to drive, however, as the precise steering and the well-tuned suspension provided a comfortable ride while still allowing the driver to feel confident when going around turns.

User Reviews:

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  So far so good, question about Battery Gauge - 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By dothetime - July 27 - 5:17 am

  Just picked up my Accord Hybrid Touring edition a few days ago. Quiet, smooth, reasonable power. I have a question to you other owners. I cant get my hybrid battery gauge above 6 bars, and gas mileage above 40 MPG Does your gauge go to the full 8 bars? Id like to know before I ask the dealer. Came out of a Mercedes E350, not the same standard of luxury, but I love all the techno gadgets.

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  Everything good but rear windshield - 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By hondafan888 - June 10 - 11:36 pm

  I am happy for what I picked especially the mpg about average over 44 mpg for my first tank of gas. For all Accord hybrid: Please pay attention to your rear windshield, Have you see any object or image of waviness, curving around like you are in a steamy hot desert???? My Honda service manager, advisor all seems happen only on Hybrid. Honda wont do nothing if you all dont complaint it. I cant see ant straight line behind me!!!!!

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  Some great features and some that need a little work - 2015 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By tedpas - March 8 - 11:43 am

  I have owned my 2015 Accord Hybrid Touring for about 4 months now. It is a beautiful car from the outside and I have received loads of compliments from friends and neighbors. The interior is also nice looking and several friends love riding along with me in it. Honda hasnt done much yet to provide any videos explaining the numerous advanced features of the car and I know that I would find that helpful. From reading others reviews, I can tell that many owners dont understand how the drive train works. For example, it is an electrically powered car until about 45mph at which point, the direct lockup transmission connects the gas powered engine to drive the front wheels.

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  Dont Go Away - 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By Barbara - March 7 - 1:14 pm

  If you leave town, the 12V battery will die while you are away and when you start the car, all lights are flashing and the horn starts beeping continuously. Was definitely not prepared for this. The Service Department will come out and charge your battery, but then advise you a trickle charger is needed ($200) plus installation, and you should plug the car in when you are away. They indicated this was a common problem when the car is not continuously driven. Nowhere in their materials is this mentioned, nor do they know how long you can be away without this occurring. This also causes the battery to wear down faster needing replacement sooner, one more additional expense. If Id wanted a plug in, I would have gone electric. Drove a Prius for five years and never once had it serviced, plus the mileage was considerably better. Big mistake making a switch. Now were leaving town again - who knows what to expect. Phase 2. Returned from second trip and same problem again. Car was towed to dealer and the battery was supposedly ok. Only remedy was plug in battery monitor which would make resale quite difficult. Try explaining this to a prospective buyer. Now only remedy is a lemon law lawyer. Don’t buy this car if you travel!

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  update Legend of 21st Century - 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By Hisham Goreish - March 2 - 5:35 am

  Amazing MPG if drive in city or back roads highway 55-60 miles per hour, drops about 10 miles in cold winter and heavy rain, I have been getting 55 mpg easily on City and small highway, I got repeatedly 60-70 mg in a prolonged City drive, I cannot believe it myself. Interstate 45 mpg at 70 miles per hour, and drops if you go faster. I rented a Toyota pruis, the ride and and quality of the Honda is far much better, a difference of day and night, you feel like you are in a luxury car in the Honda accord hybrid. I am surprised how people pay for the Toyota pruis while the got get a Honda accord hybrid . The mpg is not much better in the Toyota pruis , actually the Honda hybrid accord gets better MPG in certain situations and roads. It is a car with no transmission, only one in the world for this price, so it is unique and it is a history in the making. I think the KARMA does not have transmission too. Honda always do stuff like that like the Honda S 2000 only street car with RPM up to 9000. or Tesla an electric car with a range of 300 miles and beats M5. In other words this is a historic car, NO TRANSMISSION . Change between different driving modes feels like a gear change, and becomes predictable when you get used to driving. Loud noise at certain slow driving situations is understandable when you know how the iMMD works. I call it the iVTEC SYMPHONY. It makes you feel like you are driving a FORMULA 1 CAR, which is hybrid by the way. The car is sporty like a Honda accord and faster than the 4 cylinder accord, and priced right between the v6 and 4 cylinder accord, so you do not feel like you spend too much on a hybrid and worry about recovering the cost of the hybrid. Gas prices are down below 2$, I feel I made a good choice by buying a Honda accord hybrid, I have not lost any power or fun going hybrid. I feel all cars should have this system. you can watch my you tube videos at physics Honda accord hybrid.

