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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  Not What I expected - 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By larryhat1 - June 18 - 5:36 am

  This is the 4th Hybrid car that I have owned. The other 3 were Lexus ES300H, Lexus CT200H, and a 2012 Camry Hybrid. All previous models got the exact MPG that they stated they would give. This Accord with 5k miles on it, isnt even close. Im averaging 39 mpg. When I talked to the service department at my local dealer, they gave me the old Ford answer...you have to break it in? Wow! The other 3 I did not have to break in...why would you a Honda? Also, I am getting a loud popping noise out of the drivers side front end. At the end of the day, this car has some nice features for safety...but it is certainly not worth more that $6k more that the Camry Hybrid.

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  Love this car - 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By GP - April 11 - 5:53 pm

  Ive had this car for just over 3 weeks and have gone about 1000 miles. Still only on the second tank of (regular) gas. Im not sure why some people say theyre not getting good mileage. Car is rated at 48 average and driving normally in stop-go traffic to work I get about 56 mpg. Thats about 40% of my 26 mile trip (one-way) at freeway speeds. It appears that the system has 3 modes when you watch the mpg chart. That is: about 19, 38 and 80+ mpg. Looks like it correlates to the three driving modes. It prefers hybrid drive or engine only drive unless you play the system to stay in EV mode as long as possible. If you accelerate its hard to stay in EV mode. Once youre up to speed, let up on the accelerator and it switches into EV mode and stays there to cruise for a long time at 80+ mpg. Ive done round trips of 61.7 mpg average! And I did this without pissing off people behind me. Also EV mode doesnt turn on when the gas engine is cold. Use the ACC and the car stays in EV mode longer too. People complain about slow acceleration which is sometimes true but I think its because the system is conservative and waits till the car in front moves away. Just press the accelerator if you need to; its like pressing the brakes when you need to also. Only concern I have is that I noticed a lot of body parts are bolted or attached in a way that water builds up in the cracks when I was it. Makes me wonder if thatll turn out to be a rusting problem later. Otherwise, the ride is great, comfortable and very stylish. Way better than the alternatives we looked at.

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  Gas Mileage Update: 17k miles on vehicle - 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By hallsc - March 27 - 9:09 pm

  On average I get between 38 and 45 mpg combined. I will say it depends heavily on your coasting vs. using the throttle and brakes heavily. During the summer months I got closer to 45-55 mpg but during the winter months it appears as though the 38-42 is more accurate hence my 38-45 range.

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  Not a fan!!!!! - 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By Michael Saporito - March 15 - 11:47 pm

  Just bought this car today..... I hate it already. The Stereo and information center is difficult to use and a large distraction since there are no buttons and the unit isnt aimed at the driver. There is a stability issue that seems worse when in EV mode on the highway. The car sways back and forth causing constant correction even tho it isnt windy. Overall extremely disappointing car. On top of I had to deal with typical draler bullshit. I am regretting buying this car big time the only plus is if I drive cery gentlly I get good gas mileage but then it takes 60 seconds to get to 30mph and people try to run me off the road. Also the battery never fully charges....

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  A month in and I havent filled it up a 2nd time - 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By Duke - March 7 - 10:11 am

  The hybrid delivers on its promise. Mixed city and hwy driving yielding 40+ mpg. Very low drive noise means the upgraded stereo in the touring model really comes through. Not a luxury car like Acura, Lexus or Infiniti but did not feel like much of a downgrade (came from both a Q50 and TLX). Going into this was looking for a vehicle that really delivered on fuel economy and it has.

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  2014 Accord Hybrid Great Ride - 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By dave - February 11 - 8:58 pm

  I purchased when Accord Hybrids were new in fall of 2014, in Wisconsin. Sticker price 36k with navigation. Purchased for about 33k. Not a great discount but nobody had them in stock. Thats OK. First wave buyers accept that. Mileage is about 43-44 in nice-moderate weather. Drops to 38 in winter cold. Now that the car is over a year old, I thought Id share my impressions. Im glad I bought it! It drives better than I expected. It has excellent pick up, handling AND BRAKING! The trunk is medium sized due to hybrid- no problem, I could see that before I bought. Its fun to drive which is nice. The car is plenty big for four adults- which is why I wanted Accord vs Prius or Civic. Its a pleasure to go to the gas station half as much as I used to. I realize with the purchase price of the car vs gas price, you dont win financially necessarily. But you dont have to refill as often. Ive had absolutely no problems with it- just 2 oil changes. With elderly parents 100 miles away, on a moments notice we can get the 911 call. Its nice not to have to take the time and anguish to gas up when youre in a hurry to get there. We can do a round trip with 1/3 tank. Big surprise- my wife loves to drive it. She has never really "liked" a car before. Just transportation. But she enjoys driving this one. I highly recommend the Accord Hybrid.

