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:

• 

  A hybrid you can keep your man card with! - 2015 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By Ed - March 14 - 9:05 am

  Leased this car off the lot when they couldnt give them away due to gas prices. I wasnt looking for a hybrid but the dashboard and instruments sold me. Its the base model but the dashboard is well thought out. No center needle to get in the way and it tells you what you need to know. One reviewer posted he couldnt change the radio stations to other than presets well you can you just hold the direction arrow and it seeks. It would be nice if they heater controls were on the wheel but oh well. Driving this car is a breeze actually let me rephrase it hauls ass. Getting on the freeway it goes from 30 to 70 right now. Sure theres a little engine noise but so what. Passing from 60-70 to 90 happens at a rate not expected in a 4 door 4 cylinder that makes your neighbors think you are frugal. This car actually held the record for longest trip on a tank of gas and I have come close. I drive from Nebraska to Michigan quite often and have clocked almost 600 miles on a tank several times and its a 14 gallon tank. Its one of the few new cars of that year that dont turn the headlight off when you turn on your signal, and the HIDs are amazing in the middle of nowhere. I have owned mostly performance cars and I have to say this one is quite possibly the perfect commute car. Now the bad parts. When steering under full acceleration the designers made the steering way to sensitive. It feels like you are steering from the top of the tires and its very touchy. If you live in a hot climate turn off ECO mode in the summer. The AC Compressor will cycle at idle in order to be more efficient and that cuts down on the cooling. The trunk is small a couple of larger carry ons and a gym bag are about the limit. The electric motor torque does not do it any favors on the OE tires leaving a stoplight in wet or snowy conditions there is a lot of wheel spin and cutout from the traction control kicking on and off. Its a car you have to adjust to driving just like any other but its also a 4 door hybrid that destroys most other cars to 40 from a stoplight including the CIVIC SI of the same year. I dont write reviews often but this car is actually worth the money I am paying. Its been a great car, has only been to the shop for the recall on the battery shutdown that was mentioned and in the spring and fall I am crushing the EPA Estimates. Winter the motor runs to heat the cabin and that does impact the efficiency as does the cold battery. Summer well I like AC so at 75MPH cruising with the AC set on ALASKA I am only getting about 48 MPG on my highway commute to work. Yeah you read that right plus did I mention its not a prius?

• 

  Great first impression - 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By Yuri Shirman - October 12 - 4:35 am

  Update 2: A year later -- Im still very happy. MPG is a bit lower that EPA estimate -- somewhere around 44.5, maybe 45 on average. Of course, it could be my driving style and/or types of trips I make. Update: six months later Im still very happy with the car. After the first month, I love the car. It is a family sedan, so dont expect superior sporty driving, but it is responsive, comfortable, sufficiently powerful, extremely fuel efficient. The trunk is on a small side if you compare to conventional cars, but on a large side if you compared to hybrid sedans.

• 

  RIP OFF - 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By Mary - October 4 - 1:56 am

  My brand new hybrid is not delivering the mileage it promised. Im going through gas like crazy.

• 

  Honda Hybrid-RIPOFF - 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By Frustrated - September 6 - 5:30 pm

  I purchased a new 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid EX-L in August 2016 on a Friday. Took it right back to the dealer the following Monday. Here are the items that have been replaced on my new 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid in the last 6 months-battery module, seat warmers, speakers, Bluetooth and its been in the service dept over 10 times. Seat warmers didnt work and battery drained quickly. Dealership blamed American Honda and said the technology was to new that they didnt know how to fix the car. American Honda did not respond for five months. After five months Isabel the Regional Manager met with me and tried to excuse the lack of contact to a retirement. American Honda worth billions of dollars cannot afford to overlapping reps? We sat for 45 minutes of me telling everything that was wrong with the car and assured me they were going to take care of me. A month later it scheduled for me to drop off the car for the Engineer at American Honda to finally look at the car. No one checks on me although Isabel is there, no one know whats wrong with my car as she did not pass on my notes to the services center or the Engineer and the Engineer came after hours so I never got to meet with them. All I received was notes that he drove it on cruise control on the highway at 65 and it works correctly. When I call American Honda to speak to Supervisor I speak to David who is the Gatekeeper who will not give me any information on a Supervisor to report how badly this experience was. Hondas used to be good cars, but if you look in the service centers all you see is brand new Accords. DO YOURSELF A FAVOR DO NOT BUY A HONDA ACCORD HYBRID. HONDA DOES NOT STAND BEHIND THEIR CARS. RIPOFF RIPOFF RIPOFF!

• 

  10K and still a big fan - 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By newhopian - August 27 - 5:32 pm

  I just passed 10k miles with my Accord Touring Hybrid, and I remain an enthusiastic owner. Lifetime average mpg is 49, About 1500 miles coming from highway driving. Everything I wrote in my original review remains true, but I have a couple additional observations. l max charge the battery at least twice a day without any problems or new noises. I recently tried driving in "B" instead of "D" and after 300 miles am averaging 53.8mpg vs. the normal 51 I get with local (non-highway) driving. Best speeds for good mpg are 40-50mph. Worst is 35mph and >55mph. Max speed for EV mode is 70 mph. Great mpg in hilly driving, less so in flat areas. AC pulls down mpg if temp is above 85 degrees, not below.