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  2017 Accord Hybrid Meets Expectations - 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By Tom Lombard - February 24 - 4:14 am

  I’ve had my EX-L for a week and it has lived up to its rave reviews. Its technological advances make a plug-in hybrid moot or obsolete, especially the improved hybrid drive system. It is succinctly superior to the two Civic Hybrids we have been driving since 2006. This car is well made, comfortable, nicely appointed, fairly quiet, responsive and overall pleasant to drive. I never thought I’d buy another Honda because its dealers are so difficult to deal with on warranty claims, but this car is worth that risk. The safety features including Lane Departure and Collision mitigation are welcomed by two seniors whose driving skills are diminishing. This car makes driving safer for us, plus it has many convenient features like automatic locking, resetting trip odometer on fill-ups, extensive voice control, smartphone integration, etc. (which are more or less found in comparable new cars, but nonetheless pretty cool). Mileage is true to its estimate with 46-48 easily obtained and you can get 50 if you are careful, especially in city driving. My only criticisms are no driver’s side blind spot indicator and the collision mitigation does not bring the car to a complete stop in an emergency. Having said all these nice things about the 2017 Accord Hybrid, we still preferred the updated Toyota Prius Touring model because of higher mpg, more safety features, quieter driving with better handling, and $4500 lower price, but we disqualified that car because the rear window was small and obstructed by a spoiler. UPDATE 2/18/2017. After 16,000 miles of Wisconsin driving, my review is the same. I can also offer some explanation for the lower than expected mpg reported by some reviewers. The two primary reasons drivers dont get 45-52 mpg are bad driving habits and winterized gasoline. This car, like other hybrids, is sensitive to fast starting and late braking, which will significantly reduce mpg. Using the visual cues on the dash for maintaining high driving efficiency helps a lot. Winterized gasoline has 10-15% less energy, so you will get a significant dropoff with any car. Other facets of winter driving have a lesser but noticeable effect, like wet and icy roads and greater battery usage for heating. Still, these factors also apply to non-hybrids, so you are still much better off with this car and so is the environment.

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  Disappointed - 2015 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By clk9 - February 3 - 12:04 pm

  This was the first car purchase that I have ever read the reviews on, researched through the internet re: hybrids and electric cars. Decided on a hybrid because of short drive/charge distances on the all electrics. Went with the Honda Accord Hybrid based on review from this site and several other sites. I have never been more disappointed in a car purchase than I have this one. It is miserable to ride in, sort of like sitting on bleachers with a towel under me. The transmission seems to gasp when changing gears, although the drive remains smooth.

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  Exceptional Gas Mileage - 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By edmundsdon - February 3 - 10:14 am

  Ive owned my Accord Hybrid for well over a year. I have 17k miles on it. Ive keep track of my mileage and record it every fillup. Honda is right on the mark with the mileage claims for this vehicle. Yes, it is true that cold weather takes a toll on the mileage in the short term; as does cruising above 70 mph continuously. Pre-heating or cooling the interior, ditto.Its all in how you drive it. My "real world" mileage is exactly what was advertised if you combine the extraordinary summer mileage (55+) with the still impressive (42+-) cold weather mileage and average it. It works for me, and I take no heroic measures to accomplish this. Honda did their homework on this car, and its true.

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  Couldnt be happier - 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By Tim - January 28 - 8:40 pm

  First off, do your research. While this is a great car for us, it may not be what you are looking for, as all hybrids are not created equal. Also, dont be afraid to take your research and whip it out during the negotiation. With that being said, this car has met or exceeded everything we were looking for in a vehicle. My wife drives 92 miles round trip to and from work daily, so our number one priority was excellent mileage wrapped in a comfortable, entertaining, package. We had a 2012 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, and my wife really tried to like that car, but after the last repair; replacing a $28 A/C sensor which was located behind the dash, so $925 in labor, she cried uncle. She has been driving the car for a month now and she actually looks forward to her daily commute. We looked at the Mazda 6, which is also a great car, plus has the looks, but the hybrids mileage made this a no-brainer. The seats are comfortable, the interior is well put together, and for us trunk space is fine. On short trips around town, this thing gets 48 mpg easy, and just checking the odometer my wife is averaging 43.5 mpg, and between us, she is what you would call an aggressive driver(wink, wink). Get this car, you will never regret it.

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  Dont do it!!! - 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By NottherealJLO - December 22 - 3:45 pm

  First and foremost, I am Honda obsessed. With the exception of my very first car when I was 16, Ive only owned (and loved) Hondas. However, Im deeply regretting my most recent purchase. I have a brand new, beautiful to look at 2017 Accord Hybrid that I HATE. Its loud, the drive is jerky and feels unstable, and does not at all feel like a Honda. Ive been ressured that there is nothing technically WRONG with the car, "Its Just the way the hybrid drives". And I got better gas mileage with my 2015 Accord, though they assure me my MPGs will go way up once I hit 1000 miles or so. Either way, HUGELY disappointed with a very severe case of buyers remorse. Its going to be a very long 36 months.