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  First 18K very good - 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By Gerald Marker - January 20 - 5:49 pm

  We purchased the car new in August of 2016. Since then we have logged 18000 miles at an average of 42 mpg. The only feature we dont really like, but are willing to put up with to get the engine/power train we wanted, is the lack of rear fold down seats, which I believe is "fixed" on the 2018 models. On hard acceleration the engine makes itself known but with normal driving one hardly knows it is there. Using Apple Car Play to get the navigation system is a bit awkward but worth it given the expense of the built in system. We really would prefer knobs to the touch screen. Last July while driving to Boise our sunroof exploded for no reason. We were lucky to have the inner shade closed so we werent showered with broken glass. Overall we are pleased with the car and hope that the innovative power train design proves to be as reliable as the one used by Toyota. It is difficult to understand why one doesnt see more Hybrid Accords on the road? If I were buying again I would also consider a hybrid Camry.

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  2014 Accord Hybrid - 2 months in... - 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By srjjcham - January 16 - 3:24 am

  After about 2,000 miles I would like to give as accurate of a review as I can on the 2014 Accord Hybrid. First off, this is not a sports car - dont get me wrong, when you take off "econ" mode and hit the gas this car moves great, and it has VERY responsive handling and braking. But this car begs to be driven conservatively & casually (picture Low Rider playing in the background while you are out cruising). The reward is a car VERY comfortable, easy to drive, with INSANE gas mileage. The 47/50 ratings are wrong - they are LOW. We regularly drive about 50/50 mix and get 52-55 average - maybe warmer weather helps some. Can go 800 mi per tank. Same quality Accord as always with high mpg.

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  The Honda Unicorn - 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By Sid - January 4 - 2:47 am

  To get the best MPG out of this car, just drive it normally as you would any other car. Im averaging 46.5 per the computer over the first 2300 miles, but going by my gas fill ups, im getting 48.0 MPG driving around in Orange County with a 70/30 highway/city mix. Over my 60 mile daily commute, Ive seen a best of ~ 63 MPG in slow I-5 traffic and a worst of 41 MPG driving on the 133/241 toll roads through the mountains, low 50s are very common. It can average ~60 MPG if driven at 55 - 60 mph over mostly flat, smooth roads. Bumpy/rough roads seem to lower the mileage significantly. ECON mode also lowers MPG, yes lowers! The power delivery is strong and linear, car is very responsive (esp in Sport mode) the car is also very quiet on the highway (except when going uphill) with hardly any wind/tire noise. Handling is crisp, nimble and secure for my driving style, ride is comfortable but slightly on the stiff side - the chassis has a solid, well integrated feel. Braking feels a tiny bit weaker than my excellent 2016 CR-V but very normal. To maximize engine efficiency Honda seems to have cleverly programmed it to rev the engine up/down constantly instead of keeping it a steady light load (bad for efficiency) - whenever the engine runs its mostly under higher-loads and wider throttle - any excess energy is stored in the battery for later use when cruising. Also they smartly use battery power to cruise rather than accelerate - that way the battery energy logs more miles - the engine does the acceleration duties because it can do so with higher efficiency. Therefore, to maximize MPG, I accelerate to cruising speed quickly using the engine and then stay in EV while cruising. Ive seen better MPG if I climb uphill stretches briskly spending the battery and then coast downhill to recover the energy. The AC controls are very frustrating - no knobs, no touch bumps - so you have to take your eyes off the road to set fan speed or vent direction (a very inconsiderate design decision by Hondas engineers), also the vent direction control display scrolls from right to left as you keep pressing the button, instead of left to right as youd intuitively expect it (again thoughtless decision by Hondas engineers). This is my only negative so far. I am very happy with this car. Oh and yes the trip computer consistently underestimates MPG by ~ 1.3 which was pleasantly surprising.