• 

  31 Year Accord Owner - 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By Dan Ehrman - June 22 - 5:16 pm

  I bought my 17 Accord Hybrid Touring, Blue Sky, on December 30, 2016. This is my 5th Accord in a row and 3rd new one in a row. Performance and comfort have been very good, but I have had persistent and recurring problems with the infotainment system since I bought the vehicle. Todays List, about half way through a 140 mile trip: Voice Recognition failed to work properly 4 times - When I asked it to call my wife, it gave 3 names of people that were nothing like my wifes; twice, after I asked voice command to call a number on my contact list, it dialed an 800 number; 5 times, when I used Voice Command and spoke a phone call request, it responded that no voice command was heard. Radio: Touch screen for volume control is inconsistent. GPS is a nightmare: It is very difficult to get details of a route, including how far it is to the next route or when the next turn is and doesnt give a tone when it is time to make these turns: also, you cannot give route changes while the car is in motion, even if given by the passenger, the car has to come to a complete stop; GPS does not update traffic conditions if there is trouble ahead or suggest alternate routes; it is very difficult to navigate between AM, FM, and Sirius XM. As you can see, I have had persistent and recurring problems with the infotainment system. They are a distraction to me while I am driving and I consider it unsafe when they persist. I purchased this vehicle because I will be traveling 520 miles 3 times a month for 8 months for medical treatments, and I wanted a reliable, pleasurable car. These distractions have seriously contributed to my dissatisfaction...Here are my experiences with trying to have this situation rectified: 4 visits to dealer where I purchased the car, 3 with 2 different salesmen and 1 with the service manager; Several phone calls with the sales and service departments; American Honda which, after having left both a voice mail and an email, took almost a week and a half to respond, only to kick me back to the dealer, where I have gone through more rounds of visits and phone calls; and then this past week, I spoke with the sales manager twice, 3 days apart, requesting that someone at the regional or national level call me about my concerns; both times he said he would call back, but he did not. Today, Tuesday, I spoke at length with the sales manager and once again expressed my concerns, since I had not heard back from him in response to my 2 calls from last week. He spent a short amount of time trying to convince me to return to the dealership once again to see if they could rectify theses problems. I stopped him after a short time and I restated that I was no longer interested in his offers. I have now made a demand that may be unreasonable, but nonetheless, I will not waver on. I am not going to divulge the name of the dealer at this time but once I have been provided a solution to this problem by the dealer or American Honda, I will share it with you.

• 

  Finally a hybrid with power and Honda reliability. - 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By Scanman327 - June 8 - 6:23 am

  This car is great. I traded my 2015 touring in for the touring hybrid and the change is dramatically better. The technology advancements are amazing. I was looking at the hybrids back in 2014/15, but was not impressed. Honda took a year off to relocate production and redesign and they hit a home run. Actually seeing 45-48 MPG and Im not exactly easy on the throttle. I know its a hybrid, but I still need to see what it can do and it does impress. Yes guys... itll bark the tires. Couple of things that I have to get used to 1. ECVT- getting used to not feeling gears shift. Plus is it is so smooth when accelerating you lose track of speed. 2. Rear seat does not fold down. Not a huge deal, but still. 3. The warranty. I dont understand the 3yr/36000... almost all manufactures almost double this. Finally.. the biggest and it was almost a deal breaker... no spare tire. Come on Honda. We are paying a premium for the vehicle and you give me an electric pump and a tube of slime. Borderline ridiculous.

• 

  It is a hidden gems. - 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By Path - May 31 - 11:21 am

  We got our hybrid exl at 20% off MSRP. Above all things, you have to get EX-L or touring. The hybrid base does NOT have android auto or apple car play. Our sales didnt know this. I really like Hondas two display system. It makes reading map instructions extremely easy. I am an average driver. I tend to follow or get a little faster than the traffic, and I would never slow down for the sake of MPG. I have logged about 1000 miles, and I have yet to see mpg drop below 40 for any trip longer than 10 miles. For my commute, which is 15 miles all local, I got an average 45 mpg, while my other cars, honda pilot got 15 and toyota corolla got 26. This Accord is very quiet, nothing like previous hondas which sounds like tractors. But, the best part is when the EV mode kicks in or when it reaches cruising speed it just goes with little motor noise. I am sold on the technology and hope honda catch up with all electric car development soon.

• 

  LEGEND OF 21ST CENTURY - 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By milescruiser - May 26 - 10:46 am

  I got this car 2 weeks ago it amazing to say the least . I got 52 mpg on a 64 mile trip, on small hwy , with stop an go sometimes 4 way stop signs I posted a 2 minute video, you can watch it in my link . Search you tube physics honda hybrid The system is very smart. And you can run on ev mode when the battery is full in city. This trip is on hilly roads. One trip on interstate I got 37mpg, but it was cold and I pushed the car. When you switch the Econo button off the car feels so powerful and fast. Acura dampers make the car feel luxury and sporty. The change between driving modes is seamless but I do feel when engine mode kicks inn. No doubt this the best hybrid in the market now.

• 

  Poor mileage - 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By Rich - May 3 - 9:50 am

  After 2,000 miles my car is getting 20 percent lower mileage than sticker, whether highway or in-town. Honda says this is normal. Ive had two Toyota hybrids that matched or exceeded their stickered mileage. Honda will not work with me about correcting the problem. The car is otherwise comfortable to drive, but rather numb in handling. It has too many distracting screens, although some can be turned off.